Let's Figure It Out

Kara Richardson Whitely - Today I welcome Kara Richardson Whitely - three time author, sought after Speaker, and now Executive Director. She is also an adventurer who has taken on Mount Kilimanjaro three times.

Kara has penned three novels -

1.) Fat Woman on the Mountain: How I lost Half of Myself and Found Happiness on Kilimanjaro (https://amzn.to/37ltSOa)

2.) The Weight of Being: How I Satisfied My Hunger for Happiness (https://amzn.to/39p0V58)

3.) Gorge: My Journey Up Kilimanjaro at 300 Pounds (https://amzn.to/2HkdSBe)

Recently she announced Amazon Movie Studios has optioned her book Gorge where she'll serve as Executive Producer, with Chrissy Metz (This is Us) Producing and possibly starring in the project. Gorge is the raw story of Kara's ascent from the depths of self-doubt to the top of the world. Her inspiring trek speaks to every woman who has struggled with her self-image or felt that food was controlling her life. Honest and unforgettable, Kara's journey is one of intense passion, endurance, and self-acceptance.

Kara is a must have motivational speaker as she uses her story of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro at 300 pounds to help people live in the now and take action. She believes in living beyond limits.

Kara has been featured on Good Morning America, CNN, The New York Times, Today, Good Housekeeping, Oprah's Lifeclass and Oprah's Super Soul Conversations Podcast.

Today we hear Kara's story, talk about celebrating successes, the ups and downs of going for your dreams, and one of my favorite topics, taking one step at a time.

Let's Figure It Out with Kara Richardson Whitely.

Reach Out To Kara

Kara is an incredible inspirational speaker and would be an amazing keynote speaker or workshop facilitator for your company, your team, college or women's group as she uses her story of being as a plus-size adventurer to help others take bold steps and move mountains in their lives.

Mark your calendar for October 9th when Kara and I will be at the New Jersey Room To Read International Day of the Girl Fundraiser. Stay tuned for details and how you can attend.

Website: www.kararichardsonwhitely.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-richardson-whitely-a891b58/

For speaking inquiries: [email protected]

Instagram: @KaraRichardsonWhitely

Disclaimer - Some of the links mentioned in my podcast are affiliate links. Meaning, if you click on them and make a purchase, I may receive a commission which I will put toward good causes like reinvesting in this business and bringing you even better resources and services. I only recommend products and services I know or trust to be of high quality, regardless of whether an affiliate relationship is in place.

Fran Hauser - Today I am thrilled to bring you the incredible Fran Hauser.

Fran is a long-time media executive, startup investor and keynote speaker. How I came to know Fran is through her best selling book, The Myth of the Nice Girl: Achieving a Career You Love Without Becoming a Person You Hate. In the book she deconstructs the negative perception of "niceness" that many women struggle with in the business world. The book has resonated with thousands of women who are looking to lead authentically and take their career to the next level.

Prior to writing The Myth of the Nice GIrl, Fran spent 15 years in the digital media space, holding President and General Manager positions at Time Inc., AOL and Moviefone. She played an integral role in the $525 million dollar sale of Moviefone to AOL and in building PEOPLE.com into one of the most successful women's websites.

Fran was named one of Business Insider's "30 Women in Venture Capital to Watch in 2018." Fran and The Myth of the Nice Girl have been featured on a wide range of outlets including NBC’s Today Show, CNBC, PEOPLE, Fortune, TIME, Fast Company, Oprah.com, Business Insider, Elle, and many more. The Myth of the Nice Girl was named Audible's Best Business Book of 2018 and one of Amazon's Best Business and Leadership Books of 2018, among other accolades. Fran is a frequent speaker on women's leadership and writes a regular career advice column for Refinery29.

Today we talk about the importance of building relationships, how to move through difficult business decisions, how to confront work situations with grace and strength, and more tips from her best selling book. And at the end of our conversation I'm going to tell you how you and a friend can win a copy of The Myth of the Nice Girl.

Let's Figure It Out with Fran Hauser.

