What happens when you leave behind a 30-year corporate career to chase your passion?

In this inspiring episode, Teresa Reiniger sits down with Rhonda Travers, a former corporate leader turned entrepreneur, to explore breaking barriers, redefining success, and overcoming self doubt.

Rhonda shares her deeply personal journey of stepping outside her comfort zone, facing fear head-on, and navigating the unexpected loss of identity that came with leaving her long-established career. She opens up about the challenges of being a woman in a male dominated field, the power of networking, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who lift you up.

Whether you're navigating a career transition, considering entrepreneurship, or searching for the courage to take a bold step in life—this episode will inspire you to align your passion with your purpose and create a lasting impact.

🎧 Tune in as we unlock the resilience it takes to move forward, embrace change, and leave a meaningful legacy.

✨ "If money weren’t an object, what would you do?" That was the question that sparked a life-changing journey for Rhonda.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Breaking Barriers in Male-Dominated Fields – What it was like for Rhonda to be a leader in a corporate, male dominated industry
• From Employee to Entrepreneur – How she made the leap and the biggest challenges she faced
• The Loss of Identity When Leaving Corporate and Becoming an Entrepreneur – Navigating the emotional toll of career transitions
• The Power of Mentorship & Networking – How finding the right people helped her move forward
• The Fear of Leaving Stability – How financial fears, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome can hold women back

Key Takeaways:

1. Identity isn’t tied to a job title. Losing a career can feel like losing a piece of yourself, and it’s an opportunity to redefine who you truly are.
2. Surround yourself with the right people. The five people closest to you impact your mindset, confidence, and success. Choose wisely.
3. Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. If you wait for the “perfect” time to make a change, you’ll be waiting forever.
4. Fear is part of the process. Instead of letting fear stop you, learn to move forward despite it.
5. Collaboration over competition. Women thrive when they support each other instead of competing for success.

Key Quotes:

💬 “We are the average of the five people we surround ourselves with.”
💬 “Perfectionism held me back for years. The moment I let go, everything changed.”
💬 “Networking isn’t about selling yourself. It’s about relationships, collaboration, and connection.”
💬 “If money weren’t an object, what would you do? That question changed everything for me.”

Shoutouts & Mentions:

✨ NLP Training Program – Helping professionals shift their mindset for success
✨ Career Coaches & Mentors – The importance of learning from others who’ve done it before
✨ Networking Communities – How joining the right professional groups can change everything 

🎧 Listen to the full episode now! Share with a friend who needs to hear this message.

Bereaved Mother’s Day: Reserve your spot https://livingaftergrief.com/bereavedmothersday

Space is limited so grab your spot today.

📌Connect With Us:

Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support?  DM us on social media or send an email.

Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: @ Female Voices: Life and Loss Podcast

Website:⁠https://femalevoiceslifelo.wixsite.com/female-voices⁠

Email: [email protected]

"What feels like an ending can actually be the mostbeautiful beginning."

In this week’s episode, Wayna sits down with Carol Fletcher. Carol is a woman of faith, resilience, and empowerment. As a wife, mother of five in a blended family, and entrepreneur, she has embraced both the beauty and challenges of transformation. With a background in advertising at iHeart Media, she now serves as a Sales Director in the beauty industry, where her work extends beyond selling products—it's about building confidence and restoring self-worth.

Carol shares her deeply personal journey—navigating divorce and single motherhood while redefining her purpose through entrepreneurship and self-care. She and Wayna discuss the profound impact of loss, the expectations placed on women, and the power of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-love in the healing process.

Through personal stories, Carol emphasizes faith, resilience, and the importance of having a strong ‘why’ to fuel personal growth and support her family. The conversation explores the challenges of parenting through difficult seasons, the role of community in healing, and how embracing change can lead to newfound strength and purpose.

Wayna and Carol also dive into the significance of self-care, the necessity of healthy boundaries, and the importance of surrounding yourself with positive influences. They highlight how grief, growth, and empowerment are deeply connected, reminding listeners that even life’s hardest moments can lead to profound transformation.

