Girls Can Podcast

In this episode of Girls Can, host Grace Swain interviews college admissions expert Renee Bookout about the changing landscape of getting into college. Renee Bookout shares how her own experiences and mistakes inspired her to help students navigate the complicated admissions process. She discusses the importance of finding the right college fit, the need for authenticity in applications, and practical advice for managing stress and building a strong resume. Renee Bookout encourages students to start early, use available resources, and not be discouraged by setbacks or failure. She also explains the value of standardized test scores, but stresses that passion, leadership, and character matter just as much. The episode wraps up with helpful recommendations for books, time management tips, and the reminder that not every student needs a college counselor if they have a good support system and utilize free resources.

3 Listener Takeaways 1. Fit goes far beyond rankings. Renee Bookout wants students to stop chasing the list and start looking for the place that actually feels like home. Rankings and where friends are going will not tell you if the community fits. Visit campuses. Notice where you connect. The tribe you choose can matter for a lot longer than a prestige score

2. Authenticity beats perfection. Colleges are looking for the real student, not the version built to impress. Renee champions essays that are honest about growth, resilience, and what you care about. Vulnerability is not a liability here. A true story stands out in a stack of applications that only check the boxes.

3. Start early, stay open, and ask for help. College prep is not a last minute sprint. Renee's advice is to pay attention sooner, explore what actually interests you, tap free resources and mentors, and reach out before you feel ready. It takes a village. The journey still belongs to you

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Show Overview 00:00 Helping Students with College Applications 04:46 Choosing the Right College Fit 08:35 Finding leadership opportunities in school 10:44 Starting academic planning early 15:16 Impact of COVID on Test Scores 18:38 Getting Help with School Subjects 20:58 Embracing Failure in College Essays 23:52 Admissions storytelling advice 27:03 Importance of attention to detail 31:39 Recommending a helpful book 34:27 Choosing College Counseling Options 36:52 Podcast mission statement

In this episode, Grace Swain talks with Dr. Jennifer Feltman, an associate professor of art history at the University of Alabama and a first-generation college student. Dr. Feltman shares her journey from childhood, with interests in drawing and photography, to studying gothic architecture, with significant work on the Notre Dame restoration. She balances a busy schedule involving teaching, managing a grant, and traveling for research, yoga, and family time. She highlights the importance of pursuing passions, sharing ideas, and enjoying teamwork —lessons she learned from sports and applies to her career. She advises young women to follow what they love and express their thoughts confidently. Jennifer also discusses her latest book, "Moral Theology in the Cathedral," and invites listeners to explore her work at jfeltman.com and notredameincolor.org.

3 Key Episode Takeaways

1. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Jennifer shares how working closely with archaeologists, stained glass specialists, historians, and geologists enriches her research on medieval sculptures and enhances our understanding of historical art. 2. Balancing Work and Life: Despite a busy schedule filled with teaching, managing grants, and international communication, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of self-care through yoga and ensuring sufficient sleep, especially being a mom to a 5-year-old. 3. Pursuing Passion: Jennifer's journey from mechanical engineering to becoming a renowned art historian underscores the importance of following your passion and staying true to what you love. She encourages young women to express their ideas and contribute thoughtfully in whatever they pursue.

Show Chapters

02:00 Dr. Feltman wants to empower, inspire future women leaders in art. 03:25 Expert studies historic buildings, contributes to their restoration. 09:23 EPCOT France Pavilion: Recreated Paris, historic narrative. 11:30 Preparing for research trips, grant management, data processing. 16:14 Teaching with personal interaction in smaller classes. 18:22 Jennifer's father's involvement in physical tasks shaped perspective. 20:38 Notre Dame restoration unites diverse team. 24:25 Researching historical cathedral sculptures and architectural changes. 31:16 Connecting through adult team sports fosters community.

On this episode of the Girls Can Podcast, Grace Swain talks with Ms. Virginia Guy, Executive Director of the Drug Education Council. Ms. Guy has dedicated her life to preventing teen and young adult use of alcohol, tobacco, vaping, and other drugs by providing quality education, intervention, and recovery support programs. Grace explores how she got started in her career and how she and her organization positively impacts the Mobile and Baldwin County communities. They also talk about the opioid and fentanyl epidemics, how these horrible drugs have affected her job, vaping, and why it is so dangerous for young people. Ms. Guy also shares advice for young females navigating middle and high school and how to keep young children drug and alcohol-free, her most significant career accomplishments, and the advice she would give to someone struggling with addiction. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and valuable words of wisdom.

