Mariya Spektor is a social media manager, spin instructor, and creator of the To Date or Not podcast, where she explores the big questions about love, dating, and modern relationships. Born in Russia and raised in California, Mariya brings curiosity, humor, and honesty to conversations about what makes relationships work and what holds them back. She shares how personal experiences led her to launch her podcast, the lessons she has learned about communication and self-awareness, and why being powerful starts with being brave enough to be honest with yourself and those you love. From breaking patterns to setting boundaries, Mariya’s approach is both practical and inspiring for anyone navigating dating, long-term partnerships, or self-discovery.

Chapters

00:00 Meet Mariya Spektor

03:15 From Russia to California: Her Early Story

06:30 Building a Career in Social Media and Fitness

09:40 Why She Started the To Date or Not Podcast

14:20 Lessons Learned from Talking About Relationships Publicly

17:50 The Importance of Communication and Asking Questions

21:10 Breaking Patterns That Don’t Serve You

24:45 How to Be Honest with Yourself and Others

28:20 Setting Boundaries in Dating and Relationships

31:50 Advice for Navigating Modern Dating Apps

35:15 The Role of Self-Discovery in Healthy Relationships

39:00 Favorite Books and Influences

42:15 Why Personal Growth Is Ongoing

48:00 How to Connect with Mariya Spektor

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

Leah Drew is the founder of Mind Body with Leah, a pain management specialist, massage therapist, personal trainer, and ANF Therapist who helps people create lasting lifestyle solutions to feel their best. After overcoming her own health challenges, including a pancreatic tumor, Leah became passionate about teaching others how to listen to their bodies, manage stress, and prioritize self-care before burnout hits. She shares why most people aren’t breathing properly, how daily habits shape long-term wellness, and the role mindfulness plays in preventing injury and illness. From movement and nutrition to mindset and boundaries, Leah offers practical tools to help you train for life not just the gym. This conversation is for anyone ready to take ownership of their health and live in a way that supports their body, mind, and goals.

Chapters

00:00 Meet Leah Drew, Founder of Mind Body with Leah

04:15 From Health Challenges to Holistic Healing

07:50 Why Training for Life Matters More Than Training for Looks

10:30 The Mind-Body Connection in Pain Management

14:20 How Stress Shows Up in the Body

18:00 Breathing Techniques to Improve Wellness

21:10 Building Mindfulness Into Daily Routines

24:45 Movement and Mobility for Longevity

28:20 The Role of Nutrition in Healing and Energy

31:50 Lessons from Going Furniture-Free

35:15 Creating Boundaries to Protect Your Health

39:00 Why Self-Care Is a Daily Choice

42:15 Women Who Inspire Leah’s Work

46:00 Morning Routines That Change Everything

49:40 Resources for Mind-Body Wellness

53:20 How to Connect with Leah Drew

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

Arya Mazanek is the CEO of Wilderwise Homes, a company building highly engineered tiny homes designed for modern living. She’s passionate about how tiny living can be a catalyst for people to live in alignment with their values, whether that’s reducing environmental impact, increasing financial freedom, or creating more intentional communities. Arya shares how her path from Girl Scouts to CEO shaped her approach to leadership, the lessons learned from crowdfunding and building a startup, and why the tiny house movement is more than just a trend. We talk about veterans’ housing projects, community developments in Oregon, and what it takes to design a space that’s both functional and inspiring. If you’ve been curious about tiny homes, sustainable living, or turning your values into a business, Arya’s story is packed with insights.

Chapters

00:00 Meet Arya Mazanek, CEO of Wilderwise Homes

04:15 From Girl Scouts to Entrepreneurial Leadership

07:40 Designing Highly Engineered Tiny Homes

10:50 Why Tiny Living Aligns with Sustainable Values

14:20 Veterans’ Housing Project in Austin

17:35 Building an Oregon Tiny Home Community

21:00 Crowdfunding on Start Engine and Lessons Learned

25:26 A Day in the Life as a CEO

29:40 Collaborations and Building a Supportive Network

33:15 Why the Tiny House Movement Is Growing

37:00 Accessory Dwelling Units and Housing Solutions

41:20 Inspiration from “Living Big in a Tiny House”

44:10 The Role of Women in the Tiny Home Industry

48:00 Advice for Starting a Values-Driven Business

51:30 How to Connect with Wilderwise Homes

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 we have a super special episode for you all. International Women’s Day on March 8th, is the biggest global experience we create each year at Powerful Ladies. We have hundreds of women around the world sharing their story through our Instagram Extravaganza, we host events, raise money for charity and more. This year as one of our virtual events, we hosted a guest speaker panel discussing our 2021 International Women’s Day Theme “Never Underestimate a Powerful Lady”. It seems fitting after the year we’ve all experienced to talk about how we’ve been underestimated, how to stay motivated when the odds are against us, and why does International Women’s Day matter? I hope you enjoy this special episode featuring guest panelist Hannah Diffenderffer, Lanie Edwards, Valerie Delgado and Freddie Georges. 