👉 If you’re facing a life transition, struggling with grief, or looking for inspiration to step into your purpose, this conversation is for you.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Rebuilding After Divorce – Carol’s story of resilience and redefining her future
• Self-Care & Setting Boundaries – Why prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish, it’s necessary
• Faith & Transformation – How spiritual strength can guide personal growth
• Women & Entrepreneurship – Using business as a platform for empowerment
• Community & Support Systems – The power of surrounding yourself with people who uplift you 

🎧 Tune in now and share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement today!

Key Takeaways:

1. Reinvention starts with acceptance. Sometimes, thethings we resist are exactly what we need.
2. Self-care is a necessity, not a luxury. True self-care includes emotional boundaries, faith, and personal growth.
3. You are not defined by your losses. Divorce, career shifts, and unexpected change don’t define you—they refine you.
4. God’s timing is always right. Even in uncertainty, trust that you’re being guided toward something greater.
5. Women need community and support. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and challenge you to grow.

Key Quotes:

💬“Every closed door is not the end of your story. It can be the beginning of something new.”💬“Self-care isn’t just spa days—it’s setting boundaries, protecting your energy, and giving yourself grace.”💬“We teach people how to treat us. Healthy boundaries are an act of self-respect.”💬“God’s plan is always bigger than our own. Sometimes, what we resist most is exactly what we need.”

Shoutouts & Mentions:

📌 John Maxwell –Leadership & personal growth inspiration📌PMS (Pamper My Sisters) Events – A self-care initiative for women led by Carol

Connect with Carol Fletcher:

📌 Instagram: @classwithcarol📌Facebook: Carol Fletcher

Connect With Us:

Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support?  DM us on social media or send an email.

📌Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: @ Female Voices: Life and Loss Podcast📌Website:⁠https://femalevoiceslifelo.wixsite.com/female-voices⁠📌Email: [email protected]

Grief changes everything—including how we care for ourselves.

Why do so many women struggle to prioritize themselves in grief?
How can small acts of self-care become a path toward healing?

In this deeply personal episode, Wayna shares her experience of navigating life after the loss of her son, while Teresa reflects on the emotional weight of losing her mother. Together, they explore the complex relationship between self-love and grief, shedding light on the emotional overwhelm, societal expectations, and the internal struggles that often prevent women from focusing on their own well-being.

This conversation goes beyond the idea of pampering—Wayna and Teresa discuss practical, meaningful ways to reclaim self-care, from setting boundaries to recognizing when you need rest, support, or space to heal. They also touch on the power of community, the importance of honoring loved ones in ways that feel authentic, and the small but significant steps that can make healing feel possible.

Whether you’re grieving, supporting someone who is, or simply learning to care for yourself in new ways, this episode is a powerful reminder that healing begins with self-compassion—one intentional stepat a time.

🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward giving yourself the care you deserve on your grief journey.

Topics Discussed:

• The challenges of self-care while grieving
• How grief impacts emotional well-being and daily habits
• Recognizing when you’re neglecting yourself
• The power of small daily actions in grief recovery
• How boundaries & saying “no” can be acts of self-love

Key takeaways:

1. Self-love is essential in grief—and it often feels like the hardest thing to do. Grieving individuals, especially women, tend to prioritize others over themselves, making it difficult to focus on personal healing.
2. Recognizing emotional exhaustion is the first step to self-care. Signs like irritability, constant fatigue, or feeling overwhelmed can indicate burnout, making it crucial to pause and assess personal needs.
3. Small acts of self-care make a big difference. Simple habits like proper hydration, nourishing meals, mindful movement, and quiet reflection can create a foundation for healing, even on the hardest days.
4. Setting boundaries is an act of self-preservation, not selfishness. Learning to say no, limiting energy-draining interactions, and protecting personal space are key to maintaining emotional well-being.
5. Community and support systems play a vital role in healing. Whether it’s friends, family, or a grief support group, having a safe space to share and receive support helps lighten the emotional load.
6. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means learning to live again. Honoring loved ones through meaningful actions allows for remembrance while embracing life moving forward.
7. Give yourself permission to take it one step at a time. Grief recovery isn’t about doing everything at once—it’s about small, intentional steps that gradually lead to moments of peace and self-compassion.

