Powerful Ladies® Podcast

What if looking successful on the outside is actually masking burnout, disconnection, and overwhelm on the inside? Dr. Mini Rattu, psychologist, executive wellness coach, and nervous system expert, joins Kara Duffy to explore why so many high-achieving women are functioning at a high level while feeling depleted, stuck, or disconnected from themselves.

Together they dive into nervous system regulation, “high-functioning freeze,” the invisible mental load women carry, and why state precedes strategy. Dr. Mini shares how understanding our patterns, listening to our bodies, and building self-trust can help us move from survival-driven success toward sustainable performance, confidence, and leadership.

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.

You can find this episode transcript & explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mini_kaur/

WEBSITE: drmini.co

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrattu/

YOUTUBE: https://m.youtube.com/@drminikaurrattu

FACEBOOK: https://m.youtube.com/@drminikaurrattu

00:00 — Meet Dr. Mini Rattu

01:00 — Psychology, Yoga & Nervous System Regulation

03:00 — Bringing Yoga Into Healthcare

05:00 — Burnout & Organizational Stress

06:00 — When “Just Breathe” Isn’t Enough

08:00 — Meeting Your Nervous System Where It’s At

09:00 — High-Functioning Freeze

11:00 — Why Women Normalize Anxiety & Stress

13:00 — Recognizing Your Body’s Early Warning Signals

15:00 — Over-Functioning, People-Pleasing & Stress

16:00 — Why State Precedes Strategy

18:00 — How Dr. Mini Found Her Path

20:00 — Perfectionism, Self-Sacrifice & Boundaries

22:00 — Can We Have Ambition Without Burnout?

23:00 — The Invisible Load Women Carry

26:00 — Inside the Unstuck Program

29:00 — Self-Trust & Getting Out of the Cycle of “More”

31:00 — Growth Edges Can Feel Like Anxiety

33:00 — Practicing What You Teach

34:00 — Movement, Mindfulness & Bodybuilding

35:00 — Rest, Recovery & Rethinking Your Calendar

37:00 — Stop Apologizing for Having Needs

39:00 — Sustainable Success Without Self-Abandonment

40:00 — Where to Find Dr. Mini Rattu

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What if success had less to do with what you achieve and more to do with how you feel about your life? Author and leadership coach Becca Pearce joins Kara Duffy to explore what it means to redefine success, let go of external expectations, and create a life that reflects what truly matters.

After losing her job publicly and facing a brain tumor diagnosis, Becca began questioning everything she once believed about achievement, money, and career. Together, they explore the power of choosing yourself, identifying your values, and recognizing that you don't have to sacrifice your happiness or relationships to build a meaningful life.

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.

You can find this episode transcript & explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

WEBSITE: morebeccapearce.com

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beccapearce/

00:00 Introduction to Becca Pearce 

01:30 Redefining Success 

02:40 You Don't Have to Achieve to Be Loved 

04:00 The Cost of Career Ambition 

05:40 Finding Fulfillment Outside of Work 

07:40 Financial Freedom and Living Below Your Means 

11:50 Losing a Job, Facing a Brain Tumor & Changing Priorities 

14:40 Resisting the Pull of Corporate Success 

15:50 Turning Life Lessons Into a Book 

18:00 Logic, Emotion & Finding Your Zone of Genius 

21:40 Why People Are Ready for Change 

24:00 Choosing Yourself and Making Time for What Matters 

26:30 The Power of Challenging Someone's Perspective 

27:30 Teaching the Next Generation to Choose Themselves 

30:50 Letting Go of Fear and Limiting Beliefs 

32:00 Identifying Transferable Skills & Creating New Opportunities 

33:30 Letting Go of Unnecessary Responsibilities 

34:00 Speaking, Coaching & Redefining Success 

35:20 Defining Your Values and Your Own Version of Success 

37:20 Becca's Values Exercise 

39:30 Delegation, Commitment & Valuing Your Time 

41:20 Where to Find Becca Pearce

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What if sharing your story and knowledge could change someone’s life and create opportunities you never expected? Podcast Matchmaker, author, and PR expert Michelle Glogovac joins Kara Duffy to talk about thought leadership, networking, visibility, and why women need to stop waiting for permission to share what they know.

Together, they explore how to balance multiple passions and projects, why “true balance” doesn’t really exist, how to stay informed without becoming overwhelmed, and why showing up, even in small ways, can create meaningful change. Michelle also shares her journey from aviation and selling jet fuel to podcasting and PR, the power of building genuine relationships, and why every podcast appearance is an opportunity to create more content, connections, and impact.

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SUPPORT OUR GUEST:

INSTA: @michelleglogovac  

WEBSITE: https://themlgcollective.com

TIKTOK: @thepodcastmatchmaker

YOUTUBE: @thepodcastmatchmaker

LINKEDIN: Michelle Glogovac

SUBSTACK: @thepodcastmatchmaker

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.

