n this powerful and heartfelt episode, Nicole sits down with longtime worship leader, author, wife, and mom Tara Banks. Known for her unmistakable presence on stage and her beautiful voice, Tara shares the story behind her decades-long journey of ministry, marriage, motherhood, and the unexpected paths God has called her to.

They talk about:

• The hilarious and heartfelt way she met her husband, Greg
  
  
  
• Parenting teenage boys and the lessons she’s learned
  
  
  
• Her family’s legacy of faith and music
  
  
  
• What it really means to worship through life’s highs and lows
  
  
  
• The deeply personal stories behind her books Waiting on Wonders and the newly released Finding Everyday Fruit
  
  
  

Tara's wisdom on leadership, resilience, and the “touching feet” philosophy of marriage will stay with you long after the episode ends.

In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Ledbetter, founder and CEO of Motivo, a company that’s revolutionizing mental health by bridging the gap between new therapists and clinical supervisors.

Rachel’s story is one of grit, authenticity, and purpose. We dive into:

✅ How she transitioned from therapist to entrepreneur
✅ The challenge of launching a company with just 47 cents in her business account
✅ What she’s learned from raising over $25 million in venture funding
✅ The highs and lows of leadership, culture, and scaling a business
✅ The emotional weight of being a founder & how she prioritizes well-being
✅ Her best advice for navigating fear, imposter syndrome, and betting on yourself

Rachel is one of the most real and insightful leaders I’ve had on the show, and her journey is packed with wisdom for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone ready to take the leap.

🎧 Listen now! Link in bio.

#Leadership #StartupJourney #WomenInBusiness #MentalHealth #LifeLeadershipPerseverance

Episode Highlights:

• Ann’s raw and honest story of battling addiction and alcoholism.
• How childhood experiences shaped her struggles and triumphs.
• The moment she realized she needed help—and how she took action.
• Her journey through recovery, faith, and rebuilding her marriage.
• The role of strong women, friendships, and community in her healing.
• Encouragement for anyone struggling with addiction or supporting a loved one in the battle.

✨ Why You Should Listen: No matter where you are in life, you or someone you know has been impacted by addiction. This episode is about resilience, faith, and the power of transformation. Ann’s story is one of redemption, hope, and God’s incredible grace.

In this deeply personal and insightful episode, Nicole sits down with Alice LoGuidice, a pediatric nurse practitioner and functional medicine expert, to explore the transformative world of functional medicine for children. Alice shares her journey into functional medicine, the power of addressing root causes, and the incredible impact it has had on families—including Nicole’s own.

What You’ll Learn:
✅ What functional medicine is and how it can complement traditional healthcare.
✅ Why addressing root causes matters more than just treating symptoms.
✅ How parents can advocate for their children’s health with a holistic approach.
✅ The journey of entrepreneurship and taking the leap into private practice.
✅ How functional medicine is unlocking the potential in neurodivergent children.

🌟 Plus: Heartfelt success stories from Alice’s practice and a powerful conversation about hope, healing, and the future of children’s health.

In this special bonus episode, Matt Banker joins Life, Leadership, and Perseverance to dive into the world of youth sports in America. From his own leadership journey to the values he’s learned through coaching and parenting, Matt explores the evolving landscape of youth sports and its impact on families, teamwork, and character development. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or leader, this conversation is packed with insights on building resilience, fostering collaboration, and shaping the next generation through sports. Don’t miss this inspiring discussion on leadership, life lessons, and the powerful role of youth athletics in America today.

In this deeply moving and insightful episode, I sit down with Dr. Kate Bohannon, a counselor, and advocate for women’s mental health. Kate shares her personal story of resilience—growing up on a peach farm, navigating a difficult marriage, and rediscovering her purpose through faith and healing. We explore the challenges women face today, from anxiety to overachievement, and discuss why so many of us feel stuck in life. Kate brings wisdom, grace, and tactical advice for anyone looking to reclaim their dreams, set boundaries, and embrace the life they were meant to live.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
1️⃣ Kate’s Story: Her unconventional path from farm life to counseling and why she became the therapist she once needed.
2️⃣ The Power of Permission: Why so many women struggle with the need for validation—whether in relationships, career decisions, or personal growth.
3️⃣ The Mental Health Crisis: What’s really happening with women today and why more are feeling anxious, stuck, and disconnected.
4️⃣ Overcoming the Achievement Cycle: How to shift your mindset from self-worth being tied to success and external validation.
5️⃣ Faith and Mental Health: How spirituality and therapy can work together to promote healing.
6️⃣ Practical Self-Care: Kate’s 4-4-4 method for balancing work, family, and personal well-being.
7️⃣ Reclaiming Your Dreams: How to rediscover what excites you and start dreaming again, no matter where you are in life.

