Smart Women Talk

Do you know your breast density and why it matters?

Leslie Ferris Yerger received an “all clear” mammogram and ultrasound, yet was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer in November 2017. Her experience exposed a critical gap in breast cancer screening that many women still do not understand: dense breast tissue can make cancer more difficult to see on a mammogram.

Determined to keep other women from experiencing the same devastating surprise, Leslie founded the nonprofit My Density Matters. Today, she is a TEDx speaker, author of Probably Benign and a passionate advocate helping women learn their breast density, understand their screening options and speak up for the additional care they may need.

Join Leslie and Katana as they discuss:

• What breast density is and why every woman should know her density
• How dense breast tissue can affect what a mammogram reveals
• What questions to ask and what next steps to consider if you have dense breasts
• How to advocate for yourself if you have difficulty obtaining the screening you need
• Resources available through My Density Matters

Why This Matters:
Many women assume that an “all clear” mammogram means there is nothing more to consider. Leslie’s story reminds us that understanding our breast density and knowing which questions to ask can be an essential part of protecting our health.

Free Resource:
My Density Matters offers education and tools to help women understand breast density and discuss screening options with their healthcare providers: https://mydensitymatters.org/

Leslie’s book, Probably Benign: https://www.probablybenign.com/

Leslie Ferris Yerger is a TEDx speaker, author of Probably Benign, and women’s health advocate dedicated to improving breast cancer screening awareness. In November 2017, Leslie was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer just two months after receiving an “all clear” mammogram and ultrasound. Her experience with dense breasts and delayed detection became the catalyst for her advocacy work.

As Founder and CEO of the nonprofit My Density Matters, Leslie is committed to empowering women to know their breast density, understand their screening options, and advocate for the additional screening they may need. Her mission is simple but deeply personal: to help ensure that her story does not become someone else’s story.

To learn more about Leslie, visit mydensitymatter.org.

This program is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for professional medical care. The views and information shared by guests are their own and may not reflect current medical guidelines or the views of Smart Women Talk. Breast cancer screening recommendations vary based on age, breast density, personal and family history, individual risk factors, and other considerations. Always discuss your individual screening needs and options with a qualified healthcare professional.

What happens when the life you thought was secure suddenly isn't?

For Karin Kusano, starting over meant facing a reality she never expected. After discovering that she didn't have the financial independence she thought she had, she found herself rebuilding her life while raising four children—and wondering how she would create a secure future from where she stood.

So she started learning.

At her kitchen table, Karin began educating herself about financial markets and emerging technology. What started as a need to understand and protect her own financial future eventually became something much bigger—a new career, a new sense of purpose, and a powerful lesson in what can happen when a woman takes back control of her life.

In this episode of Smart Women Talk, Katana and Karin explore:

• Why financial autonomy is about much more than money
• How starting over forced Karin to rediscover her own strength and resourcefulness
• Why gaining knowledge gave her confidence when so much felt uncertain
• What rebuilding while raising four children taught her about resilience
• How the hardest chapter of her life ultimately opened the door to an entirely new future
• Why reinvention doesn't always mean becoming someone new—it can mean reclaiming the woman who was there all along

Sometimes starting over isn't the end of the life you planned. It can be the beginning of a life you finally get to choose.

Tune in and discover what can happen when you stop underestimating yourself and start taking back your power.

Karin Kusano, known as “Cryptomommi,” is a crypto market strategist, educator, and advocate for financial autonomy. A single mother of four, Karin’s work is deeply personal. After experiencing financial coercion that left her without access to bank accounts, she discovered crypto, blockchain, and self-custody—and a new way to take control of her financial future.

Today, Karin uses that experience to educate others, particularly vulnerable populations, about financial sovereignty and the opportunities offered by digital assets. She became the first female retail crypto trader honored at NASDAQ for providing digital-asset microloans to women entrepreneurs through the United Nations.

Karin also consults with decentralized exchanges and AI trading firms, serves as Texas Chapter President of the Association for Women in Crypto, and speaks on behalf of the National Cryptocurrency Association. This fall, she begins pursuing her J.D. at the University of Dayton School of Law.