Girls Can is a podcast created to help educate and inform young omen throughout the world. Our shows will discuss many issues, skills, and lessons that affect the lives of young women. We plan to interview professional women in our community to learn from their experiences and mentorship. We wanted to give all girls an opportunity to hear leadership advice from smart, strong, successful, and amazing women.

This podcast is sponsored in part with a grant from HERlead - A Fellowship for young women on their way.

Girls Can Podcast is created and produced in collaboration with Deep Fried Studios.

Lisa Darnley Cooper is an experienced attorney at Hand Arendall Harrison Sale, and on this episode, she speaks with Grace Swain to give advice and guidance to young women looking to enter the world of law.

One thing that I've always heard people will say is, "Oh, he or she likes to argue." You'd be a great lawyer. I don't like to argue. I'm not a combative person, so that doesn't always ring true. The most important thing is that you can think critically, persuade, and advocate your position. And you have to have Grit. Be able to persevere when you have a challenge, have staying power, be true to who you are, and acknowledge your voice, and it will all fall into place. - Lisa Darnley Cooper

Lisa Darnley Cooper attended law school at the University of Alabama in 1999 and specializes in employment-related and business matters. She has extensive experience defending employers in discrimination, harassment, and retaliation cases, drafting employee handbooks and workplace policies, contracts, and non-competition and non-solicitation agreements. In addition, she offers guidance on risk mitigation and compliance issues related to terminations and reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Lisa's work portfolio spans many industries and workplace settings, and she is frequently called upon to conduct various workplace investigations or audits.

Enjoy the show!

Learn More About Lisa Darnley Cooper >>>

Learn More About Hand Arendall Harrison Sale >>>

Girls Can is a podcast created to help educate and inform young omen throughout the world. Our shows will discuss many issues, skills, and lessons that affect the lives of young women. We plan to interview professional women in our community to learn from their experiences and mentorship. We wanted to give all girls an opportunity to hear leadership advice from smart, strong, successful, and amazing women.

This podcast is sponsored in part with a grant from HERlead - A Fellowship for young women on their way.

Girls Can Podcast is created and produced in collaboration with Deep Fried Studios.

On this episode, Grace Swain has a candid and lively discussion with Mrs. Susan Boudreau, the president of Mobile Infirmary since 2015, where she also served as the chief operating officer and Vice President of Oncology. Mrs. Boudreau will share her advice for young women on how to get started in a healthcare career, leading with confidence, the benefits of hard work, the importance of listening, and learning to enjoy life's small things.

Susan Boudreau Says:

Work hard and be honest. But I will tell you, if people like you, you're better able to accomplish what you want because you accomplish things through others as a leader. And I know for myself it's not about me. I'm passionate about the field that I'm in and helping other people. That's what you got to find. What is it that you really enjoy and are passionate about? And if you can be paid to do that, that's fantastic.

Susan Boudreau - Girls Can Podcast 1/26/23 More About Susan Boudreau Susan Boudreau has served as the president of Mobile Infirmary since 2015, where she also served as the chief operating officer and Vice President of Oncology. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on several community boards. Mrs. Boudreau earned her bachelor's degree in science in Medical Technology from the University of Alabama and her master's degree in science in Health Administration from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. During her time at Mobile Infirmary, she implemented a successful hospital-wide Total Quality Management initiative, enacted the usage of teleradiology, and assisted in the planning and design of a major expansion of the Emergency Department. She also led the development of Infirmary Health's Cancer Care program, including bringing on a new mobile cancer screening vehicle.

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Girls Can is a podcast created to help educate and inform young omen throughout the world. Our shows will discuss many issues, skills, and lessons that affect the lives of young women. We plan to interview professional women in our community to learn from their experiences and mentorship. We wanted to give all girls an opportunity to hear leadership advice from smart, strong, successful, and amazing women.

This podcast is sponsored in part with a grant from HERlead - A Fellowship for young women on their way.

Girls Can Podcast is created and produced in collaboration with Deep Fried Studios.

On this new episode of the Girls Can Podcast, Grace Swain takes over the hosting seat for the first time from her sisters and she is excited to introduce you to our distinguished guest, Senator Vivian Davis Figures. Senator Figures is a member of the Alabama Senate, representing the 33rd District in Mobile County since 2008. She became the first African-American woman to become the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate. She was elected to serve as a minority leader in the Alabama Senate for 2013 and 14, making her the first woman to serve as a minority leader in either House. Senator Figures is a member of the Gulf Coast Christian Center, the coalition of 100 black women, and the Alabama New South Coalition. She enjoys reading, cooking, and golfing and has three sons and one stepson.

