In this episode of She Fascinates Me, I sit down with Luxury Travel Consultant, Martha Gaughen of Brownell Travel and freelance travel journalist, Terry Ward whose decades long careers have taken them everywhere from iconic destinations to incredible hidden gems all around the world. We talked about what it takes to make a living helping others experience the world and the moments that make it all worthwhile.

We also discuss why the human experience in each of their professions matters the most in an increasingly digital world and how curiosity, trust, and relationships are essential. I loved spending this time with Terry and Martha-their office happens to be the whole wide world. Just fascinating!

----

Follow me on Instagram@terrywardwriter and

Find my articles on Terry-Ward.com

----

Martha Gaughen

O.404.591.863 | C.404.735.5608

mailto: [email protected]

In this deeply personal episode of She Fascinates Me, I sit down with my mom for a conversation that is equal parts family history, love story, and reflection on resilience.

Together, we revisit her memories of moving to the United States as a little girl, learning a new language, embracing a new culture, and building a life she could never have imagined. We talk about the excitement of marrying young, missing her new husband during his deployment to Vietnam, raising our family while my dad worked tirelessly to build a business, and the moments that, looking back, became the foundation of an extraordinary life.

As she reflects on those experiences—and on facing Parkinson’s today with the same grace, strength, and optimism that have always defined her—I found myself not only fascinated by my mom, but by the beautiful partnership she and my dad have shared through every chapter of their lives.

This episode is about family, courage, perseverance, and the quiet ways love carries us through life’s biggest changes. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I loved having this conversation with her.

What if reinvention didn’t require a plan—just a little curiosity?In this episode, I sit down with my friend Jocelyn Challas, who embraced empty nesting in the most unexpected way… by stepping onto film and television sets as a background artist.

With no prior acting aspirations, Jocelyn simply decided to try something new—and found herself immersed in a world most of us only see on screen. From early call times to long hours of waiting, she shares what it’s really like behind the scenes, the surprising rhythm of set life, and the quiet thrill of being part of the action.

We talk about what it means to step into someone else’s shoes for a day, the joy of doing something purely for the experience, and the unexpected fulfillment that can come from saying yes to something just because it sounds fun.

It’s a reminder that sometimes the most fascinating paths are the ones you never planned to take.

Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts—and if you haven’t yet, be sure to subscribe on YouTube. New episodes drop weekly.

She’s incredibly kind, beautiful, stylish, and has that unmistakable energy of someone who is going to be successful at whatever she touches.

In this episode, I sit down with Holly Horwege in the early days of building her brand, The Maison Marie—and it’s a conversation that feels as exciting as it is insightful.

After years of loving the ease and affordability of clothing rental, Holly recognized something was missing—and almost overnight, the vision for The Maison Marie came to her. What’s most striking is what happened next: she didn’t sit on the idea. She moved. Quickly and decisively, putting the pieces in place and stepping fully into the lifestyle of building a startup in her 40s.

With the support of her entrepreneur husband, she’s in it—fully—and we talk candidly about what that actually looks like. The pace, the sacrifices, the constant decision-making, and the confidence it takes to enter a space with already well-established competitors and still believe there’s room for something new.

It’s an honest look at the realities of starting something from scratch—but also a glimpse into a brand that already feels incredibly special.I feel genuinely privileged to share Holly—and her story—with you.

In this episode, I talk with attorney Margaret Martin about motherhood, identity, and the realities of raising a child with complex needs.

I’ve always deeply admired parents of children with special needs—and wanted to better understand. I am in awe of the way parents expand to meet extraordinary challenges - how they come together as family and find the beauty in all of it. 

Margaret brings incredible honesty to that experience—sharing what it really looks like day to day, and how it reshapes your life in ways both difficult and meaningful.

In this episode, I talk with attorney Margaret Martin about motherhood, identity, and the realities of raising a child with complex needs.

I’ve always deeply admired parents of children with special needs—and wanted to better understand. I am in awe of the way parents expand to meet extraordinary challenges - how they come together as family and find the beauty in all of it. 

Margaret brings incredible honesty to that experience—sharing what it really looks like day to day, and how it reshapes your life in ways both difficult and meaningful.

