Root to Rising

In this episode, Christine sits down with former podcast host and tech professional Olivia Wherry to discuss career growth, navigating rejection, breaking into competitive industries, and building confidence as a young professional. Olivia shares how curiosity, persistence, and storytelling helped her land a role in the music tech industry—and why embracing discomfort is key to success.

Instead of focusing on a specific role, look for companies that inspire you. Getting your foot in the door can open unexpected opportunities.

Rejection isn’t personal—it’s part of the process. Every “no” can lead you closer to the right opportunity.

Olivia didn’t wait for a tech role—she created one by inserting herself into conversations and proving her value.

Even without formal experience, your background (sports, clubs, projects) builds transferable skills—learn how to tell that story.

There’s no such thing as a dumb question. Curiosity is one of the fastest ways to grow and stand out.

Confidence isn’t given—it’s built. If you don’t feel it yet, “borrow” it by embodying someone who inspires you.

Instead of shutting down, let rejection motivate you to improve, grow, and prove yourself.

Connections often lead to opportunities. Use:

• LinkedIn outreach
• Networking events
• Coffee chats
  Even one response can change your path.

Start small:

• Replace Google searches with AI tools
• Ask AI how to learn new skills
• Use it to improve productivity
  AI is a competitive advantage if you learn it early.

Knowledge builds credibility. When you consistently have answers, people will seek you out—and that’s how careers grow.

• Resilience and persistence
• Career exploration and flexibility
• Women navigating male-dominated industries
• Confidence and self-belief
• Continuous learning

“Find a company you love and figure out the rest later.”

“Rejection isn’t a reflection of your value.”

“If you can’t find confidence, borrow it—become the version of yourself you admire.”

“The person with the answers becomes the person everyone goes to.”

• Apply to companies—not just job titles
• Reach out to 5 people on LinkedIn this week
• Try one new AI tool
• Identify and articulate your transferable skills
• Ask more questions in your current role

You don’t need everything figured out to move forward. Growth comes from trying, failing, learning—and showing up anyway.

Curious to hear more from Olivia? Check out her podcast, Boss Ladies, where she interviews female executives and leaders:

https://www.bossladiespodcast.com/

In this special episode of the Root to Rising Podcast, the roles are reversed.

After previously appearing as a guest, Rory Latoria returns—but this time as the interviewer—turning the spotlight on host Christine Hummel to explore the experiences, mindset, and philosophies that shaped her leadership journey.

From leaving a sorority after realizing it wasn’t aligned with her values to navigating male-dominated industries and leading large teams, Christine shares how curiosity, confidence, and a willingness to take risks helped shape her career.

The conversation dives deep into the idea of motivators—the core drivers that give us energy—and why understanding them can transform both your career and your personal life.

You’ll also hear a major announcement: Rory will officially join the podcast as a special co-host, bringing new perspectives and interviews to the platform.

If you’re navigating career uncertainty, questioning traditional timelines, or looking to build more confidence in your decisions, this episode offers a powerful perspective on designing your own path.

One of the most important concepts Christine teaches is understanding your motivators—the things that consistently give you energy.

Her three professional motivators:

• People & authentic conversations
• Transformation and building new systems
• Innovation and challenging the status quo

These motivators guided every career move she made.

Christine challenges the traditional life timeline:

• Graduate
• Get a job
• Get married
• Buy a house
• Have kids

Instead, she encourages people to see life as an adventure of experiences, not a rigid sequence of milestones.

Confidence doesn’t come from titles or achievements.

Christine believes it grows from doing the activities that bring you energy—whether that’s fitness, art, music, or learning.

When those activities fuel you, confidence naturally spreads into other areas of life.

Christine shares how she approaches leading teams:

• She focuses on individual motivations, not job titles
• Not everyone needs to be friends—respect matters more
• The best teams are like neighborhoods: supportive, respectful, but independent

Christine announces that Rory Latoria will join the podcast as a special co-host.

Rory will host interviews with guests from different backgrounds, expanding the perspectives and conversations on the show.

Advice she hears most from successful women:

• Be curious
• Take risks

What she’s currently working on:

• Practicing patience and slowing down

Her dream for Root to Rising:

• To become a platform where women can grow, learn, and gain confidence through shared experiences.

“Think of life as an adventure instead of a timeline.”

“Confidence allows you to take risks. That’s why it matters.”

“Be more afraid of what can’t happen if you don’t take the risk.”

In this Terrific Topic Tuesday episode of the Root to Rising Podcast, Christine sits down with recent graduates Ellie and Megan from the University of Alabama for a rapid-fire question round about confidence, relationships, success, and navigating life in your early twenties.

