Her Story Unscripted

"Be brave. You have nothing to lose… All you have to do is say ‘yes, why not me?’, and go for it, because more doors will open to you than you could ever imagine." —Cerys Goodall

Some days, running a business feels like you’re juggling too much and still falling behind. The pressure to do it all, be everywhere, and never drop the ball is real—and it’s exhausting. But there’s a smarter, braver way to build success that doesn’t require perfecting it all and burning out.

From biotech labs to NASA missions, Cerys Goodall discovered her gift not only in building teams or launching tech, but in championing people and guiding leaders through their toughest transitions. Now, as the founder of The Goods, Cerys helps founders and CEOs find their footing when the ground shifts, showing that real progress comes from daring to say yes, embracing imperfection, and holding tight to your values.  

Join Heather and Cerys for a friendly chat about outsourcing what drains you, finding business bravery, leading with real values, supporting women and parents, embracing flexible work, and practical consulting advice. 

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Episode Highlights:

01:43 Supporting Women and Parents in the Workplace
10:22 Navigating the Tech to Consulting Space
16:59 Opportunities in Tech
24:39 Building Values-Based Businesses 
28:54 Advice for Small Business Owners
32:54 The Role of Consultants in Business Growth
36:57 Take the Brave Path

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Connect with Cerys: 

Cerys Goodall is a Toronto-based consultant and founder of The Goods, where she partners with founders and CEOs to help them navigate times of transition and accelerate their businesses. With a diverse background spanning marketing, communications, operations, and HR, Cerys has held key leadership roles at innovative companies such as Vetster and InnerSpace. 

Cerys is a strong advocate for values-based leadership, workplace flexibility, and supporting women and parents in business. She is known for her collaborative approach, helping clients focus on their strengths while she manages the rest, and for her commitment to building inclusive, people-first organizations.

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"Really listen to yourself. You know more about your body and health, and if you really think that the answers you're getting from your providers are not in alignment with what you know, continue to dig." —Donna Piper

Some days, it feels like your body is working against you—and no one else gets it. You try every diet, every doctor, and still get told it’s all in your head. The truth is, invisible pain is real, and you deserve to be heard, not dismissed.

After a lifetime of health and wellness work, Donna Piper was finally diagnosed with lipedema and other chronic conditions, turning her pain into a mission to educate and support others. Now, as a coach and podcast host, Donna brings a fresh and honest perspective to living with—and advocating for—chronic illness. Donna’s story is proof that you can spend years searching for help, only to find the real answers in unexpected places.

Ready for a conversation that actually gets what you’re going through? Listen in for honest talk about lipedema, chronic pain, body image struggles, food triggers, medical gaslighting, and how to find hope and help when the system lets you down.

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Episode Highlights:
01:44 What is Lipedema?
05:24 A Lifetime of Misdiagnosis
11:47 Body Image and Self-Blame
16:12 How to Advocate for Yourself 
20:18 Medical System Challenges
24:00 Diet, Food Triggers, and Mast Cell Issues
30:19 Living with Multiple Conditions
39:01 Invisible Illness and Social Stigma
41:47 Body Image and Acceptance
49:52 Listen to Your Body

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Connect with Donna: 

Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions.

With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships.

Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams. 

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"It's not too late, and you're not too old, you just need to learn in a way that is meant for your age." —Erika Warner

Have you ever felt like you’re stuck on the outside, wishing you could speak up and truly belong? And have you ever wondered if learning a new language as an adult is just too hard, or if you’ll ever feel confident in a new country? You’re not alone—and there’s a smarter, kinder way forward.

Erika Warner’s story starts with her own struggles learning English as a young immigrant, but it didn’t stop there. Inspired by the real challenges faced by Spanish-speaking adults, she became a teacher on a mission: to make English learning practical, supportive, and life-changing for immigrants who want more than just grammar—they want a voice. Her fresh take? It’s never too late, and the right approach can turn language barriers into stepping stones.

Catch this week’s episode as Heather and Erika talk about building confidence, surviving tough moments, thriving in daily life, and finding your voice—plus tips for parents, stories of courage, and why practical language skills matter more than perfect grammar. 

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Episode Highlights:
01:33 Meet Erika: Moving to the US and Learning English 
05:38 Raising Bilingual Kids
10:50 Learning English as an Adult: The Struggle
17:18 Dialects and Neutral Language
23:22 Building English for My People
30:27 Success Stories That Matter
33:17 Equipped for Emergencies: Teaching Real-Life English

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Connect with Erika: 

Erika Warner is a linguist, educator, and founder of Ingles Pa Mi Gente, a platform dedicated to helping Spanish-speaking immigrants master English and build confidence in their new lives. Drawing from her own journey as an immigrant and her experience teaching across the U.S., Europe, and South America, Erika specializes in practical, culturally-aware English programs and hosts a popular podcast on pronunciation. Her mission is to break language barriers and empower immigrants to thrive—at work, at home, and in their communities.

