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

Rebel Rootz Show episode #43 with Don Varady.

It’s day one of 2026, and Evonne is keeping it real. Coffee in hand, dogs causing chaos, and a candid recap of a year that felt heavy for a lot of people.

Evonne and Don Varady, co-founders of Clean Eatz, talk through what made 2025 so challenging, what they had to drop, and why letting go of certain things was necessary to grow. They also share what they want to do differently in 2026, including getting back to the basics, holding themselves and their team more accountable, and protecting their boundaries so stress does not run the show.

This episode is part reflection, part reset, and a reminder that a tough year does not get the final word. Tune in to learn more.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Trailer

[00:34] Coffee talk

[01:50] 2025 reality check

[03:21] Shedding old habits

[05:57] Business seasons

[10:27] People-pleasing

[13:16] Wins in the mess

[17:53] Retreat breakthroughs

[19:30] Men’s work impact

[22:22] Trial and error

[24:26] Marriage on pause

[27:24] Reconnecting on purpose

[29:50] Intentions for 2026

Key Takeaways:  

• Holding yourself and the people around you accountable is how real change happens. ~Don Varady

• 2025 was a tough year, but it exposed things we could no longer ignore. ~Evonne Varady

• Business moves in seasons, and hard seasons force you to fix what is broken underneath. ~Evonne Varady

• You cannot build something strong if you avoid dealing with internal issues. ~Evonne Varady

• Protecting your boundaries means letting go of things that no longer serve you. ~Don Varady

• Wanting everyone to win can turn into people-pleasing if you forget about yourself. ~Evonne Varady

Keep In Touch with Don Varady:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/don.varady/ 

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-varady-450896145 

Podcast: https://www.thefounderzlounge.com/ 

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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 #42 with Wendy Conklin.

In 2012, Wendy Conklin finally decided to learn upholstery the right way and enrolled in a course in South Austin. She had always been the person spotting one of a kind chairs at antique shops and flea markets, bringing them home, and tinkering with repairs. That class turned curiosity into craft, and eventually became the foundation for what she is known for today.

Evonne Varady sits down with Wendy, the creator behind Chair Whimsy, for a fun and inspiring conversation about turning art into a full time business. Wendy shares how she made her first sale, how her product line evolved, why she prefers to fly solo unless help is truly needed, and how staying scrappy has helped her grow without losing her creative edge.

If you love art, DIY, thrifting, or you have been sitting on a creative idea for way too long, this episode is your sign to start. Tune in to learn more.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Trailer 

[02:35] The Birth of Chair Whimsy

[06:56] Whimsical colors

[09:27] Product diversification

[16:54] Wendy’s team

[20:17] Leaving employment

[21:18] The daughters

[23:40] Advice to the daughters

[26:24] Childhood clues

[30:40] Wendy’s favorite piece

[31:38] Thrifting

[33:22] Transitioning into creative mode

[34:45] Biggest fails

[36:18] Connect with Wendy

Website: https://www.whimsyandco.com/ 

Key Takeaways:  

• "The knowing comes in the doing." ~Wendy Conklin [01:55]

• When we're looking for the next thing, some of us get so focused on it and what it is that we forget the process. ~Evonne Varady [13:08]

• When you're a small business, you have the ability to pivot and change and do whatever you need. ~Wendy Conklin [15:19]

• No matter what you're doing, if there's something that you really want to achieve, bet on yourself. ~Wendy Conklin [24:07]

• “You can become more creative just by creating things that you really love." ~Wendy Conklin [32:33]

• “The only way you're going to ever stand out is if you do it your own way." ~Wendy Conklin [33:57]

Keep In Touch with Wendy Conklin:

Website: https://chairwhimsy.com/  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DIYwithChairWhimsy 

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

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/chairwhimsy/ 

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

—

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/

Rebel Rootz Show episode #41 with Gina Trimmer.

As a woman, are you living your dream or the one everyone else picked for you?