To learn more about Karin, visit karinkusano.com.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, legal, or retirement planning advice. Every individual's financial situation is unique. Before making decisions regarding your investments, Social Security, Medicare, or retirement income, please consult with qualified financial, tax, or legal professionals who can provide guidance based on your personal circumstances.

What if the pieces of your life that didn't go according to plan were actually leading you somewhere better?

Amy Peterson had a dream. From the age of 14, she wanted to become the first female general manager of a Major League Baseball team. She built her education around that goal, fought her way into professional baseball, and eventually became an attorney for the Detroit Tigers.

But the career she thought was her calling ultimately led her to something very different.

In this episode of Smart Women Talk, Katana sits down with Amy, Founder and CEO of Rebel Nell, a Detroit social enterprise that transforms fallen graffiti into beautiful jewelry while creating employment and opportunity for women facing barriers to work.

You'll discover:

• How Amy turned discarded pieces of Detroit graffiti into a business built around purpose
• What the women of Rebel Nell taught her about resilience, confidence, and second chances
• Why the systems designed to help women escape poverty can sometimes make moving forward even harder
• How creativity and meaningful work can help women rediscover their confidence and worth
• What Amy learned when the career she'd dreamed about since childhood wasn't ultimately where she found her purpose

At Rebel Nell, there's a rule: never fall in love with the top layer—it's what's underneath that matters. That's pretty good advice for jewelry. It may be even better advice for life.

Tune in and discover what can happen when we look beyond the surface, reclaim the pieces, and create something beautiful from what we find.

Amy Peterson is the Founder and CEO of Rebel Nell, a women-owned social enterprise that transforms reclaimed materials into meaningful jewelry and gifts while creating employment, opportunity, and support for women facing barriers to work.

Inspired by the stories and resilience of women living in a nearby shelter, Amy built Rebel Nell on the belief that business can be a powerful force for social change—combining workforce development with creativity, purpose, and economic empowerment.

A former attorney for the Detroit Tigers and executive with RISE, Amy has built a career at the intersection of business, community impact, and social change. She also co-founded The Congregation and The Rectory, two projects dedicated to breathing new life into community spaces in Detroit.

To learn more about Amy, visit rebelnell.com.

What if your best years are still ahead?

For many women, getting older comes with an unspoken expectation that it's time to slow down, play it safe, and accept that certain adventures belong to a younger version of ourselves.

Dr. Peggi Tabor has a very different idea.

At 82, Peggi is training as a competitive swimmer, recently returned from scuba diving in the Red Sea, and is already planning her next diving adventure. And this isn't a new philosophy for her—at 60, she left behind a successful corporate career and joined the Peace Corps, spending two years serving in a remote village in Africa.

In this episode of Smart Women Talk, Katana sits down with Peggi to explore how we can stay active, curious, connected, and excited about life at every age.

You'll discover:

• Why staying active becomes even more important as we age
• How meaningful relationships can influence our health and happiness
• Simple practices for managing stress and responding to life's challenges
• Why gratitude, mindfulness, and lifelong learning matter
• How purpose—big or small—gives us a reason to keep moving forward
• Why it's never too late to try something new, challenge yourself, or plan your next adventure

Your age doesn't determine how fully you get to live.

And if you've ever wondered whether your best years are behind you, Peggi has two words for you:
Think again.

Tune in and discover how to make the years ahead some of your very best.

Dr. Peggi Tabor is a credentialed integrated wellness coach, educator, and lifelong advocate for personal growth and healthy aging.

After a successful career with Xerox, where she designed and delivered training programs for managers in the United States and internationally, Peggi embarked on a very different kind of chapter.

At age 60, she joined the Peace Corps and spent two years serving in Lesotho, Africa, where she worked alongside traditional healers to help address the HIV/AIDS epidemic and supported local communities in establishing small businesses.

Peggi holds an MBA in Marketing and Communications, an MS in Metaphysical Science, and a PhD in Philosophy. Today, she continues to inspire others to stay curious, active, engaged, and purposeful at every stage of life.

