Divas That Care Network

Come and listen to our Host, Candace Gish, as she chats with inspiring guest Nicole Middendorf for our “Speak Up & Stand Firm” Podcast Mini-Series.

This powerful series is all about finding your voice, trusting your truth, and having the courage to stand firm in what matters most. We’ll explore what it means to speak with confidence, create healthy boundaries, advocate for yourself and others, and stop allowing fear, guilt, or the opinions of others to silence you.

Through honest conversations, real-life stories, and practical wisdom, we’ll encourage DIVAS to step into their power—not by being the loudest person in the room, but by being confident enough to know that their voice matters.

Whether you’re learning to say “no,” having a difficult conversation, standing up for yourself, or finally speaking the truth you’ve been holding inside, this series will remind you that your voice has value, your boundaries deserve respect, and your story deserves to be heard.

Nicole is a money maven, a knowledge junkie, a survivor, a single mom, and a born coach. She is an entrepreneur who left Morgan Stanley in 2003 to run her own wealth management firm, Prosperwell Financial. Nicole is the author of five books, a world traveler, philanthropist, and an accomplished public speaker.

https://theliveitlist.com/

https://prosperwell.com/our-team/nicole-n-middendorf-cdfa/

We sit down with wealth advisor and Live It List founder Nicole Middendorf to talk about rebuilding a life after control, trauma, and a painful divorce. Nicole shares how experiences, purpose-driven money choices, and community can restore confidence and help us thrive.

• Nicole’s path into financial planning and business ownership
• Starting over as a single mum and redefining “success”
• Turning a bucket list into a positive Live It List
• Why experiences often create more happiness than things
• Using money as a tool for purpose, freedom, and healthy boundaries
• Building confidence by doing one brave thing a month
• Joining a global community through trips, events, coaching, and classes
• Practical tools like the happiness wheel, journalling, and vision boards
• A reminder to give yourself grace and stop chasing perfection

For more Divas That Care Network Episodes visit www.divasthatcare.com

Come and listen to our Host, Candace Gish, as she chats with inspiring guest Blair Golden for our “Speak Up & Stand Firm” Podcast Mini-Series.

This powerful series is all about finding your voice, trusting your truth, and having the courage to stand firm in what matters most. We’ll explore what it means to speak with confidence, create healthy boundaries, advocate for yourself and others, and stop allowing fear, guilt, or the opinions of others to silence you.

Through honest conversations, real-life stories, and practical wisdom, we’ll encourage DIVAS to step into their power—not by being the loudest person in the room, but by being confident enough to know that their voice matters.

Whether you’re learning to say “no,” having a difficult conversation, standing up for yourself, or finally speaking the truth you’ve been holding inside, this series will remind you that your voice has value, your boundaries deserve respect, and your story deserves to be heard.

Blair Golden is the Founder and CEO of PairLuv, the first AI real-time avatar dating coach App designed to provide personalized support, guidance, and safety tools for people navigating modern dating.

Blair built PairLuv on a foundation of large language model (LLM) architecture, real-time conversational AI, behavioral psychology, and a deep relationship and dating knowledge base engineering a system that doesn't just respond to users. It learns you. It remembers your patterns and shows up in the moments that matter most, whether that's decoding a confusing text, recognizing a red flag before it becomes a relationship, or getting safely out of a bad date. 

Under Blair's leadership, PairLuv has become a trusted companion for everyone from first-time daters in their 20s to individuals returning to dating after long-term relationships, proving that clarity, safety, and confidence in love are things everyone deserves, at every stage of life.

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

https://www.pairluv.com/

We meet Blair Golden, founder of Pair Love, and talk about how AI can support safer, clearer online dating when you feel unsure or pressured. We focus on trusting your gut, spotting red flags early, and using practical tools to protect your confidence, boundaries, and safety.

