🎧 The Surprising Power of Policies

Guest: Ayesha Rahmanyar

In this episode of Motivation N’at, Natalie sits down with Ayesha Rahmanyar, VP of Compliance at Equiscript, to reframe how we think about compliance and risk management in healthcare.

Often seen as restrictive or punitive, compliance can actually be a powerful driver of access, equity, and better outcomes. Ayesha shares her passion for policies and how thoughtful compliance work can transform healthcare delivery, especially in rural and underserved communities.

Together, they explore leadership, purpose-driven policy work, and why compliance doesn’t have to be the “Debbie Downer” of healthcare. This conversation offers a fresh perspective for anyone working in healthcare, leadership, or systems-level change — and may just change how you view policies altogether.

🎧 Turning Grief into Action

Bonus Episode – Guest: Dr. George Ackerman

In this heartfelt bonus episode of Motivation N’at, Dr. George Ackerman shares his journey of Parkinson’s disease advocacy inspired by his late mother, Sharon.

George reflects on how loss can become a catalyst for purpose, discussing the creation of Together For Sharon and his involvement with national Parkinson’s organizations. He emphasizes the power of community, education, and support for individuals and families navigating Parkinson’s disease.

This episode explores grief, caregiving, and the impact one person can make by turning love into action. It’s an inspiring reminder that even an empty seat at the table can spark meaningful change.

Resources:

• TogetherForSharon
• Michael J. Fox Foundation
• Parkinson's Foundation
• American Parkinson's Disease Association
• Drive Towards a Cure
• Power Over Parkinson's

Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs in the fight against Parkinson's and learn how you can get involved.

🎧 From Chaos to Clarity

Guest: Desarae Legros

In this episode of Motivation N’at, Natalie sits down with Desarae Legros, chef and creator of Cooking, Comedy, and Chaos, for a raw and honest conversation about healing and personal growth.

Desarae shares her journey through depression and addiction, and how she transformed those experiences into resilience, creativity, and a thriving online community rooted in authenticity. Together, they explore why growth is rarely linear and how every step — even the painful ones — carries meaning.

This episode is for anyone navigating recovery, reinvention, or the messy middle of change.

Instragram - @comedy_cooking_chaos

TikTok - Cooking, Comedy, and Chaos

Facebook - Cooking, Comedy, and Chaos

🎧 Shame, Guilt, and the Inner Critic

Guest: Amjed Baghdadi

Natalie welcomes back Amjed Baghdadi, host of My Humanity Is Showing, for a deeply honest conversation about shame, guilt, imposter syndrome, and negative self-talk.

They explore how cognitive distortions and self-criticism shape our inner narratives and keep us stuck, while Amjed shares his personal journey through mental health struggles and healing. The conversation touches on vulnerability, generational trauma, and learning to practice self-acceptance.

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong or questioned your worth, this episode offers insight, compassion, and reassurance that you’re not alone.

References:

• Common Cognitive Distortions and How to Manage Them - Holly Hill Hospital
• Breaking the vicious cycles of self-criticism: a qualitative study on the best practices of overcoming one’s inner critic
• My Humanity is Showing Podcast

🎧 Challenges No One Sees

Guest: Shauna Berry

In this episode of Motivation N’at, Natalie sits down with Shauna Berry to explore the world of federal service and veteran support. Shauna shares her journey from the Virgin Islands to the Army and her work at the VA, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and resilience required to serve veterans effectively.

They discuss transitioning from military to civilian life, the implications of the PACT Act and other legislation, and the pressures involved in federal hiring. This episode offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the dedication, emotional toll, and meaningful impact of supporting those who have served our country.

This episode is for anyone interested in veteran advocacy, federal service, or understanding the human side of policy and support.

💡 Connect with Shauna Berry:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-m-berry-53aa7419a/

📚 References & Resources:PACT Act Info: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/

In this bonus episode of "Motivation N'at," we dive into a few of the lesser utilized ways the public can educate themselves on how federal agencies are structures and what outcomes they actually produce. We'll touch on the complexities and challenges within the VA, where I spent the last seven years, highlighting the significant shifts in the organization and the importance of understanding the intricate systems that support veterans. The short, bonus episode emphasizes the need for informed decision-making and encourages listeners to seek out reliable resources to better understand the federal landscape.

And tune in Sunday, when I chat with guest Shauna Berry, a fellow former federal leader, as we chat about what it was really like to lead through major federal changes.

LINKS from Episode:

VA Functional Organizational Manual

US Department of Justice Functional Manual

VA Agency Financial Report

VHA 2024 Annual Report

2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report Part 2 of 2

Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearings

Congress.gov - Info on Hearings and Bills

🎧 Business Barbie Energy

Guest: Alli Audrey

In this episode of Motivation N’at, Natalie sits down with her good friend Alli Audrey for a hilarious and candid conversation about professional life, friendship, and keeping it real.

From channeling your inner “Business Barbie” to the unexpected friendship goals of Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg, they explore how to navigate the workplace with humor, authenticity, and a bit of ridiculousness.

This episode is perfect for anyone who wants laughs, life insights, and a reminder that even in professional spaces, it’s okay to have fun and embrace the unexpected.

🎧 Finding Your Happy

Guest: Ada Undis

In this episode of Motivation N’at, Natalie sits down with Ada Undis, happiness and confidence coach and founder of Find Your Happy, to explore the journey from insecurity to empowerment.

Ada shares her transformative story and insights on self-reflection, societal pressures, and embracing both the light and shadow within ourselves. Together, they discuss the power of authenticity, self-acceptance, and finding true happiness even in life’s challenging moments.

This episode is perfect for anyone seeking personal growth, confidence, and strategies to live a more authentic and joyful life.

💡 Connect with Ada Undis:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adaundis/

• Find Your Happy: fyhappy.com

🎧 Lead Without Losing You

Guest: Julius Boatwright

In this episode of Motivation N’at, Natalie sits down with Julius Boatwright, Founder of Steel Smiling and The Black Wellness Group, to explore authenticity in leadership.

Julius shares insights on the importance of vulnerability, trust-building, and prioritizing self-care, as well as the challenges of staying authentic in professional settings. They discuss strategic vulnerability as a leadership superpower, simplifying leadership practices, and adapting to changing environments while remaining true to yourself.

This conversation is perfect for leaders, professionals, and anyone seeking guidance on cultivating authentic, resilient, and human-centered leadership.

💡 Connect with Julius Boatwright:

• Steel Smiling: https://www.steelsmilingpgh.org/

• The Black Wellness Group: https://www.theblackwellnessgroup.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliusboatwright

🎧 Exit with Intention

Guest: Stephanie Dorwart

In this episode of Motivation N’at, Natalie sits down with her mentor Stephanie Dorwart, CEO of Altius Healthcare Consulting Group, to explore why leaving group chats — literal and metaphorical — says so much about how we navigate change.

Through humor, insight, and real-life reflection, they discuss career transitions, personal boundaries, and why curiosity is far more powerful than self-criticism. From awkward exits to meaningful growth moments, this conversation reminds us that transitions are less about endings and more about alignment.

This episode is for anyone standing at a crossroads, questioning what’s next, or learning how to step away without guilt.

💡 Connect with Stephanie Dorwart:

Stephanie Dorwart - LinkedIn

https://altiushcg.com/