You can find this episode transcript & explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

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EPISODE CHAPTERS:

00:00 — Meet Michelle Glogovac

01:00 — Why Three Podcasts?

04:00 — Finding Balance in a Complicated World

09:00 — Why Women Need to Embrace Thought Leadership

13:00 — Shiny Objects, Goals & Finishing What You Start

18:00 — From Law to Aviation to PR & Podcasting

25:00 — Women, Health & Advocating for Yourself

30:00 — The Power of Networking & Building Community

35:00 — How to Maximize Every Podcast Appearance

37:00 — Sharing Your Story Can Change Someone’s Life

38:00 — Motherhood, Hope & the Next Generation

42:00 — Michelle’s Ask: Pay Attention & Show Up

43:00 — What’s Next for Michelle

44:00 — Who Is the Right Client for Michelle?

45:00 — Where to Find Michelle

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What if trusting your intuition could change the way you build your business and your life? Chocolatier, entrepreneur, and alchemist Katrina Markoff joins Kara Duffy to explore the intersection of science, spirituality, sensory experience, and the power of following your inner knowing.

Together, they talk about the courage to trust yourself, why so many of us give other people’s opinions too much authority, and how reconnecting with the wisdom of the body can help us make clearer decisions. Katrina shares her journey from studying chemistry and attending Le Cordon Bleu to creating a chocolate company rooted in biodynamic cacao, regenerative agriculture, neuroscience, and ritual.

They also dive into abundance versus scarcity, knowing when it’s time to let go, the unexpected people who can open doors for us, and why sometimes the path forward begins with simply remembering who you already are.

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: @katrina.markoff  

WEBSITE: violetflamechocolate.com

INSTA: @violetflamechocolate

00:00 — Engineer Jordan’s Special Treat

01:00 — Meet Katrina Markoff

03:00 — The Science & Magic of Chocolate

05:00 — Where Courage Comes From

07:00 — Remembering Who You Were as a Kid

11:00 — Creating From Purpose, Not Awards

13:00 — The Wisdom of the Body

15:00 — Practicing Intuition in Everyday Life

17:00 — Knowing When It’s Time to Move On

19:00 — The Power of Chocolate Rituals

21:00 — Reclaiming Pleasure & Sensory Experience

23:00 — The Magic of Movement & New Places

26:00 — Motherhood, Travel & Following Your Nudges

28:00 — Biodynamic Cacao & Regenerative Agriculture

32:00 — Neuroscience, Sensory Perception & Presence

35:00 — Breaking Free From Fear-Based Systems

37:00 — Abundance vs. Scarcity

39:00 — Vulnerability, Community & Letting People Help

41:00 — The Unexpected People Who Open Doors

44:00 — Where to Find Katrina

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What happens when the life you imagined for yourself doesn’t happen on the timeline, or in the order you expected? In this deeply personal episode of Powerful Ladies, Kara Duffy sits down with her dear friend and past guest Aleks Lason to talk about becoming a mom by choice, navigating a two-year IVF journey, and building a new chapter of her life without putting her ambition on hold.

Kara opens up about why she kept her IVF journey private, the emotional and physical realities of multiple rounds of egg retrievals and embryo transfers, and the moment she had to grieve the family she thought she would have. She shares how choosing herself ultimately created more freedom—not just in motherhood, but in her businesses and her life.

Six months into motherhood, Kara also gets candid about pregnancy, an emergency C-section, the realities of postpartum recovery, choosing a birth partner, building systems around a newborn, and learning when to let the plan change. Together, Kara and Aleks explore what it means to build a life that makes room for motherhood, entrepreneurship, creativity, friendship, and joy—without believing you have to compromise one for another.

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: @kara_duffy  

WEBSITE: karaduffy.com

00:00 — Kara Has a Baby?!

01:00 — Becoming a Mom by Choice

03:00 — Why Kara Kept Her IVF Journey Private

05:00 — Choosing Motherhood Without Waiting for a Partner

08:00 — What the IVF Process Actually Looks Like

12:00 — Three Egg Retrievals, Two Embryo Transfers & the Emotional Toll

15:00 — Grieving the Family She Thought She’d Have

17:00 — When an Embryo Transfer Goes Wrong

22:00 — The Anxiety of IVF & “I’ll Believe It When I See It”

25:00 — Hearing Kaia’s Heartbeat

27:00 — Planning for Motherhood When You Can’t Plan Everything

30:00 — Pregnancy Changed Everything at Work

32:00 — Treating Motherhood Like a Project

34:00 — The Emergency C-Section

36:00 — The Scariest Experience of Kara’s Life

39:00 — Five Seconds With Her Baby

42:00 — Writing SOPs for Birth

44:00 — Choosing Andrew as Her Birth Partner

48:00 — How Kara Chose a Sperm Donor

51:00 — Getting Kaia a Passport at Three Months

52:00 — The Schedule Gene

55:00 — Is Raising a Baby Like Running a Business?

