What happens when life completely rewrites your plans? Former labor and delivery nurse Ashley Cameron never expected to become the founder of a nationally distributed frozen cookie dough company, but after her son Charlie was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, baking together became a source of healing that unexpectedly grew into Love and Cookies.

Ashley joins Kara Duffy to share the remarkable journey from home baker to landing on shelves at H-E-B, Sprouts, and Costco, navigating the complexities of the frozen food industry, and building a business rooted in purpose rather than profit alone.

Together they discuss balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood, the importance of community and mentorship, leading with philanthropy, raising awareness for Kawasaki disease, and why powerful women raise powerful women. Ashley also shares how staying connected to your "why" can carry you through the hardest days of building a business.

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

INSTA: @getloveandcookies 

00:00 Welcome & Meet Ashley Cameron

02:00 Breaking into Retail & H-E-B's Quest for Texas Best

05:20 From Labor & Delivery Nurse to Entrepreneur

06:30 Charlie's Kawasaki Disease Diagnosis

08:20 Growing Love and Cookies During COVID

08:50 Balancing Business, Family & Motherhood

10:50 Marriage, Partnership & Navigating Crisis

12:00 Understanding Kawasaki Disease

15:20 Charlie's Recovery Journey

17:35 Nursing Skills That Changed Parenting

20:15 Trusting Your Instincts as a Parent

21:20 Entrepreneurship, Triage & Priorities

22:25 Advice to Her Younger Entrepreneurial Self

23:45 What Makes Women Powerful

25:40 Strong Women Raise Strong Women

27:35 Austin's Entrepreneurial Community

30:25 Choosing Where to Build Your Life

33:00 Family Values & Leadership

35:15 Why Purpose Matters More Than Cookies

39:40 Costco, Storytelling & Customer Connection

42:40 Where to Find Love and Cookies

44:00 Final Thoughts

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How do you continue pursuing your dreams while caring for the people who once cared for you?

Podcast producer, host, comedian, and storyteller Anita Flores joins Kara Duffy for an honest conversation about building a creative career while navigating the realities of caring for aging parents. From breaking into podcasting with a Frasier fan podcast to producing shows for major networks like SiriusXM, Earwolf, Marvel, Stitcher, and Latino USA, Anita shares the lessons she's learned about taking chances, surviving layoffs, and creating opportunities instead of waiting for them.

Together they explore the hidden emotional and financial realities of caregiving, navigating dementia, advocating for loved ones, balancing ambition with burnout, the future of podcasting in the age of AI, and why community makes every difficult season a little less lonely.

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

INSTA: @anitajewtina / @doctorhorrorpod / @cartalkerspod

00:00 Introduction

01:35 Meet Anita Flores

03:00 Discovering Podcasting

05:20 Starting a Frasier Podcast

06:10 Breaking into Podcast Production

07:30 Career Advice & Learning on the Job

08:45 Salary Negotiation & Confidence

11:50 Using Your Workplace Benefits

14:10 Becoming a Caregiver

17:20 Caring for Her Father with Dementia

20:00 Conservatorship & Navigating the System

23:00 The Hidden Financial Cost of Caregiving

26:00 Funeral Planning & End-of-Life Costs

30:20 Cultural Differences Around Aging Parents

34:00 Balancing Caregiving with Your Own Life

36:30 Why We Need Better Support for Caregivers

40:20 The State of Podcasting & AI

42:00 Layoffs, Acquisitions & Career Reinvention

47:00 Freelancing vs Corporate Careers

49:10 Life After Layoffs

50:10 Finding Confidence in Your Voice

51:20 Where to Find Anita

52:20 Filling Your Own Cup

54:20 IVF & Holding Onto Hope

57:00 The Joy of Podcasting

59:00 Closing

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What does it really take to build a sustainable creative career in today's music industry?

Singer, songwriter, and Bad Bad Hats co-founder Kerry Alexander joins Kara Duffy for an honest conversation about creating a life in music without chasing superstardom. From touring the country in a minivan for a decade to running a band like a small business, Kerry shares the realities behind being a successful independent musician.

