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In today’s episode of Defying the Odds, I’m sitting down with Kaitlyn, a 25-year-old foster mom, wife, and marketing manager from Central Arkansas. Kaitlyn shares her personal foster care journey with honesty and heart—working to break down common misconceptions, normalize foster parenting, and encourage more compassionate conversations around caring for children in foster care.

We talk about what foster care really looks like behind the scenes, the emotional realities of welcoming children into your home, and why storytelling plays such a powerful role in advocacy. Kaitlyn opens up about balancing motherhood, marriage, and a career while navigating the unique challenges and joys of foster parenting.

This conversation is for anyone who’s curious about foster care, feels called to support children in need, or wants to better understand how empathy and community can change lives.

🤍 Real stories
🤍 Gentle advocacy
🤍 Honest conversations

Thank you for listening, for learning, and for choosing compassion.

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In this episode, Abby sits down with Galen Roberts, a narrative analyst of supernatural television, to explore how shows like Charmed and Buffy the Vampire Slayer go far beyond fantasy and magic. Galen shares how character-driven storytelling, emotional arcs, and moral complexity in supernatural series mirror real-life growth, resilience, and self-discovery.

The conversation dives into Galen’s journey as a content creator, including how storytelling became a therapeutic outlet and a way to connect with audiences after experiencing body shaming and online criticism. Drawing from personal experiences working with foster children and older adults, Galen offers thoughtful insight into empathy, boundaries, and the power of perspective—both on screen and in real life.

Abby also reflects on how television and storytelling provided comfort during her own medical journey, reinforcing how fictional worlds can offer strength, hope, and connection during life’s hardest moments. Together, they discuss the balance between being a fan and a critic, staying authentic online, and using creativity as a tool for emotional processing and personal empowerment.

This episode is a reminder that storytelling—especially in supernatural and fantasy media—can help us better understand ourselves, our emotions, and the world around us.

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Ivana Hamilton, Mrs. Tennessee American 2025, is a shining example of resilience, service, and women’s empowerment. With deep roots in both healthcare and community advocacy, Ivana has built a life centered on helping others feel confident, cared for, and seen. She holds two Bachelor of Science degrees — one in Nursing from Delaware Tech and another in Culinary Arts & Food Service Management from Johnson & Wales University — showcasing her unique blend of compassion, creativity, and commitment to excellence.

With over a decade of experience as a Registered Nurse, Ivana has specialized in Women’s and Children’s Same Day Surgery and Plastic Surgery, dedicating her career to supporting patients during some of their most vulnerable moments. Her gentle leadership, clinical expertise, and unwavering dedication to patient care have made her a respected professional in her field.

Beyond her nursing career, Ivana is deeply passionate about serving her community. She volunteers with organizations such as TenThirtyFive and Archie’s Promise, using her time and talents to uplift families and individuals in need. Through her personal platform, “Ready to Be Radiant,” she champions women’s confidence by providing clothing, care resources, and encouragement to help every woman recognize her worth and discover the radiant diamond within herself.

Outside of her service and professional life, Ivana enjoys exploring theme parks with her husband of eight years, Dan — with Dollywood and Disney World holding a special place in their hearts. She is also an enthusiastic gamer, finding joy and connection through her love of gaming.

As Mrs. Tennessee American 2025, Ivana continues to use her voice, her story, and her passion to empower women across Tennessee and beyond. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to inspire every woman to embrace her inner radiance, step into her confidence, and shine boldly in all that she does.

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In this episode of Defying the Odds, host Abby Vaden sits down with Maya Ramsahoye — international pageant queen, Miss Queen of the World 2024, and powerhouse entrepreneur redefining what it means to lead with both grace and grit.

From the runways of international pageants to the boardrooms of her own modeling and management companies, Maya has turned her crown into a catalyst for change. As the National Director for Queen of the World Canada and Director of MIЯROR Management International, Maya shares how she built an empire grounded in empowerment, authenticity, and development.

Maya opens up about her journey from a small-town girl in Alberta, Canada, to a global advocate for inclusivity in beauty and fashion. Through her EveryBODY Fashion Show and MIЯROR Consulting, she’s championing confidence, representation, and real growth — proving that power and purpose go hand in hand.