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

Shae LaPlace is the integrator for Powerful Ladies, the right hand helping Kara Duffy bring ideas to life across Powerful Ladies and KDCC. She is also a freelance writer and editor, bartender, and the creator of Bad Outdoors Woman. Shae’s journey is anything but conventional, and her story is proof that you can design a life around your passions, values, and goals. She shares what it is like to be part of the Powerful Ladies team, the adventures that have shaped her path, and how she balances creative work, multiple careers, and personal growth. We also preview the International Women’s Day 2021 events, including panels, workshops, and a virtual happy hour, all tied to this year’s theme: “Never Underestimate a Powerful Lady.”

Chapters

00:00 Meet Shae LaPlace

03:15 Her Role as Integrator for Powerful Ladies

07:40 Building a Multi-Passion Career

10:50 Creating Bad Outdoors Woman

14:20 Adventures and Lessons from the Outdoors

18:35 Balancing Creative Projects with Multiple Jobs

22:15 The Power of a Strong Support System

26:40 Why She Believes in Living Unconventionally

30:55 International Women’s Day 2021 Preview

35:20 Partnering with Women for Women International

38:45 Advice for Designing the Life You Deserve

42:10 Where to Connect with Shae LaPlace

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

Photographer, creative director, and entrepreneur Marika Adamopoulos has built two thriving businesses (Marika Creative and Creativity Built) by rejecting the competition mindset and embracing collaboration. She shares her journey from Boston to Southern California, the lessons she’s learned running a creative agency, and how building community has transformed her career. We talk about pricing your worth, turning photography into a business, and why great brand visuals are one of the smartest investments any business can make. If you want to grow your creative career, land dream clients, and feel more confident in your value, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.

Chapters:

00:00 Meet Marika Adamopoulos

04:04 Choosing a creative career path

08:00 Building Marika Creative

10:00 Starting the Creativity Built community

13:00 Shifting from competition to collaboration

15:00 The impact of mentorship and support

21:00 Pricing your worth and charging for the whole process

24:00 Creating a great client experience

28:00 Why brand photography matters

30:00 Telling brand stories through visuals

36:00 Persevering through challenges

38:00 Favorite resources and inspiration

40:00 Daily practices for success

43:00 Goals and opportunities ahead

46:00 Living as a Powerful Lady

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

Jessica Assaf’s activism began at age 13 when she joined a local cancer study and discovered how many beauty and personal care products contained harmful ingredients. By 15, she was testifying in California for cosmetic safety reform. That passion for health, transparency, and safer consumer products shaped her entire career. Today, Jessica is the co-founder and Chief Education Officer of Prima, a science-backed hemp CBD wellness brand she launched with Christopher Gavigan and Laurel Angelica Myers. She shares how she went from nonprofit advocacy to Harvard Business School, why she chose entrepreneurship as a vehicle for change, and what it takes to build a brand in an emerging category. Jessica talks about the science and stigma around CBD, the importance of business compatibility, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, purpose, and resilience. Her story is proof that curiosity and persistence can turn an early cause into a lifelong mission.

