Ferocious Ambition

In this episode of the Ferocious Ambition podcast, Monica sits down with writer, entrepreneur, and storyteller Erin Gregory.

Erin is the founder of Erin Gregory Creative, a marketing and communications firm focused on helping organizations tell their stories in meaningful ways. She’s also a mother of three, a wife, a podcast host, and someone who has built a life by leaning into change, reinvention, and resilience.

Her path hasn’t been a straight line. Erin has moved many times, taken risks, faced setbacks, and continued to rebuild and evolve along the way. Through it all, she has kept showing up, creating, and pursuing work that matters.

Erin is also the author of two books. One tells the remarkable story of a family raising several children on just $20,000 a year, proving that an extraordinary life doesn’t necessarily come from extraordinary income. While writing that story, Erin discovered something unexpected: her own story was just as powerful. That realization led her to write a second book and to lean even further into helping others find and tell their own stories.

In this conversation, Erin and Monica talk about the realities of entrepreneurship, the courage it takes to keep starting again, the role storytelling plays in shaping our lives, and what it means to live ferociously even when the path is messy.

It’s an honest conversation about resilience, creativity, motherhood, business, and the power of continuing to move forward, even when the road looks nothing like you expected.

https://www.eringregorycreative.com/

https://www.facebook.com/erin.gregory.cr

https://www.instagram.com/erin_gregory_creative/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-gregory-96a8b96/

What happens when a woman known for fourteen-hour days, packed calendars, and constant connection chooses intentional solitude?

In this intimate reflection episode of Ferocious Ambition, Monica Dominic records from a remote cabin surrounded by thirty acres of hills, caves, and trees—and unpacks the unexpected reactions she received when people learned she was going alone.

This episode isn’t about escaping ambition or slowing down for the sake of it. It’s about reclaiming time, redefining rest, and discovering what clarity sounds like when the noise finally quiets.

Through stories of nature, stillness, work, and reflection, Monica challenges the idea that being alone is something to fear—and offers a gentle invitation to pause, listen, and reconnect with yourself.

Because sometimes, ambition doesn’t disappear in stillness.
It gets clearer.

It is rare to meet someone whose ambition matches mine.
It is even rarer to find that level of drive at just 25 years old.

In this powerful episode of Ferocious Ambition, I sit down with Faith Biddle — a young founder who has already faced closed doors, tough lessons, and real-world resistance… and kept going anyway.

Faith saw a gap in how organizations manage their contracts — once signed, they were often forgotten. Missed terms. Missed money. Missed accountability. So instead of accepting the system, she built a solution. She founded her own company, aligned herself with smart advisors, and started creating something bigger than herself — all while still working a traditional 9-to-5.

We dive into her upbringing in a small town with strong family and military roots, how that shaped her work ethic, and why she believes success isn’t about avoiding self-doubt — it’s about going through it.

In her Ferocious Two, Faith shares:

• Why self-doubt is part of the journey — not the enemy

• How she holds onto her wins when the “no’s” stack up

• Why surrounding yourself with the right people matters

• Her must-read book recommendation: Zero to One

• And the powerful advice her dad gave her about building a great life

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting something of your own — while still paying the bills, hearing the no’s, and pushing forward anyway — this episode is for you.

https://genaisisllc.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-biddle-03a362192/

https://www.amazon.com/Zero-One-Notes-Startups-Future/dp/0804139296

In this unforgettable episode, I sit down with Lauren Baker, founder of Bakerette Beauty — and what began as a conversation about entrepreneurship, motherhood, and building a niche beauty brand took a powerful, life-altering turn.

Lauren is the visionary behind a globally traveling hair and makeup company that caters specifically to the competitive ballroom dancing world. She’s built a small but mighty team, created a brand centered around her name, her values, and her standards, and now travels the world empowering dancers — all while staying rooted in her mission to uplift women and mothers. Her mantra is simple and fierce: “Absolutely not.” If it doesn’t serve her life, her children, or her purpose — it doesn’t get space.