Quotes from the Episode:
"Women often take care of everyone else first. But in grief, self-love isn’t selfish—it’s survival."
"Some days, self-care is just drinking water and getting through the day—and that’s okay."
"Grief changes us. But in that change, we can find new ways to love ourselves and honor those we’ve lost."

 Shoutouts & Mentions:
Teresa’s grief support coaching,

Living After Grief, https://livingaftergrief.com/
Wayna’s grief & life coaching,

Allberry Coaching: allberrycoaching.com
🎧 Listen now! And if this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and share with a friend who might need this message.

Connect With Us:

Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support?  DM us on social media or send an email.

Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: @ Female Voices:Life and Loss Podcast

Website:⁠https://femalevoiceslifelo.wixsite.com/female-voices⁠

Email: [email protected]

Grief doesn’t just happen to us—it transforms us.

Grief is messy. It’s complicated. And sometimes, it takes us years to realize how deeply it has shaped us.

In this powerful episode of Female Voices: Life & Loss, Wayna Berry sits down with Mimsy Hebron—an author, speaker, artist, and ordained minister—to explore the unexpected ways grief reshapes our lives. Mimsy shares her deeply personal journey of losing both parents within a year, navigating the challenges of caregiving, and rediscovering her own identity after loss.

Together, they discuss the weight of grief, the resilience it demands, and the surprising moments of humor that can arise even in the darkest times. The conversation touches on the complexities of relationships, singleness, and the importance of self-care when life forces us into roles we never expected. Mimsy also shares insights into her work as an advocate for education, her creative passions, and how storytelling becomes a powerful tool for healing.

Through raw honesty and heartfelt wisdom, this episode is a reminder that even in loss, there is life—and in grief, there is growth.

If you’ve ever felt like you’ve lost yourself in grief, this episode is for you.

Topics Discussed:

•  The weight of caregiving & grief – How taking care of a loved one changes you before they even pass.
• Faith & grief – Wrestling with God in the hardest seasons of life.
• Losing your identity in grief – When caregiving, loss, and life changes make you question who you are.
• The pressure to “be strong” in ministry & leadership – Why faith leaders struggle to grieve openly.
• Finding unexpected humor in loss – The lighter side of grief, including funny dementia moments.
• The transformation that happens in grief – How pain forces us to grow in ways we never imagined.

Key Takeaways:

1. Grief transforms us. It’s not just about missing someone—it’s about learning who we are without them.
2. Caregiving is its own kind of loss. You don’t just grieve a person’s passing; you grieve the version of yourself that existed before.
3. Faith doesn’t take away grief—but it carries us through. Mimsy shares how leaning into her faith helped her process loss.
4. Self-care isn’t selfish. Even an hour a day of respite can help caregivers maintain their emotional well-being.
5. Laughter & grief coexist. Sharing humorous memories helps us keep the spirit of our loved ones alive.
6. 
   

Key Quotes:

“The second lesson that I learned is that grief doesn’t just happen to us, it transforms us.” “Hold on, Life is worth living even when you want to let that life go” ~ Mimsy Hebron

Shoutouts & Mentions:

Books by Mimsy Hebron: So You’re Single, Get Over It, Voices of Hope & Voices of Inspiration (Collaborations with JenLoving)
Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis' Head Start/Early Head Start – Advocating for early childhood education.
Revival Hearts Podcast by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

This episode is a powerful, heartfelt look at grief, faith, and the strength it takes to rebuild after loss.

Connect with Mimsy.

Instagram: grlspower77 Facebook: Mimsy Hebron

Connect With Us:

Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support?  DM us on social media or send an email.

Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: @ Female Voices: Life and Loss Podcast

Website:⁠https://femalevoiceslifelo.wixsite.com/female-voices⁠

Email: [email protected]

Grief doesn’t have a timeline—especially when justice remains unresolved.

