By Kelly Roach and Amy Klein
5
5959 ratings
The podcast currently has 168 episodes available.
Navigating life with the weight of your identity resting on your shoulders, where every question from a stranger feels like a window into the soul is the reality for many.
What if you could transform that weight into a voice that advocates for others, paving the way for understanding and empowerment?
In this powerful episode, Amy sits down with Taylor RuiPing Shennett, a passionate advocate for adoptees and foster care youth. Taylor, a Chinese adoptee herself, shares her journey from growing up in a transracial adoptive family to embracing her identity and becoming a strong voice for fellow adoptees. Together, they emphasize the importance of representation and advocate for the empowerment of young women in middle and high school, and college to embrace their unique stories and identities.
Key Topics Discussed:
Common misconceptions about adoption, including the belief that all adoptive parents are good parents and the assumptions about adoptees who seek their biological families.
How guardians and ad litems serve as a constant support for foster youth.
Addressing the false belief that foster care provides abundant resources, shedding light on the real struggles faced by group homes.
The primary goal of foster care is reunification with biological families.
Advice for girls, encouraging them to not let their identities be defined solely by their circumstances and to find confidence through community and self-discovery.
How foster youth can maintain a sense of normalcy during school transitions, despite the challenges they face.
This episode not only sheds light on the complexities of adoption and foster care but also inspires young female leaders to embrace their identities and advocate for themselves and others with empathy and understanding.
Connect with Taylor here!
Instagram: @TaylorShennett
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Your life can turn completely upside down at any given moment.
For Elizabeth Garrett, a tragic car accident at 18 led to a complete redefinition of her life.
In this week’s episode, Amy sits down with Elizabeth Garrett, a 19-year-old former athlete and psychology major from California, whose life was forever changed by a car accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. Elizabeth opens up about the emotional struggles she faced following the accident, including battling depression and grief over the loss of her mobility. Now focused on what she can achieve rather than what she lost, Elizabeth talks about her determination to live independently and inspire others through her story.
Key Topics Discussed:
The power of a positive mindset, even when faced with overwhelming challenges.
Surrounding yourself with supportive people can be instrumental in recovery, both emotionally and physically.
Life’s circumstances may change, but by focusing on what’s possible, you can still achieve greatness.
Elizabeth’s journey reminds us all of the strength that comes from resilience, the importance of a strong support system, and the power of shifting our mindset in the face of adversity.
Connect with Elizabeth here!
Instagram: @lizzzzbeth.g
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Have you ever felt like you’re defined by one thing–whether it’s sports, school, or a passion you’ve committed to?
But…
What if stepping outside of that box could actually lead to a stronger, more balanced version of yourself?
In this week’s episode of Courageous Conversations, Amy explores the challenges of balancing passion and identity with University of Georgia softball player, Sara Gordon. Sara shares her journey as a college athlete, revealing the mental pressures that come with high expectations and the struggle to find balance outside of sports. Practical strategies are shared for managing stress and avoiding burnout, like journaling and finding hobbies that nurture personal growth. The episode highlights the importance of embracing failure as a natural part of life and understanding that your worth extends beyond achievements.
Key Topics Discussed:
Sara’s journey to becoming a top-ranked Division 1 softball player.
The mental pressures young female athletes face.
Tips for managing performance anxiety and pressure.
Finding identity outside of sports or your “thing”
Practical advice for maintaining balance in college and in life.
Sara’s message is clear: believing in yourself and knowing you are more than just your accomplishments in sports or in any field can lead to greater success and happiness.
Connect with Sara here!
Instagram: @sg.gordon
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If you’re ready to take your passion to the next level, Julia’s story is your blueprint.
In this inspiring episode, Amy sits down with Julia Diaz, a 17-year-old entrepreneur from Aspen, Colorado, who has transformed her passion into a successful business. Starting with greeting cards at just 13, Julia’s journey evolved into a casual outdoor-inspired clothing line, Avatari, which has garnered over 12,000 Instagram followers and generated five figures in revenue. Julia shares her insights on how young women can discover their passions, overcome self-doubt, and turn ideas into reality.
Key Topics Discussed:
Age does not limit your ability to pursue your passions.
The importance of adaptability and seizing new opportunities
The significance of thorough research and continuous testing for young female entrepreneurs looking to refine their products and find the right market fit.