You can reach out to Peggi at [email protected].

What if the best investment you could make isn't in things—but in experiences?

So many of us dream about traveling "someday." Someday when life slows down. Someday when the kids are older. Someday when retirement finally arrives.

But what if someday is today?

In this episode of Smart Women Talk, Katana Abbott sits down with storyteller and worldschooling advocate Lauren Ferrara to explore how one family's decision to spend a month each year living abroad transformed the way they travel, parent, and experience life.

You'll discover:

• Why meaningful travel is about connection—not checking destinations off a list
• How cultural immersion helps children (and adults) see the world differently
• Why experiences often create stronger family bonds than material things
• How travel can strengthen relationships and shift your perspective on what really matters
• Simple ways to begin your own adventure—without waiting for retirement

You don't have to sell everything you own or travel the world for years.

Sometimes all it takes is deciding that "someday" starts now.

Tune in and discover why the best time to create meaningful memories may be sooner than you think.

Lauren Ferrara is a storyteller, former television news anchor, and founder of Why Wait Stories, a documentary film company dedicated to preserving family histories through beautifully crafted legacy films. After nearly 15 years in broadcast journalism, Lauren shifted her focus from reporting the news to capturing the stories that matter most—helping families preserve their memories and connect across generations.

Lauren and her husband are raising two daughters in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where they have embraced worldschooling as a way to learn beyond the classroom. Each year, the family spends a month living and learning abroad, immersing themselves in local cultures, languages, and communities. From Guatemala to Peru, their travels have reinforced Lauren's belief that some of life's greatest lessons come from curiosity, stepping outside your comfort zone, and seeing the world through someone else's eyes.

Learn more about Lauren at whywaitstories.com.

Resources mentioned by Laura:

• Worldschoolers Facebook Groups
• Deliberate Detour - https://deliberatedetour.com/
• Culture Chalk - https://www.culturechalk.org/

What if one decision could increase your retirement income
for the rest of your life?  

In this eye-opening episode of Smart Women Talk, Katana Abbott sits down with nationally recognized Social Security expert and Certified Financial Planner™ Mary Beth Franklin to help women understand one of the most important financial decisions they'll ever make—when to claim Social Security benefits.  

From choosing the right claiming age to understanding special rules for married, divorced, and widowed women, Mary Beth explains how thoughtful planning can help maximize lifetime income while avoiding costly mistakes that could permanently reduce your benefits.  

You'll discover:

• Why retirement and claiming Social Security are two separate decisions
• How your claiming age can dramatically affect your lifetime income
• Special claiming strategies for married, divorced, and widowed women
• Common Social Security mistakes—and how to avoid them
• How to maximize survivor benefits for your family
• Important changes under the Social Security Fairness Act
• When a Social Security "do-over" may still be possible  

Whether retirement is just around the corner or still years away, this conversation provides practical guidance every woman should understand before filing for benefits.  

The decisions you make today could impact your retirement income for decades to come.  

Mary Beth Franklin is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional, veteran financial journalist, and nationally recognized expert on Social Security, Medicare, and retirement income planning. Based in Washington, D.C., she has spent decades helping Americans make informed financial decisions through her writing, speaking, and educational programs. Mary Beth is a sought-after speaker on Social Security and Medicare, a former columnist for InvestmentNews, former Tax and Retirement Editor at Kiplinger Personal Finance, and former congressional correspondent for United Press International. She is also a frequent guest on radio and television programs and hosted the popular Retirement Repair Shop podcast for seven seasons.  

To learn more about Mary Beth, visit www.marybethfranklin.com.

Smart Women Talk Disclaimer:

The information shared in this episode is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, legal, Medicare, Social Security, or retirement planning advice. Every individual's circumstances are unique. Before making decisions regarding your investments, retirement income, or government benefits, please consult with qualified professionals who can provide guidance based on your personal goals and financial situation.

What if market uncertainty didn't have to keep you up at night?

In this timely episode of Smart Women Talk, Katana Abbott sits down with Portfolio Manager Sweta Singh to cut through the financial headlines and help women better understand today's changing economic landscape.  