Gina Trimmer, founder of Revitalized Womanhood, believes there is far more to life than just being a “good” wife or mom. She built a sisterhood to help women remember what they want, then actually go after it.

In this conversation, Gina and Evonne talk about traveling the world with family, how the 2008 recession cracked everything open, and the moment Gina realized she needed an identity beyond motherhood. Gina shares the story behind Revitalized Womanhood, why it is never lonely at the top when you build real community, and why someone else’s success is not your failure.

You will hear real talk about boundaries, people pleasing, and the tiny moments that keep you sane in the chaos of life and parenting. If you are craving thirty minutes of quiet, more honest friendships, and permission to build a life that feels like yours, this episode is for you.

Tune in to learn more.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Trailer

[01:17] How Evonne and Gina met

[02:07] Revitalized Womanhood podcast hiatus

[04:46] The beginning of traveling

[07:40] The 2008 recession

[08:23] The dream

[16:01] Lessons from travel

[18:02] Hot mess mom

[21:35] The birth of Revitalized Womanhood

[25:40] When do we stop caring what people think

[31:29] Gina’s community

[32:51] It’s not lonely at the top

[35:44] Good, better, best

[40:32] Life and death show

[46:59] Putting yourself first as a woman

[55:53] Rapid fire

[57:40] Join Gina’s community

Website: https://revitalizedwomanhood.com/ 

Key Takeaways:  

• If you want to really learn yourself and what you're capable of, travel. And if you want to really test the relationship you have with someone else, travel with them. ~Gina Trimmer [16:07]

• I think it just strengthens you in your resolve once you can identify what you truly believe in. ~Gina Trimmer [30:35]

• One of my biggest philosophies in my life is that it’s never lonely at the top. I hate when professional women talk about how lonely it is at the top. ~Gina Trimmer [32:51]

• “Someone else’s success is not your failure.” ~Gina Trimmer [34:24]

•  A better life is when you start identifying the things that are bothering you. ~Gina Trimmer [36:27]

• The whole basis of our community is to strengthen and support one another so that we can live our best lives. ~Gina Trimmer [41:36]

• “It’s a gift when people can help us.” ~Gina Trimmer [49:57]

• We think that we’re so alone and that our problems are so isolated, but they really are not. ~Evonne Varady [52:30]

Keep In Touch with Gina Trimmer:

Website: https://revitalizedwomanhood.com/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aEax0WKyz_2FWoZ262uFQ  

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/revitalizedwomanhood 

—

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 #40 with Jen Rotondo.

The Covid season was tough for many people, but for Jen, it created room for Urthy Scents to be born.

In this episode, Evonne Varady sits down with Jen Rotondo, the innovative co-founder of Urthy Scents, a brand making waves by bringing truly clean, plant based scents into homes and onto bodies everywhere.

Jen shares her journey from childhood lemonade stands in rural Georgia to launching a successful product line born out of necessity during COVID. Driven by a search for fragrance that wouldn’t trigger her autoimmune symptoms, Jen and her sister began experimenting with non toxic ingredients, eventually creating the phthalate free, Prop 65 compliant formulations Urthy Scents is known for today.

Listen in as Jen opens up about her entrepreneurial spirit, the challenges and triumphs of building a clean product line, and the deep connection between scent, memory, and emotional well being. From stories of kitchen table R and D, failures turned into successes, and the ongoing quest for the perfect vessel.

Tune in to learn more.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Trailer

[01:10] Jen’s childhood

[03:25] The birth of Urthy Scents

[05:49] Starting a product line

[07:35] Growing a product line

[10:02] Brick and mortar versus online

[11:11] Online sales for fragrances

[12:55] Female founders

[14:07] Clean fragrances

[15:40] Product lifecycle

[17:11] Sentimental relationship with products

[18:04] Biggest struggles

[20:30] Product recommendation

[21:16] Jen’s favorite scent

[21:45] Choosing scents

[24:01] Super power

[25:17] Future for Urthy Scents

[26:13] Jen’s dream for Urthy Scents 20 years to come

[28:28] Best advice ever received

[29:22] Rapid fire

Key Takeaways:  