Insights on how young women can explore different interests, encouraging them to pivot when necessary to find their true passion.
The challenges Julia faced and the strategies she used to overcome them.
Whether you're a young college girl or a female leader, Julia's story will motivate you to take that leap of faith and start pursuing what you love.
Connect with Julia here!
Instagram: @abitarecollective
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What if your teenage passion could become a brand that reaches thousands?
Meet Addison Briann, a 17-year-old content creator who did exactly that. She turned her love for pop culture into a thriving empire.
In this empowering episode of Courageous Conversations, Amy sits down with Addison, the young visionary behind the brand “Not Your Average Fangirls,” as she shares her journey of turning her childhood dreams into a thriving business, all while navigating the challenges of bullying and rejection. She offers practical advice for college students and female leaders on how to handle negativity, build confidence, and pursue their dreams despite the fear of rejection.
Key Topics Discussed:
How Addison transformed her experience of being bullied into a driving force behind her success.
The importance of focusing on personal happiness and not letting others’ opinions stop you from pursuing your dreams.
Advice for young girls on dealing with negativity and rejection in their personal and professional lives.
How to foster a positive and supportive environment through content that is focused on shared passions instead of appearances.
Tune in to this week’s episode to hear how Addison’s unique story can inspire you to take charge of your own path!
Connect with Addison Briann here!
Instagram/Tiktok: @addison.briann
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A simple idea can ignite a powerful change, sparking a movement that touches lives far and wide.
For Ssanyu Lukoma, one idea evolved into a mission with a global impact.
Ssanyu Lukoma is a teenage entrepreneur, author, and public speaker studying broadcast journalism at Howard University. At 13, she founded Brown Kids Read, a nonprofit promoting diverse literature for children, and later launched The Brown Reads Bookshelf. Ssanyu has published four children's books through her company, Share a Smile Books, and was crowned Miss HBCU Teen 2023, using her platform to advocate for diverse literature and HBCU education. She inspires others through workshops and her passion for amplifying diverse voices.
In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Amy sits down with Ssanyu, who shares how she successfully transitioned her online bookstore, the Brown Reads Bookshelf, into a nationwide virtual book drive, mobilizing high school and college students to distribute thousands of books in their communities. Ssanyu’s passion for spreading awareness about cultural appreciation and the importance of intergenerational inspiration is palpable as she discusses her work with corporate leadership and the impact of her TEDx Talk.
Key Discussion Points:
Ssanyu Lukoma’s journey as a teenage entrepreneur and founder of Brown Kids Read.
The creation and impact of the Brown Kids Reads Bookshelf and Share a Smile Books.
How Ssanyu uses her platform as Miss HBCU Teen 2023 to advocate for diverse literature and education.
The importance of amplifying diverse voices and inspiring others to bring big ideas to life.
Insights on balancing roles as a student, author, and public speaker.
Embracing her passion for diversity and education, Ssanyu Lukoma shows us that with determination and a vision, even the smallest voices can make the biggest impact.
Connect with Ssanyu Lukoma here!
Instagram: @ssanyuspeaks / @brownkidsread
Website: ssanyuspeaks.com
Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!
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Ever felt like life’s challenges are stacking up against you, making your goals seem out of reach?
For former elite gymnast, Braie Swann, knowing how to flip those challenges into stepping stones for success is not new to her.
Braie Swann is a former elite gymnast and All-American from the University of Arkansas, who now excels as a head coach, judge, and business owner. With a background in competitive sports, she has seamlessly transitioned into multiple roles, including entrepreneurship and social media influence. As a dedicated mom and mentor, Braie continues to inspire others with her resilience and drive.
In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Amy sits down with Braie, who shares her journey from being a young gymnast to excelling as a Division 1 athlete at the University of Arkansas. Braie opens up about the challenges she faced balancing the intense demands of gymnastics with her academics, revealing how she built the resilience to overcome a major injury that sidelined her for eight months. Now a mother, coach, judge, and entrepreneur, Braie discusses how her experiences in gymnastics shaped her approach to life and business. She also reflects on the importance of maintaining a social life during college and finding purpose beyond sports. This episode offers a powerful story of perseverance, time management, and the pursuit of passion for young women looking to lead with courage.