Website - franhauser.com

Instagram - @fran_hauser

Twitter - @fran_hauser

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/franhauserofficial/

Newsletter - http://bit.ly/2GrIvV4

Amazon - https://amzn.to/36vaTjG

I want to make you aware of a special offer for my podcast listeners. CoWorking spaces are the hottest thing and present an amazing opportunity for cultivating new relationships. As a listener of my podcast you’ve probably heard me mention The CoCo in Summit. It’s been a game changer for me professionally and personally. And it’s where I’ve been recording a lot of my podcasts. It’s beautifully decorated and super convenient to the train to New York.  If you’re looking for a community of smart and interesting women at different life stages to network with, gain inspiration and encouragement or socialize with, check out The CoCo in Summit NJ.  The Co-Co is dedicated to inspiring and supporting you, wherever you are on your journey of life and career. Stop by for an introductory tour and when you mention you heard about the Co-Co from me, you’ll get a free work day*.  Visit them online at www.theco-co.com. The contact information is in the show notes as well.

Disclaimer - Some of the links mentioned in my podcast are affiliate links. Meaning, if you click on them and make a purchase, I may receive a commission which I will put toward good causes like reinvesting in this business and bringing you even better resources and services. I only recommend products and services I know or trust to be of high quality, regardless of whether an affiliate relationship is in place.

Contrast - What is it, what it's telling you and how to move forward when you're feeling it.

For more about Contrast you may want to check out The Law of Attraction: The Basics of the Teachings of Abraham - https://amzn.to/2TUPTQP

The Co-Co Summit - www.theco-co.com - CoWorking spaces are the hottest thing and as a listener of my podcast you’ve probably heard me mention The CoCo in Summit. It’s been a game changer for me professionally and personally. And it’s where I’ve been recording a lot of my podcasts. It’s beautifully decorated and super convenient to the train to New York.  If you’re looking for a community of smart and interesting women at different life stages to network with, gain inspiration and encouragement or socialize with, check out The CoCo in Summit NJ.  The Co-Co is dedicated to inspiring and supporting you, wherever you are on your journey of life and career. Stop by for an introductory tour and when you mention you heard about the Co-Co from Deb at the Let's Figure It Out Podcast, you’ll get a free work day - Check them out!

Visit me on instagram @DeborahMunies

Disclaimer - Some of the links mentioned in my podcast are affiliate links. Meaning, if you click on them and make a purchase, I may receive a commission which I will put toward good causes like reinvesting in this business and bringing you even better resources and services. I only recommend products and services I know or trust to be of high quality, regardless of whether an affiliate relationship is in place.

Happy New Year! I am super excited for the new year and can't believe we are starting a new decade.

This year I want to talk to you more. I'm going to bring you insights from thought leaders and add my take, and also share my insights. I'm hoping these land on you and help you to give yourself a break, inspire you or make you pause and reflect.

I'd also love to hear from you. Please rate and review the show and let me know what resonates with you.

New Year - Today kicks off one of those days when it's me flying solo, just talking to you about what's on my mind. Check out the podcast where I talk about self kindness as we enter this new year and what I do instead of resolutions.

Enjoy!

Eva Addae - Hello and welcome to my last podcast episode for this year and decade! If you have a child in high school or even junior high, you're going to want to tune in for this episode.

Today I welcome Eva Addae, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Summit Prep, a tutoring company based in Summit, New Jersey, offering standardized test prep, academic tutoring, and college counseling. They believe intellect without integrity is empty at best and harmful at worst, so they aim to show students love, respect, and empathy in order to cultivate their humanity as well.

Eva is a graduate from the University of Chicago. Following some time in the corporate world, she discovered her passion for teaching when she led a few local students in achieving incredible success on their SATs & ACTs.

Dissatisfied with the “one size fits all” approach to tutoring, Eva set out to create modern teaching methodologies, techniques and motivating systems that reflect the same process.

Along with her business partner, David, they developed the company’s Adaptive Learning Indexes from over 20 years of past SATs & ACTs.

A decade and hundreds of students later, she proudly boasts an average score increase of 8 points on the ACT and 220 points on the SAT.

Her personal philosophy is “only by knowing how one learns can knowledge be imbued and the joy of education discovered.”

Today we talk about Eva's commitment to enriching the intellectual lives of her students in order to help them achieve their life goals and enhance their contribution to an ever-improving society.  

