In this episode of Reinvent Yourself, Lesley Jane Seymour engages in an inspiring conversation with Dr. Priyanka Venugoipal, a board-certified OBGYN turned stress and health coach for professional working moms. After years of fulfilling her role in medicine, Venugoipal realized it was time to pivot towards life coaching, a transformative journey that not only helped her lose weight but also redefined her purpose. She shares her personal struggles with weight gain during her medical career and the pivotal moment that led her to discover the power of coaching. Listeners will learn about the intricate connection between stress, hormones, and weight management, along with practical strategies for overcoming the challenges of perfectionism and self-criticism. 

About the Guest:

Priyanka Venugopal is a board certified ObGyn physician turned Stress and Health coach for professional working moms. Priyanka is the host of The Burn Stress, Lose Weight Podcast and founder of The Unstoppable Mom Group, an intimate small group coaching program, where she has cultivated a holistic experience for professional working moms who want to experience a change from the inside out. 

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“Living with intention and having something that you’re working towards is crucial,” says Palak Dave, founder of In the Room (formerly Emberia), a sanctuary for women seeking to elevate their lives through meaningful connections. With a background in marketing and extensive experience hosting over 300 curated events, she emphasizes the importance of community and the health benefits of coming together, especially in a post-pandemic world. In this conversation with CoveyClub founder Lesley Jane Seymour, Dave shares her journey from corporate marketing to creating spaces that foster genuine connections among women, urging listeners to prioritize real-life experiences over digital distractions. Discover how to navigate the challenges of building community, the power of intentional living, and the significance of investing in oneself. 

Formerly an award-winning marketer with senior-level positions at companies including the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Indigo Books and Music Inc., Palak embarked on a new journey in 2017, founding Embiria, a sanctuary for women who want to elevate their life. Through Embiria, she inspires a shift away from digital distractions toward embracing the beauty of the present moment. With having hosted over 300 curated events, Palak champions intentional living, urging us to prioritize real-life experiences and connection over digital noise. 

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If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

"I learned about who my mother is by tracking down the plastic surgeon who killed [her]." In this episode, Lesley Jane Seymour talks with Susan Lieu, Vietnamese American author and performer, about her journey from corporate life to the creative stage. After losing her mother young, Lieu pursued success in academia and international development—until she found her calling in storytelling. Through her memoir The Manicurist’s Daughterand solo show 140lbs: How Beauty Killed My Mother, she explores identity, intergenerational trauma, and healing. With warmth and humor, Lieu shares how to reinvent yourself with reflection, community, and bold action.

About the Guest:

Susan Lieu is a Vietnamese-American author, playwright, and performer who tells stories that refuse to be forgotten. Her solo show "140 LBS: How Beauty Killed My Mother” evolved into her memoir, The Manicurist’s Daughter (Celadon), which has been featured in The New York Times, NPR Books, Elle Magazine, LA Times, and The Washington Post. 

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If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

"Menopause is a tunnel, not a cave. There’s goodness on the other side." So says Rachel Lancaster, author of "Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause and Beyond." She joins Lesley Jane Seymour to discuss the often-overlooked journey of menopause and midlife reinvention. Lankester shares her personal story of navigating early menopause and the societal misconceptions surrounding it, transforming her experience into a mission to empower women. From her humorous Mutton Club magazine to her insightful podcast, Lankester emphasizes the importance of reframing menopause as a time of opportunity rather than an end. Listeners will discover the significance of self-care, the impact of lifestyle choices, and the value of community support during this transformative phase. 

About the Guest:

Rachel Lankester is the author of Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause and Beyond, recommended in the New York Times, host of the Magnificent Midlife podcast and editor of The Mutton Club magazine. She helps women create magnificent next chapters.

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If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

“You don’t have to wait for a rock bottom,” says Ruby Williams, a certified alcohol freedom coach from Northern California; “You can just decide that you want to feel better.” Williams shares her transformative journey from the wine industry to sobriety. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the wine business, Ruby faced the challenges of alcohol use disorder, which she ultimately overcame after years of struggle. In this episode, Ruby discusses the pivotal moments that led her to recognize her unhealthy relationship with alcohol, the signs that indicated she needed to change, and the empowering steps she took to reclaim her life. Listeners will gain insight into Ruby's unique coaching approach, which emphasizes compassion, community, and personal growth. She highlights the importance of rewiring one's mindset regarding alcohol and shares tips for those looking to break free from their own cycles of dependency. Ruby's story serves as a beacon of hope for anyone seeking to reinvent their relationship with alcohol and embrace a healthier, more fulfilling life.

About the Guest:

Ruby Williams, based in Northern California, transformed her life by overcoming alcohol use disorder and now serves as a certified alcohol freedom coach, helping women achieve healthier, more fulfilling lives. With over five years of sobriety, she offers group programs and private coaching based on science, curiosity, and compassion. 

