A short introduction to the I Am Virago podcast hosted by Janice Lichtenwaldt.

In the inaugural episode of the I Am Virago podcast I speak with Cathy Faulkner, former Rock radio DJ, voice talent, and full-time caregiver. We discuss how she juggles the demands for her time, how “the sloppy” gets you through, and embracing the freedom of knowing there is no finish line and you never reach zero.

Melody Biringer is a serial entrepreneur. She has started 20 businesses in 30 years. She’s had ups, she’s had downs. She has seen it all, lived to tell the tale, and even wrote a book about it. Just like Madonna, Melody has successfully reinvented herself many times. Currently, she identifies as a Connection Engineer helping women in the Tech Industry strengthen their networks and learn they are not alone. Hear her powerful story.

Zoe Kors is a Sex Coach who helps women find pleasure in themselves and their partners. She discusses how the systematic influence of the patriarchy teaches women to craft our appearance and behavior for the consumption of others and how we can peel back these layers to find our personal sovereignty. We also get into orgasms, how sex can be a form of prayer, and how, even as a successful sex coach, running a business is challenging. We discuss how the messages we received as young women can negatively impact our relationship with success or money and what we can do to tell a new story.

Elizabeth Hunter dreamed of running Vogue magazine until she realized she wanted to MAKE stuff, not report on it. Driven, wicked smart and no-nonsense, Elizabeth is now a Vice President in the Digital Technology and Development group at T-Mobile. Hear her give some no bulls!*t advice about being stubborn, the importance of mentorship, navigating career options, and how being scared is a good sign.

Dinah McLean is a sassy and sweet mama bear. 11 years ago she, along with her husband Mac, founded Team Click, the first exclusively online PR Agency in Los Angeles. Since then they have acquired another agency, doubled the size of their company, and evolved their business to provide a full suite of services to movie studios, gaming companies, and other entertainment-related properties. She has done all this while raising a child, battling severe anxiety and depression, and volunteering her time to support young women through the Step Up women's network. Now at a career crossroads, Dinah is exploring what it means to be a working mom, a wife, a business owner, and the need to follow one’s own passions and creative drive.

In this week’s podcast meet Tara Gray. Her story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. As a high performing and well-respected Learning and Org Development leader at a large Fortune 100 company, Tara found herself in a baffling situation. A male subordinate was behind multiple false charges against her in less than one year, including sexual harassment. Vindicated in the first three investigations, she was ultimately terminated…but only after she expressed to management in writing she was being harassed. Hear how being harassed, and discriminated/retaliated against made her feel her identity was stripped away and wanting to die, how she has managed to pull herself out of the despair, and how she is now fighting for all women to shine a light on the dysfunctional systems we endure.

Saskia Houwing, an ontological coach and TedX Seattle organizer, talks about stepping into unknowns as she launches her business and how tapping into her curiosity has helped her navigate the challenges in her life. She also discusses the age-old question, “How much can/should I charge?” and the shift she made to help her come up with the answer. Also hear about her latest venture to bring TedX Seattle Youth to the PNW and how you can help!

In this episode meet Emmanuelle Verhagen. She spent much of her life trapped in a man's body and has finally found freedom as a woman. She has the unique experience of navigating the world as a man and as a woman. Hear her story of self-discovery, courage and what leadership means to her.

Hear how Shelley LaBeau is embracing the unknown and stepping into her dream. She has always wanted to be a travel nurse but fear kept her from taking the step…until now. She and her husband have packed up their belongings and are embarking on an adventure together.