Through honest and spontaneous answers, the conversation explores Gen Z perspectives on confidence, social media influence, conflict, and defining success at a young age.

The episode highlights how young adults today are balancing career ambitions, personal growth, and social expectations in a digital world filled with influencers and comparison.

If you're navigating your 20s—or mentoring someone who is—this episode provides authentic insights into how the next generation thinks about identity, leadership, and happiness.

• One word that defines yourself at age 21–22
• First impressions when meeting someone
• Confidence vs. emotional perception in women
• Facing hard conversations vs. avoiding them
• What makes a woman powerful
• The impact of social media influencers on Gen Z
• The reality behind curated online lives
• Defining success in your early 20s
• How success evolves over a lifetime

1. Confidence Shapes First Impressions
Confidence influences how others perceive you and can determine how relationships and opportunities develop.

2. Hard Conversations Build Stronger Relationships
Avoiding difficult conversations can create unnecessary drama, while addressing them directly often resolves issues faster.

3. Social Media Isn't Always Reality
Influencer lifestyles may look glamorous, but they often show only a curated version of life.

4. Success is Personal and Evolving
At 21–22, success may mean graduating college or starting a career. In the long term, success becomes about fulfillment, happiness, and achieving personal goals.

5. Small Wins Matter
Recognizing small achievements can create motivation and a sense of progress toward larger life goals.

💬 “Confidence is the first thing people notice about you.”

💬 “Life’s too short for unnecessary drama—just handle things head on.”

💬 “Success doesn’t have to be huge milestones; it can be the small things that make you happy.”

💬 “Don’t believe everything you see on social media.”

00:00 – Introduction to Terrific Topic Tuesday
01:00 – One word to describe yourself at 22
01:58 – What women are judged on: confidence vs emotion
02:40 – Avoiding vs confronting difficult conversations
06:10 – What makes a woman powerful
08:40 – Social media influencers and Gen Z influence
12:40 – The reality behind influencer lifestyles
13:40 – Defining success in your 20s vs later in life
17:00 – Appreciating small wins and milestones

• College students and recent graduates
• Young professionals navigating their early careers
• Mentors and parents wanting insight into Gen Z perspectives
• Anyone interested in personal growth and confidence

• How do you define success at your current stage of life?
• Do you address hard conversations directly or tend to avoid them?
• How much influence does social media have on your personal goals?

What really happens after graduation?

In this candid follow-up episode, Christine welcomes back her very first guests, Ellie and Megan, one year after their debut. Now officially post-grad, they’re sharing the real, unfiltered truth about job hunting, rejection emails, networking strategy, and building confidence in interviews.

If you're navigating the “what now?” phase after college — this episode is your playbook.

✨ Why Ellie chose Nashville — and what happened when her first job wasn’t “the one”
✨ The reality of competing against 100+ applicants per job
✨ Why Megan says the job market feels “brutal” — and what she’s doing differently
✨ How to actually use LinkedIn (beyond just clicking “apply”)
✨ The cover letter debate — does it even matter anymore?
✨ The #1 mistake most grads make after interviews
✨ Specific questions that instantly elevate you in interviews
✨ How to stand out when everyone has the same degree
✨ Why connection + confidence > perfect answers
✨ The mindset shift that changes everything in job searching

“Your resume gets you the interview. Your connection gets you the job.”

“Don’t just ask a question because you’re supposed to — use their answer to sell yourself.”

“If you don’t follow the process, you eliminate yourself.”

“Fake it like you’re going to work there forever — even if you’re not.”

“It’s not what you know. It’s who you know — and how you follow up.”

🔎 Research every interviewer on LinkedIn before the interview
📩 Send a personalized thank-you email the same day
🧠 Pull personal details into your follow-up (shows you listened)
📈 Ask: “What does success look like in the first six months?”
🎯 Always tie their answers back to your experience
🤝 Compliment thoughtfully — people hire people they like
🚀 Ask about long-term company growth to signal commitment

Ellie
• Living in Nashville
• Transitioned from entry-level sales to bartending while job searching
• Actively interviewing for full-time roles
• Leaning into connection-based interviewing

Megan
• Graduated early (Marketing major, Sales minor)
• Staying in Tuscaloosa temporarily
• Competing in a saturated job market
• Prioritizing smaller companies for hands-on growth

Graduation resets everyone to the same starting line.

What differentiates you?
Connection. Confidence. Follow-through. Persistence.