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If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

Lesley Jane Seymour sits down with Sarah Dale, the visionary behind Project 1490, to discuss her inspiring journey from a successful career in advertising to creating a unique community for women seeking empowerment through outdoor experiences. After spending years in leadership roles at prestigious companies, Sarah realized the transformative power of nature and skill-building, leading her to develop a program that combines outdoor adventures with personal and professional growth. Listeners will discover how Project 1490 offers women the chance to step outside their comfort zones, forge genuine connections, and build confidence through activities like archery and wood chopping. Sarah shares insights on the importance of community, the challenges women face in the corporate world, and how her initiative addresses these issues head-on.

About the Guest:

After a 30-year career in advertising, Sarah Dale created Project 1490 through combining her years in leadership with her experiences living in Montana. She’s been fortunate to work at great brands like The Wall Street Journal, Fortune and Nativo where she led big teams and drove hundreds of millions in revenue. She’s been awarded a Cannes Lions, two D&AD Pencils, Folio’s Top Women in Media and the Stevies’ Gold Maverick Award, et al. While she’s had an impressive career, Sarah’s love of nature and experiences in the wilds of Montana are what started her wish to get other corporate women to build their own badassery and confidence by learning outdoor skills. Project 1490 now provides the opportunity not only for women to have unique, outdoor experiences that help them go beyond who they think they are, they build their corporate networks and confidence and have a ton of fun in the process.

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If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

Lesley Jane Seymour dives into the world of fashion in the digital age with national style and image consultant Allison Bruhn. Together, they explore the challenges of finding personal style in a landscape dominated by social media and shifting norms. With insights from her journey as a stylist, Bruhn shares how she empowers women to redefine their wardrobes and embrace their individuality. Listeners will gain valuable tips on navigating the evolving fashion landscape, the importance of dressing for confidence, and how to blend comfort with style as we transition back to in-person engagements. From the impact of COVID-19 on our clothing choices to the resurgence of power dressing, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to reignite their fashion sense.

About the Guest:

Alison is a national style and image consultant with clients across the country. She studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, and holds a Color certification from the Image Resource Center of New York.   The purpose of her work is to empower women through creating a visual brand and transforming their style to ignite a new path of confidence and independence. She works with both private clients and groups. She has a decade of experience as a stylist and has access to an extensive network of connections inside the fashion industry. Alison started her personal styling business at 50, and later started The Style That Binds Us with her daughter! 

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If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

"There’s a real beauty in the individuality and the story that we carry with us that is not part of our medical system," says Andrea Nakayama, the founder of Functional Nutrition Alliance and host of the 15 Minute Matrix podcast. "When we can show up as the partner who knows about ourselves, that's where we're the best partner in our health and medical care." Nakayama shares her inspiring journey from personal tragedy to becoming a leader in functional medicine and nutrition. Driven by her own experiences with chronic illness and the healthcare system, she emphasizes the importance of understanding the root causes of health issues rather than merely treating symptoms. Listeners will gain insights on how this holistic approach empowers individuals to reclaim ownership of their health and navigate their wellness journeys with confidence. 

About the Guest:

As the host of the 15-Minute Matrix Podcast and the founder of Functional Nutrition Alliance, Andrea is leading thousands of students and practitioners around the globe in a revolution to offer better solutions to the growing chronic illness epidemic. By highlighting the importance of systems biology, root cause methodology, and therapeutic partnerships, she helps historically underserved individuals reclaim ownership of their health.

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If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

“It is our responsibility to reach back behind us and make sure that we are coaching and mentoring whoever else is behind us,” says Audra Agen, a corporate veteran with over 25 years of experience, to explore her remarkable journey from finance to empowering women through her platform, Women in the Arena. Agen shares her insights on the unique challenges women face in male-dominated industries and the importance of recognizing and celebrating each other's contributions. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the power of community, the significance of mentorship, and the need to challenge the competitive narratives often perpetuated among women. 

About the Guest:

As a corporate veteran, Audra has 25 years’ experience of being one of the few women in the room, and in many cases, the only oneWhile the women may have been outnumbered, they were all uniquely exceptional. She became fascinated learning more about them and their experiences. It became increasingly clear that these women were contributing significant value to their organizations, families and careers. Their contributions were either being taken for granted or overlooked, sometimes even by themselves. Audra aspired to change that; from that, Women in the Arena was created. It’s a platform unlike any other- it’s a celebration.

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If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

Lesley Jane Seymour talks with award-winning renal dietitian Jen Hernandez, founder of Plant-Powered Kidney Inc., about the life-changing power of understanding your kidneys before it’s too late. Hernandez shares her journey from clinical dietitian to social media trailblazer, challenging outdated food restrictions and empowering people with chronic kidney disease to take back control of their health. Listeners will learn the early warning signs of kidney issues, what they wish they’d known a decade ago, and how simple, plant-powered changes can support kidney health and prevent disease progression.

An award-winning renal dietitian with experience across all areas of chronic kidney disease, from prevention to early stages and dialysis, Jen has set the standard for renal dietitian experience.  Jen has become a pillar in the renal community with her social media presence and testimonials from both private clients and course students.  With Plant-Powered Kidney Inc., Jen continues to break barriers and challenge outdated "food rules" when it comes to all the foods that people with chronic kidney disease can eat.

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If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!