• You eat with your sense of smell. ~Jen Rotondo [06:53]

• The power of plants is absolutely amazing. Trying to understand and feel the connection between plants and our skin and our body is magical. ~Jen Rotondo [14:19]

• Smell helps with your emotional well-being, and I think men are losing the stigma. ~Jen Rotondo [26:36]

• We don't have as many products to offer, but we have everything that you need in your life. ~Jen Rotondo [27:17]

• Stay true to yourself, find your North Star, and never lose sight of it. ~Jen Rotondo [28:47]

Keep In Touch with Jen Rotondo:

Website: urthylife.com

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

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

—

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_DbxSOTGGA

Rebel Rootz Show Episode #39 with Nicole Albin.

How do you know when you have hit rock bottom?

For Nicole Albin, the moment became painfully clear when she found herself hiding in the back of photos, avoiding the front because of how much weight she had gained. That realization pushed her and her husband to take their health back. Along the way, they discovered Clean Eatz.

In today’s conversation, Evonne Varady sits down with longtime friend and special guest Nicole Albin for a powerful story of transformation, resilience, and purpose. Nicole shares how she went from a Clean Eatz challenge participant who drove hours for healthy meals to becoming a leader in her workplace and a foster mom.

She opens up about hitting rock bottom, rediscovering her passion for fitness through Spartan Races, and how genuine customer service played a pivotal role in igniting her wellness journey. The episode also explores her career path in banking, where she consistently rose through the ranks, fueled by her love for people, ambitious goals, and delivering results year after year.

Nicole also shares the emotional, life-changing experience of fostering and eventually adopting their son.

Tune in to learn more.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Trailer

[00:54] First meeting

[03:12] Hitting rock bottom

[05:05] Customer service

[07:21] Support system

[09:42] Weight loss

[10:29] Nicole’s childhood

[12:41] Career

[17:09] Standing out

[21:51] Becoming a mom

[33:20] 2026 goals

[34:38] Nicole’s advice

Key Takeaways:  

• “Anybody in the industry can make the meals and create the flavor profiles, but it is really about building a relationship behind the counter, inside your four walls, with your customers.” ~Evonne Varady [05:21]

• “People really help challenge you.” ~Nicole Albin [08:44]

• There has not been a year in the 14 years I have been with my company that I have not achieved the goal I was given. ~Nicole Albin [17:51]

• I never had to fight for a raise or a salary. My company believed in me, I believed in them, and we just took care of each other. ~Nicole Albin [20:57]

• “Do not be scared to challenge yourself in any way you can imagine, because you will surprise yourself.” ~Nicole Albin [34:47]

Keep In Touch with Nicole Albin:

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

—

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_DbxSOTGGA 

Instead of reinventing ourselves every January, we’re focusing on habits that create peace, energy, and joy.
We talk routines, boundaries, burnout, and the tiny shifts that change everything.
This is the episode that helps you become the woman you’re growing into — not the one you’re trying to impress.

Every woman becomes the villain the minute she finally chooses herself — and today, all five of us are comparing our villain origin stories.
From setting boundaries to outgrowing people to simply saying “no,” we’re talking about why choosing peace makes other people lose their minds.

Holiday chaos. Real talk. This isn’t your cute Pinterest holiday episode.
And yes… we tell the truth about Santa. Not for little ears.
You’ve been warned.

Vicky Janowski
Editor / Co-director of WILMA’s Leadership Initiative:
Journalist, mom, wife and she is creating a movement in supporting other women.

Episode Title: Breathwork for the Rebels — with Chesa Cofini
Description:
This week on Rebel Rootz, I sit down with breathwork coach Chesa Cofini to talk about what it really means to find peace without pretending to be perfect. No crystals, no fluff — just raw tools for real-life chaos. We dig into breathwork, mindset, and grounding practices that actually work when life gets messy.