Rejection isn’t personal — it’s part of the process.

✔ College seniors
✔ Recent grads
✔ Young professionals in their first 2 years
✔ Anyone navigating career uncertainty
✔ Women looking to grow through shared stories

Share it with a friend who’s job hunting.
Subscribe, rate, and review to help more women rise.

In this episode of Root to Rising, Christine sits down with Kaitlyn Jerard, a recent University of South Florida graduate to talk about navigating post-college uncertainty, studying abroad in Florence, and choosing experiences over pressure.

Caitlin shares her journey from Illinois to Florida, her decision to study abroad in Italy, and why she’s prioritizing travel before stepping into full-time corporate life. Together, they explore generational shifts around work, comparison culture, anxiety, and trusting your own path.

This episode is a powerful reminder that it’s okay to be in the “in-between.”

• Why it’s okay not to have everything figured out after graduation
• The power of studying abroad in Florence, Italy
• Navigating homesickness and stepping outside your comfort zone
• Generational differences in work-life balance
• Why comparison is the thief of joy
• Choosing travel and experiences before full-time work
• Tools for managing anxiety and overthinking
• The “Five Rule” for decision-making
• How to choose the right college for YOU
• Embracing your unique timeline without outside pressure

1. You Don’t Have to Rush.
There is no universal deadline for success. Taking time after graduation to travel, explore, and reflect can be deeply valuable.

2. Growth Happens in Discomfort.
From navigating Italy without phone service to living with seven strangers abroad, Caitlin shares how uncomfortable moments build resilience.

3. Comparison Steals Joy.
Whether it’s comparing colleges, careers, or timelines — your path is yours alone.

4. Experiences > Bank Account Numbers.
Money can be earned again. Time and experiences cannot.

5. Regulate Before You Ruminate.
Movement, nature, and perspective shifts (like staring at the ocean) can calm anxiety and ground you.

“Comparison is the thief of joy.”

“You only live once — you’ll make the money back. Experiences are worth more.”

“If you want change, you have to step outside your comfort zone.”

“As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.”

Kaitlyn's biggest message:

✨ Don’t let outside pressure dictate your timeline.
✨ Give yourself a full year before deciding a college isn’t right.
✨ Surround yourself with people when you feel homesick.
✨ Move your body when anxiety rises.
✨ Trust that what’s meant for you will come.

• High school seniors choosing colleges
• College students feeling uncertain
• Recent graduates in the “what’s next?” phase
• Women navigating comparison and career pressure
• Anyone craving permission to move at their own pace

In this powerful and deeply reflective episode of Root to Rising, Christine Hummel sits down with co-host Catherine Chialdikas and special guest Xanthe, a singer-songwriter originally from Australia whose journey spans continents, creativity, and courageous self-trust.

Xanthe shares her story of growing up between Australia and the United States, navigating family change, redefining identity during adolescence, and ultimately choosing a path rooted in intuition rather than expectation. From auditioning for The Voice Australia to solo traveling across Europe, volunteering internationally, and building a creative life abroad, Xanthe offers honest insight into resilience, self-belief, and what it truly means to “protect your peace.”

This episode is a reminder that growth is rarely linear—and that trusting yourself, even when it feels uncomfortable, can lead to the most fulfilling chapters of life.

• Why intuition is a skill you can practice, not just a feeling you’re born with
  
  
• How small, daily acts of courage build confidence over time
  
  
• Navigating identity shifts during major life transitions
  
  
• The difference between comfort and fulfillment
  
  
• Why self-love is not selfish—and how it benefits everyone around you
  
  
• How creativity, music, and community can be lifelines during hard seasons
  
  
• Letting go of comparison and redefining success on your own terms
  
  

• Early exposure to music through family and classical piano
  
  
• Discovering her voice through theater, jazz, and soul influences
  
  
• Competing on The Voice Australia while still in high school
  
  
• Releasing her single “See You At Home” (November release)
  
  
• Rebranding as an independent artist and building her sound in Melbourne
  
  
• Balancing artistry with entrepreneurship and freelance work
  
  

🎧 Listen to “See You At Home” by Xanthe on all streaming platforms

“Self-love is not selfish. You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

“Your intuition is like your fairy godmother—it already knows.”

“I’d rather spend years being uncomfortable than a lifetime wondering ‘what if.’”