We're also going to dive into the hot topic of college admissions and Eva gives us some helpful tips to manage through the process to come out the other side.

Website - www.summitprep.com

Instagram - @summit_prep

This is my last podcast for 2019 and I'm excited to kick off the next decade and introduce you to some incredible women starting companies, climbing mountains, and working to support women globally.

One of my upcoming guests is Kara Richardson Whitely. She is a plus-size public speaker, adventurer and three time author. Most recently releasing her memoir Gorge: My Journey Up Kilimanjaro at 300 Pounds. Maybe you've on Oprah's Lifeclass show and Podcast, the Today Show or read about her in the New York Times.

She's one of the many amazing people I'll be speaking with in 2020. In the meantime check out Kara's website because she has an event in January you don't want to miss - the Moving Mountains Retreat.

It's a one-day immersive and interactive workshop discovering what’s holding us back and finding the courage to move forward.

Joining Kara are plus-size ultra marathoner and stereotype-breaker Mirna Valerio, and self defense expert and empowerment and confidence coach, Jennifer Cassetta.

To find out more about and jump start your new year, visit

https://www.kararichardsonwhitely.com/events

Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to listen to this podcast and I really appreciate the kind words from so many of you who have reached out telling me how much you've enjoyed my guests. It truly warms my heart and keeps me striving to bring you more.

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday.

And here's to a healthy, abundant, laughter-filled new decade for all of you!

Cheers!

Mariel Alvarado - Today I welcome Mariel Alvarado, a soul and business coach with a flair for manifesting. She helps women brand, package and sell their services so they can transform their business from soul-sucking to soul-quenching.

Mariel is a certified business strategist with over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience. She helps Transformational Leaders turn their skills and wisdom into wildly successful businesses they love and have a deep impact in the world. She teaches her clients how to structure new brands, create lucrative programs and "up" their influence by employing hard core business strategies as well as an ancient soul-technology that helps them become aligned with their business at the highest level so that they can get more clients, captivate their audience and love their life.

Mariel is passionate about Sales/Marketing, Money & SOUL!

We talk about her secret to problem solving and overcoming fear, the sum of all of our experiences, and the journey through her personal health scare and how she was able to help herself to recover.

Get ready to learn new and soulful ways to make the changes and life you want.

Let's figure it out with Mariel Alvarado.

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For more information about Mariel and her programs visit her online at www.marielalvarado.com and on instagram @Iam_marielalvarado. And check her out on Facebook where you can join her free group - The SELF-ish Society -https://www.facebook.com/groups/SELFishSociety.

Lastly, if you want to learn Mariel's formula for manifestation visit https://www.marielalvarado.com/manifestationchallenge.

Website - https://www.marielalvarado.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/SELFishSociety

Instagram - @Iam_marielalvarado

The Co-Co founders - Lauren Decker, Lynne Pagano, Suzanne Willian -

Joining me today are the three founders of The Co-Co - A Co-working and Co-Learning space in Summit New Jersey and THE go to co-working space in Central New Jersey.

The CoCo supports women where ever they are on their journey of life and career. And they have! You may have heard me mention The Co-Co over the past few months as I've been recording my podcasts there, and calling it my new office.

The secret sauce to The Co-Co isn't its beautiful decor, its intellectual social action panel discussions, or it's good coffee. It's the three founders - Lauren Decker, Lynne Pagano and Suzanne Willian. All of them extremely accomplished and brilliant and on a mission to cultivate a community where all women can belong, thrive, and become their fullest selves.

We discuss going from idea to creation and becoming the somebody in "somebody should do something."

All three have children and we talk about their journeys to balance work and family, the good and bad years being a stay at home mom at times, and the important decisions they've made along the way.

And if you're a stay at home mom who thinks you can't start a career or pick up your career, think again. The Co-Co, and I, are here to tell you differently.

If you're looking to find a community where you're known and valued, and want to connect with others who can support and inspire your journey, visit The Co-Co. Mention you heard about them on the Let's Figure It Out Podcast and get a complimentary day pass to check out The Co-Co.

