ROAR with Danielle Davies: Women, Culture and Impact

In this episode of Roar, host Danielle Davies speaks with Jenny Lynn Walding—certified lactation counselor and founder of milkmade, a femtech startup reimagining what breastfeeding support can actually look like.

Jenny shares her raw, personal experience navigating the early days of motherhood: the pain, the pressure, andthe quiet moments of “this can’t be the way.” Instead of accepting broken systems, she's building a smarter one—and working to help other parents get the clarity, support, and insight she wished she had.

Together, Danielle and Jenny explore what it means to trust your instincts, the barriers that keep maternal health in the margins, and why parental leave and real-time support aren’t luxuries—they’re essential.

Tune in to hear how one woman's journey is paving the way for better maternal and infant health.

00:00 Introduction to Roar

00:23 Sexual Assault PSA

01:00 Breastfeeding Challenges and Innovations

01:20 Interview with Jenny Lynn Waling

02:47 Personal Breastfeeding Struggles

04:16 Navigating Tongue Tie Issues

11:57 The Birth of milkmade

17:45 The Importance of Breastfeeding Support

21:26 milkmade: A Smart Solution

34:08 The Mental Load of Breastfeeding

35:37 Challenges in Developing Breastfeeding Products

35:51 Perception and Identity as a Mom

38:39 FemTech and Women's Health

43:16 Innovation in Lactation

45:10 Systemic Barriers and Funding Issues

55:04 Workplace Support and Policy Changes

01:02:15 Call to Action and Final Thoughts

To Learn More:

milkmade: https://milkmade.me/

 * Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the lingual frenulum, the thin band of tissue (that may contain muscle fibers) under the tongue, is abnormally short or thick. This restricts the movement of the tongue, making it difficult to perform certain functions such as breastfeeding.

Also discussed:

IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants):https://ibclc-commission.org/

Brittany Barreto Podcast: https://femtechfocus.org/

Cindy Gallup: https://cindygallop.com/

Parental Leave Status in US compared to other OECDnations: https://bipartisanpolicy.org/explainer/paid-family-leave-across-oecd-countries/

To get in touch with or follow Jenny Lynn Walding:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylynnwalding/

[email protected]

jennylynnwalding.myportfolio.com/ 

🔔 Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations with women breaking barriers, raising their voices, and rewriting the rules.

🎧 Roar is a podcast hosted by Danielle Davies. New episodes drop every Monday.

#RoarPodcast #Femtech #MaternalHealth#BreastfeedingSupport #WomenInTech #StartupLife #LactationSupport #MomsWhoLead#milkmade

Want to support The Roar Podcast by wearing our merch?

Head to the ROAR STORE

Want to be a guest on Roar?

We're always interested in talking with inspiring women who are doing work that inspires, engages, advocates and elevates other women. Fill out our interest form and if you're a good fit, we'll be in touch! 

What happens when your doctor wants to help—but the law says they can’t?

In this episode of Roar, host Danielle Davies speaks with Dr. Kristyn Brandi—OB-GYN, abortion provider, and reproductive justice advocate—about the reality of reproductive care in America today. From doctors calling lawyers at 2AM before treating a patient, to crisis pregnancy centers offering fake ultrasounds, this conversation reveals what’s really happening behind the headlines.

You’ll learn:
• The real difference between reproductive health, rights, and justice
• How abortion bans impact maternal care, infertility treatment, and miscarriage management
• What contraceptive coercion looks like in both relationships and medical settings
• How to advocate for yourself (or your kids) in a medical system that often dismisses women
• Actionable steps to support reproductive freedom—without needing to run for office

This isn’t a debate. It’s the truth. And it matters.

To Learn More:

Ryan Program https://www.ryanprogram.org/

New Jersey Abortion Access Fund: https://njaaf.org/

Abortion Doulas: https://providecare.org/blog/role-abortion-doulas/

Abortion Care Network: https://abortioncarenetwork.org/

The Comstock Act: https://reproductivefreedomforall.org/resources/comstock-the-1873-law-that-could-lead-to-a-national-ban-on-abortion/

Also Mentioned:

Article featuring Dr. Brandi discussing false abortioncenters in New Jersey: https://www.nj.com/healthfit/2024/11/inside-the-unexpected-anti-abortion-battle-unfolding-in-the-abortion-safe-haven-of-nj.html

Looking for Jane: Fictional account of the real Jane Networkhttps://heathermarshallauthor.com/looking-for-jane/

To get in touch with or follow Dr. Brandi:

https://linktr.ee/drkbrandi

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristyn-brandi/

@drkbrandi.bsky.social

🔔 Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations with women breaking barriers, raising their voices, and rewriting the rules.