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"Don't avoid looking at your money. Gamify it somehow to actually look at what's coming in and what's going out. Be a master of your money." —Laura Rotter

Feeling overwhelmed by bills, family demands, and the pressure to keep up? You’re not alone—so many of us are hustling just to stay afloat, wondering if we’ll ever feel secure or truly satisfied. What if there’s a smarter, saner way to handle money and life, no matter where you’re starting from?

Laura spent nearly 30 years on Wall Street before realizing that chasing bigger paychecks and a bigger house wasn’t the answer. Now, she guides women through real-life money challenges—like building an emergency fund, paying off debt, and setting boundaries with family—while helping them find confidence and clarity in their financial choices. Her practical tips and honest stories make money feel less scary and a lot more doable.

Tune in for straight talk on saving, spending, tracking your cash, handling family expectations, and learning how to define “enough” for yourself. If you want real solutions and a fresh mindset about money, this episode is your new playbook.

Connect with Heather: 

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Episode Highlights:
01:11 Meet Laura: Childhood Lessons and Career Beginnings
07:23 Wall Street: What It’s Really Like? 
12:13 Big Money, Big Problems
16:11 The Turning Point: Time for a Change
21:13 Downsizing and Redefining Success
24:55 True Abundance: What It Means
29:24 Money Mindsets
34:04 Is It Too Late to Save? 
38:24 Track Your Money: Tools
41:35 Why Moms Spend Money on Their Kids, But Not Themselves
44:53 Die with Zero

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Connect with Laura: 

Laura Rotter, CFA, CFP, is the owner of True Abundance Advisors, a heart-centered, values-based financial planning firm based in New York. After a successful career managing money for institutional investors, including Citicorp and Para Advisors, Laura discovered mindfulness practices and was drawn to guide professionals facing a big life change to achieve both financial security and life satisfaction.

Since making her shift, she has been featured in CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Westchester Senior Voice. She serves on the advisory council of Impact100 Westchester, a women’s group giving organization, and leads workshops for Invest for Better, empowering women through impact investing.

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"If we don't change, we die. If we don't grow, we become stagnant." —Erika Rothenberger 

What if the messiest parts of your life are actually the moments that shape you most? If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by juggling work, family, and your own dreams—or doubted if you’re doing enough—this conversation is for you. It’s time to rethink what it means to be bold when life gets real.

Erika Rothenberger’s journey started in hard hats and steel-toe boots, but it didn’t stop there. After surviving a traumatic attack and facing life’s chaos head-on, she turned her pain into purpose—becoming a powerhouse speaker, author, and advocate for women who want to live audaciously, no matter how messy things get.  

Hit play to get fired up with real talk on resilience, messy wins, and the audacity to expand your life. You’ll hear about Erika’s career pivots, her podcast, her books, the Audacious Woman Summit, wellness tips, and how community and self-care can help you thrive—even on your toughest days.

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Episode Highlights:
01:11 Meet Erika: Constructing Change 
04:40 The Myth of Balance and Time-Saving Hacks
10:34 Hot Mess Mom Moments 
15:15 Audacious Expansion 
17:40 A Life-Changing Assault
22:17 Turning Trauma to Purpose 
25:54 Self-Care and Clarity 
29:11 The Audacious Woman Summit
32:33 High energy and Holistic Wellness   
36:00 Connection is Everything

Resources: 

Events 

Join the Audacious Woman Summit: https://www.erikarothenberger.com/events/  

October 17, 2025; 08:30 am-4:00 pm

Hotel West & Main Conshohocken Philadelphia, Tapestry by Hilton 46 Fayette St, Conshohocken, PA 19428  

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Audacious Expansion by Erika Rothenberger: COMING SOON! 

Connect with Erika: 

Erika Rothenberger is a dynamic leader, civil engineer, keynote and TEDx speaker, and the host of the "Grit, Grace & Glitz" podcast. With a degree in civil engineering from Villanova, Erika has built a successful career in the construction industry, leading performance systems and field leadership development. She is the author of "You've Got This Boss Mama" and the forthcoming "Audacious Expansion," and is the founder of the Audacious Woman Summit. Erika is also a wellness entrepreneur, dedicated to supporting women’s health and personal growth. Her work is driven by a passion for resilience, meaningful connection, and empowering others to live boldly and authentically. 

