In this deeply moving episode, LaNika “Shelly” Williams—known as the Bounce Back Queen—shares a life story that could have broken her… but instead, built her.

From childhood trauma and being removed from her home, to becoming a teenage mother, losing her sight, surviving multiple brain surgeries, and still rising to become a powerful advocate for over 200 children—Shelly embodies what it means to turn adversity into purpose.

Her story is not just about survival—it’s about faith, resilience, and answering the call to serve others, even while healing yourself.

Connect with Lanika "Shelly" Williams

Socials:

TikTok- @TheBouncebackQueen 

FB- @LaNika Shelly Williams 

IG- @TheRealBouncebackQueen  

https://linktr.ee/thebouncebackqueen

In this powerful and thought-provoking conversation, Dara Baldwin—activist, scholar, and author of To Be a Problem: A Black Woman’s Survival in the Racist Disability Rights Movement—shares her lived experience navigating over two decades in policy spaces where she was often the only woman of color.

Dara opens up about the realities of systemic racism within social justice movements, challenging the assumption that all advocacy spaces are inherently equitable. Through her work, she draws a critical distinction between disability rights and disability justice—calling for deeper accountability, intersectionality, and true liberation.

Her story is not only one of resilience, but of courage—the courage to speak truth, disrupt systems, and demand change where it is long overdue.

To connect with Dara Baldwin:

On X, IG and Threads is: @NJDC07

Get Dara's book: https://www.beacon.org/To-Be-a-Problem-P2254.aspx

In this powerful and refreshing conversation, Rochelle Durruthy—social media influencer and marketing business owner—shares how she helps women step into visibility, own their voice, and confidently take up space in business.

Originally a SoCal girl now rooted in the Pacific Northwest, Rochelle is building community through creativity, connection, and collaboration. Through her work, she teaches women how to find clients, embrace their unique superpower, and build businesses that align with their real lives—not just social media expectations.

From normalizing having a 9–5 while building your dream, to encouraging women to ask for help, hire support, and prioritize self-care, Rochelle reminds us that success doesn’t have to look one way. Her message is clear: there is room for all of us—and you are allowed to build your business in a way that honors your season.

Connect with Rochelle:

www.honorandcompany.com

Instagram: @withloverochelle

In this insightful and empowering conversation, Amy Dave—former physician assistant turned women’s wellness coach—shares how aligning her lifestyle with her hormonal cycle transformed her health, energy, and overall well-being.

After struggling with PMS symptoms and burnout, Amy discovered that the solution wasn’t doing more—it was learning to listen. By adjusting her nutrition, exercise, and daily habits to match the phases of her cycle, she experienced profound improvements in her mood, energy, and physical health.

Now, Amy helps women reconnect with their bodies, understand their hormonal rhythms, and make small, sustainable shifts that lead to lasting transformation. This episode is a reminder that your body is not working against you—it’s guiding you.

Connect with Amy Dave

Free Guide Live a Life Without PMS: https://subscribepage.io/LifewithoutPMSWebsite: https://thewealthofwellness.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewealthofwellnessllcInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthofwellnessllc/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCffJG3_0TXTbXRb4aFVo1Mw Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-incredible-mom-life/id1789854849

In this deeply moving conversation, Kaleena Randall—women’s empowerment guide and project management professional—shares her journey of navigating unimaginable loss and rising into a life of intention, self-worth, and sovereignty.From a childhood shaped by addiction, to the devastating loss of her daughter and husband at just 21, and later rebuilding again after divorce, Kaleena’s story is one of profound resilience. Through it all, she made a powerful decision: to no longer live in survival mode, but to create a life rooted in purpose and thriving.Through her work with Renovate Her, Kaleena now creates spaces for women to heal, reflect, and transform—reminding us that our past does not define us, but it can shape the power we choose to step into.

Connect with KendallWebsite: https://renovatedlives.my.canva.site/renovateher- Instagram:‍

IG @Kaleena_Randall‍

IG @RisingThrivalist

IG @the_elevatedexchange_

In this deeply sacred conversation, Hawa Jusu Johnson—healer, community builder, and guide in ancestral remembrance—shares the beauty and power of honoring those who came before us. Through ancestral veneration and libation practices, Hawa reminds us that even if we do not know every name or every story in our lineage, we can still call on the benevolent mothers, fathers, and ancestors whose lives made ours possible.