🎧 Roar is a podcast hosted by Danielle Davies. New episodes drop every Monday.

#ReproductiveJustice #WomensHealth #RoarPodcast #DanielleDavies #KristynBrandi #AbortionRights #ReproductiveCare #FeministPodcast #WomensVoices #womenempoweringwomen

Want to support The Roar Podcast by wearing our merch?

Head to the ROAR STORE

Want to be a guest on Roar?

We're always interested in talking with inspiring women who are doing work that inspires, engages, advocates and elevates other women. Fill out our interest form and if you're a good fit, we'll be in touch! 

In this episode of Roar, host Danielle Davies sits down with Mandy Rowden—singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and founder of Girl Guitar—to talk about what happens when women stop waiting for permission and start picking up the mic.

From her early love of music to building a one-of-a-kind space where women feel safe to be loud, creative, and unapologetically themselves, Mandy shares how music became her tool for self-expression, community-building, and low-key rebellion.

We talk about fear, confidence, songwriting, and the power of showing up—even when you don’t feel ready. Plus: how Girl Guitar grew into a movement and the story behind the Texas Women’s Songwriters Festival.

This isn’t just about music. It’s about voice, risk, and reclaiming the right to take up space—one chord at a time.

00:00 Introduction to Roar

00:23 Sexual Assault PSA

01:20 Meet Mandy Rowden: Musician and Educator

04:05 The Birth of Girl Guitar

08:05 Empowering Women Through Music

21:59 The Texas Women's Songwriters Festival

26:17 Celebrating Mexican American Women in Music

27:17 Diversity in Skillset and Selection Process

30:04 Challenges and Standards for Women in Music

34:37 The Importance of Creative Confidence

37:43 Balancing Music with Other Pursuits

41:29 Creating a Custom Career Path

44:28 Dream Concert Lineup of Texas Women Songwriters

47:33 Upcoming Projects and Online Courses

51:29 Final Thoughts and Farewell

To follow Mandy and her projects:

Girl Guitar: https://www.girlguitaraustin.com/

Mandy Rowden website: https://www.mandyrowden.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/mandyrowden

Texas Women’s Songwriter’sFestival: https://texaswomensongwritersfestival.com/home

Musicians Mentioned:

Lydia Mendoza: https://www.npr.org/2010/05/24/127033025/lydia-mendoza-the-first-lady-of-tejano

Cindy Walker: https://www.countrymusichalloffame.org/hall-of-fame/cindy-walker

Lisa Loeb: https://www.lisaloeb.com/

Lucinda Williams: https://www.lucindawilliams.com/

Rose Flores: https://rosieflores.com/

Sarah Hickman: https://www.sarahickman.com/

Kimmy Rhodes: https://kimmierhodes.com/

Tish Hinojosa: https://www.mundotish.com/

Also Mentioned:

Ira Glass: https://youtu.be/PbC4gqZGPSY?si=yKAGaylfijmMoynT

Lucky Star Art Camp: https://luckystarartcamp.com/

Join host Danielle Davies on the Roar Podcast as she interviews Dr. Debra Prince Zinni, a trailblazing forensic anthropologist. Dr. Zinni shares her inspiring journeyfrom a reluctant dissector in high school to leading the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency's Laboratory. Learn about the critical work her team does in identifying the remains of service members from past conflicts and theemotionally charged moments that bring closure to families. This episode also delves into Dr. Zinni's mentorship of women entering STEM fields and her entrepreneurial pursuits with Scout and Cellar wine consulting. Discover how she balances her rigorous scientific career with her passion for learning and community engagement.

