Rebel Rootz Show - Real Talk For Moms Entering A New Chapter

Rebel Rootz Show Episode #53 with Katie Guilory.

In this episode of Rebel Rootz, Evonne Varady sits down with LSU Strength & Conditioning Coach Katie Guillory for an incredibly powerful conversation about resilience, identity, and rebuilding your life after the unimaginable.

Katie shares the story of the accident that led to the loss of her leg and how she fought her way back to the career and athletes she loves. From the early uncertainty and emotional challenges to learning how to walk again with a below-knee prosthesis, Katie opens up about what it truly takes to redefine strength.

As a former LSU softball player turned elite strength coach working with LSU gymnastics and beach volleyball, Katie understands performance, discipline, and mental toughness at the highest level. But this journey forced her to discover a deeper kind of strength, one rooted in perspective, gratitude, and purpose.

Evonne and Katie explore how adversity reshapes identity, what it means to inspire others through action, and why setbacks can become the very thing that gives your story meaning.

If you’ve ever faced a life-altering challenge, questioned your ability to come back from hardship, or wondered how resilience is actually built, this conversation will stay with you.

Tune in to hear how Katie Guillory turned one of the hardest moments of her life into a story of courage, leadership, and unstoppable determination.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Trailer

[02:07] Meet Katie Guillory

[03:57] LSU softball journey

[07:37] Becoming a strength coach

[10:12] Coaching philosophy

[14:07] “Earned, never given” mindset

[16:52] NIL in college sports

[18:57] The jet ski accident

[21:57] Surviving the emergency

[25:07] Amputation and recovery

[28:12] Life with a prosthetic

[31:17] Paralympic long jump goals

[34:37] LSU support system

[37:12] Facing fear and healing

[39:17] Advice for young coaches

[41:57] Leadership and accountability

[44:17] Being a savage with a heart

[45:27] How to connect with Katie

Key Takeaways:  

• “Nothing will keep me down and nothing will stop me.” ~ Katie Guillory

• “Pressure is a privilege on purpose.” ~ Katie Guillory

• “Accountability is one of the highest forms of love.” ~ Katie Guillory

• “Your voice is never too small to make a difference.” ~ Katie Guillory

• “If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.” ~ Katie Guillory

• “You can be a savage with a heart.” ~ Katie Guillory

• “Everyone is fighting something you know nothing about.” ~ Evonne Varady

• “Kindness costs nothing but can change everything.” ~ Evonne Varady

Keep In Touch with Katie Guillory:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steel_guil 

Connect with Evonne Varady: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/ 

Follow Rebel Rootz Social Media…

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/ 

Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform: 

Website: https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/ 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow 

This Podcast Is Powered By Clean Eatz:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/ 

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Rebel Rootz Show Rebel Rootz Show Episode #52 with Dani Jesch & Allison Lee Donnelly.

What if the thing that made you feel different growing up is actually your superpower?

In this special Pre-St. Patrick’s Day Redhead Panel, Evonne Varady sits down with Dani Jesch and Allison Lee Donnelly for a bold, hilarious, and honest conversation about identity, stereotypes, and owning what makes you stand out.

From middle school teasing and sunburn horror stories to beauty standards, dating assumptions, and workplace moments, the panel dives into the shared and wildly different experiences of growing up as redheads. They unpack common stereotypes like being “hot-headed,” the pressure to fit traditional beauty norms, and the awkward questions that never seem to go away.

But this episode is more than laughs and ginger jokes.

It’s about confidence.

It’s about self-acceptance.

It’s about turning “different” into undeniable presence.

Together, they explore how embracing their look shaped their personalities, resilience, and sense of individuality. What once felt isolating became empowering. What once felt rare became a shared tribe.

If you’ve ever felt like you stood out, didn’t fit in, or were labeled before being known, this conversation will remind you that uniqueness is not something to hide. It’s something to own.