But midway through our conversation, Lauren shared something that stopped me cold.

At just 22 years old, with a baby daughter, Lauren was homeless — a survivor of a multi-year, violently abusive relationship. She bravely opened up about the daily physical abuse, the fear, the isolation, and the heartbreaking reality of protecting her abuser from arrest because of how deeply victimized she had become. She told the story of the moment everything changed — when she gathered her baby, her cat, her dog, and nothing else, got into a car in Texas, and drove to Alabama to seek refuge with family she had been estranged from.

That drive didn’t just take her to safety — it took her to her next chapter.

From there, Lauren rebuilt. She found strength. She married again, had two more beautiful daughters, navigated another divorce, and continued to redefine what it means to keep going — even when life gives you every reason not to. She chose not to flow downward with the weight of her circumstances, but to push upward, defiantly and faithfully, even when the easier path was surrender.

We also dive into her Ferocious Five, where Lauren shares:

• The art that shaped her soul: dance — tap, jazz, ballet, and ballroom since the age of nine

• A book that changed her forever: The Crushing by T.D. Jakes

• How she regains traction when life feels heavy: working out, cleaning, deep connection with friends, and long solo drives through the woods singing praise and worship music at the top of her lungs

• What she wants to be remembered for: being a good mom, strong, fearless, courageous, a loyal friend, defiant in the right way, and deeply grounded in her love for God

• And what “retirement” looks like to her: multiple streams of income she’s built intentionally, financial wisdom, and a beautiful, grounded life with her children

This episode is about resilience. About adaptation. About refusing to let trauma define the ending. And about what’s possible when a woman decides — again and again — to keep choosing herself, her faith, and her future.

If you’ve ever had to start over… this conversation is for you. 💥

https://www.facebook.com/lauren.kimbrell.5

https://www.instagram.com/lauren.baker.87/?hl=en

https://www.bakerettebeauty.com/

In this special beginning-of-the-year episode, I’m joined by breathwork leader and embodiment guide April Rose of The Temple of the Wild Rose for a conversation—and an experience—around manifesting with intention.

Rather than treating resolutions as something you either “win” or “fail,” we explore manifesting as an ongoing relationship with yourself—your breath, your nervous system, and your inner truth. In the first 15 minutes, we break down what manifesting actually means, how to approach goal-setting without pressure, and why clarity, embodiment, and self-forgiveness matter more than timelines.

April shares her four foundational steps to intention-setting:

1. Get crystal clear on what you’re manifesting—because where your intention goes, your attention follows.

2. Come into your body as if it’s already happened, allowing your nervous system to feel the joy, relief, and pleasure of the outcome now.

3. Write it out in detail, describing what a full day looks like once your intention is realized—and revisit it regularly.

4. Rest, reset, and forgive, understanding that pauses, pivots, and changes in timing are part of the process—not failures.

We close the episode with a powerful 5–10 minute guided breathwork session led by April, giving you space to embody your intentions and start the year grounded, centered, and aligned.

If you’re craving deeper support, April offers a weekly breathwork experience every Sunday through her membership at thetempleofthewildrose.com. Visit the Membership tab to learn more and join her ongoing breathwork community.

This episode is your reminder: there is no wrong time to begin, no failure in adjusting course, and no deadline on becoming who you’re meant to be.

https://www.facebook.com/andsheroseup

As 2025 comes to a close, this solo reflection episode of Ferocious Ambition is an invitation to pause—before moving forward.

Inspired by the phrase Più Avanti—go forward—this episode isn’t about rushing into the next chapter, but about honoring the questions that shaped the past year. Monica reflects on 2025 as a season of honesty, perspective, and growth across life, health, career, creativity, and business. A year defined not by dramatic action, but by the courage to look at things differently and ask what truly aligns.

From being more open in her writing and earning a traditional publishing deal, to consistently showing up for the Ferocious Ambition podcast and watching the audience grow, to navigating new opportunities and momentum at PSI—this episode explores how reflection creates clarity.

