Kelly Murphy never planned on becoming an entrepreneur, but a trip around the world changed everything. After seeing the impact of waste in some of the most beautiful places on Earth, she returned home determined to make it easier for people to live with less plastic. As the founder of Refillery LA, Kelly brings zero waste living to neighborhoods across Los Angeles with her mobile refill station for cleaning, personal care, and household products. She shares how the business began, why cutting plastic matters for both the planet and our health, and the small, practical steps that can make a big difference. This conversation is full of insight on sustainable entrepreneurship, climate action, and how each of us can create change right where we are.

00:00 The true cost of cheap products

01:00 Introducing Kelly Murphy and Refill LA

03:00 From corporate life to zero-waste entrepreneurship

05:00 First customers, early struggles, and community support

07:00 Why refilling isn’t mainstream yet

08:00 What you can actually refill at home

09:00 Misconceptions about going zero waste

10:00 Serving Los Angeles and opening a brick-and-mortar store

11:00 How COVID forced a business pivot

12:00 Personal zero-waste lifestyle changes

13:00 Educating the community through workshops

14:00 Plastic, oil, and the bigger picture

15:00 Beach cleanups and the reality of styrofoam

16:00 Microplastics and why we must “turn off the tap”

17:00 Local legislation and policy shifts on plastics

18:00 Incentives for businesses and consumers

19:00 Climate anxiety and how to manage it

21:00 Books and documentaries on zero waste and toxins

23:00 The hidden dangers of “fragrance” and chemicals

24:00 Women’s influence and unconditional support

26:00 What “powerful” and “lady” mean together

27:00 Why women lead change in homes and communities

29:00 Perseverance and the strength of being told “no”

30:00 The small but growing refill business community

31:00 Rethinking business: success without exploitation

32:00 Conserving resources and learning from the past

33:00 The average American’s daily trash footprint

34:00 Living with more intention and less distraction

35:00 Mindful meals and gratitude practices

36:00 The realities of entrepreneurship

37:00 COVID challenges and building resilience

38:00 Powerful Ladies Scale: today vs. average

39:00 Where to find and support Refill LA

40:00 Closing reflections and gratitude

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

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Roe v. Wade being under threat wasn’t something Dr. Sophia Yen ever imagined in her lifetime. Yet here we are, still fighting for a woman’s right to choose, for bodily autonomy, and for access to comprehensive health education and birth control. As the CEO of Pandia Health, the only female-founded, doctor-led birth control delivery company in the United States, Dr. Yen is making sure women can get the care they need without barriers. We get into the science behind skipping periods, why reproductive rights are essential to equality, and what it will take to make lasting change. Along the way, Dr. Yen shares stories from her journey as a physician, advocate, entrepreneur, and mother, offering a sharp, clear-eyed perspective on where we go from here.

Chapters:

00:00 Roe v. Wade and the fight for women’s rights

01:25 How Dr. Sophia Yen became a reproductive health advocate

03:45 Pandia Health’s mission and impact

05:15 Why birth control access is still a struggle

07:10 The science and safety of skipping periods

09:30 Myths about birth control that need to go

11:15 How the U.S. falls short on sex education

13:45 Lessons from Canada’s health education model

15:20 Fighting misinformation about women’s health

17:40 The link between reproductive rights and equality

19:15 Building a women-led health company

21:00 How telemedicine is changing access to care

23:20 Advocating for change at the policy level

25:00 Why women’s health is everyone’s issue

27:15 Advice for women advocating for themselves

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bethany Hawkins and Sharoline Galva have built more than a podcast. They’ve built a platform for joy, connection, and change. As the powerhouse duo behind Crackers & Soup and co-hosts of the award-winning Chatting Over Chowder podcast, they’ve found a way to create meaningful work that’s also a lot of fun. From launching a production company to curating a team that shares their values, Bethany and Sharoline talk about what it means to lead with purpose, choose projects that matter, and make space for grace while holding high standards. Along the way, we get real about entrepreneurship, creative freedom, and why “no” is never the end of the conversation.

Chapters:

00:00 Building a podcast with purpose

01:10 Meet Bethany Hawkins and Sharoline Galva

03:00 The origin of Crackers & Soup

05:15 Launching Chatting Over Chowder

07:00 Why they hire for values first

09:20 Lessons from She Podcasts Live

11:00 How to grow a podcast production company

13:15 Choosing clients that align with your vision

15:00 Balancing fun with high standards

17:30 Creating impact through podcasting

19:45 Saying yes to opportunities that feel right

21:15 Overcoming challenges as female entrepreneurs

23:30 Making space for rest and creativity

25:00 Advice for aspiring podcasters

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s episode is the live recording of our special International Women’s Day Powerful Conversation Series themed Powerful Ladies for Change. There’s so much going on in our world today and all of it impacts women, so I wanted to bring together a few of the badasses in the Powerful Ladies community who are taking action every day to be the change they wish to see in the world and ask them how they do it, why they do it and how any of us can take actions to change the world.  Our amazing panelists include Kristy Dinsmoor of Reevolution Group, Chandra Gore of Conversations with Chan, Carolina Trejos of Pinkafe, and Dr. Sophia Yen of Pandia Health.  

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rebecca Wiener McGregor has spent nearly two decades helping people break through fear, heal trauma, and step fully into their own power. A certified hypnotist, coach, and educator, she reveals how hypnosis can be a fast, transformative way to release anxiety, rewrite limiting beliefs, and reconnect with your true self. We talk about what hypnosis really is (and isn’t), how it can dissolve the emotional residue that holds people back, and why embracing your “full self” leads to more joy, abundance, and trust in every area of life. Rebecca also shares her own journey from social anxiety to running a thriving practice with clients around the world, and why setting clear standards, not just boundaries, is essential for living a life that feels sacred and aligned.