Together they explore creativity, entrepreneurship, saying yes before you're ready, the importance of community, building a career alongside your partner, concert culture, and why kindness may be the greatest legacy an artist can leave behind.

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

SUBSTACK: badbadhats.substack.com

INSTA: @BadBadHats

INSTA: @megasoundband

01:05 Color Theory, Album Artwork & Creative Inspiration

09:05 Meeting Chris & Starting Bad Bad Hats

13:25 Dreams vs. Reality of Being a Touring Musician

16:15 Song Placements, Streaming & Sync Licensing

23:05 Concert Culture & Audience Energy

31:20 The Reality of Making a Living in Music

40:05 Discovering Songwriting & Early Musical Influences

44:00 Running a Band Like a Business

47:20 Building Great Creative Partnerships

50:20 What Kerry Is Most Proud Of

52:50 Powerful Ladies & Female Leadership

55:05 Minneapolis, Community & Social Change

1:01:15 Where to Follow Kerry & What's Next

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What happens when you stop waiting for permission and start building the creative life that's already calling you?

Podcast producer, host, comedian, storyteller, and creative coach (& Catfish) Tribble joins Kara Duffy for an inspiring conversation about designing a life rooted in purpose instead of expectation. Together they explore building an authentic creative career, why podcasting is so much more than hitting record, embracing intuition over perfection, and how courage, curiosity, and community can create opportunities that traditional career paths never could.

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

WEBSITE: https://www.tribbzthecool.com/

INSTA: @tribbzthecool | @asktribbel

00:00 Welcome to Tribble

02:15 The Story Behind the Name "Tribble"

05:30 Identity, Queerness & Owning Every Part of Yourself

10:00 Building a Career in Podcasting

13:00 The State of Podcasting Today

18:10 What Most People Don't Understand About Producing Podcasts

22:00 Great Conversations Require Great Preparation

24:00 Finding the Right Podcast Length

26:15 Designing a Life Around Creativity & Joy

31:00 Following Your Natural Gifts

34:00 Alignment, Intuition & Building an Authentic Business

36:00 Therapy, Values & Choosing Fun

38:00 Trusting Yourself as a Creative

40:00 The "Catfish" Philosophy

46:00 Claiming Your Identity Before You're Paid For It

50:00 Rapid Fire Questions

53:00 Final Thoughts

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What if the biggest problem with modern dating isn't finding people—it's finding genuine connection? Brittnee Barnes, CEO and Co-Founder of Vybes, joins Kara Duffy to discuss why today's dating apps leave so many people feeling exhausted and disconnected, and how she's building a platform that prioritizes chemistry, authenticity, and real human interaction over endless swiping.

They explore Brittnee's leap from a successful career in consumer brands into tech entrepreneurship, why trusting your intuition is one of the greatest leadership skills you can develop, and how building a company has transformed the way she approaches dating, success, and fulfillment.

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

WEBSITE: https://vybes.co

INSTA: @brittnee.barnes

00:00 Introduction to Brittnee Barnes & Vybes

01:00 Leaving Brand Building to Reinvent Dating

04:00 Why Modern Dating Apps Create Burnout

05:50 The Vibe Check Feature & Faster Chemistry

09:15 Building a Startup Without a Technical Background

12:00 Why Vybes Isn't Just for Gen Z

14:00 Curating a Better Dating Community

17:00 The Membership & Approval Process

19:00 How Building Vybes Changed Brittnee's Dating Life

20:30 Entrepreneurship, Fulfillment & Founder Reality

24:00 Trusting Your Intuition as a Founder

27:00 Advice to Her Younger Self

29:00 What Powerful Ladies Means to Brittnee

31:00 Daily Rituals & Avoiding Burnout

32:30 Growing Vybes & What's Next

35:00 Closing Thoughts

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What if taking back your power at work starts with knowing what you’re actually entitled to? Emily Mueller-Lennox, founder of 29 Weeks, joins Kara Duffy to unpack the complicated world of parental leave, workplace culture, and advocating for yourself through major life transitions.