This episode dives deep into:
✨ How Maya transformed her pageant platform into a global movement
✨ The business principles behind her leadership success
✨ Why authenticity is the foundation of sustainable influence
✨ What it takes to lead women — and an entire industry — with heart

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning passion into purpose, this episode will leave you inspired to rise, lead, and redefine your own version of success.

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In this episode of Defying the Odds, we sit down with Christina Messer—founder of Clues & Co. Tax Solutions and a creative force with over 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, and business strategy. After facing an unexpected tax bill herself, Christina discovered powerful tax strategies once reserved for corporations and the wealthy. Now, she’s on a mission to make those strategies accessible to entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and high-income families. With her detective-like approach, Christina helps clients uncover hidden tax savings, build financial clarity, and turn stress into strategy. Tune in to learn how Christina continues to defy the odds by transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and success.

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In this inspiring episode of Defying the Odds, we sit down with Jennifer D’Oliveira, founder of Desert Bloom Wellness Therapies in Phoenix, Arizona. Jennifer shares her remarkable journey from decades as a successful businesswoman to becoming a Clinical Herbalist, Aromatherapist, Yoga Nidra, and Sound Healing practitioner. With training from the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, she now helps clients transform their health and well-being through holistic therapies rooted in compassion and care. Discover how Jennifer continues to defy the odds, blending herbalism, aromatherapy, yoga, and sound healing to nurture both body and spirit.

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In this episode, we sit down with Lindsey Graham, famously known as The Patriot Barbie. After refusing to comply with Oregon’s COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Lindsey became a viral national figure and unapologetic voice for freedom, faith, and women’s rights. She shares her powerful journey from salon owner to bestselling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of Galatians Girl, a nonprofit supporting women and children.

Lindsey opens up about her fight against government overreach, her bold activism for Christian and conservative values, and how she balances life as a wife, mother of three, and powerhouse businesswoman. With candor, faith, and fire, she challenges us to live courageously, stand up for our convictions, and embrace resilience in the face of adversity.

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At just 18, Lauren Goldstein was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that reshaped her life overnight. What could have been a barrier became the catalyst for her resilience and purpose. In this episode of Defying the Odds, Abby sits down with Lauren to explore how she navigated years of uncertainty while building a thriving career in tech and later launching a coaching business to empower ambitious women living with autoimmune and chronic health conditions.

Lauren shares how she blends nervous system regulation, mindset shifts, and micro-habit building into her proprietary coaching approach—offering not just strategies, but solidarity. Her message is clear: you don’t have to go it alone, and you don’t have to sacrifice your ambition because of a diagnosis.

If you’ve ever faced a challenge that felt bigger than you, this episode will remind you that resilience and transformation are possible—even when the odds seem stacked against you.

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In this episode of Defying the Odds, Abby Vaden sits down with executive coach, author, and leader Kirk McCarley to explore what it really takes to unlock your full potential. With over 30 years of executive leadership experience, Kirk has dedicated his life to helping others discover the “ingredients” for success already within them.

Together, Abby and Kirk discuss how to build self-confidence, overcome setbacks, and lean into accountability as you pursue your God-given purpose. You’ll also hear insights from his book Thoughts for My Kids…and Other People’s Kids, plus practical ways to embrace resilience, faith, and focus when life doesn’t go according to plan.

If you’ve ever doubted yourself or wondered if you have what it takes—this episode is your reminder that everything you need to succeed is already inside you.

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In this powerful episode of Defying the Odds, host Abby Vaden sits down with Christina Prokos—renowned psychic medium, trauma healer, and soul guide—for a soul-stirring conversation about reclaiming your power and healing from within. Christina shares how shadow work, soul retrieval, and inner child healing can unlock deep emotional transformation and spiritual alignment.

From her bestselling book Embrace Your Shadows to her transformative Soul Thrive platform, Christina empowers others to break generational cycles, integrate past wounds, and embody their truest essence. Together, Abby and Christina dive into topics like karmic healing, divine feminine energy, and the importance of emotional integration on the path to self-liberation.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected, stuck in survival mode, or ready to reconnect with your soul—this episode is your sign. 

Topics Covered:

• Shadow emotions & emotional alchemy
• The power of soul retrieval and intuitive healing
• Breaking generational trauma cycles
• Embracing the divine feminine
• Living in alignment with your soul's truth

 Tune in and start your healing journey today.

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