Let's figure it out with The Co-Co…

Website - www.theco-co.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thecoconj/

Instagram - @thecoconj

Email - [email protected]

Melanie Curtis - Take a leap as I speak with Melanie Curtis - Speaker, Coach, Author and Professional Skydiver.

Melanie helps high-achievers through fear and the feelings that come with it. She helps them build the internal emotional skills Type A perfectionists so often find they don't have when life serves up a challenge they can't seem to figure out a way through.

"When we give ourselves evidence that we can do a thing that we thought we could not do, then our fear dissipates. Our confidence rises in that experience."

Melanie is super inspiring, funny and down to earth. We talk about her journey from finance to skydiving to life coach and how she's used fear and bravery to move herself and her clients forward. We talk about how one question changed her life. And at the end of the podcast I'm going to let you know more about an amazing group she is working with to honor the 100-year anniversary of the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution which gave women the right to vote. Hint, it involves empowering women and skydiving.

Her mantra - Be brave. Rest. Repeat.

Let's Figure It Out with Melanie Curtis.

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Many thanks to Melanie for joining me at The Co-Co in Summit for our conversation.

You can find out more about Melanie and how to work with her at melaniecurtis.com. Check out her videos and blog as well as her podcast - Trust The Journey, available on iTunes and YouTube. Melanie works with individual clients and also is a keynote speaker and educator companies can bring in for Energy Leadership team training.

Be sure to follow her on Facebook and Instagram

Facebook - @melanie.curtis.37

Instagram - @melaniecurtis11

And check out her books on Amazon

How to Fly: Lessons From A Professional Skydiver - http://melaniecurtis.com/howtoflybook/

One Positive Thought Can Change Everything - https://amzn.to/2q0EC4l

With Our Whole Broken Thoughts - https://amzn.to/2OAWIEn

And here's some exciting news about how she's supporting women's empowerment.

Melanie has co-founded the Women's Skydiving Network Pro Team - WSN Pro Team and here's what they're doing.

In 1920 women in the US were guaranteed the right to vote following the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution.  Countless women were brave enough to encourage and influence the women’s suffrage movement.  To honor the 100-year anniversary of the 19th Amendment, through the sport of skydiving Melanie and her skydiving community will celebrate and honor these courageous women by bravely showing the world what they do. 

The Team will tour the country in 2020 completing a series of monumental jumps in the name of women’s empowerment and gender equality. The jumps will culminate in a 100-woman Vertical World Record attempt called Project 19. The project is fully sponsored by the Women’s Skydiving Network.

For more information or to find out how you can get WSN at your event visit them on Facebook or Instagram at WomensSkydivingNetwork. You can find more details and press information in the show notes.

Thank you for joining me today. Here's to being brave!

WSN - Women's Skydiving Network

Press inquiries contact Liza Dittoe, 317.496.7280, [email protected].

Twitter and Instagram at @WomensSkydiving

Facebook at Women’s Skydiving Network - https://www.facebook.com/WomensSkydivingNetwork/

Website - melaniecurtis.com

Podcast - Trust The Journey - http://trustthejourney.today

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/melanie.curtis.37/

Instagram - @melaniecurtis11

Books

How to Fly: Lessons From A Professional Skydiver - http://melaniecurtis.com/howtoflybook/

One Positive Thought Can Change Everything - https://amzn.to/2q0EC4l

With Our Whole Broken Thoughts - https://amzn.to/2OAWIEn

Note - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Jaclyn Alterwein - In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, join me today for a heartfelt conversation with Jaclyn Alterwein. Jaclyn, is a breast cancer survivor, healthy and thriving today, and is telling her story to help motivate women to get mammograms. Her only ask, is that you get a mammogram and ask a friend to as well.

Over the last 7 years Jaclyn’s life has been consumed unexpectedly by breast cancer. First, with her mother’s triple negative diagnosis, then 2 of her dear friends were diagnosed back to back. Over the course of 4 years, Jaclyn held their hands through it all. She supported and cared for them, went to doctor appointments, surgeries, chemo and radiation appointments. She learned though her experience as a co-survivor the importance of annual mammograms. Then, in 2017, Jaclyn was diagnosed with DCIS Stage 1 breast cancer after her last annual mammogram prompted further testing. 