57:00 — Building a Life Without Expanded Resources

59:00 — “I Love Being a Mom, 1,000 Out of 10”

01:00:00 — Pumping, Mastitis & Learning to Trust Her Body

01:03:00 — “I Became a Mom to Be a Mom”

01:05:00 — What’s Next for Kara

01:06:00 — The Substack, Motherhood & Redefining “Less but Better”

01:13:00 — Naming Kaia-Roux

01:15:00 — Motherhood, Empathy & Letting Your Child Be Their Own Person

01:18:00 — Gratitude, Miracles & the Next Chapter

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What if justice didn’t always have to mean jail? White collar and defense lawyer Jessica Munk joins Kara Duffy to demystify white collar crime, discuss how people can unknowingly find themselves on the wrong side of the law, and explore why she believes rehabilitation should often take priority over lengthy prison sentences.

Jessica shares her journey from public defense internships and prosecution to building her own boutique practice and serving on the Criminal Justice Act trial panel. Together, they explore over-incarceration, mandatory minimums, privilege, addiction, gang involvement, and the importance of seeing the person behind the crime. Jessica also opens up about how her faith, advocacy, motherhood, and legal career are deeply connected—and why she continues to fight for her clients one case at a time.

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: www.wmgattorneys.com

00:00 — Meet Jessica Munk

02:00 — What Is White Collar Crime?

04:00 — When Business Gets Into the Gray Area

07:00 — The Surprising Nuances of Legal Ethics

09:00 — Are Most People Good?

13:00 — Why Jessica Chose Defense

16:00 — From Prosecutor to Defense Lawyer

18:00 — Over-Incarceration & the Punitive Justice System

20:00 — Mandatory Minimums & the First Step Act

22:00 — The Criminal Justice Act Trial Panel

24:00 — Gang Reform & Rehabilitation

27:00 — Privilege & Who Gets Caught in the System

30:00 — Justice Doesn’t Have to Equal Jail

32:00 — The Evolution of White Collar Crime

34:00 — Advocating for Clients Through Their Hardest Moments

35:00 — Career, Motherhood & Finding Balance

36:00 — What Makes a Powerful Lady?

37:00 — Faith, Christianity & Justice

41:00 — When Should You Hire a White Collar Lawyer?

42:00 — What to Do If a Federal Agent Comes Knocking

44:00 — Jessica’s Vision for Her Work

45:00 — Why Your Vote Matters

48:00 — Closing

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What if building generational wealth starts with something even more valuable: generational knowledge? Financial planner and entrepreneur Whitney Thompkins joins Kara Duffy to unpack why so many families have never been taught how money, insurance, trusts, and long-term financial planning actually work.

Together, they explore how to protect what you build, prepare for retirement, plan for the unexpected, and create a legacy that gives the next generation a stronger place to start. Whitney shares why financial protection should come before wealth building, how women can take greater ownership of their financial futures, and why defining what truly matters to you may be the most important financial decision of all.

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: @yourfamilyyourlegacy   

WEBSITE: https://www.yourfamilyyourlegacy.com/

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00:00 — Meet Whitney Thompkins & Your Family, Your Legacy

02:00 — Why Financial Education Is Missing From So Many Families

04:00 — Generational Wealth vs. Generational Knowledge

07:00 — Breaking Into a Financial Industry That Didn't Look Like Her

09:00 — Life Insurance: Term vs. Permanent Policies

11:00 — Why Millennials May Never Really “Retire”

13:00 — Redefining Retirement Around What You Value

15:00 — How Much Life Insurance Do You Really Need?

17:00 — Planning for Your Family’s Future

19:00 — The Sandwich Generation & Protecting What You Build

21:00 — Why Protection Comes Before Wealth Building

23:00 — Trusts, Life Insurance & Protecting Your Assets

26:00 — How Starting Early Can Close the Wealth Gap

28:00 — Wills, Trusts & Keeping Assets Out of Probate

31:00 — How to Start Having Financial Conversations

32:00 — Turning Your Wishes for Your Parents Into Plans for Yourself

34:00 — Paying Things Off Before Retirement

37:00 — Talking to Your Family About Their Legacy

39:00 — Rethinking the American Dream

41:00 — Entrepreneurship, Freedom & the Value of Time

43:00 — Defining What Really Matters to You

44:00 — Whitney’s Request for Guidance, Stillness & Gratitude

46:00 — Closing

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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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