00:00 Introduction to Roar Podcast

00:50 Guest Introduction: Dr. Debra Zinni

01:38 Debbi's Journey to Forensic Anthropology

07:08 The Mission of DPAA Lab

09:59 Women in Forensic Science

17:54 Balancing Science and Emotion

32:13 Emotional Reunion for a Service Member’s Family

33:29 Intersection of History, Identity, and Advocacy for Women

34:50 Challenges and Changes in Forensic Anthropology

35:49 Mission to North Korea: A Historic Moment for Women

40:47 The Process of Identifying Human Remains

41:58 Mentoring the Next Generation in Forensic Science

48:14 Balancing a Full-Time Job and Entrepreneurship

48:45 The Journey into the Wine Business

52:04 Connecting Through Wine and Real Estate Ventures

57:15 How to Support the Mission and Get Involved

01:02:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

To learn more about the DPAA and the work they do:
Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

(We highly recommend the DPAA Agency Video on the right hand side of the page)

Resources for Families, Including Service Casualty Offices of each branch of the military

Books Mentioned:

The 10X Rule

To get in touch with or follow Dr. Zinni:

Scout & Cellar Wine

FB: Debbi Prince

LI: Debbi Zinni

IG: Debbi Zinni

To stay updated, subscribe to ROAR wherever you podcast.

 ⁠#ROARPodcast⁠ #womenempoweringwomen#womeninscience #womeninstem #entrepreneurship #powmia #wine

Want to support The Roar Podcast by wearing our merch?

Head to the ROAR STORE

Want to be a guest on Roar?

We're always interested in talking with inspiring women who are doing work that inspires, engages, advocates and elevates other women. Fill out our interest form andif you're a good fit, we'll be in touch! 

In this episode of 'Roar,' Danielle Davies sits down with Samantha Harman, the founder of the Style Editor and an award-winning former newspaper and magazine editor. They dive into powerful discussions about how personal style intersects with leadership, patriarchy, and self-empowerment. Samantha shares her journey of overcoming the male-dominated media industry and how what you wear can affect your confidence and professional presence. Learn about the significance of non-verbal communication through attire, the impact of grander socio-cultural narratives, and practical steps to harness the power of wardrobe as a tool for achieving personal and professional success. Tune in for an enriching conversation filled with bold ideas aimed at helping women find their unique voice and make impactful changes in their lives.

00:00 Introduction to Roar Podcast

01:02 Guest Introduction: Samantha Harman

02:21 The Power of Personal Style

04:50 Challenges and Realizations

06:23 Empowerment Through Wardrobe

07:44 Breaking Stereotypes and Misogyny

10:57 Client Experiences and Transformations

25:15 Ethical Fashion and Leadership

29:33 The Struggle of Being an Authentic Woman

30:04 Ethical Fashion Choices

31:56 Astrology and Personal Style

34:38 The Power of Wardrobe in Personal Transformation

37:09 Challenges of Visibility and Being Seen

44:19 Hope for Women in Leadership

51:27 The Importance of Financial Abundance

53:42 Global Clientele and Final Thoughts

Books Mentioned:
We Should All Be Millionaires

You Are a Badass at Making Money

The Science of Getting Rich

Quotes Mentioned:

“You’re under no obligation to be the same person you were five minutes ago.”—Alan Watts

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”—Marianne Williamson,  A Return to Love: Reflections on thePrinciples of "A Course in Miracles"

Also mentioned:
Jacenta Wamala, money and mindset coach

To get in touch with or follow Samantha Harman:

https://www.thestyleeditor.co.uk/

Instagram: @styleeditoruk

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-harman-style-editor/

To stay updated, subscribe to ROAR wherever you podcast.

 #ROARPodcast # #WomensRights #DemocracyMatters #feminism #thestyleeditor

Join host Danielle Davies on 'Roar' as she talks with bestselling novelist Kirsten Miller about pushing boundaries and making an impact. This episode also touches on women's experience aging—what nobody prepares you for, and what nobody needs to.

Learn about Miller's powerful novels, such as The Change and Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books, which inspire women to harness their hidden strengths and challenge societal norms. Listen in as they discuss the importance of speaking out, combating censorship, and elevating women’s roles in society. Kirsten also shares her writing journey, inspirations, and upcoming projects. Don’t miss this empowering conversation aimed at motivating action and change!