In this powerful continuation of last week’s conversation,Teresa Reiniger sits down with Julie Swaney,who shares the deeply personal journey of losing her sister, Betsy, in a sudden and tragic way.

Grief is already complex, and when combined with an ongoing legal battle, media attention, and the responsibility of stepping in as a support system for grieving family members, it becomes even more overwhelming. Julie reflects on the raw reality of navigating loss while simultaneously fighting for justice—a battle that has lasted over 13 years and continues to this day—while also facing the relentless challenges of dealing with media scrutiny and the public eye throughout the process. 

Through her experience,Julie shares valuable insights on resilience, healing, and the importance of community in times of loss. Whether you’ve experienced grief personally or want to understand how to better support others, this episode provides deep wisdom on navigating life after loss.

Topics Discussed:

• The emotional toll of public grief and how media involvement complicates healing.
• The ongoing battle for justice and how unresolved legal cases impact the grieving process.
• How grief affects family dynamics, and the power of coming together instead of falling apart.
• Why accepting support is not a weakness and how small acts of kindness can be lifelines.
• Finding ways to honor a loved one’s memory and integrate their legacy into everyday life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Grief is an ongoing journey, especially when justice is unresolved.
2. Accepting help from others is a crucial part of healing.
3. Honoring a loved one can take many forms—memorials, storytelling, and traditions.
4. Seeking support (whether through faith, therapy, or community) makes a difference.
5. Healing isn’t about “moving on”—it’s about integrating loss into your life.

Key Quotes:

“The hardest part is not just losing her, but losing all the future moments we thought we’d have.” “When people offer help, let them. It’s not weakness; it’s love in action." “The justice system moves slowly, but grief doesn’t wait.” ~ Julie Swaney

Resources & Mentions:

Our Lady’s Inn –https://ourladysinn.org/ 

The Betsy Tree – A memorial tree that serves as a place for healing and remembrance 

Listen now for an honest and heartfelt discussion on resilience, grief, and healing.

Connect With Us:

Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support?  DM us on social media or send an email.

Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: @ Female Voices: Life and Loss Podcast

Website:https://femalevoiceslifelo.wixsite.com/female-voices

Email: [email protected]

Grief isn’t just about saying goodbye—it’s about

In this deeply moving episode, Teresa Reiniger sits down with Julie Swaney to share the heartbreaking story of losing her sister, Betsy, in a sudden and tragic event. Julie opens up about the complexities of grieving within a family, the emotional toll of navigating a high-profile legal case, and the profound responsibility of stepping into support for her nieces. She reflects on the ongoing nature of grief, the importance of accepting help, and finding ways to keep the spirit of Betsy alive while moving forward in life. Through raw emotion and heartfelt insights, Julie’s journey is a testament to the resilience found in love, loss, and the unwavering strength of family.

 Topics Discussed:

Key Takeaways:

Key Quotes:
"I had to be strong for my nieces, but I also had to learn to grieve for myself." "We made a choice to focus on Betsy’s life, not just her tragic passing." "Having a place to remember her—like the tree at the tennis courts—helped us all heal." ~ Julie Swaney

Resources & Mentions:

Our Lady’s Inn –https://ourladysinn.org/

Tune into hear Julie’s inspiring story of resilience, love, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.

Connect With Us: Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support? 

Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: @ Female Voices: Life and Loss Podcast

Email: [email protected]

In this week's episode, Teresa Reiniger interviews LaWayna Berry, a coach, counselor, and advocate for holistic healing. They dive deep into how grief impacts every area of life not just emotions, also finances, relationships, career growth, and overall well-being.

LaWayna shares her inspiring journey from criminal justice to holistic counseling, revealing how personal loss and trauma shaped her professional path. She opens up about her passion for mental health awareness, the unique challenges women face in balancing family and careers, and the importance of creating safe spaces for grief and healing.

Together, Teresa and LaWayna explore the power of community, the role of support systems, and the reality of rebuilding life after loss with intention. Healing isn’t just about grief—it’s about understanding how every aspect of life is affected and learning to move forward in a way that honors both the pain and the possibilities ahead.