Tune in for stories, perspective shifts, and a celebration of standing out.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Trailer

[02:07] Meet the Redhead Panel

[03:57] Red hair genetics and family traits

[08:27] Growing up different and early self-image

[11:37] School teasing vs bullying across generations

[16:17] Dating, attraction, and being “the redhead”

[20:27] Hair dye stories and identity

[24:22] Using personality and presence to stand out

[27:32] Sunburn disasters and sunscreen life

[30:27] Redhead stereotypes and assumptions

[34:02] Advice for younger redheads

[37:07] Common comments they’re tired of hearing

[41:17] Rapid fire redhead traits

[44:02] Owning your uniqueness

Key Takeaways:  

• “Unique.” — Dani Jesch

• “I think being a redhead gave me a leg up in being able to be as tough as I wanted to be.” — Allison Lee Donnelly

• “You wear the face of your ancestors.” — Dani Jesch

• “I felt like I was given red hair because I didn’t fit in… maybe I’m supposed to stand out and own this.” — Evonne Varady

• “I wouldn’t change it for the world.” — Dani Jesch

• “Being a redhead means tribe.” — Dani Jesch

• “Own it. Let it be a part of you.” — Allison Lee Donnelly

• “You are unique in yourself.” — Allison Lee Donnelly

Keep In Touch with Dani Jesch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danijeschphotos/

Website: https://www.danijesch.com/

Keep In Touch with Allison Lee Donnelly:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonmlee/

Connect with Evonne Varady: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/ 

Follow Rebel Rootz Social Media…

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/ 

Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform: 

Website: https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/ 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow 

This Podcast Is Powered By Clean Eatz:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/ 

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGG

Rebel Rootz Show Episode #51 with Melissa Thomas.

What if the dream you have been carrying for years is not unrealistic, but waiting for you to pursue it boldly?

In this episode, Evonne Varady sits down with Melissa Thomas for a powerful conversation about pursuing big dreams, embracing solo travel, and living in alignment with who you truly are. Melissa shares the story behind her lifelong goal to meet Elton John, how that dream shaped her confidence and resilience, and why taking action matters more than simply wishing for something to happen.

From leaving teaching to building a successful pet sitting business, to encouraging women to travel solo without guilt, Melissa opens up about faith, entrepreneurship, non-negotiables, and trusting that saying no creates space for something better. Together, they explore how alignment, courage, and intentional action can transform both your career and your personal life.

If you have ever questioned whether your dream is “too big,” felt hesitant about solo travel, or struggled to balance ambition with responsibility, this episode will remind you that clarity comes through action.

Tune in to learn how to pursue your dreams without regret and build a life you are proud to live.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Trailer

[02:10] Growing up and early dreams

[05:45] The Elton John goal

[09:30] Seeing Elton 62 times

[14:20] Faith and trusting the universe

[18:05] Leaving teaching

[22:40] Starting a pet sitting business

[27:55] Saying no and setting non-negotiables

[32:15] Women and solo travel

[36:50] Alignment and hyper focus

[41:30] Taking action versus waiting

[47:10] Living without regret

[52:25] What success really means

[56:40] Final message

Key Takeaways:  

• Saying no to one client means that the door is open for another client. ~Melissa Thomas

• Things are so much easier when you’re in alignment than trying to constantly push against that. ~Melissa Thomas

• “Even if the opportunity never comes about that I ever get to meet him in person, I have zero regrets for pursuing the dream in the first place.” ~Melissa Thomas

• “It’s 100% okay to be selfish and go away by yourself for a long weekend or a week and just focus purely on yourself.” ~Melissa Thomas

• “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” ~Evonne Varady

• “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.” ~Melissa Thomas

• “Wishing and hoping is not an actionable plan.” ~Melissa Thomas

Keep In Touch with Melissa Thomas:

Website: https://melissaspage.com/ 

Pet Sitting Business: https://melissathesitter.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissaspage1410 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mthomas1410/ 

Connect with Evonne Varady: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/ 

Follow Rebel Rootz Social Media…

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/ 

Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform: 

Website: https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/ 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow 

This Podcast Is Powered By Clean Eatz:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/ 

Website: https://cleaneatz.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGG

Rebel Rootz Show Episode #50 with Celeste Bonin, known to WWE fans as Kaitlyn, and founder of Shine With Celeste.

What happens when the thing you are most known for no longer fits who you are becoming?

In this episode, Evonne Varady sits down with former WWE Women’s Champion Celeste Bonin, also known as Kaitlyn, for an honest conversation about identity, reinvention, and building a life after the spotlight fades. Celeste shares what it was really like to step away from professional wrestling and start over in business, fitness, and personal branding.

They talk about losing a version of yourself, rebuilding confidence, and why your story is the most powerful tool you have when creating a personal brand. Celeste also opens up about entrepreneurship, monetizing your expertise, and how she now helps creators, leaders, and entrepreneurs build magnetic online presences and offers that reflect who they truly are.

This episode is about owning your evolution, trusting your voice, and realizing that your next chapter does not have to look anything like your last.