• Blair’s shift from a long marriage to modern online dating realities
• Why people can seem charming at first then turn toxic later
• How an AI avatar coach can give real-time dating and relationship guidance
• Red flag analyzer for texts, dates, and confusing situations
• SOS tools to exit an unsafe or uncomfortable date
• Why unbiased support can be more helpful than friends and family
• Using boundaries and self-trust to speak up and stand firm

For more Divas That Care Network Episodes visit www.divasthatcare.com

Come and listen to our Host, Candace Gish, as she chats with inspiring guest Nicole Rodrigues for our “Speak Up & Stand Firm” Podcast Mini-Series.

This powerful series is all about finding your voice, trusting your truth, and having the courage to stand firm in what matters most. We’ll explore what it means to speak with confidence, create healthy boundaries, advocate for yourself and others, and stop allowing fear, guilt, or the opinions of others to silence you.

Through honest conversations, real-life stories, and practical wisdom, we’ll encourage DIVAS to step into their power—not by being the loudest person in the room, but by being confident enough to know that their voice matters.

Whether you’re learning to say “no,” having a difficult conversation, standing up for yourself, or finally speaking the truth you’ve been holding inside, this series will remind you that your voice has value, your boundaries deserve respect, and your story deserves to be heard.

Nicole Rodrigues, founder and CEO of NRPR Group, is a recognized public relations expert, digital and social media marketing and crisis communication pro with 25+ years of experience under her belt. In her tenure, she has developed and successfully executed strategic campaigns for some of the biggest names in business including: Yahoo!, Dolby, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sony PlayStation, Hulu, M-GO, Toon Hero, Demand Media, Heal, MOBITV, Los Angeles Comic Con and the Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders. Amongst some of the most notable campaigns she was charged with, Nicole ran the first and only official mommy blogger campaign for Yahoo!, she devised and launched the PR strategy for all of Hulu's first original
shows, and she helped develop YouTube’s creator and influencer PR strategy to produce more impactful campaigns at the forefront of the creator economy boom.

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

https://x.com/NicoleRPR

We talk about what it really means to speak up and stand firm, using Dolly Parton’s unapologetic confidence as a mirror for our own lives. We also share a practical 1% better daily challenge, spotlight a new AI tool for safer dating choices, and remind ourselves to lead with kindness as the holidays approach.

• Dolly Parton’s example of authenticity under public scrutiny
• How criticism about appearance can turn into quiet bullying
• Why women are not competition and how comparison drains confidence
• The 1% better every day challenge and how to apply it
• Turning pain and confusion into a strength by building solutions
• Pear Love as an AI companion for dating red flags and reassurance
• Holiday season grief, loneliness, and making space to pause and heal

For more Divas That Care Network Episodes visit www.divasthatcare.com

Come and listen to our Host, Candace Gish, as she chats with inspiring guest Laura-May Culver for our “Speak Up & Stand Firm” Podcast Mini-Series.

This powerful series is all about finding your voice, trusting your truth, and having the courage to stand firm in what matters most. We’ll explore what it means to speak with confidence, create healthy boundaries, advocate for yourself and others, and stop allowing fear, guilt, or the opinions of others to silence you.

Through honest conversations, real-life stories, and practical wisdom, we’ll encourage DIVAS to step into their power—not by being the loudest person in the room, but by being confident enough to know that their voice matters.

Whether you’re learning to say “no,” having a difficult conversation, standing up for yourself, or finally speaking the truth you’ve been holding inside, this series will remind you that your voice has value, your boundaries deserve respect, and your story deserves to be heard.

Laura-May Culver is a visionary success coach, acclaimed author, and inspiring speaker with over 25 years of experience in human behavior and mindset transformation. She is the founder of KnowSelf Services, creator of The Joy Journal©, and host of the Hot for Success podcast.

With Master's degrees in Social Work and Culture and Spirituality, Laura-May brings a unique blend of clinical insight and spiritual depth to her transformative work. She empowers individuals and organizations worldwide to tap into their inner "spark of the divine" and achieve self-defined success.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotforsuccess
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-may-culver-72ab861b/

We welcome mentor and author Laura May Culver to our Speak Up and Stand Firm series and dig into how Guided Joy builds confidence by helping us focus on what is true and working. We talk fear, outside influence, sustainable success, and a practical way to reconnect with ourselves when the world gets loud.

• why standing firm starts with recognizing our inner blueprint
• creating a separate joy journal to harvest what is working
• making room for feelings without feeding negativity
• how the reticular activating system shapes what we notice
• questioning “whose fear is that” to clear outside influence
• defining authentic success and sustaining it when life happens
• ways to work with Laura May through coaching, workshops, and groups
• her Hot for Success podcast and the idea of a worthy ideal
• unplugging from screens to plug into our inner voice through simple childhood basics

For more Divas That Care Network Episodes visit www.divasthatcare.com

Come and listen to our Host, Tina Spoletini, as she chats with inspiring guest Chanelle Chalazan for our “Speak Up & Stand Firm” Podcast Mini-Series.

This powerful series is all about finding your voice, trusting your truth, and having the courage to stand firm in what matters most. We’ll explore what it means to speak with confidence, create healthy boundaries, advocate for yourself and others, and stop allowing fear, guilt, or the opinions of others to silence you.

Through honest conversations, real-life stories, and practical wisdom, we’ll encourage DIVAS to step into their power—not by being the loudest person in the room, but by being confident enough to know that their voice matters.

Whether you’re learning to say “no,” having a difficult conversation, standing up for yourself, or finally speaking the truth you’ve been holding inside, this series will remind you that your voice has value, your boundaries deserve respect, and your story deserves to be heard.

Chanelle is the 16-year-old Founder & CEO of Chic & Charmed Boutique by Chanelle, a Canadian jewelry brand she began at just 13 years old. What started as a young entrepreneur’s idea has grown into a brand travelling across Canada, with Chanelle showcasing her jewelry at major trade shows and events in cities including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto and beyond.

Her entrepreneurial journey has earned national attention through television, radio, podcasts and publications, including CTV, Global News and CityNews. Chic & Charmed has also been promoted through billboard campaigns in multiple Canadian cities.

Beyond building her business, Chanelle is passionate about showing other young people that age doesn’t have to determine how big you can dream. Now expanding into speaking opportunities and launching her own magazine, she continues to grow Chic & Charmed while sharing the realities, lessons and determination behind building a national brand before graduating high school.

Website: chicncharmedjewerly.com 

Instagram: chicandcharmedbychanelle

We talk with Chanelle, a 16-year-old Canadian jewelry founder, about finding your voice early and refusing to shrink even when you feel judged. We unpack what confidence looks like in real life: support systems, boundaries, and the courage to act before you feel ready.

• building a support system through mentorship and role models
• navigating judgment at school and in adult spaces without making yourself smaller
• recognising how self-talk forms and learning to push past it
• setting boundaries as your business and public profile grow
• creating affordable high-quality jewelry with a clear mission and values
• advocating for yourself while balancing big goals and a backup plan
• taking opportunities by turning “no” and “maybe” into “yes”
• giving back to the community as part of long-term success

For more Divas That Care Network Episodes visit www.divasthatcare.com

Come and listen to our Host, Tina Spoletini, as she chats with inspiring guest Anca Neagoie for our “Speak Up & Stand Firm” Podcast Mini-Series.

This powerful series is all about finding your voice, trusting your truth, and having the courage to stand firm in what matters most. We’ll explore what it means to speak with confidence, create healthy boundaries, advocate for yourself and others, and stop allowing fear, guilt, or the opinions of others to silence you.

Through honest conversations, real-life stories, and practical wisdom, we’ll encourage DIVAS to step into their power—not by being the loudest person in the room, but by being confident enough to know that their voice matters.