From inflation and interest rates to market volatility and diversification, Sweta shares practical strategies for growing and protecting wealth with confidence.  

You'll discover:  

• Why trying to time the market is one of the biggest investing mistakes
• How to stay calm and confident during periods of market volatility
• The important role bonds and fixed income can play in today's economy
• Why diversification remains one of the most effective long-term investment strategies
• How to align your investments with your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance
• Why staying invested is often the key to building long-term wealth  

Whether you're actively growing your investments or preparing for retirement, this conversation offers practical insights to help you make informed financial decisions and feel more confident about your financial future.  

Sweta Singh is the Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of City Different Investments, bringing more than 20 years of experience in fixed income investing, portfolio management, and financial markets. After immigrating to the United States, she earned two degrees and was awarded a fellowship with New York State's Debt Division, where she gained extensive experience in public finance and debt issuance. She went on to build a distinguished career as a bond analyst and portfolio manager with leading investment firms, including Wellington Management, Breckinridge Capital Advisors, Wilkins Investment Council, and Thornburg Investment Management. Passionate about helping investors navigate changing markets with confidence, Sweta co-founded City Different Investments in 2021. She lives and works in the Boston area and serves as Treasurer of the Brookline Education Foundation.  

To learn more about Sweta, visit www.citydifferentinvestments.com.  

Smart Women Talk Disclaimer:

The information shared in this episode is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, legal, Medicare, Social Security, or retirement planning advice. Every individual's circumstances are unique. Before making decisions regarding your investments, retirement income, or government benefits, please consult with qualified professionals who can provide guidance based on your personal goals and financial situation.

City Different Investments Disclaimer:

Statements in this video are made as of the date of publication, and are subject to change without notice. Discussion and information presented in this video should not be construed as the provision of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from City Different Investments. To the extent that the viewer has any questions regarding the applicability of this discussion/information to his/her individual situation, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her choosing.

Any projections, market outlooks, or estimates in this piece are forward-looking statements and are based upon certain assumptions. Other events that were not taken into account may occur and may significantly affect the returns or performance of these investments. Any projections, outlooks, or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks, or estimates are subject to change without notice. Please remember that past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, product or any non-investment-related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in this newsletter will be profitable, equal to any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation or prove successful. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions.

Specific securities identified do not represent all the securities purchased, sold, or recommended for the strategy. Do not assume any securities identified were or will be profitable.

City Different Investments accepts no liability whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, that may arise from the use of information in this material. City Different Investments can in no way be held responsible for any decision or investment made based on information contained in this material.

What if your next chapter isn't about slowing down—but about finally creating a life and career you truly love?

In this inspiring episode of Smart Women Talk, Katana Abbott sits down with Career Transition Coach and author Shannon Russell for an empowering conversation about reinvention, second-act careers, and designing a life aligned with your passions and purpose.

Whether you're feeling restless in your current career, dreaming about starting a business, or wondering what comes next, this episode explores how women can leverage decades of experience to create meaningful work and fulfilling lives.

You'll discover:

• How to successfully transition into a second—or even third—act career
• How to identify and leverage the skills and experience you already possess
• Why fear and uncertainty are normal parts of the reinvention process
• Practical steps you can take to begin creating a life you love - How other women have successfully made the leap into something new
• Why it's never too late to pursue work that feels purposeful and inspiring

Plus, Shannon shares real-world examples and encouraging insights that prove reinvention isn't just possible—it may be exactly what this season of life is calling you toward. This is one of those conversations that may completely change the way you think about your next chapter. 

Shannon Russell is a Television Producer turned Entrepreneur and Career Transition/Business Coach. She is also an Exit Strategy Expert, YouMap® Coach, Author, Speaker, and Host of the Second Act Success Career Podcast and the How To Quit Your Job and Start A Business Podcast.

Shannon supports women who are unhappy with their 9-5 jobs as they pivot towards a "second act," building a business and being their own boss. She provides exit strategy guidance and helps her clients transition from employees to entrepreneurs.

Shannon began her career by spending over 16 years as a television producer in New York City and Los Angeles, working for MTV, E!, Yahoo!, Pop Sugar, A&E, TLC, VH1, etc. She then pivoted to open her own business, running a Snapology franchise that teaches children STEM education so that she could be more present for her children.

As a certified Career/Business Coach, Shannon supports women as they change careers, start businesses, and follow their passions to the fullest. Shannon’s motto is "produce your best life!" Her company, Second Act Success®, allows her to share her journey and experience as a television executive turned business owner and mom with others. 

Shannon's mission is to motivate more women to make big life moves. She does so through her coaching practice, podcast, speaking engagements, and book, Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life.

To learn more about Shannon, visit www.secondactsuccess.co.

What will work look like in the next chapter of your life? And where do women fit into today’s rapidly changing economy?

In this fascinating conversation, Katana Abbott speaks with Corinne Goble, CEO of the Association of Women Business Centers, about the growing opportunities for women entrepreneurs — and the critical mistakes many women make when starting and scaling a business.

Corinne shares her remarkable personal journey from growing up in a motorcycle gang environment to leading a national organization supporting women-owned businesses across America. Together, she and Katana explore how women are redefining entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership in today’s economy.

They discuss emerging opportunities in AI, the care economy, social impact businesses, technology-driven entrepreneurship, and why women may be uniquely positioned to thrive in this next era of business.

You’ll also hear practical advice about:

• Why business planning matters more than passion alone
• The biggest funding mistakes women entrepreneurs make
• How personal credit can impact future business growth
• The difference between creating a business versus creating a job
• Why understanding your numbers builds confidence
• How technology is lowering barriers for women entrepreneurs
• Why the “care economy” may become one of the biggest growth sectors of the future

Corinne also introduces listeners to Hope2Women.org, a national gateway connecting women to coaching, training, funding resources, and Women’s Business Centers across the country. 

Whether you’re launching a business, considering a second-act career, or simply curious about where the economy is heading, this episode offers powerful insight, inspiration, and practical wisdom for women ready to build what’s next. 

Corinne Goble is the CEO of the Association of Women Business Centers, a national organization supporting a network of more than 140 Women’s Business Centers across the United States. With a background spanning entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, and nonprofit advocacy, Corinne is passionate about helping women launch, grow, and scale successful businesses. She is a national voice on women’s entrepreneurship, innovation, access to capital, and the future of women in the economy. 

You can learn more about Corrine at Hope2Women.org. 

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The views, opinions, experiences, and recommendations expressed by the host and guests are not intended as financial, investment, legal, tax, business, medical, or other professional advice. Every individual's circumstances are unique, and listeners should consult qualified professionals before making decisions related to their finances, business ventures, investments, health, or legal matters. Smart Women Talk is designed to inspire conversation, learning, and personal growth, and any actions taken based on the content of this program are solely the responsibility of the listener.

What if aging isn’t about slowing down—but about stepping into one of the most powerful and purposeful stages of life?

In this episode of Smart Women Talk, Katana Abbott welcomes longevity expert, author, and co-founder of Age Wave, Maddy Dychtwald, for a conversation about what it really means to live well—not just longer.

Drawing from decades of research and her new book Ageless Aging, Maddy shares how women can take a more holistic approach to longevity—focusing not only on lifespan, but on healthspan and brainspan. In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The difference between lifespan and healthspan—and why it matters
• Why women live longer but often face more health challenges
• The powerful role of purpose in longevity and well-being
• Simple daily habits that support brain health, energy, and vitality
• Why connection, mindset, sleep, and movement all play a critical role

This inspiring and practical conversation offers a fresh perspective on aging—one that empowers women to make small, intentional choices that can lead to a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

You can learn more about Maddy at MaddyDychtwald.com.

The information shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The host and guests are not providing diagnosis or treatment recommendations for any individual. Individual health needs vary, and listeners should consult their healthcare provider before making any medical decisions or changes to their care. Reliance on any information provided in this episode is solely at your own risk.