Together they explore why California’s parental leave benefits can be so difficult to navigate, how employees can become their own advocates, and what the US can learn from European approaches to work, rest, and humanity. Emily shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship and how becoming a parent reshaped the way she thinks about boundaries, leadership, and building a life that works around us - not against us.

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

WEBSITE: 29weeks.com

00:00 Introduction + Meet Emily Mueller-Lennox

02:00 Emily’s Career Journey + Creating 29 Weeks

05:00 Understanding California Parental Leave Benefits

07:00 Comparing Parental Leave in the US vs Europe

10:00 Workplace Culture, Humanity & Employee Expectations

17:00 Building Systems That Support Everyone

21:00 The Reality of Middle Class & Economic Pressure

25:00 Why Americans Feel Less Free Than They Think

28:00 How 29 Weeks Helps Parents Navigate Leave

31:00 Postpartum Mental Health + Advocating for Support

36:00 Employee Rights During Pregnancy & Leave

42:00 Learning to Advocate for Yourself

47:00 Work-Life Integration vs Separation

52:00 Building Human-Centered Teams

56:00 Parental Leave for Non-Birthing Parents

59:00 Why Businesses Need Sustainable Capacity

01:02:00 Losing Jobs, Finding Clarity & Building Something New

01:05:00 Redefining Career Paths & Success

01:09:00 Where to Find Emily + 29 Weeks

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What happens when a life-changing diagnosis becomes the beginning of a greater mission? Mother-daughter duo Corrina Clover Miller and Marta Eliza Miller join Kara Duffy to share their journey from figure skating and entertainment to founding the Marta Eliza Miller Foundation, an organization dedicated to scoliosis awareness, research, and supporting young athletes.

Together they discuss turning fear into action, building a nonprofit from a difficult moment, homeschooling on the road, chasing creative dreams, and what it means to create a life outside traditional expectations. Marta and Corinna share how resilience, curiosity, and community have shaped their mission to help others stand tall, be strong, and dream big.

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

WEBSITE: https://martaelizamillerfoundation.org/

INSTAS: @martaelizamiller @m.e.m.foundation

00:00:00 — Welcome & Introduction

00:01:00 — Living a Bicoastal Life & Growing Up on the Road

00:03:00 — Marta’s Scoliosis Diagnosis & Beginning the Foundation

00:06:00 — Navigating Fear, Surgery Concerns & Finding Purpose

00:10:00 — Building the Marta Eliza Miller Foundation

00:12:00 — Marta’s Accelerated Education & Musical Theater Journey

00:15:00 — Corinna’s Career in Music Management & Entertainment

00:18:00 — Choosing an Unconventional Path & Pushing Forward

00:21:00 — Expanding the Foundation Nationwide

00:24:00 — Understanding Scoliosis & Advocacy Through Awareness

00:32:00 — The Mission: Helping Young Athletes Stand Tall

00:35:00 — Self-Care, Fitness & Managing Scoliosis

00:38:00 — How to Support the Foundation

00:41:00 — Final Thoughts & Closing

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What if rebuilding our communities starts with something as simple as becoming better neighbors? Reverend Jes Kast joins Kara Duffy to explore faith, motherhood, service, and what it means to create the kind of world we actually want to live in.

Together they discuss reclaiming religion in a time when faith is often weaponized, the power of receiving support from our communities, and why true leadership comes from connection rather than control. Jes shares her journey through motherhood, the NICU experience, spirituality, and her belief that small acts of care can become powerful movements of hope.

---------------

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

INSTA: @RevJesKast

00:00 — Welcome to Powerful Ladies Podcast & Introducing Rev. Jes Kast

02:00 — Jes’ Calling, Ministry & Becoming a Mother

05:00 — IVF, NICU, & The Transformative Experience of Motherhood

08:00 — Motherhood, Spirituality & Understanding God Through Love

13:00 — The Loneliness Epidemic & Why We Need Each Other

16:00 — Power With vs. Power Over: Community as Leadership

19:00 — Becoming a Better Villager & Choosing Service

22:00 — Rebuilding Connection in a Digital World

27:00 — Parenting, Generational Change & Bringing Back Community

31:00 — From Skyscrapers to Root Systems: Redefining Success

36:00 — Finding Enchantment, Wonder & Magic in Everyday Life

42:00 — Gardening, Viriditas & Reconnecting With Life

50:00 — Moving From Despair Into Hope & Action

55:00 — Reclaiming Christianity, Faith & Humble Leadership

59:00 — Supporting Your Community & Creating Change

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What happens when leaders stop seeing employees as resources and start seeing them as human beings?