• Solo travel & living abroad as a young woman
  
  
• Following intuition when logic doesn’t have all the answers
  
  
• Rebuilding community after starting over
  
  
• Protecting your peace in relationships, work, and life
  
  
• Creativity as both expression and survival
  
  

• Women navigating transitions or identity shifts
  
  
• Anyone feeling stuck between comfort and growth
  
  
• Creatives, travelers, and entrepreneurs
  
  
• Young women learning to trust themselves
  
  
• Anyone who needs permission to choose their path
  
  

Want to dive deeper into Xanthe’s music, story, and creative journey?
Explore more at: 👉 https://www.xanthecampbell.com/

In this episode of Root to Rising, host Christine Hummel sits down with healthcare leader Mary Beth for a powerful conversation about intentional leadership, career pivots, and redefining success on your own terms. From being a first-generation college student to leading through some of healthcare’s most complex challenges, Mary Beth shares how personal loss, resilience, and purpose shaped her professional journey—and why she chose to step away at the height of her career to enter what she calls her rewirement chapter.

This episode is a must-listen for college students, early-career professionals, and seasoned leaders alike who are questioning traditional career timelines and looking for a more intentional way forward.

• What “rewirement” really means—and how it differs from retirement
  
  
• How to build confidence before you feel “ready”
  
  
• Why career paths don’t need to be linear to be successful
  
  
• The difference between mentors vs. sponsors (and why you need both)
  
  
• How to create your own personal board of directors
  
  
• When to say yes—and how to say no without guilt
  
  
• Why skills matter more than titles when building a career
  
  
• How to align work with your values at any stage of life
  
  

• Intentional Leadership: Choosing where your energy goes—and where it doesn’t
  
  
• Permission to Pivot: You don’t need approval to change direction
  
  
• Advocacy & Healthcare: How lived experience shapes leadership
  
  
• Confidence Over Perfection: You don’t need to check every box to step up
  
  
• Time Is Finite: Success looks different when you prioritize what matters most
  
  

• Mary Beth’s journey from computer science to pharmacy to executive leadership
  
  
• Navigating grief while building a meaningful career
  
  
• Leaving a leadership role at a time of strength
  
  
• Transitioning into board work and strategic advising
  
  
• Redefining legacy as who you elevate, not what you achieve
  
  

• College students unsure of their career path
  
  
• Early professionals experiencing imposter syndrome
  
  
• Women navigating leadership, burnout, or big transitions
  
  
• Anyone questioning traditional definitions of success
  
  

“You don’t need permission to choose—even if others don’t understand your next step.”

This episode reminds us that careers are not straight lines—and they’re not meant to be. Whether you’re just starting out or considering your next chapter, Mary Beth’s story is a powerful reminder that intentional choices, confidence, and self-awareness can shape a career that truly fits your life.

Learn more about Mary Beth here! https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-beth-lang-4ba8a0?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

In this episode of Root to Rising, Christine Hummel sits down with Allison Augsburger, a registered dietitian and integrative nutritionist, to unpack what it really means to listen to your body, advocate for yourself, and build a career that aligns with your values.

Allison shares her personal health journey—one that traditional medicine couldn’t fully explain—and how it ultimately led her to integrative nutrition, gut health, and entrepreneurship. Together, Christine and Allison explore the limitations of symptom-based care, the power of holistic health, and the confidence it takes to step away from conventional paths—both personally and professionally.

• What integrative nutrition actually means—and how it differs from conventional care
  
  
• Why so many people are told “everything looks normal” but still feel unwell
  
  
• Allison’s personal struggle with gut health—and how she became her own first client
  
  
• The truth about IBS diagnoses and why they often don’t provide real solutions
  
  
• How food sensitivities and inflammation impact the entire body
  
  
• Why healthcare often prioritizes quick fixes over root causes
  
  
• What it really takes to advocate for yourself in medical settings
  
  
• The importance of asking questions, seeking second opinions, and trusting your instincts
  
  
• How Allison transitioned from clinical work to building her own private practice
  
  
• The confidence gap women face when considering entrepreneurship
  
  
• Why waiting for “perfect timing” can hold you back
  
  
• How building a strong network changes everything
  
  

• Symptoms are signals—not the problem
  
  
• Healing often requires a whole-body, whole-life approach
  
  
• You are allowed to question, pause, and choose what’s right for your body
  
  
• Confidence comes from experience—but courage comes from action
  
  
• You don’t need to have every answer to take the next step
  
  
• Advocacy is one of the most powerful skills you can develop
  
  

Christine and Allison dive into why women often wait until they feel “fully ready” to make career moves—while men tend to leap before feeling qualified. Allison reflects on how years of experience, client outcomes, and self-trust helped her finally choose herself and return to her own practice.