Chapters:

00:00 Rebecca’s path to hypnosis

02:10 Breaking through fear and anxiety

05:15 What hypnosis really is (and isn’t)

07:30 How hypnosis helps release old patterns

10:20 The science behind subconscious change

12:45 From social anxiety to global coaching practice

15:00 Building a life and business with intention

17:25 Why setting standards matters more than boundaries

19:50 Dissolving limiting beliefs for lasting change

22:15 Creating space for joy and abundance

24:40 Working with clients around the world

27:05 Hypnosis myths that hold people back

29:20 The connection between self-trust and success

31:10 How to know if hypnosis is right for you

33:15 Rebecca’s advice for anyone ready to step into their power

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andrea Guevara’s journey is a masterclass in resilience. From escaping an abusive marriage to surviving homelessness, she rebuilt her life piece by piece. She creating a thriving branding and career coaching business for authors and becoming a mindset mentor for women. She shares how pivotal moments, bold choices, and relentless determination led to her dream home, a business that changes lives, and clients featured on Netflix. Andrea’s story is proof that even in the face of overwhelming odds, you can rewrite your future and inspire others to do the same. If you’ve ever felt stuck, under-resourced, or unsure if your dreams are possible, Andrea’s path will remind you why the next step matters.

Chapters

00:00 – Parallel stories and shared struggles

01:00 – From rock bottom to Netflix-level wins

04:00 – Andrea’s client success with Maid

07:00 – The power of showing women what’s possible

09:00 – Leaving a controlling marriage at 16

12:00 – Realizing there’s more to life than survival

14:00 – Custody battles and protecting her children

15:00 – Homelessness and rebuilding from nothing

18:00 – Holding on to mindset tools in crisis

20:00 – Choosing purpose when there’s nothing left to lose

23:00 – The importance of honest self-awareness

28:00 – Spotting a gap in the author industry

31:00 – How volunteering led to new opportunities

32:00 – Why raising your hand can change your career

35:00 – Living a vision board life

37:00 – Building a supportive network

39:00 – Writing a survival guide for women

41:00 – Redefining “Powerful Ladies”

44:00 – Life in the wine country and everyday joys

46:00 – The Powerful Ladies scale

48:00 – Dream clients and dream opportunities

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Adoption can change more than one life. For Gemi and Ili Bertran, it transformed an entire family. Gemi was born in Haiti and adopted as a child by Ili, who brought her to Barcelona. Their journey together has been shaped by love, identity, resilience, and the challenges of bridging cultures. In this conversation, they open up about the realities of international adoption, the work it takes to nurture trust, and how they’ve navigated questions of heritage and belonging. It’s a story about family in all its forms, the power of listening, and what it really means to grow together.

Chapters:

00:00 A mother–daughter story begins

01:30 Growing up in Haiti

04:15 The path to adoption in Barcelona

07:20 Adjusting to a new culture

09:45 Building trust across differences

12:00 Answering questions about identity

14:30 The role of heritage in family life

17:15 Navigating cultural misunderstandings

19:50 Lessons learned from each other

22:00 Finding belonging in two places

24:40 Motherhood across cultures

27:15 Advice for adoptive parents and adoptees

29:30 Why listening matters most

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Carrie Schmitt never planned on becoming a professional artist. But when a sudden, debilitating allergy to heat and sunlight forced her to reinvent her life, painting became her lifeline. What started as a way to cope turned into a thriving career as an artist, writer, entrepreneur, and teacher. In this conversation, we explore how she transformed her biggest challenges into a purpose-driven business, the mindset shifts that helped her keep going, and why surrendering control can lead to unexpected beauty. Carrie’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and choosing to see possibility in the mess.

Chapters:

00:00 Turning burdens into blessings

01:20 Living with a chronic illness and heat allergy

03:12 How painting became a lifeline

05:00 Building a career as an artist

07:15 Financial realities of living with a disability

09:04 Discovering the power of surrender in art

11:30 Creating with intention and clarity

13:20 Advice for female entrepreneurs

15:10 The role of spirituality in her work

17:45 Overcoming fear and self-doubt

20:00 Finding community through art

22:15 Balancing business and creativity

24:30 How teaching has shaped her perspective

26:45 Lessons from building a purpose-driven brand

29:00 What powerful means to Carrie

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Devon Blow has built a creative career that’s as bold and bright as her work. From landing clients like Adidas, Google, and the United Nations to using her art as a tool for activism, she’s proof that you can do what you love and make an impact. In this conversation, we talk about raising your rates with confidence, staying true to your style, and why she believes food, housing, and health care are basic rights everyone should have. Devon’s story is one of creativity, courage, and building a business that aligns with your values.

Chapters:

00:00 Meet Devon Blow

01:40 Putting yourself into every creative project

03:20 How Devon found her artistic voice

05:15 From side gigs to big-name clients

07:00 The moment she learned to raise her rates

09:30 Navigating the business side of creativity

11:15 Why social change is central to her work

13:00 Building a career around your values

15:05 Lessons from activism and advocacy

17:00 Balancing art and entrepreneurship

19:20 How to land dream clients

21:15 Staying inspired and avoiding burnout

23:00 What Devon would change about the world

25:10 Advice for creatives finding their path

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you ready to meet a ray of sunshine?  Today’s guest is Devon Blow. She’s a creative, an illustrator, a designer, an activist, and her positive energy is contagious. For those of you who are regular listeners, you may remember her from the Workshop for Creatives that we shared as a podcast episode in 2021. In this episode, we get to learn all about her journey to being an entrepreneur, who she admires, how she works, and why she’d use her magic wand to make food, shelter and health care available to everyone.