00:00 Introduction to Roar

00:23 PSA re: The Fund to Prevent Sexual Assault

00:56 Introducing Kirsten Miller

02:28 Kirsten's Writing Journey

05:39 Empowering Women Through Fiction

08:12 Challenging Harmful Myths13:49 Magical Realism in Kirsten's Books

18:01 The Power of Women

25:30 Addressing Censorship

26:35 Inspiration Strikes: The Birth of a New Book

27:50 Writing About the South: Love and Pain

28:39 Compassionate Storytelling: Avoiding Vilification 30:22 Book Banning: A Nationwide Issue

31:34 Advice for Women: Fighting Censorship

32:35 The Importance of Local News

35:03 Creating 'Watch Your Back': A Rallying Cry

37:08 Focusing on a Single Front: Protecting Women and Girls

41:52 Celebrating Unconventional Women

43:57 Book Recommendations and Upcoming Projects

50:19 Supporting Authors: Word of Mouth Matters

Small town newspapers discussed: https://www.thesylvaherald.com/https://capemaycountyherald.com/

Books recommended by Kirsten:

Invisible WomenMen Who Hate WomenBooks discussed:

The ChangeLula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books The Kiki Strike Series

Sleeping Beauties

To get in touch with or follow Kirsten Miller:

https://www.kirstenmillerbooks.com/

IG:  ⁨@kirstenmillerbooks5657⁩ 

Substack: https://watchyourback.substack.com/

To stay updated, subscribe to ROAR wherever you podcast. #ROARPodcast # #WomensRights#DemocracyMatters #feminism #bestsellingauthor

In this episode of ROAR, host Danielle Davies interviews Jennifer Bendery, a veteran political reporter for the Huffington Post, who shares her insights on the vital role of a free press in holding those in power accountable. They discuss the challenges facing journalists today, including increased hostility and the spread of misinformation, particularly under the Trump administration. Jennifer also sheds light on the specific impacts of political actions on women's rights, healthcare, and broader societal issues. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of persistent, fact-based journalism and civic engagement in an era where democracy and truth are under siege.00:00 Introduction to Roar and Take Back Trust PSA01:06 Meet Jennifer Bendery: Fearless Journalist03:15 The Importance of Free Press07:34 Challenges Faced by Journalists12:01 Impact of Trump Administration on Journalism25:41 Disappearing Data and Women's Issues45:32 Lisa Murkowski: A Unique Republican Voice46:16 The Political Landscape: House vs. Senate49:04 The Fear Factor in Politics51:50 The Role of Media and Public Perception59:18 The Importance of Public Engagement01:06:18 Journalism's Role in Democracy01:17:50 Navigating Misinformation and Reliable Sources01:23:53 Conclusion: Staying Informed and EngagedThe Not Invisible Act, we are happy to say, is back up at the Justice Dept. website and available here: https://www.congress.gov/116/plaws/publ166/PLAW-116publ166.pdfTo get in touch with or follow Jennifer Bendery on her socials:X: @jbenderyBluesky: @jbendery.bsky.socialJennifer Bendery at The Huffington Post:https://www.huffpost.com/author/jennifer-benderyTo stay updated, subscribe to ROAR here or wherever you listen to podcasts.#ROARPodcast #WomenInMedia #JenniferBendery #FreePress #PoliticalJournalism #WomensRights #DemocracyMatters #HuffPost

Empowering Women with Private Period Tracking: A Conversation with Anna Hall of EmbodyIn this episode of Roar, host Danielle Davies interviews Anna Hall, the founder of the Embody app, a private menstrual wellness application. Anna shares her journey from being a special education teacher to entering the FemTech space, motivated by her PMDD diagnosis and the overturning of Roe v. Wade. During the conversation, they discuss the significance of privacy in period tracking, especially in states with restrictive abortion laws, and how Embody ensures data stays private by being offline-first. They also explore the comprehensive features of the app, including education on menstrual phases and the integration of expert content for cycle syncing. Additionally, Embody's future plans such as a paid version with added content, collaborative social networking, and perimenopausal support are highlighted. Anna encourages sharing Embody as a safe alternative to conventional period trackers and discusses the importance of advocacy and internal validation for women stepping into challenging spaces.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:40 The Importance of Privacy in Period Tracking03:46 Anna's Journey to Creating Embody10:50 Features and Benefits of the Embody App19:48 Future Developments and User Feedback34:21 Advocacy and Advice for Aspiring Founders37:52 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFollow Embody at:https://embody.space/https://www.instagram.com/embody.space/https://linktr.ee/embodyspaceInstagram: @Embody.spaceTiktok: @Embody.spaceEmbody Insiders WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FJHf7YE2vnjAOEkWPZPWQXTo stay updated, subscribe to ROAR here or on YouTube.