While traveling solo In Paris for four days I was strolling the boutiques in Saint Germaine for a while before my dinner reservation. I enjoy dining alone and I was looking forward to an authentic traditional French meal at the Alain Ducasse restaurant, Allard. What started as a table for one turned into an unforgettable night — the kind that feels cinematic in the moment and even more meaningful in hindsight. From wandering into a jewelry shop as it closed to sharing dinner at the iconic Chez Allard, this is a story about connection, spontaneity, and the magic of being open to the unexpected.

In this episode of She Fascinates Me, I sit down with Kim Paterick — a flight attendant whose life is built around movement, chance encounters, and the spaces in between destinations.

We talk about:

• What it really feels like to live a life constantly in motion

• The realities behind the glamour of being a flight attendant • Navigating jet lag, delays, and exhaustion — without losing the joy

• Why saying “yes” can lead to the most meaningful connections

• How one spontaneous decision in Paris turned into a lasting friendship

What struck me most is that despite the fatigue, the unpredictability, and the inconveniences of travel, Kim never lets it take away from the pleasure of her job — or the beauty of the moments in between.This conversation is a reminder that magic doesn’t just live in places like Paris — it lives in people, in openness, and in the willingness to lean into the moment.

In this episode of She Fascinates Me, I talk with photographer, entrepreneur, and mother, Alice Park, whose thoughtful approach to parenting, marriage, work-life balance, and intentional living has resonated with thousands of women online.

Alice is known for sharing honest reflections on motherhood, raising a family, simplifying life, and staying grounded while managing the demands of career and home. Through her photography business and her widely followed Instagram account, she offers a refreshing perspective on family life, self-care, and what it really means to be present in a busy world.

We talk about parenting philosophies, balancing work and family, marriage after many years together, and why doing less — not more — is often the key to feeling fulfilled. Alice also shares how her views have changed over time and what she has learned about raising children, protecting her energy, and creating a life that feels calm, meaningful, and sustainable.

If you’re interested in conversations about motherhood, midlife, personal growth, family, lifestyle, photography, or intentional living, this episode is for you.

Subscribe to the channel to support independent creators and help us reach more listeners.

Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop weekly.

#parenting #motherhood #worklifebalance #midlife #familylife #intentionalliving #podcast #photography #selfcare #marriage #shefascinatesme #womenpodcasters

In this episode of She Fascinates Me, I talk with photographer, entrepreneur, and mother, Alice Park, whose thoughtful approach to parenting, marriage, work-life balance, and intentional living has resonated with thousands of women online.

Alice is known for sharing honest reflections on motherhood, raising a family, simplifying life, and staying grounded while managing the demands of career and home. Through her photography business and her widely followed Instagram account, she offers a refreshing perspective on family life, self-care, and what it really means to be present in a busy world.

We talk about parenting philosophies, balancing work and family, marriage after many years together, and why doing less — not more — is often the key to feeling fulfilled. Alice also shares how her views have changed over time and what she has learned about raising children, protecting her energy, and creating a life that feels calm, meaningful, and sustainable.

If you’re interested in conversations about motherhood, midlife, personal growth, family, lifestyle, photography, or intentional living, this episode is for you.

Subscribe to the channel to support independent creators and help us reach more listeners.

Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop weekly.

#parenting #motherhood #worklifebalance #midlife #familylife #intentionalliving #podcast #photography #selfcare #marriage #shefascinatesme #womenpodcasters

Why Midlife Women Are Rethinking Fitness, Strength, and GLP-1s | Lauren LidskyWomen in midlife are rethinking everything about wellness—from strength training to GLP-1 medications. But what actually works in real life?In this episode of She Fascinates Me, Julie sits down with women’s strength and wellness coach Lauren Lidsky, a Precision Nutrition Level 1 certified coach, for a conversation that offers listeners a chance to get to know the person behind the coaching.Lauren works with women who want to feel stronger, more energized, and more confident in their bodies, using a coaching model that is intentionally high-touch and relationship-driven. She develops quick rapport with her clients and understands that meaningful progress often requires personalized guidance and accountability—especially for women balancing careers, families, and full lives.While Lauren’s work spans strength training, nutrition, and sustainable wellness habits, she also thoughtfully supports some clients who are using GLP-1 medications. She’s observed that many women obtain these prescriptions through sources that provide little ongoing guidance, and she helps bridge that gap by focusing on strength, proper nourishment, and long-term health alongside these treatments.Think of this conversation as an introduction to Lauren’s philosophy and approach—one that meets women where they are and supports them in building strength and wellness that actually fits their real lives.Www.LaurenLidsky.comIG@lifewithlaurenlidsky