Together, this episode explores remembrance as a spiritual act of healing, reconnection, and empowerment. Hawa shares her own journey of moving beyond religious indoctrination to reclaim the wisdom of her cultural roots, and leads a beautiful libation ceremony using water as a symbol of continuity, purity, and life. This conversation is an invitation to return to what has always been sacred: honoring our lineage, healing generational disconnection, and remembering that we do not walk alone.

Connect with Hawa Jusu Johnson:IG links: @the_elevatedexchange_Monthly podcast that provokes high conscious thinking, challenge internal perspectives, and encourage personal transformationUpcoming Episode: “Boundaries are a Love Language” drops on Sunday, February 22nd@blacklovecollective_intentional date night collective that uplifts black love @exquisite.vibesoffers a variety of digital media content tailored to your unique style and brand

In this deeply honest and empowering conversation, Jontai Reynolds—author, mental health advocate, and future counselor—shares her journey of transforming pain into purpose. From navigating reactive abuse, postpartum depression, and moments of deep emotional struggle, Jontai made a powerful decision: to heal, not just for herself, but for her daughter and the generations after her.

Through therapy, faith, journaling, and self-care, she began rebuilding her life—eventually becoming a voice for others through her books No One Saw Her Coming and Healing Through Chaos. Now, as a student, mother, and advocate, Jontai is committed to helping others navigate trauma, mental health challenges, and self-discovery with compassion and truth.

Her story is a reminder that healing is possible—and that your pain can become the very thing that leads you to your purpose.

Website: (www.taicornerblogs.com)

Digital prompts for bloggers: https://jontai4.gumroad.com/l/wsycck https://jontai4.gumroad.com/l/epmobgbooks

No one Saw her coming: a story about reactive abuse: https://a.co/d/03viLWVu)

Healing through chaos: the self care journal: https://a.co/d/0e02Z6lB

In this heartfelt and lively conversation, Penny Gardin Lewis—author, children’s playwright, and mixed media artist—shares her journey of creativity, reinvention, and storytelling across a lifetime. From teaching industrial arts to directing a cultural arts center, and eventually stepping into her fullest expression through writing and art, Penny’s path is anything but ordinary.

Blending humor, mystery, and moments of real-life inspiration, her novels—often co-created with her twin sister—invite readers into worlds that are both imaginative and deeply human. Through her upcoming book Jelly Biscuits, Penny continues to capture the beauty of everyday life, love, and laughter, inspired in part by her late husband and their 43-year marriage.

Her story is a reminder that creativity doesn’t have an expiration date—and that some of the most meaningful chapters are written when we finally give ourselves permission to fully express who we are.

Connect with Penny Gardin Lewis & her stories

at [email protected] 

Facebook: @Penny Gardin Lewis Instagram: @pennylewis.press Threads:@pennylewispress

In this raw and honest conversation, Nicole Patrick—beauty entrepreneur and founder of Sophia Nicole Cosmetics—shares her journey of becoming a mother in the most unexpected way. Discovering she was pregnant at eight months, Nicole was suddenly thrust into motherhood while navigating health challenges, grief, and life transitions.

From giving birth at 34 weeks to building a beauty brand inspired by her daughter, Nicole opens up about the realities of postpartum emotions, co-parenting challenges, and learning to stand strong through uncertainty. Her story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and choosing growth—even in the midst of chaos.

Through it all, Nicole reminds us of the importance of self-care, mental health, and finding a supportive community—especially for women navigating motherhood and entrepreneurship at the same time.

• Connect with Nicole Patrick
• IG: @NicolePatrick
• @SophiaNicoleCosmetics
• @TheBeautyBarAndLounge
• www.TheBeautyBarAnd Lounge.com
• Sophia Nicole Cosmetics website coming soon

In this deeply compassionate conversation, Desiree—grief educator and guide—shares her personal journey through profound loss, including the passing of her father, the end of her marriage, and the gradual loss of her mother to ALS.

Through these experiences, she discovered that grief is not something to fix or rush through, but something to witness, honor, and gently move with. Now, Desiree supports others in navigating grief without shame or judgment—helping them release guilt, embrace authenticity, and understand that grief shows up in many forms, from death to life transitions like divorce, job loss, and identity shifts.

Her work invites us to see grief not as isolation, but as a powerful connector—one that reminds us of our humanity, our love, and our capacity to heal.

Connect with Desiree DoucetWebsite: https://www.desireedoucet.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/desiree.doucetFacebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/desireedoucetcoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desireedoucet/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DesireeDoucetCoach