Key Quotes from the Episode:
💡 "Sometimes, we just need permission to leave, to change, to heal. And that permission starts with ourselves."
💡 "We are not meant to hustle for our worth. We are meant to live with purpose and joy."
💡 "Saying yes only to what aligns with your values reduces overwhelm and increases life satisfaction."

Who Should Listen:

• Women navigating career transitions, motherhood, or major life changes
• Anyone struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, or feeling stuck
• High-achievers who want to break free from burnout and redefine success
• Faith-driven individuals looking to integrate mental health and spirituality
• Coaches, therapists, and leaders supporting women’s growth

In this special bonus episode, I’m joined by Rickey Sullivan, a nationally respected golf coach and mentor who’s spent decades shaping the lives of young athletes. Rickey shares his unique perspective on youth sports today and offers invaluable advice for parents, coaches, and players navigating the competitive landscape. From multi-sport athletes to lessons learned on and off the course, Rickey’s wisdom will inspire you to rethink what success in sports—and life—really looks like.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
1️⃣ Rickey’s Journey: From his upbringing in Florence, South Carolina, to becoming a top golf coach with a global reputation.
2️⃣ Parenting in Sports: Why parents need to prioritize their child’s emotional development over their scorecards.
3️⃣ Multi-Sport Athletes: Why kids should play multiple sports and how it impacts their long-term growth.
4️⃣ Lessons on Mental Toughness: Rickey’s approach to balancing technical skill with emotional maturity.
5️⃣ The Role of Coaches: How great coaches build trust, inspire confidence, and support both the mental and physical aspects of athletes.
6️⃣ The Cost of Youth Sports: A candid discussion about the financial and emotional investment required and how to navigate it wisely.

Key Quotes from the Episode:
💡 "It’s not about the parents’ dreams—it’s about helping kids discover their passion and drive."
💡 "Mind, body, ball. If you can’t control the mind, you can’t control the game."
💡 "Let them fail. Let them struggle. That’s where resilience is built."

Who Should Listen:

• Parents navigating the world of youth sports
• Coaches looking to inspire and guide their players effectively
• Young athletes eager to build confidence and character
• Anyone passionate about the lessons sports can teach us about life

In this episode of Life, Leadership, and Perseverance, Nicole sits down with Kari Severson Snaza, co-founder and co-CEO of Oasis Healthcare. Kari’s journey from growing up in Minnesota to thriving in corporate leadership at UnitedHealth and Mayo Clinic, and now leading a mission-driven startup, is filled with powerful lessons on perseverance, culture, and purpose.

Key Takeaways:

1. Betting on Yourself: Kari shares the courage it took to leave a thriving corporate career to start Oasis Healthcare.
2. Culture is Everything: Insights on how culture-first leadership can create a thriving, purpose-driven organization.
3. Serving with Impact: The unique challenges and rewards of transforming rural primary care through value-based care.
4. Leadership Lessons: Why patience and perspective are key to long-term success.

Memorable Quotes:

🗨️ "You have to be all in. That’s the lesson I learned from past startups, and it’s what makes Oasis thrive today."
 🗨️ "Building a culture-first organization isn’t just a value—it’s our differentiator."
 🗨️ "Patience and perspective are the greatest gifts for young leaders. Don’t rush the journey."

🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!

Summary:
In this episode, Melissa Reilly, founder of STLTH Consulting, shares her journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship. We discuss overcoming life’s challenges, finding authentic joy, and the lessons she’s learned while supporting early-stage founders in healthcare.

Key Takeaways:

1. Self-awareness is key: Understand when your current role no longer aligns with your values and goals.
2. Take the leap: Courage and preparation go hand in hand when betting on yourself.
3. Community matters: Build a network of supporters who uplift and challenge you.

Notable Quotes:

• “You can’t replace your health—take care of it.”
• “The best plans are agile; they evolve with your learning.”
• “Surround yourself with people who light the way for you.”

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and be inspired by Melissa’s journey.

This week on Life, Leadership, and Perseverance, I’m thrilled to welcome Ling Shao, a powerhouse leader with a story that will inspire anyone ready to take bold action. From immigrating to the U.S. as a child to serving in the military and earning her degrees at MIT and Harvard, Ling’s path to success is paved with resilience. We cover:

• Her experience founding Spectrum AI, a mission-driven company transforming autism care through innovation.
• How she balances raising four kids while managing the demands of leadership.
• Her fierce advocacy for women in leadership and the importance of creating opportunities in venture funding.

Ling’s journey is proof that bold leadership and purpose-driven action can create impact in every part of life.

🎧 Hit play to learn from Ling’s incredible story and leave empowered to lead, advocate, and build change.