Tune in to learn more.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Trailer

[02:30] Becoming Kaitlyn in WWE

[05:20] Leaving WWE

[07:55] Reinventing through business

[11:15] Starting Celestial Bodies

[15:45] First WWE match

[20:50] Winning the title

[29:55] Identity after fame

[34:30] Why personal branding matters

[38:50] Nervous system and confidence

[47:40] Dealing with online hate

[51:40] Who Celeste helps

[56:30] Final message

Key Takeaways:  

• “I had this huge platform, and I didn’t know what my message was.” ~Celeste Bonin

• “I just knew I wanted to reinvent myself and make a name for myself.” ~Celeste Bonin

• “Your nervous system determines how much visibility you can handle.” ~Celeste Bonin

• “If you are not triggering anyone, you are not standing for anything.” ~Celeste Bonin

• “Hate means you stand for something.” ~Celeste Bonin

• “Your story is the most powerful thing you have.” ~Celeste Bonin

• “People can feel if you are an embodiment of what you teach.” ~Evonne Varady

• “Right now is the time to stop waiting and put yourself out there.” ~Celeste Bonin

Keep In Touch with Celeste Bonin:

Website: https://shinewithceleste.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestebonin/

Connect with Evonne Varady: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/ 

Follow Rebel Rootz Social Media…

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/ 

Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform: 

Website: https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/ 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow 

This Podcast Is Powered By Clean Eatz:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/ 

Website: https://cleaneatz.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGG

Rebel Rootz Show Episode #49 with Britt Achterhoff.

What happens when life pushes you to your breaking point and you choose to keep going anyway?

In this episode, Evonne Varady sits down with Britt Achterhoff, a mom of two, longtime Sorinex leader, and former Clemson soccer player, for an honest conversation about resilience, identity, and learning how to trust yourself through life’s hardest seasons.

From being adopted and growing up competitive, to building a career in the male-dominated strength and conditioning industry, Britt shares how every challenge helped shape her grit, confidence, and voice.

She opens up about motherhood, postpartum realities, and why training became her therapy when everything else felt overwhelming. Britt also reflects on relationships, conservation, hunting and fishing, and the power of surrounding yourself with strong women who push you to be better.

This episode is a reminder that your lowest lows are not the end of your story. They are what make your highest highs possible.

As Britt says, “We only have the highest highs because of those lowest lows.”

Timestamps:

[00:00] Trailer

[01:58] How Britt got her nickname

[03:49] What Britt’s childhood was really like

[07:50] Are athletes born or made

[08:55] Why Britt chose soccer

[10:25] How Britt met her husband

[13:37] Marriage right after college

[17:52] Being the first woman at Sorinex

[19:29] Working in a male dominated industry

[27:25] Balancing hunting and motherhood

[30:10] Avoiding resentment after having kids

[36:36] Postpartum struggles and identity

[44:51] Advice to her younger self

Key Takeaways:  

• “Every female should understand that all of those moments of despair and self doubt, you will come out of it stronger.” ~Britt Achterhoff

• “You already have a seat at the table.” ~Britt Achterhoff

• “Training is my therapy.” ~Britt Achterhoff

• “Every single person you see has a different story on the inside.” ~Britt Achterhoff

• “You are allowed to grow into new versions of yourself.” ~Evonne Varady

Keep In Touch with Brittany Achterhoff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittbachterhoff/Sorinex: https://www.sorinex.com/

Connect with Evonne Varady: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/ 

Follow Rebel Rootz Social Media…

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/ 

Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform: 

Website: https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/ 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow 

This Podcast Is Powered By Clean Eatz:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/ 

Website: https://cleaneatz.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGG

Rebel Rootz Show episode #48 with Diana Stobo.

What if healing your body meant rewriting your entire relationship with food, intuition, and yourself?

In this episode, Evonne Varady sits down with wellness pioneer, author, and founder of The Retreat Costa Rica, Diana Stobo, for a powerful conversation about healing through food, listening to your body, and building a life rooted in purpose instead of pressure. Diana shares her journey from chronic illness and pre-cancer to becoming one of the early leaders of the raw and anti-inflammatory food movements.

Diana opens up about her personal healing journey, how nutrition transformed her health, and why “knowing your no’s” might be the most important wellness practice of all. They talk about the raw food movement, anti-inflammatory living, modern food systems, and why so many people feel disconnected from what actually makes them feel good.

The conversation expands into womanhood, relationships, community, aging, and what it really means to create a life that feels aligned. Diana also shares the story behind building a world-class wellness resort in Costa Rica, the power of intuition in business, and why experiences and human connection are becoming the new currency.