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"Every day is different. You never know what you're going to get. Some days are good, some days are bad, and I think we just have to continue on." —Heather Nelson

Life can feel like a never-ending juggling act—family, work, dreams, and the curveballs that come out of nowhere. If you’re tired of pretending it’s all easy, or wondering how anyone keeps it together when things get messy, you’re not alone. 

On her 43rd birthday, Heather opens up about her year of big changes, from the ups and downs of her surrogacy journey to navigating family transitions, business shifts, and personal growth. Through it all, Heather’s focus stays on gratitude, connection, and doing work that matters.

Tune in as Heather shares her reflections on surrogacy, family life, business pivots, mental health, gratitude, goal-setting, asking for help, and how to be more present—plus, her best tips for staying sane and moving forward when life gets tough.

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Episode Highlights:
03:26 Surrogacy Journey and Personal Updates
09:29 Business and Personal Challenges
13:36 Staying Sane 
16:30 Health Goals: Movement and Water
19:44 Practicing Gratitude: Antidote for the Hard Days
23:49 Being More Present
26:03 Goal: Have More Fun!

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"When the brain is tired, stressed out, it just wants to watch television, drink a beer, and go to sleep, and that's not where change happens." —Dr. Tara Perry

If stress, anxiety, or past pain keeps showing up no matter what you try, you’re not broken—you’re human. Healing is possible, even if it hasn’t worked before.  You deserve more than just coping—you deserve real relief. There’s hope, and it starts with understanding your own mind.

Dr. Tara Perry spent decades helping people heal chronic pain and trauma, first with acupuncture and then by diving deep into the subconscious mind. Her journey from hands-on healer to mind-body expert revealed that true change happens when you rewire the patterns beneath the surface. 

Tune in for real talk on healing trauma, breaking old habits, calming stress, and even boosting fertility—plus practical tips you can use right away. Hit play and discover how to turn your struggles into strength, one step at a time.

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Episode Highlights:
02:51 Trauma: Its Lasting Impact and How It Blocks Healing 
05:27 Why Siblings Experience Trauma Differently
10:52 Top Traumas People Face  
14:03 Therapists Also Need to Cope 
17:37 The Roger Bannister Effect 
20:16 DIY Healing Tools and Subconscious Work
24:19 The Science Behind Brain Change
26:32 Chronic Pain and Emotional Stress  
30:34 Mainstream Medicine vs New Solutions 
35:55 People Pleasing and Healthy Boundaries  
39:22 Personal Growth and Lasting Change

Connect with Dr. Tara: 

Dr. Tara Perry is a renowned integrative healer and trauma specialist based in Nashville, with over 30 years of experience in acupuncture, hypnosis, and mind-body medicine. Formerly practicing in Southern California and teaching at UCLA, Dr. Perry has helped countless individuals—including celebrities and athletes—overcome chronic pain, trauma, and emotional challenges. Her innovative approach blends scientific research with holistic therapies, empowering clients to access the subconscious mind for deep, lasting transformation. 

Dr. Perry is also a podcast host, YouTube creator, and former radio broadcaster, dedicated to sharing stories of healing and resilience. She offers both in-person and virtual sessions, and is committed to making effective, science-backed healing accessible to people worldwide.

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"When you can love yourself and appreciate yourself, that's when you can go out into the world and love others. Peace on earth starts within. If you hate yourself and you hate your body, it is hard to love and serve others." —Liz Hansen

Tired of feeling like you have to hide or fix your body before you can feel good about it? Maybe the real power move is showing up as you are and letting go of the old rules about beauty. Imagine what could change if you gave yourself permission to be bold. 

Liz Hansen turned her passion for art and photography into a mission: helping women see themselves in a new light. After her own life-changing boudoir shoot, she opened a studio dedicated to empowering women to feel bold, beautiful, and unapologetically themselves.

Tune in for honest stories about body image, overcoming shame, and the power of boudoir to transform how you see yourself. You’ll get practical tips, inspiration, and a reminder that confidence is for everyone—no permission needed.

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Episode Highlights:
01:29 Meet Liz: Boudoir Photography Explained
05:18 Why Women Choose Boudoir
09:09 Body COnfidence and the Boudoir Experience
14:31 Getting Comfortable with Nudity
20:43 Self-Love Fuels Empowerment
24:27 Taboos, Women’s Bodies, and Social Change
27:11 Celebrating All Journeys
32:49 Faith and Boudoir: Not At Odds

Resources: 

🎙️TEDx Talk

Nudity Doesn’t Have to be Naughty | Liz Hansen 

📖Free Ebook: 

Discover Your Unique Boudoir Style by Liz Hansen

Connect with Liz: 

Liz Hansen is the owner and photographer at Chicago Boudoir Photography, a boutique studio that empowers women to feel confident in their bodies, relationships, and lives. Liz opened her commercial studio in 2018 and has since photographed more than 2,000 women. She has been featured on the TEDx stage, on National Public Radio, and with the Association of International Boudoir Photographers. Liz holds a BA in Art and an MA in Education. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband and two teenage daughters.