Whether you’re learning to say “no,” having a difficult conversation, standing up for yourself, or finally speaking the truth you’ve been holding inside, this series will remind you that your voice has value, your boundaries deserve respect, and your story deserves to be heard.

Anca Neagoie is the founder of SilverSmoke Coaching, a clinical hypnotherapist and NLP Master Practitioner whose career has followed a rather unusual path.

Originally trained as a chemical engineer, Anca spent more than 20 years working internationally in the oil and gas industry, including 17 years with Shell in engineering, projects, assurance, compliance and senior audit roles. Her life and career took her across Romania, Australia, Central Asia, the Middle East and Spain.

Over time, her curiosity shifted from understanding complex systems and operational risk to understanding the equally complex patterns that shape human behaviour, confidence and communication.

Today, Anca brings these two worlds together: the structure and analytical thinking of an engineer, and the insight of hypnotherapy, NLP and behavioural change work. She supports internationally mobile professionals and people navigating significant transitions to communicate clearly, reconnect with their value and move forward without diminishing who they are.

Her work is grounded in a simple belief: confidence is not about becoming louder. It is about remaining connected to your knowledge, values and dignity when it matters most.

Website :  https://silversmokecoaching.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anca-neagoie-5006b92

• Anca's shift from chemical engineering to coaching through pattern thinking
• The gap between what we know and what we can access under stress
• How the unconscious drives old survival responses during pressure moments
• Confidence as removing interference rather than adding bravado
• Why relocation and second-language contexts can shrink confidence fast
• Helping healthcare professionals communicate and pass licensing exams in English
• Learning “chunks of language” for instant recall in patient interviews
• Self-trust as the core of genuine confidence
• Setting boundaries without aggression and reading guilt differently
• Noticing “just” and other habits that make us smaller
• Reinventing later in life with realism, patience, and consistency

For more Divas That Care Network Episodes visit www.divasthatcare.com

Come and listen to our Host, Tina Spoletini, as she chats with inspiring guest Shellee Howard for our “Speak Up & Stand Firm” Podcast Mini-Series.

This powerful series is all about finding your voice, trusting your truth, and having the courage to stand firm in what matters most. We’ll explore what it means to speak with confidence, create healthy boundaries, advocate for yourself and others, and stop allowing fear, guilt, or the opinions of others to silence you.

Through honest conversations, real-life stories, and practical wisdom, we’ll encourage DIVAS to step into their power—not by being the loudest person in the room, but by being confident enough to know that their voice matters.

Whether you’re learning to say “no,” having a difficult conversation, standing up for yourself, or finally speaking the truth you’ve been holding inside, this series will remind you that your voice has value, your boundaries deserve respect, and your story deserves to be heard.

Shellee Howard is the Founder and CEO of College Ready and CR Tutoring & Test Strategies, a Certified Independent College Strategist, two‑time best‑selling author, international speaker, and highly sought‑after consultant helping families navigate the modern college admissions and financial planning landscape.

Shellee’s Mission
Shellee believes no two students are the same and that every family deserves a personalized, strategic plan that balances admissions, finances, and long‑term purpose — not just chasing rankings or prestige.

• Website - https://collegereadyplan.com/ 
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan 
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ 
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready 

Shelley Howard shares how families can replace fear with a plan, pursue college admissions with intention, and find real paths to scholarships and debt-free degrees.
• confidence built through self-knowledge, proven action, and courage over comfort
• asking “Who are you?” to measure depth of identity and readiness
• using community service and leadership to fail forward and grow self-trust
• shifting parents from anxiety to clarity through knowledge and a written plan
• why relying on a high school counselor or a teen alone can cost time and money
• real examples of debt-free outcomes through strategy, school selection, and negotiation
• the four buckets of college funding: need-based, merit-based, institutional, independent scholarships
• global and international university options that expand affordability and opportunity
• free resources, core values work, and practical next steps families can do together

For more Divas That Care Network Episodes visit www.divasthatcare.com

Come and listen to our Host, Tina Spoletini, as she chats with inspiring guest Rebecca Connolly for our “Speak Up & Stand Firm” Podcast Mini-Series.

This powerful series is all about finding your voice, trusting your truth, and having the courage to stand firm in what matters most. We’ll explore what it means to speak with confidence, create healthy boundaries, advocate for yourself and others, and stop allowing fear, guilt, or the opinions of others to silence you.

Through honest conversations, real-life stories, and practical wisdom, we’ll encourage DIVAS to step into their power—not by being the loudest person in the room, but by being confident enough to know that their voice matters.

Whether you’re learning to say “no,” having a difficult conversation, standing up for yourself, or finally speaking the truth you’ve been holding inside, this series will remind you that your voice has value, your boundaries deserve respect, and your story deserves to be heard.

Rebecca Connolly is the founder of Rebecca's Feast Personal Chef Service, where she's spent nearly 20 years helping busy families enjoy customized, stress-free meals in their own homes. She's also an educator and mentor who teaches aspiring personal chefs how to build successful businesses doing work they love. Rebecca is passionate about bringing people back around the table through good food, meaningful connection, and practical encouragement. She is also a contributing author to the upcoming book The Power of HER, releasing next week.

www.rebeccasfeast.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.connolly.7771

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

Substack: https://rebeccasfeast.substack.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/personalchefrebecca

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kitchenconfidencewithrebecca

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/RebeccasFeastCoaching/

Here is the link to the book - https://amzn.to/3RCGWLY.

 A self-paced course "Becoming Confident in the Kitchen!!!”…https://link.rebeccasfeast.com/becoming-confident-in-the-kitchen-1946

• using the dinner table as a model for connection and being truly heard
• listening for preferences and stories to create meals that fit real life
• building intuitive eating skills and noticing fullness earlier
• protecting breakfast and lunch to support steadier energy and blood sugar
• dealing with menu fatigue and not taking food rejection personally
• introducing new foods to kids without pressure and avoiding table battles
• recognizing self worth and owning professional expertise
• setting boundaries that protect time and reduce burnout
• advocating for yourself through systems like booking links and clear processes
• finding mentorship and community support to start or grow a business
• trusting your calling and taking the first brave step when doubt gets loud

For more Divas That Care Network Episodes visit www.divasthatcare.com

Come and listen to our Host, Tina Spoletini, as she chats with inspiring guest Robin Sims-Allen for our “Speak Up & Stand Firm” Podcast Mini-Series.

This powerful series is all about finding your voice, trusting your truth, and having the courage to stand firm in what matters most. We’ll explore what it means to speak with confidence, create healthy boundaries, advocate for yourself and others, and stop allowing fear, guilt, or the opinions of others to silence you.

Through honest conversations, real-life stories, and practical wisdom, we’ll encourage DIVAS to step into their power—not by being the loudest person in the room, but by being confident enough to know that their voice matters.

Whether you’re learning to say “no,” having a difficult conversation, standing up for yourself, or finally speaking the truth you’ve been holding inside, this series will remind you that your voice has value, your boundaries deserve respect, and your story deserves to be heard.

Robin Sims-Allen is a powerhouse entrepreneur, transformative leader, wife, and mother of two dynamic teens. With more than two decades in technology and business leadership, she thrives at the intersection of innovation, strategy, and impact.

A serial entrepreneur, Robin leads with precision and purpose, helping organizations optimize operations, eliminate bottlenecks, and deliver meaningful products to market with agility and efficiency. She serves as the visionary founder of Phoenix Marcus, a dynamic enterprise with multiple divisions tailored to the demands of the digital era.

Within Phoenix Marcus, she launched Phoenix Marcus Online, where she is a recognized expert in agile consulting and bottleneck analysis for Fintech and tech-driven companies. Her strategic insights ensure businesses don’t just solve problems — they thrive by protecting their greatest assets: people, culture, and innovation.

Robin is also the creator and driving force behind TotalHER, a purpose-built social platform designed to elevate women everywhere. With TotalHER, her mission is clear: build a sisterhood and economy that supports every woman — whether she’s scaling her career, leading with confidence, or embracing her unique journey. Built as a safe, empowering space, TotalHER fosters authentic connection, collaboration, and opportunity for women globally.

Her entrepreneurial journey includes launching her first startup, AskGeeser, a teen-focused social network dedicated to helping young leaders amplify their voices and build real skills. Though ahead of its time, the experience shaped Robin’s future approach — one rooted in resilience, timing, and strategic growth.

Driven by authenticity, courage, and vision, Robin doesn’t just lead companies — she builds ecosystems where people are empowered to flourish. She shows up honestly, shares her lessons learned, and paves the way forward with infectious ambition.

*TotalHer - https://www.instagram.com/totalherapp/

*Phoenix Marcus - https://www.instagram.com/phoenixmarcusllc/

*TotalHer - https://www.totalher.co/

*Phoenix Marcus - https://phoenixmarcus.online/

• realising you have something to say early on but growing into the confidence to say it out loud
• navigating seasons where being knowledgeable feels like a liability while you grow a business
• building safe spaces for women through honest conversations about fulfilment, career and money
• setting boundaries by naming non negotiables and refusing to over give when energy is not matched
• using a pros and cons list to fact check reciprocity and make decisions with clarity
• fact checking feelings and avoiding hard talks when emotions are running hot
• why fear of judgement keeps women from speaking up or asking for support
• learning the difference between venting and fixing and choosing the right audience
• small communication practices that help you feel heard without posting online
• how Total Her supports community, sisterhood and a future of work network for women

For more Divas That Care Network Episodes visit www.divasthatcare.com

Come and listen to our Host, Tina Spoletini, as she chats with inspiring guest Sandy Okamoto for our “Speak Up & Stand Firm” Podcast Mini-Series.

This powerful series is all about finding your voice, trusting your truth, and having the courage to stand firm in what matters most. We’ll explore what it means to speak with confidence, create healthy boundaries, advocate for yourself and others, and stop allowing fear, guilt, or the opinions of others to silence you.

Through honest conversations, real-life stories, and practical wisdom, we’ll encourage DIVAS to step into their power—not by being the loudest person in the room, but by being confident enough to know that their voice matters.

Whether you’re learning to say “no,” having a difficult conversation, standing up for yourself, or finally speaking the truth you’ve been holding inside, this series will remind you that your voice has value, your boundaries deserve respect, and your story deserves to be heard.

Sandy Okamoto, Stye and Wardrobe Consultant, Owner and Founder of Style Options, has over 25 years of experience helping women and men create their Signature Style.  In a world where decisions are made about a person’s credibility, knowledge and professionalism within their first 5-7 seconds of meeting.  It is crucial to look your best at all times.  Sandy personally discovered how looking her best with the right colours and right styles empowered her with the confidence she needed to accomplish her goals both personally and professionally. Sandy can also empower you with confidence.

Website: www.styleoptionsbysandy.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sandy-okamoto-aa573238

Facebook:  Sandy Okamoto

Instagram: sandyokamoto18

Sandy Okamoto shares what she has learned from 25+ years of styling and why confidence grows when our outside finally matches our inside.

• style as a form of communication before words
• discovering best colors and best shapes for the body
• expressing personality through clothing instead of copying trends
• six personality expressions and how they guide choices
• leaving behind the default of wearing black for every body
• dressing for comfort so confidence reads as presence
• using texture and structure to signal approachability or professionalism
• first impressions and how fast people judge credibility
• why we buy clothes that stay unworn
• one small step to show up more authentically this week
• confidence as something that blooms in stages over time

For more Divas That Care Network Episodes visit www.divasthatcare.com