This episode is a reminder that you don’t need permission to pivot—in your health, your career, or your life.

⭐Allison Bradbury Augsburger 

Integrative & Functional Nutritionist Allison Augsburger RD https://share.google/tU3TwDUXlHH8Mjf69

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/symptom.relief.rd?igsh=dGJheGF6eTluZTh1

In this special Thirsty Thursday edition of Root to Rising, Christine Hummel sits down with recent college graduates Emma and Josie—best friends turned Nashville roommates—who share their honest experiences navigating post-grad life, careers, confidence, and community.

From choosing majors and landing jobs right out of college to moving to a new city without a “perfect plan,” this episode is a refreshing, real conversation about embracing uncertainty, trusting your gut, and redefining success in your early 20s.

• Why your first job doesn’t have to be your forever job
• How career fairs, internships, and unexpected opportunities can open doors
• The power of character over credentials when getting hired
• Navigating imposter syndrome after graduation
• Why post-grad life doesn’t need a checklist—or timeline
• Moving to a new city without having everything figured out
• How friendships become your chosen family
• Learning to listen to your internal voice instead of outside pressure
• Redefining independence, confidence, and modern chivalry
• Why “trying it” is sometimes the bravest decision you can make

• It’s okay to take a job just to get your foot in the door—growth comes later
• Your path is not permanent, and that’s a good thing
• Confidence is built through action, not perfection
• The people you surround yourself with matter more than the plan you follow
• You don’t need to have life figured out in your early 20s—no one does

Christine and the girls dive into fun, thought-provoking social questions including:

• Independence vs. chivalry: where’s the balance?
• Should you lift your own suitcase on a plane?
• Who pays on the first date?
• What does equality really look like in modern relationships?
• Why holding the door is about humanity, not gender

• College students & recent grads
• Young women navigating post-grad uncertainty
• Anyone feeling behind, stuck, or pressured to “have it all figured out”
• Listeners craving honest, unfiltered conversations about adulthood

The first interview of 2026 sets the tone for Root to Rising’s mission: creating space for women to share their stories, find confidence, gain knowledge, and live with purpose.

Christine Hummel is joined by Rory Latoria, a health coach, yoga and Lagree instructor, and former advertising professional, for a deeply honest conversation about identity, career pivots, self-trust, and breaking away from the “should” path many women feel pressured to follow.

This episode explores what happens when you pause, listen to your inner voice, and give yourself permission to evolve—even when the path forward feels unclear.

• Rory’s personal journey from Midwest roots and a traditional college-to-corporate path to exploring wellness, coaching, and purpose-driven work
• How “shoulds” shape career and life decisions—often without us realizing it
• Why COVID became a turning point for self-reflection and change
• The power of being uncomfortable and why growth requires it
• How patience, self-trust, and community play a role in finding clarity
• Why time may actually be long, not short—and how that mindset changes everything
• Christine’s perspective on motivators, leadership, and being okay with discomfort
• Advice for college students and young professionals feeling stuck or uncertain

1. The “Should” Path vs. the Self-Led Path
Rory reflects on how expectations—from society, culture, and even ourselves—can quietly steer decisions. Awareness is the first step toward change.

2. Success Isn’t Linear
There is no “normal” career path. Many opportunities come from relationships, curiosity, and being open to what you didn’t even know existed.

3. Growth Requires Discomfort
Christine shares how being uncomfortable became a catalyst—not a barrier—for confidence, leadership, and long-term fulfillment.

• 00:01 – Christine welcomes listeners to 2026 and introduces Rory
• 01:05 – Rory on trusting herself and redefining identity
• 05:44 – From advertising to luxury residential technology
• 09:08 – Choosing a major without truly knowing why
• 13:27 – Why entrepreneurship isn’t encouraged enough
• 16:58 – Advice for women afraid to leave the “should” path
• 22:08 – COVID as a pause that changed everything
• 27:28 – Being uncomfortable as a requirement for growth
• 29:06 – Christine on motivators, leadership, and learning
• 36:12 – Big dreams, self-doubt, and fear of not trying
• 39:35 – Advice for students and recent graduates

✔ Women navigating career uncertainty
✔ College students or recent graduates feeling stuck
✔ Anyone questioning the traditional path they were told to follow
✔ Listeners seeking clarity, patience, and self-trust
✔ Women craving honest conversations about growth and purpose

*To learn more about Rory click https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrEbkSzdWlp_gEAg0JXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1769728691/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.instagram.com%2fyourgalror%2f/RK=2/RS=x96dfv_P5eWOuyPRaoYt18bVoBI-