Today, Grace talks with Sen. Figures about how she found her path to public service, the importance of standing up for yourself, being heard, being yourself, and how other young women can start their own journey into politics and public service. Enjoy the show!

Resources:

Sen. Vivian Davis Figures | BIO | INFO

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Girls Can is a podcast created to help educate and inform young omen throughout the world. Our shows will discuss many issues, skills, and lessons that affect the lives of young women. We plan to interview professional women in our community to learn from their experiences and mentorship. We wanted to give all girls an opportunity to hear leadership advice from smart, strong, successful, and amazing women.

This podcast is sponsored in part with a grant from HERlead - A Fellowship for young women on their way.

Girls Can Podcast is created and produced in collaboration with Deep Fried Studios.

On this episode, Abigail interviews Breighanna Vigor, Miss Mobile Bay, and an advocate determined to end human trafficking. Sharing the horrors of her own story of being groomed by a trafficker, Breighanna brings awareness to online predators through her position as Miss Mobile Bay. Passionate about her work, Breighanna sheds light on this tragedy and the ever-present dangers of social media and cyberstalking. Plus, she shares her positive experiences from her participation in the Distinguished Young Women program and the Miss America pageant world.

Resources:

Breighanna Vigor - Her Story | Bio

Miss Mobile Bay - Facebook

Child Advocacy Center

National Human Trafficking Hotline

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Girls Can is a podcast created to help educate and inform young omen throughout the world. Our shows will discuss many issues, skills, and lessons that affect the lives of young women. We plan to interview professional women in our community to learn from their experiences and mentorship. We wanted to give all girls an opportunity to hear leadership advice from smart, strong, successful, and amazing women.

This podcast is sponsored in part with a grant from HERlead - A Fellowship for young women on their way.

Girls Can Podcast is created and produced in collaboration with Deep Fried Studios.

In the studio, Abigail talks with Amanda Gibson, a food writer who shares her yummy recipes with the world on her blog "Lemon Baby." Amanda shares her experiences in the culinary world and gives advice on writing with a "voice" and preparing a meal on any budget and in any kitchen.

Resources:

Amanda Gibson - Instagram | Facebook

Lemon Baby Food Blog

Girls Can is a podcast created to help educate and inform young omen throughout the world. Our shows will discuss many issues, skills, and lessons that affect the lives of young women. We plan to interview professional women in our community to learn from their experiences and mentorship. We wanted to give all girls an opportunity to hear leadership advice from smart, strong, successful, and amazing women.

This podcast is sponsored in part with a grant from HERlead - A Fellowship for young women on their way.

Girls Can Podcast is created and produced in collaboration with Deep Fried Studios.

On this episode, Elizabeth and Abigail talk with Lorena Díaz Quijano, an expert in Digital Transformation and Business and one of the top e-commerce marketers in the world. Lorena teaches over 300,000 students, speaks five languages, and she's going to share with us today the huge opportunities in the e-commerce world. Enjoy!

Resources:

Lorena Diaz Quijano - Vital Voices | LinkedIn

Girls Can is a podcast created to help educate and inform young omen throughout the world. Our shows will discuss many issues, skills, and lessons that affect the lives of young women. We plan to interview professional women in our community to learn from their experiences and mentorship. We wanted to give all girls an opportunity to hear leadership advice from smart, strong, successful, and amazing women.

This podcast is sponsored in part with a grant from HERlead - A Fellowship for young women on their way.

Girls Can Podcast is created and produced in collaboration with Deep Fried Studios.

Today in the studio Abigail and Grace chat with Aayran Morrison, the winner of the 2018 National Scholarship program, Distinguished Young Women. In this episode, Aayran shares her high school and college experiences, leadership lessons, and the memories she made at DYW 2018.

Resources:

Distinguished Young Women

Aaryan Morrison

Girls Can is a podcast created to help educate and inform young omen throughout the world. Our shows will discuss many issues, skills, and lessons that affect the lives of young women. We plan to interview professional women in our community to learn from their experiences and mentorship. We wanted to give all girls an opportunity to hear leadership advice from smart, strong, successful, and amazing women.

This podcast is sponsored in part with a grant from HERlead - A Fellowship for young women on their way.

Girls Can Podcast is created and produced in collaboration with Deep Fried Studios.