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"You get to decide your worth. No one can give it to you. No one can take it from you when your foundation is based on how much you love yourself. Loving yourself isn't egotistical, it's not selfish, it's a gift that you give yourself so that you can give to the world." —Beckie Kullberg 

Hating your body is exhausting. It steals your joy, warps your confidence, and turns every mirror into an enemy. What if you could break that cycle—not by changing your body, but by changing the way you see it?

Beckie Kullberg is a body confidence coach who’s lived the war with the scale, the punishing workouts, and the mirror that never gave a compliment. She rebuilt her relationship with movement, food, and self-worth—and now helps women over 40 do the same. Her work is grounded in both personal transformation and practical, real-world strategies.

In this episode, Heather and Beckie unpack the damage of diet culture, how to reframe exercise as joy instead of punishment, and the power of mirror work for self-respect. Beckie also shares raw stories about hiding from cameras, learning to hike without shame, and letting go of the scale’s grip, plus simple, daily practices to shift your mindset, take up space unapologetically, and finally treat your body like a trusted teammate.

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Episode Highlights:
01:08 Meet Beckie— Body Confidence Coach
06:11 Looking Back— Was I Really Overweight? 
12:01 Simple Habits for a Better Life 
16:54 Mirror Work Works
21:37 Boosting Confidence with Small Changes
26:34 Social Media and Self-Esteem  
29:41 Taming Your Inner Critic
34:10 Writing is Healing

Resources: 

📞 Schedule an interview for Beckie's research:

https://beckiekullberg.com/icacall

Connect with Beckie: 

Beckie Kullberg spent years believing her worth was tied to her weight, chasing diets and obsessing over the scale in search of confidence. She realized that no matter how much she tried to change her exterior, the real transformation had to come from within.

Today, Beckie is a published author, Certified High Performance Coach, and founder of The Body Confidence Movement. She helps women break free from shame, self-doubt, and impossible beauty standards, teaching that true confidence isn’t about shrinking your body—it’s about expanding your self-worth.

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"When you're in tune with [your period cycle] and you recognize what phase of the week, or the month you're in, it's a game changer. And I just encourage women to embrace that, in addition to choosing the best possible menstrual option that supports your body." —Arielle Loupos 

Tampons and pads aren’t the only way—and for a lot of us, they’re not even the best way. Most of what we use every month was designed decades ago, with little thought for comfort, health, or the planet. There’s a better option, and it starts with rethinking what we put next to our most sensitive skin.

Arielle Loupos, founder of Flower Girl, turned her own frustration with pads and tampons into a mission to create period underwear that’s comfortable, sexy, and made from natural fibers. Her background as a consumer who refused to settle gives her a fresh, no-nonsense take on women’s health products and why we deserve better.

Hit play to hear how she developed leak-proof underwear that supports women through every stage of life—periods, pregnancy, postpartum, and bladder leaks—while protecting your health and the environment. Heather and Arielle also cover the hidden health risks of traditional products, why natural fibers matter, the challenges of bringing a new product to market, and how cycle syncing can transform the way you care for your body.

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Episode Highlights:
01:35 Transitioning to Period Underwear 
04:01 The Science Behind the Product
11:06 The Dangers of Tampons
16:30 Styles, Colors, and Product Features
21:00 Cycle Syncing & Women’s Health Education
25:24 Thoughts on Investors, Margins, and Bootstrapping
27:44 Standing Out in a Crowded Market
31:21 Beyond Period: Incontinence and Postpartum

Connect with Arielle: 

Arielle Loupos is the founder of Flower Girl, a women’s wellness brand dedicated to creating sustainable, body-safe period underwear. Frustrated by the discomfort of traditional pads and tampons — and unimpressed with the existing options on the market — Arielle set out to design underwear that was as comfortable and beautiful as it was functional.

Over the past two years, she has developed leak-proof, breathable underwear made with natural fibers to support women through every stage of life, including periods, pregnancy, postpartum, and bladder leaks. Flower Girl products are crafted with fabrics that protect intimate health by preventing irritation, odor, and infection, while offering an eco-friendly alternative to disposable products. Arielle’s mission is simple: to empower women with products that honor their bodies and the planet. 

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