She Rocked It

Curious about launching your entrepreneurial journey with a business partner? 

Tune into this candid conversation with Tami Astorino and Rachel Rubin, the co-CEOs of Rise Gatherings – offering retreat experiences that invite women to connect with nature, with themselves, and with one another. In this honest and heartfelt episode, you’ll learn about Tami and Rachel’s journey to launching Rise (including the fateful business “blind date” that started their partnership), and how they leverage their yin-yang personality types to create a stronger whole. 

You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes window into their beloved Rise Gatherings Weekend Getaway, which over the past several years has drawn hundreds of women to the Pocono Mountains for a transformative and restorative experience. 

(PSST: She Rocked It’s own Karen Gross is a Weekend Getaway workshop facilitator this year!) You’ll surely be inspired by Tami and Rachel’s courageous journey, their dedication to uplifting women, and the alchemy of their collaboration. 

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Episode highlights:

[03:28] How a well-timed introduction launched Tami and Rachel’s business partnership 

[08:53] How the vision for Rise Gatherings came to life 

[13:08] A glimpse into Rise Gatherings’ diverse community of women 

[16:33] Why Tami and Rachel’s partnership works – and tips you can use for your own collabs 

[24:18] How Tami and Rachel found the courage to launch Rise Gatherings

[28:30] Tami and Rachel’s tips to rock it

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Links from this episode:

Rise Gatherings: https://www.risegatherings.com/

Rachel Rubin on the Athleta x She Rocked It podcast: How to Balance Career & Self-Care: https://sherockedit.com/athleta-x-she-rocked-it-how-to-balance-career-self-care/

Rise Gatherings on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risegatherings/

Support the show

If you’d like to join us for future podcast recordings and other empowering live events, head over to our website and subscribe to our email list! https://sherockedit.com/

In this fascinating episode, you’ll meet Danielle Massi a.k.a. The Shadow Queen – who is building a growing empire as a best-selling author and thought-leader, CEO of The Wellness Collective, and founder of the annual SELF(ish) Philly Conference.

After a cervical cancer diagnosis before her 30th birthday, Danielle transformed her life and career, and has become a leading voice on the topic of shadow work and holistic health. Tune in to learn more about shadow work straight from Danielle, and to hear how she redirected her entrepreneurial path to become an advocate for women’s well-being. Plus, get a glimpse into Danielle’s own daily rituals, and how she balances business and motherhood with unapologetic self-care.

Disclaimer: The views expressed by podcast guests are their own. The She Rocked It podcast is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen.

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Episode highlights:

[01:13] How a cancer diagnosis changed Danielle’s career and life path

[01:56] How “Shadow Work” works

[07:33] How Danielle found the confidence to become an advocate for Shadow Work

[21:22] Why women need to be more selfish 

[24:10] Danielle’s daily routine (spoiler: baths, ahoy!)

[29:41] Danielle’s one tip to rock it

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Links from this episode:

Danielle Massi website: https://www.iamdaniellemassi.com/

Danielle Massi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamdaniellemassi/

The Wellness Collective: www.wellnessphl.com

SELF(ish) Philly Conference: https://www.selfishphilly.com/ 

Support the show

If you’d like to join us for future podcast recordings and other empowering live events, head over to our website and subscribe to our email list! https://sherockedit.com/

Kate Marlys launched Philly PR Girl as a blog – and today, she is running one of Philadelphia’s most recognizable PR firms, specializing in elevating non-profits and purpose-driven brands.

As Kate celebrates 10 years in business, she spoke with She Rocked It to share the real story of becoming an entrepreneur (including one case of cold feet), and how she now grows her team and her client roster without burning herself out.

No matter what your own calling might be, you’ll surely be inspired by Kate’s journey of courageous entrepreneurship and how she continues to rock it on her own terms.

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Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Introduction
[01:10] How Kate Marlys launched Philly PR Girl – despite one “false start”
[05:27] Why Kate made the bold career pivot from running nonprofits to running her own PR firm – without a PR background
[12:18] How boundaries keep Kate feeling balanced 
[15:12] Highlights from the first decade of Philly PR Girl
[19:04] The importance of supportive women to Kate’s success
[21:18] Kate’s one tip to rock it

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Links from this episode:

Philly PR Girl website: https://phillyprgirl.com/

Philly PR Girl on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philly_pr_girl/

Kate Marlys Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katemarlys/

Support the show

If you’d like to join us for future podcast recordings and other empowering live events, head over to our website and subscribe to our email list! https://sherockedit.com/

Welcome to the fourth episode of our Real Talk with Women in the Music Industry podcast series, recorded live with a studio audience at Lakehouse Recording Studios in Asbury Park, NJ!

In this eye-opening and empowering episode, you’ll hear inspiring wisdom and lots of behind-the-scenes #realtalk from Ash Hill and Jenna Gaudio, two women who are blazing a trail and rocking it in the (still!) male-dominated music industry.

According to the most recent USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative study, entitled Inclusion in the Recording Studio?, women are still woefully underrepresented across the music industry and in the recording studio space. For instance, this study showed that just 2.8% of all producers were women while 97.1% were men.

Ash Hill is the recording studio manager at Lakehouse Recording Studios in Asbury Park, NJ – our awesome host for today’s episode.

Jenna Gaudio is co-president of the recently-acquired company Vydia, an all-in-one platform that empowers independent labels and artists.

You’ll also hear from Rashida Scott-Cruz, Professor of Music Industry, who originally connected She Rocked It with Lakehouse – and who is inspiring the next generation of music industry rockstars as a professor and mentor at Monmouth University. 

Special thanks to the team at Lakehouse Recording Studios including Ash Hill, Evan Rudenjak, Ben Marino, Juan O’Grady, and Jon Leidersdorff, for hosting She Rocked It and recording the audio and video of this conversation:  https://www.lakehouserecordingstudios.com/

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LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:

Lakehouse Recording Studios: https://www.lakehouserecordingstudios.com/

Vydia: https://vydia.com/

Annenberg Inclusion Initiative study: https://www.newsroom.spotify.com/2022-03-31/usc-annenbergs-inclusion-in-the-recording-studio-study-finds-that-more-work-toward-gender-equity-is-needed/

She Rocked It’s Real Talk with Women in the Music Industry Episode 2 ft. Rashida Scott-Cruz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ntmmz8K__oE&list=PL9M_v70pNx6ELQri31KdJOC-VTN-yVmoW

Lakehouse Live!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfR6asxaLKk&list=PLyhNGayUn39KrGGnJPqVfHu29kfNkPovE

Rebel Supply Co.: https://rebelsupplyap.com/

Zumiez: https://www.zumiez.com/

Jersey Shore Women in Tech: https://www.jerseyshorewomenintech.com/ 

Support the show

If you’d like to join us for future podcast recordings and other empowering live events, head over to our website and subscribe to our email list! https://sherockedit.com/

In the third installment of our Real Talk with Women in the Music Industry series, you’ll hear from Michelle Arkuski, Executive Director of She Is The Music—a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the number of women working in music, which was launched by Alicia Keys among other music industry powerhouses.

In this eye-opening and inspiring conversation, Michelle shares how and why she pivoted from her early musical theater days in New York City to high-profile philanthropic work in Los Angeles.

As the first executive director of She Is The Music, Michelle now spearheads programs including an all-women songwriting series, an industry database of women creators, and awesome mentorship opportunities.

The organization took shape after the devastating results of USC Annenberg’s Inclusion Initiative study revealed that women were conspicuously absent from music industry roles. And though important strides are being made, the results of the latest study (published in January 2023) still left much to be desired:

• Percentage of women across three creative roles: 22.3% of artists; 12.8% of songwriters; 2.8% of producers
  
  
  • 13.9% of GRAMMY® nominees from 2013-2023 were women; 86% were men
    
    
    • 13 out of 1,756 producing credits went to women of color
      
      
      • The top male writer (Drake) has 49 songwriting credits; the top woman writer (Nicki Minaj) has 20 credits across 1,100 popular songs from 2012-2022
        
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        EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
        
        

        • [00:00] How She Is The Music serves its mission through action
          
          
          • [04:53] Michelle’s journey from musical theater to celebrity-driven philanthropy
            
            
            • [08:28] Overcoming imposter syndrome to take on the role of Executive Director at She Is The Music
              
              
              • [12:42] The state of the industry now and looking ahead in the wake of #MeToo
                
                
                • [20:32] What gave Michelle the courage to follow her intuition?
                  
                  
                  • [25:02] How Michelle keeps her cool working with big-name celebrities like Alicia Keys, Cyndi Lauper, and Linda Perry
                    
                    
                    • [29:23] How Michelle prioritizes self-care inside a demanding schedule
                      
                      
                      • [33:37] Michelle Arkuski’s ONE TIP TO ROCK IT
                        
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                        LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:
                        
                        

                        • She Is The Music:  https://sheisthemusic.org/
                          
                          
                          • USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative:https://annenberg.usc.edu/research/aii
                            
                            
                            

                            Support the show

                            If you’d like to join us for future podcast recordings and other empowering live events, head over to our website and subscribe to our email list! https://sherockedit.com/

                            
                            

In part two of our series on Real Talk with Women in the Music Industry, peek behind the curtain with women rockstars playing crucial roles off-stage. There’s still an astonishing lack of representation of women in the music industry, and these trailblazers don’t hold back on the #realtalk about what it’s been like to navigate careers of their own design. You’ll hear from:

Mona Kayhan, co-owner of The Bridge recording studio in Brooklyn (our wonderful hosts for this conversation!)

Rashida Scott-Cruz, Professor of Music Industry at Monmouth University

Teng Chen, freelance audio engineer (SNL, The Grammys, Spelling Bee) and engineer for the She Rocked It podcast

Stephanie Mayers, owner of Mayers Consulting PR firm which represents GRAMMY-winning artists in family entertainment

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Special thanks to Mona Kayhan and the team from The Bridge recording studio including Urosh Jovanovich and Brianna Cofield. https://www.bridgerecordingstudio.com/

Thanks to Fifth Hammer Brewing for supplying libations at our recording session. https://www.fifthhammerbrewing.com/
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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

[00:00] Learn how our panelists established their careers in the music industry
[21:22] Hear what gave each panelist the courage to dive wholeheartedly into the music business, versus viewing music as a hobby or side gig
[31:39] Get a glimpse into recent changes in the climate for women in the music industry
[44:02] What can we do to make the music industry more welcoming for all?
[47:56] Mona Kayhan, Stephanie Mayers, Teng Chen and Rashida Scott-Cruz each share their ONE TIP TO ROCK IT

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LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:

The Bridge: https://www.bridgerecordingstudio.com/

She Is The Music and data about women in the music industry: https://sheisthemusic.org/

Mayers Consulting: http://www.mayersconsulting.com/

Dan Zanes: https://danandclaudia.com/

Blue Hawk Records at Monmouth University: http://www.bluehawkrecords.com/

Monmouth University named by Billboard as a top music biz school

Teng Chen: https://www.tengchenaudio.com/

Teng Chen season 1 podcast episode: https://sherockedit.com/teng-chen/

Power station recording studio: https://powerstation.nyc/

“The War of Art”: https://blackirishbooks.com/product/the-war-of-art/

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Support the show

If you’d like to join us for future podcast recordings and other empowering live events, head over to our website and subscribe to our email list! https://sherockedit.com/

Welcome to the third season of the She Rocked It podcast, and our first-ever interview with three generations of rockstar women from the same family! In this intimate and inspiring conversation (recorded in January 2023 at The Bridge recording studio in Brooklyn, New York), you’ll hear #realtalk about being a woman in the music industry and pursuing a creative, courageous life – straight from powerhouse mother-daughter duo Kim Kalesti and Emily King (plus a special appearance from the family’s 88-year-old matriarch, Maggie Haley). 

KIM KALESTI is a modern-day renaissance woman who exemplifies the creative life as a singer, songwriter, recording artist, pianist, and painter. After 15 years as an in-demand jazz chanteuse–performing and recording alongside many of New York City’s jazz masters–she went on to release several piano/vocal albums of her poignant original songs. Both her daughter Emily King and son AC Lincoln have followed in her footsteps to become performing artists.  

EMILY KING  has released several critically acclaimed albums and received Grammy nominations for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance. She has toured with the likes of Alicia Keys, Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, and Sara Bareilles. After dropping out of high school to pursue music, she was discovered by Clive Davis, who signed her to his J Records label at the age of 21. Now signed to ATO Records, she plans to release her latest album Special Occasion in May 2023. 

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Special thanks to Mona Kayhan and team from The Bridge recording studio including Urosh Jovanovich and Brianna Cofield. https://www.bridgerecordingstudio.com/

Thanks to Fifth Hammer Brewing for supplying libations at our recording session. https://www.fifthhammerbrewing.com/
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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

[00:00] Meet mother-daughter creative powerhouses Kim Kalesti and Emily King

[04:08] What gave Kim the courage to forge an artistic path?

[09:24  How Emily knew she wanted to drop out of high school to pursue music, and how her mom Kim reacted

[15:37] How Emily learned not to compromise her own creative vision

[21:00] How Kim cultivated her musical style over many years working with numerous collaborators (including George Clinton!)

[26:09] Emily and Kim reveal their creative processes

[33:21] Grandma Maggie Haley enters the chat

[40:41] Maggie, Kim, and Emily each share their ONE TIP TO ROCK IT

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LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:

Emily King website: https://www.emilykingmusic.com/

Emily King’s song Distance: https://youtu.be/4DbeYbcZAJE

Emily King’s song This Year: https://youtu.be/xiDnuRylHMU

Emily King shares an early version of This Year on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cm1dqzKMZFq/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D

Kim Kalesti paintings: https://kimkalesti.wixsite.com/kimistry

Kim Kalesti bandcamp

Support the show

If you’d like to join us for future podcast recordings and other empowering live events, head over to our website and subscribe to our email list! https://sherockedit.com/

She Rocked It is proud to present the first podcast ever recorded in an Athleta store location! Athleta is known for versatile, premium apparel designed by women for women, as well as their empowering, inclusive #PowerofShe platform that supports women and girls in realizing their limitless potential.

Recorded at Athleta in Jenkintown, PA, this moving and illuminating conversation explores the balance between career and self-care – with lots of real talk, insights, and tips from rockstar entrepreneurs based in the Philadelphia area.

Hosted by She Rocked It founder Karen Gross, the panel includes Dr. Robin Smith, #1 bestselling author, licensed psychologist, and host of The Dr. Robin Show on SiriusXM; Christa Barfield, founder of FarmerJawn and Viva Leaf Tea Company; Gabrielle Sellei, attorney for creative entrepreneurs and founder of Sellei Law; Jean Brillman, founder of White Horse Coffee; and Rachel Rainbow, somatic therapist and co-founder/co-CEO of Rise Gatherings. Plus, you’ll hear from special guest Grace Duong of Mystic Mondays, who shares a collective tarot card celebrating the power of community. No doubt you’ll be inspired by this electrifying episode filled with wisdom and woman-power energy!

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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

[5:23] How five women entrepreneurs boldly followed their callings – including some major career pivots
[24:21] How to find the courage to launch a heart-centered career, and why it’s key to trust your inner voice
[34:11] Real talk from women business owners on how to bake self-care into your daily life, and why it’s important to raise your voice for the self-care that fills your cup
[49:20] Audience members share what self-care looks like for them
[52:15] Special guest Grace Duong of Mystic Mondays shares a collective tarot card reading
[54:59] One top tip to rock it from each panelist

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LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:

Athleta
She Rocked It
Karen Gross (Communication That Sings)
Christa Barfield (FarmerJawn, Viva Leaf Tea Co.)
Rachel Rainbow
Rise Gatherings
Gabrielle Sellei/Sellei Law
Jean Brillman/White Horse Coffee
Dr. Robin Smith
Dr. Robin Smith’s She Rocked It episode
Mystic Mondays
“How to Not Always Be Working” by Marlee Grace

She Rocked It is a media and mentorship platform where creative, courageous women rock it together. We are eager to learn from, listen to, and lift one another up — driven by the belief that women’s voices are essential. On our podcast and Instagram Live interview series, She Rocked It host/founder and creative entrepreneur Karen Gross gets trailblazing women leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs to reveal how they rock it – and their insights may surprise you. Their behind-the-scenes stories, best-kept secrets to success, and actionable tips are sure to inspire th

Support the show

If you’d like to join us for future podcast recordings and other empowering live events, head over to our website and subscribe to our email list! https://sherockedit.com/

Joan Hendricks has blazed a trail in the field of veterinary medicine – starting from when only a small “quota” of women were allowed into vet school, and ultimately serving as the first woman dean of the distinguished School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. 