As we step into 2026, the message shifts gently from awareness to action. From asking the hard questions… to trusting yourself enough to move toward what calls you forward—even when fear is present.

If you’re closing out the year craving clarity, alignment, and permission to trust your own path, this episode is for you.

✨ 2025: Reflect.
✨ 2026: Go forward.
✨ Più Avanti.

In this episode of Ferocious Ambition, Monica Dominic sits down with one of the most globally minded, intellectually fierce leaders in technology today. Natasha Pongonis is a three-time founder (with her newest venture launching soon), a multilingual powerhouse, and a true example of what it looks like to live life boldly and without apology.

Born in Argentina, educated in Belgium and Italy, and fluent in Spanish, English, French, and Italian, Natasha moved across the world at just 15 years old—already leaning into discomfort, curiosity, and growth. Originally trained as an architect designing physical buildings, she later redirected that foundation into technology, business intelligence, global data insights, and now AI—helping organizations around the world understand people, culture, and opportunity at a deeper level.

Natasha’s career spans global consulting, multicultural intelligence, AI-driven strategy, and leadership at the highest levels, including participation in a White House Roundtable focused on Latina-owned businesses. At her core, she is a future-forward thinker who believes success is not inherited or prescribed—you define it for yourself.

One of the most powerful moments of this episode unfolds in the first 20 minutes, where Natasha and Monica explore the extraordinary network of men and women who support, challenge, ground, and elevate her—proof that ferocious ambition does not mean going it alone.

1. The words that changed her life: “Più Avanti” — an Italian poem meaning go forward. Chase your dreams. Keep moving. Always forward.

2. What she’s listening to: Diary of a CEO—especially the short-form clips that spark reflection and curiosity.

3. How she stays grounded: Leaning into her trusted circle of mentors and advisors when her mind starts to spin.

4. How she wants to be remembered: For living fully, boldly, and with absolutely no regrets.

5. Retirement plans: What does that word even mean? Natasha has no intention of slowing down—only continuing to live, build, and empower others.

This episode is rich with perspective, wisdom, laughter, and truth. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a technologist, a global thinker, or simply someone craving inspiration to live more intentionally—this conversation will stay with you long after it ends.

✨ Press play. Go forward. Più Avanti. ✨

https://natashapongonis.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Natasha-Pongonis_Cons-Bio2022.pdf

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

In this powerful episode of Ferocious Ambition, Monica sits down with La’Shaunda Ewing — business leader, author, IT subject matter expert, and founder of My Wisdom Flows — for a conversation rooted in resilience, faith, and fearless leadership.

La’Shaunda shares her journey as an African-American woman raised by a single mother who intentionally pushed her into STEM at a young age — enrolling her in the best schools, demanding excellence in science, math, and technology, and planting seeds that would shape her future. Those early foundations led La’Shaunda to extraordinary opportunities: thriving through college, becoming a top IT subject matter expert, and traveling across Latin America in her 20s while working with some of the largest organizations in the world.

From corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, La’Shaunda opens up about climbing the career ladder, transitioning into coaching, and ultimately launching her own company, My Wisdom Flows, where she helps leaders grow with intention, execution, and faith.

She also dives deep into her book, BOSS Rights (Built for Opportunities, Success, and Service), where she teaches readers how to lead themselves — not just at work, but in life — while unapologetically weaving her love for God and biblical principles into leadership, decision-making, and service.

In her Ferocious Five, La’Shaunda shares:

• 📘 Her all-time favorite book: Leaders Eat Last

• 📗 Her current must-read: The Let Them Theory

• 🔥 How she reframes hard moments by remembering why she started

• 💛 How she wants to be remembered: for supporting, encouraging, and authentically uplifting others — always with a beautiful smile

• 🏖️ Her vision for the future: relaxing on the beach while continuing to impact lives everywhere she goes

This episode is a masterclass in faith-driven ambition, purpose-led leadership, and what it truly means to be built for more.