Leadership advisor, workplace culture strategist, and founder of Rework Work, Stacey Gordon joins Kara Duffy for a candid conversation about the current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the widening gap between executives and workers, and why leadership accountability has never mattered more.

Together, they explore the future of work, the rise of entrepreneurship among marginalized communities, workplace humanity, pay inequity, and the critical leadership skills needed to create organizations where people can truly thrive.

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

WEBSITE: reworkwork.com

LINKEDIN: linkedin.com/in/staceygordon

SUBSTACK: linkedin.com/in/staceygordon

INSTA: @reworkwork

00:00 Introduction to Stacey Gordon

01:00 State of DEI, Inclusion & Workplace Leadership

03:30 The Business, Moral & Legal Cases for Inclusion

07:00 Accountability, Bias & Human Behavior

09:00 Corporate Culture, Entrepreneurship & Workplace Exclusion

14:00 From Community to Scarcity Mindset

16:00 Should We Protect Corporate Spaces?

19:00 Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Inclusion

22:00 Leadership Accountability & Pay Gaps

29:00 Humanity, Compensation & Employee Experience

31:00 PTO, Trust & Leadership Culture

34:00 The Leadership Reality Check

38:00 What Makes a Great Leader?

40:00 Leadership, Listening & Decision-Making

44:00 Profit, Purpose & Pay Equity

47:00 Housing, Affordability & Economic Inequality

51:00 DEI, Capitalism & Finding Someone to Blame

53:00 Stacey's Journey Into This Work

54:00 Burnout, Hope & Staying Motivated

55:00 Travel, Perspective & Global Awareness

01:01:00 Freedom, Choice & Human-Centered Leadership

01:03:00 Action Steps for Leaders

01:05:00 Resources, Courses & Final Thoughts

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What does it really take to create luxury events for premium brands, high-profile talent, and private clients?

Kristin Mitchell, founder of Gathered In Style, joins Kara Duffy to pull back the curtain on the realities of the event industry - from managing million-dollar expectations and navigating unexpected crises to building a thriving referral-based business.

Together they discuss entrepreneurship, confidence, client relationships, team building, and why kindness, hustle, and adaptability remain some of the most valuable assets in business. Kristin also shares stories from the front lines of event planning, proving that success often comes down to solving problems no one else sees.

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

WEBSITE: https://www.gatheredinstyle.com/about

INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/gatheredinstyle/

INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/itskristinmitchell/

00:00:00 Welcome & Introducing Kristin Mitchell

00:01:00 Starting Gathered In Style During COVID

00:03:00 Growing Up in West Virginia & Discovering Event Planning

00:06:00 The Reality of Luxury Event Planning

00:08:00 Wildfires, Weather & Crisis Management

00:10:00 New York City's Resilience After COVID

00:12:00 Housing, Renting & Entrepreneurship

00:15:00 Finding Inspiration Through Travel & Design

00:18:00 Building a Referral-Based Business

00:21:00 Turning Passion Into Profit

00:24:00 Adapting to Clients & Staying Positive

00:25:00 Confidence Growth as an Entrepreneur

00:27:00 Finding Your Niche & Entrepreneurial Community

00:28:00 Hospitality Stories: The Salmon Incident

00:30:00 Entrepreneurship & Expecting the Unexpected

00:32:00 The Sod Story & Event Logistics

00:35:00 Building and Delegating to a Team

00:37:00 Defining a Powerful Lady

00:39:00 Fitness, Friends & Family

00:40:00 Growing a Following & Demystifying Events

00:43:00 Work Ethic, Gen Z & Leadership

00:47:00 Lifelong Learning & Embracing AI

00:48:00 Final Reflections & Where to Connect

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