This episode is about healing, self-trust, resilience, and choosing a path that supports your body, your values, and your future. If you’ve ever felt stuck in cycles of burnout, inflammation, or disconnection, this conversation will change how you think about wellness.

Tune in to learn more.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Trailer

[00:42] Why Diana doesn’t want marriage

[01:38] Does marriage change women?

[02:53] Why women lost care

[05:18] How Diana’s career began

[09:27] Growing the wellness retreat

[10:18] Where Diana lives now

[12:00] Building sustainably in Costa Rica

[13:54] How Diana met her partner

[17:01] Diana’s wellness journey

[21:16] Thoughts on New Year’s resolutions

[22:57] Thoughts on Dry January

[23:17] Was this always her path?

[25:52] Who visits the retreat

[27:38] Retreats vs online programs

[31:38] Thoughts on RFK and health systems

[36:21] Growing food on the property

[38:31] Final thoughts on womanhood

[41:06] Where to book the resort

Key Takeaways:  

• “I don’t want to get married because as soon as that piece of paper is signed, I change.” ~Diana Stobo

• “I want my relationship to be a choice we make every day, not something that’s legally bound.” ~Diana Stobo

• “I had to heal myself first, and that’s what put me on this wellness path.” ~Diana Stobo

• “Food can either heal you or slowly break you down.” ~Diana Stobo

• “Knowing your ‘no’s’ is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health.” ~Diana Stobo

• “Wellness doesn’t have to look one way. It should be done your way.” ~Diana Stobo

• “Experiences, connection, and community are what people are really craving right now.” ~Evonne Varady

• “You shouldn’t need a vacation from your vacation.” ~Evonne Varady

Keep In Touch with Diana Stobo:

Website: https://www.theretreatcostarica.com/ 

Personal Website: https://www.dianastobo.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianastobo/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dianastobo 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DianaStobo 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dianastobo 

Connect with Evonne Varady: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/ 

Follow Rebel Rootz Social Media…

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/ 

Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform: 

Website: https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/ 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow 

Rebel Rootz Show episode #47 with Chris Bradley.

What really goes on behind the scenes of a private investigation?

In this episode, Evonne Varady sits down with Chris Bradley, a former law enforcement officer turned private investigator, to unpack the realities of PI work, ultra endurance, and building multiple businesses from a single skill set. Chris shares his journey from Surf City PD to undercover narcotics, DEA work, and eventually launching his own investigative firm.

Chris opens up about what private investigators actually do day to day, the types of cases they handle, how women’s intuition plays into investigations, and why most people misunderstand both law enforcement and PI work. They also dive into ultra running, resilience, injury, and how pushing physical limits shaped his mindset beyond the job.

The conversation expands into parenting, raising kids in a digital world, situational awareness, self defense, and why phones and distractions have become one of the biggest safety risks today. Chris also shares insights into his new government canine business and what it is like to build a career that keeps evolving.

This episode is about awareness, adaptability, discipline, and learning how to operate with intention in both your career and your life. If you are curious about investigations, endurance, or building something after leaving a long career, this episode will shift how you see all three.

Tune in to learn more.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Trailer

[01:13] Chris’ background and early life

[02:49] College detour and finding law enforcement

[05:54] First mentors and getting into policing

[07:01] Surf City PD, Jacksonville, SWAT, and DEA

[09:01] Turning point in narcotics work

[10:30] How drug trafficking really works

[12:32] Leaving law enforcement and becoming a PI

[13:52] What private investigators actually do

[15:44] Types of cases and building a PI team

[16:53] Ultra running origin story

[18:59] First 50K race and getting hooked

[20:42] Marathon breakdown and nutrition lessons

[21:51] From running to walking

[23:29] Sock sponsorship story

[24:20] Being a dad to two boys and a girl

[27:18] Parenting with more patience

[29:44] Career after law enforcement

[30:48] How policing has changed

[33:24] Raising kids in a tech world

[34:39] AI in investigations

[36:45] New government canine business

[37:51] Self defense and situational awareness

[40:06] Phones, distractions, and safety

[41:50] Where to find Chris

Key Takeaways:  

• “A woman’s intuition is always 95% right.” ~Chris Bradley

• “We do surveillance on people. We take pictures, video, and sometimes undercover work.” ~Chris Bradley

• “If a woman calls and says she thinks her spouse is cheating, they’re usually cheating.” ~Chris Bradley

• “Cheating spouse cases and child custody make up about 40% of what we do.” ~Chris Bradley