Topics Discussed:

Key Takeaways:

Key Quotes:

"Counseling is about guiding individuals to find their own

Listen now to gain insight into holistic healing, the

Resources & Mentions:

Podcast: Revive Our Heart with Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth

                    Living on the Edge with Chip Ingram

                    Tony Evans’ Podcast

 Fathers & Familiar Support Center:  https://fatherssupportcenter.org/

📩 Connect With Us: Have a story to share? Interested in being a guest? Need support? DM us on social media or send an email!

Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: @Female Voices: Life and Loss Podcast

Email: [email protected]

Grief changes us, and it also reveals our strength. In this episode, co-host LaWayna Berry interviews Teresa Reiniger, exploring her journey from profound personal loss to becoming a grief coach and community builder. Teresa

Discover the transformative power of connection, the

Topics Discussed:

Key Takeaways:

Quotes:

"Grief isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Everyone’s loss is unique." "Healing doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen alone—it happens in community." ~Teresa Reiniger

Connect with Teresa:

EMAIL: [email protected]

Facebook & Instagram: @livingaftergrief

Website: https://livingaftergrief.com/

click and schedule a complementary Hope

Podcast Guest:  https://livingaftergrief.coachesconsole.com/calendar/podcast-interview-call

Connect with Wayna:

Email: [email protected]

Facebook

Website: allberrycoaching.com

Schedule a

Podcast Guest: https://calendly.com/lawayna/on-air-with-wayna

In this episode of Female Voices: Life and Loss,

The conversation highlights the importance of fostering

Key Takeaways:

Sound Bites:

"Divorce was never on the table."

"Communication is a big piece."

"We need adult conversation."

Mentioned in This Episode:

Reflections on lessons learned from grandparents.

Strategies for balancing individuality and shared responsibilities in families.

Insights into marriage, parenting, and cultural influences on gender roles.

Thank you for joining us in this conversation. Remember, understanding and connection are the foundations of growth, both personally and within our families.

Have a story or insight to share?  Reach out to us we’d love to hear from you!

At Female Voices: Life and Loss, we’re here to explore the

Connect with Teresa:

EMAIL: [email protected]

Facebook & Instagram: @livingaftergrief

Website: https://livingaftergrief.com/

click and schedule a complementary Hope Exploration call: https://livingaftergrief.com/calendar/hope-exploration-session

Podcast Guest:  https://livingaftergrief.coachesconsole.com/calendar/podcast-interview-call

Connect with Wayna:

Email: [email protected]

Facebook & Instagram @allberrycoaching

Website: allberrycoaching.com

Schedule a complimentary consult: https://calendly.com/lawayna/30min

Podcast Guest: https://calendly.com/lawayna/on-air-with-wayna

Welcome to the relaunch of Female Voices: Life and Loss! In this first episode of our new season, cohosts Wayna Berry and Teresa Reiniger sit down to share their personal journeys, reflecting on the life experiences that shaped their paths and brought them to this shared platform.

 From their career journeys to the lessons learned through navigating loss, Wayna and Teresa discuss how storytelling fosters healing and connection. Together, they explore family dynamics, generational wisdom, and the importance of community support in navigating life’s challenges. 

Whether you’re here to heal, connect, or simply listen, this

Key Takeaways:

Female Voices: Life and Loss is a space for authentic

Connect with Teresa:

EMAIL: [email protected]

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LivingAfterGrief/

Instagram: @livingaftergrief

Website: https://livingaftergrief.com/

click and schedule a complementary Hope Exploration call: https://livingaftergrief.com/calendar/hope-exploration-session

Podcast Guest:  https://livingaftergrief.coachesconsole.com/calendar/podcast-interview-call

Connect with Wayna:

Email: [email protected]

Facebook & Instagram @allberrycoaching

Website: allberrycoaching.com

Schedule a complimentary consult: https://calendly.com/lawayna/30min

Podcast Guest: https://calendly.com/lawayna/on-air-with-wayna