Key Discussion Points:
Remember to always stay motivated and to keep pushing forward–your next success might just be around the corner.
Connect with Braie Swann here!
Instagram/TikTok: @ayybraiebraie
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Ever wondered how some college girls seem to juggle it all—academics, social life, and a budding career—without breaking a sweat?
Join us as Katie Anne, a 19-year-old vlogger and sorority sister, spills her secrets on finding balance, staying motivated, and turning her college experience into an inspiring journey for young female leaders everywhere.
Katie Anne, a lively vlogger from Orange County, California, started sharing her life online at 14. Now a rising sophomore at the University of Colorado Boulder, she's studying Strategic Communications and minoring in Creative Technology & Design. Katie's interests include Christianity, balanced living, exercise, and sorority life, and she's excited to move into the Delta Gamma house with 75 sisters this fall. Her relatable and engaging content, from sweet treats to beach days with family, continues to inspire and entertain her audience.
In this episode of the Courageous Conversations podcast, Amy sits down with Katie Anne while she shares her journey of balancing college life, building a successful YouTube channel, and maintaining a vibrant social media presence. Tune in to discover how she finds the sweet spot between her academic responsibilities and her passion for content creation.
Key Discussion Points:
Strategies for managing her time between college, sorority life, and content creation.
The importance of having a supportive network and how Katie Anne's family and management team help her succeed.
Where a career with vlogging can go and the importance of having multiple streams of income.
Join us in reflecting on how balancing college life and personal passions can lead to finding your own sweet spot in a whirlwind of responsibilities.
Connect with Katie Anne here!
TikTok: @heymisskatiee
Instagram: @heymisskatie
Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!
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In today's world, mental health is a crucial conversation, especially for young people who often feel the weight of these challenges.
Hearing stories of others' struggles can be incredibly comforting, reminding us that we are never truly alone in our journey.
Sadie Sutton is a 20-year-old psychology student at the University of Pennsylvania. After experiencing a year and a half of intensive treatment (beginning at 13 years old) and fully recovering from severe depression and anxiety, she was inspired to share her story with fellow teens going through their own personal growth. Since sharing her story, Sadie has accumulated over 150k podcast downloads, appeared on 25 shows, and been featured in multiple publications. Sadie is a reminder of our ability to turn adversity into prosperity even at a young age.
Hear from Sadie in this episode where she discusses her incredible journey from struggling with mental health issues to becoming a beacon of hope for young women everywhere. Sadie shares her story of battling depression and anxiety from a young age, the impact it had on her life, and how she overcame these challenges to achieve personal and academic success.
Key Discussion Points:
Sadie’s experience of being encouraged to actively participate in her DBT treatment, emphasizing the need to understand both the logical and emotional sides of recovery
The day-to-day struggles of someone with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, and how families can learn to validate and support those feelings
The importance of asking for help, being patient with oneself, and not making things worse during tough times
Remember, there is always hope and you don’t have to go through this alone. It is ok to ask for help.
Connect with Sadie here!
Website: https://shepersistedpodcast.com/links
Instagram/TikTok: @shepersistedpodcast
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It is no secret that female athletes don’t get as much recognition as male athletes do.
The only way to start this conversation is by hearing from a female athlete firsthand.
Cassidy is a Division I field hockey player at James Madison University. She is a rising senior on the JMU Field Hockey team and studies Marketing with an Interdisciplinary Honors minor. Cassidy is the current Co-President of JMU SAAC, and has been a participant of the JMU Dukes Leadership program since her first year of college. Coming from a close-knit family upbringing, Cassidy seeks to display those family values in every interaction and relationship she has. She loves to learn, to push herself, and to connect with the greater world around her.
In today’s episode, D1 field hockey player, Cassidy Strittmatter, is here to discuss her journey, the challenges faced by female athletes, and the importance of support and recognition for women in sports.
Key Discussion Points:
The ongoing challenges for achieving equal funding, support, and recognition in women's sports programs
The crucial role of supportive administration and media in leveling the playing field for female athletes
The importance of seeking team experiences beyond sports, such as school projects or clubs, for personal and professional growth
While it's always a fight, whether it's for funding or recognition, the growth and achievements in women's sports deserve the same spotlight as men's.
Connect with Cassidy here!
Instagram: @cass.stritt
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The podcast currently has 168 episodes available.
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