The Roar Podcast, a project from The Circe Collective, showcases women from all walks of life—comedians, activists, writers, politicians, and performers—who are uplifting gender equality in bold, innovative, and often unexpected ways.Episode 1: Advocacy in Action: Nikki Vinck's Journey of Activism and EmpowermentThis episode of Roar features Nikki Sapiro Vinckier, also known as Nikki Vinck, a formidable advocate for women's rights and a former reproductive healthcare physician assistant. Her advocacy journey took an unexpected turn when her lawn signs supporting Kamala Harris sparked a local movement, ultimately distributing over 13,000 signs across swing states. Vinck discusses her approach to activism, emphasizing the power of conversation and the importance of reducing political tensions through dialogue. She also shares personal anecdotes about how significant political events shaped her journey as a mother and advocate. The discussion covers her involvement in Michigan's Prop 3 and her belief in the power of individual action. Nikki offers insights into navigating challenging conversations and encourages others to engage in advocacy in ways that suit their strengths and comfort levels. The episode concludes with Nikki encouraging open dialogues via social media, offering to answer questions and share her expertise in reproductive healthcare.00:00 Introduction to Nikki Vink00:55 Nikki's Advocacy Journey Begins01:55 The Lawn Sign Movement05:03 Facing Pushback and Standing Firm06:40 Creating Conversations and Lowering the Temperature08:58 Personal Motivations and Family Impact11:56 Post-Roe Advocacy and Prop 316:57 Navigating Advocacy and Family Life27:42 The Power of Relational Organizing34:50 Future Plans and Final Thoughts @nikkivinck  Instagram:  @nikkivinck @nikkivinck https://www.tiktok.com/@nikkivinck https://linktr.ee/nikkivinck

Join host Danielle Davies on the ROAR podcast as she speaks with Caitlin Tivy, founder of C. Tivy Consulting and a pelvic health physical therapist. Caitlin shares insights on the challenges in women's and LGBTQ+ healthcare, the importance of clinical consulting and medical writing, and the significance of well-researched posts and stories to inspire meaningful change. Learn about Caitlin's journey from biomedical research to becoming a pelvic health specialist, her advocacy work, and actionable strategies to break down taboos in healthcare. Tune in for a compelling discussion on the current landscape and future of Femtech and Queer Femtech, including innovative products and the critical need for collaboration between healthcare providers and tech innovators.00:00 Introduction to Roar Podcast00:25 Meet Caitlin Tivy: Pelvic Health Expert01:46 Caitlin's Journey: From Research to Physical Therapy02:26 Understanding Pelvic Health Physical Therapy03:01 Challenges in Women's and LGBTQ+ Health06:57 Breaking Taboos: Discussing Pelvic Health14:43 Advocacy and Public Discourse in Healthcare19:34 The Importance of Gender-Specific Research28:41 The Push for Gender Inclusion in Research30:13 The Role of Clinicians and Advocates in Public Health31:50 Combating Misinformation and Disinformation33:31 Bridging the Gap Between Healthcare and Tech35:01 Challenges and Solutions in Femtech42:29 The Importance of Human-Centered Design50:04 Innovative Products in Women's Health56:09 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsTo stay updated, subscribe to ROAR here on YouTube.#femtech #womenempowerment #womenempoweringwomen #selfdefense #pelvichealth #advocacy 💪💥To get in touch with Caitlin:Email: [email protected]://www.ctivyconsulting.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlyn-tivy-dpt/PLUS, a sampling of Caitlyn's LinkedIn posts (just check out the level of research that goes into these!)https://www.linkedin.com/posts/caitlyn-tivy-dpt_healthcareproviders-abortionaccess-reproductiverights-activity-7270081970859077634-y8kj?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktophttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/caitlyn-tivy-dpt_menopause-medicaltraining-perimenopause-activity-7248029198764679170-z28y?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktophttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/caitlyn-tivy-dpt_femalehealthfriday-alcohol-women-activity-7240377716875653120-PqfS?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop