Divas That Care Network

Come and listen to Host Tina Spoletini chat with her special guest Leisa on her podcast Confidence in Bloom.

Leisa Reid is the Founder of Get Speaking Gigs Now and CEO of the International Speaker Network. With a mission to transform public speaking into a soul-filling business growth strategy, she's the go-to "Talk Doula,” helping entrepreneurs create signature talks and secure bookings for a lifetime. Having rocked over 600 stages, authored 7 books, and graced the airwaves as a podcast host, Leisa shares her proven strategies with others so they can make an impact on the world. 

When she's not empowering entrepreneurs, Leisa embraces her roles as a mom, a wife, and a devoted dog-lover, all while indulging her passion for live rock concerts and dance fitness classes.

On this episode, she will share the #1 secret she uses to get speaking gigs!

• Every speaker has a unique "fingerprint" or DNA based on their business, personality, location, and expertise
• Addressing your "speaker's kryptonite" - past experiences that trigger speaking anxiety - is crucial for building confidence
• The most powerful talks come from embodying your message rather than memorizing a script
• Today's audiences prefer authentic, prepared speakers over perfectly polished presentations
• The secret to booking speaking gigs is connecting with other speakers in collaborative communities
• When your message becomes more important than your fear, you'll move beyond avoidance
• Practice is essential for confident delivery, but avoid reading from notes which changes your voice cadence
• Virtual speaking offers significant time-saving advantages while still allowing you to reach global audiences

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Gia-Raquel Rose, owner of Airs Above Yoga, LLC and a real estate sales associate in Tewksbury, New Jersey has had a love for horses stemming from early childhood. Growing up in “horse country” afforded her the privilege of beginning to ride from the tender age of four. It was a childhood illness, which brought her riding aspirations to an abrupt halt. It took twenty years before she was able to reunite with her long lost passion for horses and their ability to heal. In that time, she received a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication from Arcadia University and became a twice two hundred hour certified yoga instructor in both Hatha and Vinyasa. It was the loss of her mother, Rose, to breast cancer, which ultimately shifted her trajectory from the corporate world to the internal work for which yoga, as a practice, is renowned.

Dive into the nutritional powerhouse world of seeds with this enlightening episode that uncovers which varieties truly deserve a place in your daily diet. Beyond the commonly touted benefits of seeds, I explore why flax, chia, and hemp seeds stand head and shoulders above the rest as the true "Caped Crusaders" of nutrition.

Most Americans struggle with an imbalanced ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, often consuming far too much omega-6 through cooking oils and processed foods. This imbalance promotes inflammation—a root cause of numerous chronic conditions. The featured superhero seeds, particularly flaxseeds, offer a simple solution by providing abundant omega-3s to help restore balance. Hemp seeds emerge as the protein champions with approximately 10 grams per ounce, while chia seeds provide a well-rounded profile of nutrients with exceptional fiber content.

What makes this approach to nutrition unique is its focus on addition rather than subtraction. Instead of facing the resistance that comes with eliminating favorite foods, I suggest simply incorporating these beneficial seeds into your existing diet. Whether sprinkled into smoothies, baked into muffins, or added to salads, these tiny nutritional giants can make a significant impact on your health without requiring dramatic dietary overhauls.

The episode provides practical tips for incorporating each seed type, addressing potential texture concerns, and suggesting creative ways to make them palatably invisible in everyday foods. For those taking their first steps toward better nutrition, this gentle approach offers a perfect starting point—plant the seeds of health today by adding these nutritional powerhouses to your meals and watch as the benefits grow.

Ready to transform your health one tiny seed at a time? Follow me on social media @AboveTheGroundPodcast or visit airsaboveyoga.com for more wellness insights that keep you thriving above the ground.

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

Gia-Raquel Rose, owner of Airs Above Yoga, LLC and a real estate sales associate in Tewksbury, New Jersey has had a love for horses stemming from early childhood. Growing up in “horse country” afforded her the privilege of beginning to ride from the tender age of four. It was a childhood illness, which brought her riding aspirations to an abrupt halt. It took twenty years before she was able to reunite with her long lost passion for horses and their ability to heal. In that time, she received a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication from Arcadia University and became a twice two hundred hour certified yoga instructor in both Hatha and Vinyasa. It was the loss of her mother, Rose, to breast cancer, which ultimately shifted her trajectory from the corporate world to the internal work for which yoga, as a practice, is renowned.

Have you ever felt that gentle nudge toward something new but couldn't quite identify what it was trying to tell you? Those whispers from your intuition are seeds waiting to be planted in the fertile soil of your awareness.

This guided meditation episode takes you on a journey beyond your comfort zone to that magical place where new growth begins. Together, we explore the natural progression from releasing what no longer serves us to creating space for fresh inspiration and possibility. As your meditation guide, I'll help you establish a sacred space centered around a strong, grounded tree – your sanctuary for planting the unique seed that's meant specifically for you.

What makes this practice special is that each listener receives something different. Your seed might represent a new direction, a creative project, a relationship, or simply a new way of being that aligns with your highest self. No matter what form it takes, this meditation provides the perfect conditions for it to take root and eventually flourish in your life.

Whether you're an experienced meditator or this is your first guided practice, you'll find a welcoming space here. There is no wrong way to meditate, and I encourage you to trust whatever images, feelings, or insights arise during our time together. The seed you plant today will continue growing long after the meditation ends, becoming a source of inspiration and guidance in your daily life.

Ready to discover what's waiting for you just beyond the familiar? Join me in this meditation to receive the perfect seed for your heart and from your heart – a gift to you from yourself. Then watch with joy and anticipation as it begins to transform your life in beautiful and unexpected ways.

Take a moment now to get comfortable, silence distractions, and allow yourself this gift of presence. Your highest self is waiting to meet you.

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

Have you ever considered how deeply connected your physical body is to the planet beneath your feet? Annie Shearer's guided Earth meditation takes you on a transformative journey that reveals this fundamental relationship in ways both scientific and spiritual.

"We are intersecting cycles of water, earth, air and fire." This powerful insight anchors a meditation experience that's perfect for Earth Month but valuable any day of the year. Annie guides us to recognize how our blood, lymph, and tears mirror Earth's waterways; how our bones and tissues are literally made from soil and rock; how our breath mingles with the planet's own respiratory cycle. Through gentle guidance, she helps us feel these connections physically, not just intellectually.

The meditation progresses through a careful body scan, connecting us first with our physical form before expanding outward to recognize our place within Earth's systems. Annie draws from Buddhist teacher Joanna Macy's wisdom about our impermanence and interconnection, then leads us through sensory explorations that ground these concepts in immediate experience. Her visualization of being like a tree—reaching tall with aspirations while firmly rooted in Earth—provides a striking metaphor for balancing ambition with stability in our daily lives.

What makes this practice especially valuable is its accessibility. Taking just twenty minutes, this meditation can transform your relationship with the planet and yourself simultaneously. It offers a way to "fill your cup" through connection rather than consumption. Ready to discover what happens when you truly listen to the Earth? Join Annie for this simple yet profound practice and experience groundedness that stays with you long after the meditation ends.

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

Come and listen while Host Gia-Raquel Rose, owner of Airs Above Yoga chats with today's guest Ann Scheerer.

Ann Scheerer, PhD, is a professor of environmental sciences and sustainability and a longtime meditation and yoga practitioner. Ann's courses explore the current "unsustainable" planetary situation and engage students in designing social responses to prepare for changing conditions. Ann believes contemplative practices like meditation and yoga are crucial for personal resilience in these complex and uncertain times. She came to Yin Yoga practice to slow down and listen to her body. Through deep and long Yin yoga poses, she found a deeper connection to her body and to the earth. These practices have supported Ann's teaching and influenced her curriculum. As a proponent of slowing down, Ann encourages students to be more aware of our choices and self care. Ann embraces change and has shifted her career a few times following her curiosities and earning multiple degrees. In addition to her PhD, Design and Planning, she has obtained two Master's degrees - MSLS (Master of Strategic Leadership for Sustainability) and MPA (Master of Public Administration).

What if sustainability wasn't just about saving the planet, but about creating a more fulfilling life for ourselves? Our guest, a university sustainability instructor and yoga teacher, reveals how her path shifted from corporate work to community-based sustainability action, forever changing her perspective on what truly matters.

At the heart of sustainable living lies a powerful concept: efficiency. Before investing in solar panels or electric vehicles, we must first address the efficiency of our homes, habits, and systems. As our guest explains, "Efficiency is really the number one thing to look at because it usually can be addressed by a behavior change." Those changes—sealing windows, insulating properly, reducing food waste—create the foundation for meaningful environmental impact while often saving money and improving quality of life.

The conversation explores the "tragedy of the commons," where public resources become degraded when no one takes ownership, and how community cooperation offers the solution. When we engage with our neighbors through river cleanups, trail maintenance, or local food systems, we not only protect shared resources but fill our own cups through meaningful connection. These community bonds represent the antidote to convenience culture, where quick decisions often lead to environmental harm and disconnection from place.

Simple swaps emerged as powerful tools for change—bringing reusable bags to farmers markets, carrying water bottles instead of buying single-use plastic, walking more often, buying in bulk to reduce packaging, and supporting local businesses. The "100-mile diet" challenge of sourcing most food from within 100 miles exemplifies how sustainability practices can deepen our connection to place while reducing environmental impact. As our guest reminds us, "It's not like all doom and gloom based on maybe mainstream what we hear in the news, because those people are still doing the work."

Ready to ground yourself in sustainable practices? Listen to this episode, then join us for our special Earth Day meditation designed to deepen your connection with the natural world. What one small change will you make today to benefit both yourself and the planet we all share?

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

Today’s guest, Gwen Gardner is an absolute force of resilience and heart. She’s the Chief Chick, founder, and designer behind Simply Chickie Clothing — a brand born from a week that changed everything: a breast cancer diagnosis and the discovery she was pregnant… all in the same week.

What followed was a radical lifestyle shift, a commitment to clean living, and the creation of a company that blends humor, heart, and health-conscious values into adorable organic baby clothes.

We’re diving into Gwen’s story of healing, entrepreneurship, and what it really means to live with intention — for yourself, your family, and the future.

Let’s get into it.

What happens when your world turns upside down in a single week? For Gwen Gardner, founder of Simply Chicking Clothing, learning she was pregnant one day and diagnosed with breast cancer the next became the catalyst for complete transformation. Instead of surrendering to fear, Gwen made a powerful declaration: "There is no way I'm going to die while creating life."

This pivotal moment sparked a journey into clean living that changed everything. As Gwen researched ways to protect her health and her growing baby, she discovered the shocking truth about conventional cotton - that it's treated with seven carcinogenic chemicals originally developed as nerve agents during wartime. This revelation led her to create Simply Chicking Clothing, an organic baby clothing company featuring humorous, gender-neutral designs printed with eco-friendly inks on certified organic cotton.

Twenty years later, Gwen's products have become legendary for their longevity. Parents regularly share stories of passing these garments through multiple children or even saving them for grandchildren. While initially more expensive than conventional options, these heirloom-quality pieces prove economical over time while keeping textiles out of landfills.

Building a business as a single mother required incredible resilience and community support. Gwen shares practical wisdom about finding your tribe, maximizing productive hours (her "six to nine club" in the morning), and the power of asking for help. Her perspective on confidence - that it parallels vulnerability in recognizing our shared human struggles - offers comfort to anyone facing challenges.

Whether you're navigating a health crisis, considering entrepreneurship, or simply trying to make more conscious lifestyle choices, Gwen's story demonstrates how our greatest challenges can reveal our true purpose. Join us for this powerful conversation about resilience, clean living, and creating positive change through conscious business practices.

Website: www.simplychickieclothing.com    

Follow on Instagram Twitter Pinterest and Facebook @simplychickie

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

What happens when your world completely transforms in a single week? For Gwen Gardner, founder of Simply Chicking Clothing, that pivotal moment arrived over 20 years ago when she received news of both pregnancy and breast cancer within days of each other. Rather than surrendering to fear, Gwen made a powerful declaration: "There is no way that I'm going to die while I'm creating life."

This episode takes us deep into Gwen's remarkable journey of healing, transformation, and entrepreneurship. As she researched how to support her body through cancer treatment while nurturing a new life, Gwen discovered what she calls "the dirty secret" of conventional cotton - that it's treated with seven of the most carcinogenic chemicals known, many originally developed as war-time nerve agents. This revelation sparked a passion for creating truly clean, organic cotton baby clothes that would be safe for the most delicate skin while bringing humor and heart to eco-conscious parenting.

Gwen's practical wisdom shines throughout our conversation as she shares how she built a business as a single mother with limited resources. From creating childcare co-ops with friends to making the most of early morning hours (what she calls "the six o'clock club"), her strategies offer hope to anyone juggling multiple priorities while pursuing their passion. Most powerfully, she reveals how building community helped transform her natural shyness into confidence, joining multiple networking groups and creating connections that sustained both her business and spirit through challenging times. Whether you're facing health challenges, considering entrepreneurship, or simply trying to live more intentionally, Gwen's philosophy that "confidence parallels vulnerability" provides a refreshing framework for moving forward with courage, even when the path ahead feels uncertain.

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

What happens when a woman decides to break free from generations of trauma and addiction? Bonnie Johnstone's transformation story isn't just inspiring—it's revolutionary.

Once living in shame and addiction starting at age 14, Bonnie faced an impossible choice after her parents separated due to her stepfather's sexual abuse. The path she chose led her through alcoholism, running away to join a carnival, and years of self-destructive behavior. "I never slept at night," she reveals, "I always slept during the day when people were awake."

Everything changed in August 2016 when her brother-in-law's overdose forced her to confront her own mortality. With remarkable clarity, Bonnie made a decision: "I'm done living wastefully." This wasn't just about getting sober—it meant confronting the abuse, cutting ties with her parents, and beginning the painful work of healing.

The results have been transformative. "I used to be just waiting for every day to end. Now I'm like the day can't end yet, I have so much to do," Bonnie shares with infectious enthusiasm. She's become an international bestselling co-author and speaker, developed workshops for trauma survivors, and most importantly, broken the cycle of intergenerational trauma that has plagued her Indigenous family for generations.

What makes Bonnie's story unique is her distinction between negative self-focus and positive self-care. "When it became about me, I was able to become a better friend, a better mother, a better everything to everybody else." This philosophy has allowed her to not just heal herself but to create ripples of healing that extend to her children and beyond.

For anyone feeling trapped by their circumstances, Bonnie offers this wisdom: "You always have choices... When you actually get to your why and start putting the how into effect, it just becomes second nature, because courage is contagious."

Ready to transform your own story? Listen now to discover how one woman's decision to heal is changing lives that haven't even been born yet.

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

What happens when life shatters everything you thought you knew about yourself? Rosemary Barnes takes us on a remarkable journey from Ukrainian farm upbringing to becoming an international speaker, bestselling author, and confidence coach—navigating through unimaginable personal tragedy along the way.

Rosemary's story begins with her dual life: weekdays in the city attending school and lessons, weekends on the farm where her family instilled the values of hard work and responsibility. This foundation shaped her into someone others always saw as dependable, even during her brief rebellious phase. But it was through facing life's most devastating challenges that Rosemary discovered the true nature of resilience and reinvention.

With unflinching honesty, she shares the heartbreaking loss of her son to a fentanyl overdose and her daughter's earlier struggles with crystal meth addiction. These experiences forced her to confront painful questions about parental responsibility while weathering harsh judgments from others. Through this crucible of grief, Rosemary discovered a profound truth: "Being human means you make mistakes. Being human means you will be judged incorrectly." Her hard-won wisdom reminds us that self-forgiveness is essential when navigating life's darkest moments.

Today, through her company Confidence Stages, Rosemary helps others overcome their confidence barriers and find their authentic voice. Drawing on her background as a classically trained singer and educator, she specializes in helping people master public speaking—"If you can learn to conquer that great fear of speaking in public, what can you not take on?" Her approach transforms this common fear into a gateway for broader personal empowerment.

Rosemary's parting wisdom resonates with universal truth: "Nothing is permanent. The only thing you can count on throughout your entire life is that everything will change." Rather than resisting change, she encourages us to embrace it as "an opportunity for adventure"—a perspective that doesn't diminish our suffering but offers a path forward when one seems impossible to find.

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

What separates those who achieve their dreams from those who don't? According to Uchechi Asuikwe, it's not talent or luck—it's persistence and a willingness to start small.

Uchechi takes us through her remarkable journey from opening a wellness center during the 2008 recession to becoming an author, coach, TV host, and creator of the Dream Life Designer planner. Her story isn't one of overnight success, but rather of calculated evolution as her life circumstances and priorities changed. When motherhood made running a physical wellness center challenging, she didn't abandon her entrepreneurial spirit—she adapted it.

The cornerstone of Uchechi's philosophy is what she calls the "crawl, walk, run" approach. Too many aspiring entrepreneurs want to sprint before they've learned to stand, leading to frustration and burnout. Instead, Uchechi advocates for starting where you are, mastering each phase before moving to the next, and using the revenue from each stage to fund growth into the next. This approach allowed her to gradually build multiple income streams while maintaining balance in her personal life.

Perhaps most compelling is Uchechi's passion for sharing the struggles behind success stories. Through her TV show, she interviews accomplished individuals to reveal that everyone—even those who appear to have it all figured out—faced significant obstacles on their journey. She recounts the famous "three feet from gold" story, reminding us that breakthroughs often come right after our most challenging moments.

Ready to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be? Visit myempoweredliving.com to discover how Uchechi's coaching, books, and planners can help you create your own empowered life, one intentional step at a time.

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