🔗 Learn more about La’Shaunda at MyWisdomFlows.com
📧 Connect with her: [email protected]

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

Kyle Overmyer’s story is equal parts power, downfall, and rebirth — the kind of journey that proves rock bottom can be a launching pad. At just 34 years old, he became the youngest elected sheriff in Ohio, leading Sandusky County Sheriff's Office at the peak of his career.

But behind the badge, pain from old injuries led to a prescription for Vicodin — and eventually a secret addiction. When the strain of the job, the silence, and the denial caught up with him, it all unraveled. What followed was a dramatic fall: a 43-count felony indictment (later pled down), prison time — and the shattering of public trust.

Yet it was inside prison that Kyle confronted the full weight of his shame, addiction, and failures — and began the hardest work of all: reclaiming himself.

Today he’s sober, he’s working as a recovery advocate and counselor, and he uses his story — from sheriff to inmate to redemption — to try to save others from the darkness he lived through.

He’s not just a cautionary tale. He’s living proof that you can lose everything and still come back stronger.

Ladies and gentlemen — brace yourselves: welcome to Ferocious Ambition, with Kyle Overmyer.

📝 “Ferocious Five” — Kyle Overmyer’s Answers

1) The “Ryan Leaf” story (big name-to-almost-nothing arc)He likened his fall from being the youngest sheriff — a position of power, trust, and respect — to the rise-and-fall of a high-profile athlete (Ryan Leaf). The abrupt shift from authority to shame was dramatic and humbling, and taught him how fragile success really is.

2) Podcasts that shaped him: “Ian Bick / Locked In” & “Matt Cox / Inside True Crime”: He said these podcasts — especially Locked In with Ian Bick and Inside True Crime with Matt Cox — helped him see stories of failure, pain, and redemption outside his own. Listening reminded him he wasn’t alone, and inspired him to start sharing his own story publicly to help others.

3) When self-doubt or uncertainty hits — how does he regain motivation & focus? He said he simply looks back — remembers where he was at rock bottom, and measures it against where he is now. That contrast fuels him, grounds him, and jolts him back into focus.

4) What does he want to be remembered for? “A legacy, not a liability.” (direct quote)

5) What does retirement look like to him? He challenged the very notion of “retirement.” As he put it: “What is retirement? What does that even mean? Can’t stop, won’t stop. If I’m retiring, you better get me a headstone.”

🔗 Public Links & Contact Info (as provided)

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-overmyer-ba-cei-345b55203/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577054472423

Phone: 419-445-0793

In this unforgettable episode, Monica sits down with Dr. Joan Borden — a medically trained dental professional turned holistic healing force — whose life changed in an instant when she was run over by a taxi in the streets of New York City. What followed was not just physical recovery, but a complete spiritual, emotional, and energetic transformation.

After suffering severe whiplash, PTSD, and long-term trauma, Dr. Borden chose a different path — moving away from medication-centered healing and toward movement therapy, Reiki, energy work, breathwork, and Eastern healing philosophies. Her journey led her into powerful modalities like bone marrow washing, vibrational diagnostics, and consciousness-based medicine.

Now at 74 years young, Dr. Borden is living proof that healing doesn’t just restore you — it upgrades you. She feels younger, looks younger, has incredible energy, a full and vibrant life, and yes… even credits her practices with a deeply connected and joyful intimacy.

In this conversation, we explore trauma, resilience, embodied healing, emotional release, and the unseen energy that impacts how we think, move, and live. Dr. Borden also shares a special opportunity for listeners to work with her personally — including exclusive codes and details available in the show notes.

This episode will challenge what you think you know about medicine, healing, and aging… and might just change the way you think about your own body forever.

https://drjoanborden.com/holidaybundle
https://drjoanborden.com/winterwellness
https://linktr.ee/drjoanborden

Healing vibration music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Ur4RgII8KVRusW1tqOzfI