Chapters

00:00 Meet Jessica Assaf

03:20 How a Local Cancer Study Sparked Her Activism

06:15 Testifying for Cosmetic Safety Reform at 15

10:40 From Nonprofit Advocacy to Harvard Business School

14:50 Why She Chose Entrepreneurship for Impact

18:30 Building Prima with Christopher Gavigan and Laurel Angelica Myers

22:10 Breaking Stigma and Building Trust Around CBD

27:40 Science-Backed Wellness and Product Transparency

31:00 What True Compatibility in Business Partnerships Looks Like

35:20 Challenges of Launching in an Emerging Industry

39:00 Lessons on Leadership and Resilience

43:10 The Future of CBD Wellness

47:00 Advice for Turning Passion Into a Career

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

Mark and Elizabeth McGarry are a true power couple, leaders in global sportswear and partners in life, business, and family. Mark is the CEO of York Athletics and Elizabeth is the owner and creative director of McGarry & Sons, a design studio they helped launch together. Their careers span iconic brands like Reebok, Puma, and DC Shoes, but their focus today is on building a family and businesses that reflect their values. They share how they’ve navigated entrepreneurship, creative collaboration, and parenthood while staying true to their vision of a modern, intentional life. From designing sneakers to curating a home, from global trendsetting to building community, Mark and Elizabeth prove that success comes from alignment, trust, and taking the leap when it matters most. Their story is a blueprint for blending passion, work, and family into something bigger and more beautiful.

Chapters

00:00 Meet Mark and Elizabeth McGarry

03:45 How They Met and Began Collaborating

07:20 From Global Brands to Building Their Own

12:15 The Leap to Launch York Athletics and McGarry & Sons

16:50 Designing for Function, Style, and Storytelling

20:35 The Role of Trust in Business and Life

24:10 Lessons from Working with Iconic Sportswear Brands

29:00 Navigating Parenthood and Entrepreneurship

33:40 Designing Their Home and Lifestyle

38:15 Health Challenges and Resilience

42:50 How Surfing, Running, and Meditation Shape Their Lives

46:30 The Four L’s: Love, Labor, Learn, Laugh

50:15 Advice for Entrepreneurs and Creatives

54:00 What’s Next for York Athletics and McGarry & Sons

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

Chris Grubisa and Aleks Lason are married, parents, and the co-founders of Chrilleks, an international multi-experiential marketing agency creating both digital and in-person brand experiences. They’ve built a thriving company while prioritizing communication, trust, and shared growth, proving that it’s possible to succeed in business and life together. In this conversation, Chris and Aleks share the mindset shifts and daily practices that help them navigate marriage, parenthood, and entrepreneurship without losing sight of their values. They talk about building Chrilleks from the ground up, staying connected as partners, and why continuing to grow is the root of everything. This is a must-listen for anyone running a business with their significant other or looking to strengthen their personal and professional relationships.

Chapters

00:00 Meet Chris Grubisa and Aleks Lason of Chrilleks

04:15 How They Met and Started Working Together

08:40 Building a Multi-Experiential Marketing Agency

13:00 Balancing Marriage, Parenthood, and Entrepreneurship

17:20 Why Communication Is the Foundation for Success

21:45 Staying Aligned Through Growth and Change

26:10 Lessons Learned from Running a Business Together

30:30 Building a Company Culture That Reflects Their Values

34:50 The Role of Trust and Respect in Business Partnerships

38:20 Favorite Books and Tools for Inspiration

42:40 How Their Personal Relationship Fuels Their Business

46:15 Advice for Couples in Business Together

50:00 What’s Next for Chrilleks and Their Family

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

Noah Bernard has lived many lives - professional athlete, footwear creator, brand marketer, and entrepreneur - each chapter shaped by his drive to work hard, compete, and follow his passions. From swimming at the Junior Olympics to competing in Ultraman races, from building brands at Puma and Saucony to creating his own ventures, Noah’s career is proof that success comes from aligning your skills with what matters most to you. In this milestone 100th episode of the Powerful Ladies Podcast, Noah shares his journey across sports, marketing, and entrepreneurship. He talks about the lessons he learned as an athlete, why asking “why” is a game-changer, and how curating your life with intention can lead to extraordinary opportunities. Along the way, he reflects on the people, books, and experiences that shaped his values and continues to fuel his curiosity.

Chapters

00:00 Meet Noah Bernard

04:15 Growing Up as a Competitive Swimmer

08:40 From Junior Olympics to College Athletics

13:00 Transitioning from Athlete to Brand Marketer

17:20 Building Footwear Brands at Puma and Saucony

21:45 Lessons Learned from Global Sports Marketing

26:10 The Leap into Entrepreneurship

30:30 Ultraman, Tough Mudders, and Pushing Physical Limits

35:20 How ADHD Shaped His Drive and Creativity

39:00 The Power of Asking “Why” and Knowing Your Values

43:10 Influences: Wim Hof, David Goggins, and More

46:50 Favorite Books on Sports, Business, and Life

50:20 Advice for Designing a Career Around Your Passions

54:00 What’s Next for Noah Bernard

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