In this candid and heartfelt conversation, Joan shares how she got the courage to lead despite the obstacles in her path, including self-sabotage. And she reveals how anger has fueled her passion and drive – inviting us all to consider how we can harness the power of anger as a superpower. Now retired, Joan also reminds us of the importance of seeking joy and rocking our own unique brand of weird. Do not miss this empowering, eye-opening, and often funny interview with a true pioneer!

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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

[3:15] Quotas, “tokes,” and Title IX: When women weren’t welcome in veterinary medicine  
[7:24] On being an “army brat” and crucial fatherly support
[11:20] Constructive rage and the catalyzing power of being underestimated 
[13:46] How allies helped amplify Joan’s voice 
[16:45] Why Joan initially avoided becoming the first woman dean at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine 
[23:40] Why women are dominating veterinary medicine today 
[27:32] Balancing family and career with the help of a supportive partner 
[29:34] Making a “joy list”
[32:29] Joan’s one tip to rock it  

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LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:

Penn Vet: https://www.vet.upenn.edu/

Penn Vet’s Bellwether magazine issue honoring Dean Joan Hendricks: https://www.vet.upenn.edu/about/news-room/bellwether/bellwether-magazine/bellwether-spring-2018

Penn Vet’s Bellwether magazine article focused on trailblazing women veterinarians: https://www.vet.upenn.edu/about/news-room/bellwether/bellwether-magazine/bellwether-winter-2015/penn-vet-pioneers

Info about Title IX: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_IX

The Nobel Prize-winning scientists Joan worked with: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2017/press-release/

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Support the show

If you’d like to join us for future podcast recordings and other empowering live events, head over to our website and subscribe to our email list! https://sherockedit.com/

Michelle Zara Evans has transformed her passion for fashion into a successful career as an e-commerce and merchandising executive – working her magic at the likes of Tiffany & Co., Gilt, and Bespoke Post. Along her path, she’s been focused on supporting and connecting with other women and women-owned brands. In this empowering interview, Michelle discusses her pivot from jewelry design entrepreneur to high-powered exec, and reveals how saying no, following her gut, and going after her big dreams continue to pay off. She also reminds us how women elevating women helps us ALL reach greater heights. 

In this episode, you’ll hear: 

• [2:29] The evolution of Michelle’s career in fashion
• [5:16] How Michelle discovered the power of networking during her career change
• [10:51] Michelle’s advice for a successful creative career
• [13:13] The importance of saying “No” 
• [16:36] How working with Paloma Picasso influenced Michelle
• [18:07] Michelle’s Tip to Rock It

Links from this episode:

• Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellezaraevans
• Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-zara-evans-305bb21/
• Shop Elia Fulman: https://eliafulmen.com/ 

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She Rocked It is a media and mentorship platform where creative, courageous women rock it together. We are eager to learn from, listen to, and lift one another up — driven by the belief that women’s voices are essential. On our podcast and Instagram Live interview series, She Rocked It host/founder and creative entrepreneur Karen Gross gets trailblazing women leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs to reveal how they rock it – and their insights may surprise you. Their behind-the-scenes stories, best-kept secrets to success, and actionable tips are sure to inspire the rockstar in all of us! 

Please subscribe and leave a review! 

• Join our community at https://www.sherockedit.com 
• Join us on Instagram @sherockedit 
• Download our FREE guide “SECRETS TO ROCKING IT” 
• Ready to transform your creativity into a career that rocks? Check out our group mentorship program, Rock-It Launcher! 

Support the show

If you’d like to join us for future podcast recordings and other empowering live events, head over to our website and subscribe to our email list! https://sherockedit.com/