• “Situational awareness is decreasing because everyone is walking with their head in their phone.” ~Chris Bradley

• “Put your phone in your pocket and watch how many people have no awareness.” ~Chris Bradley

• “I’m way more patient as a parent now because of life experience.” ~Chris Bradley

• “You can take one path in life and still build many different versions of yourself.” ~Evonne Varady

Keep In Touch with Chris Bradley:

Website: https://www.thescoutsolutionsgroup.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScoutSolutionsGroup/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scout_soultions_group

Connect with Evonne Varady: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/ 

Follow Rebel Rootz Social Media…

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/ 

Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform: 

Website: https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/ 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs 

Rebel Rootz Show episode #46 with Mary Miller Jordan.

What happens when the thing that once saved you becomes the mission you build your life around?

In this episode, Evonne Varady sits down with Mary Miller Jordan, founder of I AM HERD Mustang Sanctuary, for a powerful conversation about freedom, healing, and listening to the wisdom of animals and instinct. Mary shares how horses became her safe place as a child and how that lifelong connection evolved into rescuing, gentling, and creating a forever sanctuary for wild mustangs.

Mary opens up about working with wild horses, competing in Mustang makeovers, navigating moments of heartbreak and transformation, and why slowing down, listening deeper, and honoring the individual matters more than winning or proving anything. They talk about trauma, trust, patience, and how building a safe space for horses is inseparable from learning to be a safe space for ourselves.

This conversation is about intuition, surrender, resilience, and choosing a path that aligns with who you have always been, even when it does not make sense on paper. If you have ever felt called to protect, heal, or build something rooted in purpose, this episode will stay with you.

Tune in to learn more.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Trailer

[02:19] Childhood and family roots

[06:11] Freedom with the pony

[08:52] Babysitter horses

[11:51] Becoming a safe space for horses

[18:27] Mustang makeover competitions

[23:19] Creating the sanctuary

[25:59] The original five mustangs

[26:36] How many horses today

[27:00] Rescue calls and overpopulation

[30:49] Solo trip to Colorado

[32:55] Learning how horses communicate

[37:31] Pet peeves in the horse world

[45:20] Horse girl identity

[47:36] Being charged by a mustang

[49:27] Trusting the process

[53:20] Where to find I Am Herd

Key Takeaways:  

• “The horses were my safe place. They gave me sovereignty when everything else felt out of control.” ~Mary Miller Jordan

• “Freedom keeps coming up for me. Horses were the thing that carried me to it.” ~Mary Miller Jordan

• “I’m honored that horses were my safe place as a child, and now I get to be a safe place for them.” ~Mary Miller Jordan

• “Fear is just information. Sometimes it’s telling you to stop, and sometimes it’s telling you to prepare.” ~Mary Miller Jordan

• “Authenticity isn’t just showing what you’re good at. It’s showing the mistakes and the vulnerability too.” ~Evonne Varady

• “Every horse is different, and every relationship is different. There isn’t one right way.” ~Evonne Varady

Keep In Touch with Mary Miller Jordan:

Website: https://iamherd.com/ 

Personal Website: https://marymillerjordan.com/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MaryMillerJordan_IAMHERD/videos 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryMillerJordanMustangs 

Connect with Evonne Varady: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/ 

Follow Rebel Rootz Social Media…

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/ 

Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform:

Website: https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/ 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow 

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Rebel Rootz Show episode #45 with Kristin Miles.

What happens when you stop waiting for permission and build the thing that keeps pulling at you?

In this episode, Evonne Varady sits down with Kristin Miles, founder of Cocktail/s Magazine, for an honest conversation about following instinct, trusting your gut, and building something meaningful without a perfect roadmap. Kristin shares how her childhood, love of storytelling, and early creative influences shaped the vision behind Cocktail/s, and why magazines always felt like home.

Kristin opens up about launching a publication in a digital-first world, the realities behind producing the first issue, and the struggle, doubt, and resilience required to keep going when passion meets pressure. They talk about being multifaceted, navigating failure versus pivoting, and why competing less and listening inward more changed everything.

This conversation is about honoring your creative pull, building from authenticity, and trusting that instinct matters more than trends. If you have ever felt the nudge to create something different, or wondered whether your idea is worth betting on, this episode will hit home.