Jaclyn is determined to spread her message worldwide in an effort to empower and educate about breast cancer, demonstrate courage, and ultimately support others in having their own annual mammograms.

She's not shy about asking you when you had your last mammogram and I'm glad she felt she could ask me.

Jaclyn is using her story to move herself forward. She's always been a fighter and not one to let adversity stand in her way. You're going to love her story about making the New York Knicks City Dance team, with virtually no formal training. And you're going to hear about how she's spreading the healthy word as she instructs at CycleBar and coming soon, as a Holistic Health Coach.

Mother, dancer, women's advocate, Lead Cycle Star, coach, choreographer, producer and friend.

Many, many thanks to Jaclyn for joining me today and sharing her story. Please be your own health advocate. And I invite you to join Jaclyn in her efforts over the next month through tagging your awareness posts with #AnnualMammosSaveLives. Please see the show notes for links to her events and classes this October and how you can support her causes. Wishing you all a healthy day.

Follow Jaclyn’s story:

#AnnualMammosSaveLives

#getJACed

Instagram - @jaclynbrooke23

Follow her on Instagram for up to date information about events

October 11 and 12 - Aquatalia Breast Cancer Awareness Event

2-6pm at Aquatalia 965 Madison Avenue, NYC

10% of sales from dusty rose capsule collection throughout October will benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation 

#AnnualMammosSaveLives

http://bit.ly/2AGB4X7

October 24 - Zura Montclair (NJ) - Bikram Yoga

9:30am

Benefitting the National Breast Cancer Foundation 

(link is tba - check Jaclyn’s instagram)

October 26 - CycleBar Montvale (NJ)

YSC Breast Cancer Dual Ride with Jaclyn & Angela

9:30am

Sign up - http://bit.ly/30JsBwT

Donation Opportunities

National Breast Cancer Foundation 

https://fundraise.nbcf.org/AnnualMammos19

Young Survival Coalition (YSC) 

http://yscchampions.org/cyclebar2019

Brad Alexander - Today on the podcast I welcome Brad Alexander, composer, musical genius, and as you'll hear, an all round gracious guy who is talented in his own right and is quick to recognize and compliment the brilliance of his colleagues.

I'm excited to introduce you to Brad and give you a peak into how he figured out how to make it as an award winning composer in the big apple.

Brad is the composer of DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL - now running at the Lucille Lortel Theater in New York City and it will be on national tour this fall. He is the recipient of the 2011 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Book of a Musical, six Drama Desk nominations, the Richard Rodgers Award, and The BMI Foundation Jerry Bock Award.

Brad has written music for PBS's Emmy Award-winning PEG + CAT, VH1's "Celebreality" campaign, SiriusXM's STAGE DOOR SUPPER CLUB, and the web series SUBMISSIONS ONLY. 

In addition to Dog Man: The Musical, Brad has scored numerous shows for Theaterworks USA including the music and orchestrations for CLICK CLACK MOO, the music for JUST SO STORIES and MARTHA SPEAKS and songs for DUCK FOR PRESIDENT, FLY GUY & OTHER STORIES, and WE THE PEOPLE: AMERICA ROCKS!

Brad is currently lead composer for the upcoming CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG from Scholastic, Amazon and PBS KIDS.

He is also working on the musical, BREAD AND ROSES, presented by Amas Musical Theatre and NYMF’s Developmental Reading Series, and LIKE A BILLION LIKES, developed at Johnny Mercer Writers Colony at Goodspeed Musicals.

And if that wasn't enough, he is the co-founder of Flying Ivories, a dueling piano entertainment company with locations in New York City, Boston and Philadelphia.

Brad is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, National Alliance for Musical Theatre, Dramatists Guild of America and member Emeritus of The BMI Musical Theatre Workshop.

Let's Figure It Out with Brad Alexander.

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For tickets to DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL visit twusa.org/dogman

Instagram - @bradlibs

Website - https://www.bradalexander.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bradalexandermusic

Twitter - https://twitter.com/bradlib

Flying Ivories - https://www.flyingivories.com

Bread and Roses Musical - https://www.breadandrosesmusical.com