Tune in to learn more.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Trailer

[01:38] Childhood and early influences

[05:21] The idea behind Cocktail/s Magazine

[13:46] Launching the first issue

[15:24] Being multifaceted as a woman

[17:49] The struggles behind the magazine

[19:22] Why Cocktail/s exists

[21:28] Failure versus pivot

[27:02] Trusting your gut instinct

[29:12] Letting go of competition

[31:25] Future plans for the magazine

[33:34] Dream cover guest

[35:55] Final reflections

[41:18] Where to find the magazine

Key Takeaways:  

• “Failure isn’t always failure. Sometimes it’s just a pivot.” ~Kristin Miles

• “I’ve always trusted my gut, even when it didn’t make sense on paper.” ~Kristin Miles

• “Being multifaceted used to feel like a flaw, but it’s actually my strength.” ~Kristin Miles

• “There was a lot of struggle behind the magazine that people never saw.” ~Kristin Miles

• “I stopped competing when I realized I didn’t want what everyone else wanted.” ~Kristin Miles

• “Your instincts matter more than you think.” ~Kristin Miles

• “If something feels aligned, I pay attention to that.” ~Kristin Miles

• “You don’t need permission to build what you believe in.” ~Kristin Miles

• “I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t listened to myself.” ~Kristin Miles

Keep In Touch with Kristin Miles:

Website: https://www.cocktailsmag.com/ 

Kristin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinoverxposed/ 

Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocktailsmag_/ 

Connect with Evonne Varady: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/ 

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Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform: Website: https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/ 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow 

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Rebel Rootz Show episode #44 with Patrick C. Giarelli.

What actually shapes the person you become?

In this episode, Evonne Varady sits down with Patrick C. Giarelli for a grounded, thought-provoking conversation about self-worth, influence, and choosing who you want to be in a noisy world. Patrick shares lessons from his childhood, the duality of growing up fast while learning responsibility early, and how positive mental attitude has guided his decisions as a parent, leader, and human being.

Together, they explore the ripple effect of small choices, why authenticity requires intention, and how comparison and outside noise quietly pull people away from their values. Patrick also opens up about raising kids, setting non-negotiables, filling your own cup first, and using everyday tools, including simple text messages, to make a real impact on others.

This conversation is a reminder that influence does not start on a stage or a platform. It starts with self-work, awareness, and the courage to live on your own terms.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Trailer

[01:52] Childhood foundations

[06:24] Living a double-sided life

[09:00] First job lessons

[10:26] First Clean Eatz wedding

[12:39] Positive mental attitude

[15:56] Looking back with clarity

[18:52] Raising kids with intention

[26:54] Looking ahead to 2026

[32:03] Three non-negotiables

[35:03] Using text messages to create impact

[37:27] Filling your own cup

[42:45] Patrick on stage

Key Takeaways:  

• Butterfly effect. If I change one thing, it changes more things. ~Patrick C. Giarelli [17:06]

• “I firmly believe that children are our future.” ~Patrick C. Giarelli [19:44]

• Rough parents are producing rough children because children are a byproduct of their environment. ~Patrick C. Giarelli [20:41]

• “Words only have impact if you allow them to.” ~Patrick C. Giarelli [21:39]

• I’m not going to spend my time, energy, enthusiasm, or optimistic mindset trying to convince people to like me. ~Patrick C. Giarelli [22:28]

• So many people haven’t done the self-work to find their self-worth. When you find your self-worth, nobody can take it from you. ~Patrick C. Giarelli [23:04]

• “None of us let ourselves be our authentic selves because we let the noise come in and direct who we think we should be.” ~Evonne Varady [24:40]

• The path I’m grateful for has to be consciously paved if I want to be the individual I choose to be. ~Patrick C. Giarelli [27:57]

• “Misery loves company, but you’re not taking me with you.” ~Patrick C. Giarelli [31:42]

• The more we engage with the real world, the more we realize how many interconnected opportunities exist all around us. ~Patrick C. Giarelli [33:38]

• There are endless opportunities to influence if we slow down and notice what’s around us. ~Patrick C. Giarelli [46:39]

• “When you are content not to compete or compare, you will truly understand what happiness is.” ~Patrick C. Giarelli [48:40]

• “The haters don’t hate you. They hate themselves.” ~Patrick C. Giarelli [49:41]

• Everything people hate about you is often triggering something they wish they were themselves. ~Evonne Varady [50:15]

• “You have to pour into yourself if you want to like yourself and win in this world.” ~Patrick C. Giarelli [51:41]

Keep In Touch with Patrick C. Giarelli:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-c-giarelli-06b512a/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrickcgiarelli/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100024768124939 

—

Connect with Evonne Varady: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/ 

Follow Rebel Rootz Social Media…

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This Podcast Is Powered By Clean Eatz:

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