Smart Women Talk

Have you ever thought, “I wish I had recorded Grandma’s stories before she passed”—and realized you waited too long? In this episode of Smart Women Talk, host Katana Abbott interviews Lauren Ferrara, former TV news anchor and founder of Why Wait Stories, about why our stories are one of the most meaningful legacies we can leave behind. Lauren shares how losing her dad—and filming his memorial—changed the entire course of her life and career. She explains why there’s no such thing as an “ordinary” life, how storytelling can be deeply healing, and why women’s stories in particular are often overlooked but absolutely essential. In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why capturing stories can matter just as much as passing down money or heirlooms
• How to start recording family stories using nothing more than your phone
• Creative ways to use photos, old home movies, and even memorials as story-gathering moments
• The unexpected emotional and healing power of telling and hearing family stories
• How sharing stories can help the next generation understand the values behind their inheritance

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or daughter carrying forward your family’s history, this conversation will inspire you to stop waiting and start capturing the stories that matter most.

Connect with Lauren Ferrara: Website: whywaitstories.com

Learn more about Smart Women’s Empowerment: Get free resources, courses, and updates at JoinSmartWomen.com.

How to Build a Remote Team Without Burnout with Jana Franklin

So many women start a business for freedom—only to find themselves working more than ever as the chief, cook, and bottle washer in their own company. In this episode of Smart Women Talk, host Katana Abbott interviews Jana Franklin, serial entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of CEO Concierge, a premium virtual assistant agency with a 75+ person international team. Jana shares how she:

• Went from corporate fashion and multi-unit franchise owner (Jimmy John’s & Fantastic Sams) to leading a remote team
• Discovered the power of matching tasks to personality—“front stage” vs. “backstage” work
• Built systems, SOPs, and support so she could stop doing everything herself
• Helps entrepreneurs reclaim entire days each week by delegating email, admin, hiring, licensing, and more

You’ll learn practical steps to:

• Decide what to delegate (starting with a simple one-week exercise)
• Think differently about money, risk, and hiring support
• Use virtual assistants to scale your business without sacrificing your health or family
• Build a remote team rooted in values, systems, and intentional leadership

If you’re overwhelmed, maxed out, and know you can’t grow by doing more yourself, this conversation will show you a realistic, affordable path to finally getting the support you deserve.

Learn more about Jana and CEO Concierge: https://www.ceoconcierge.com
Join our free Smart Women community: JoinSmartWomen.com

Take Charge of Your Life with Dr. Arin Reeves

Why do so many women feel tired of being tired—even after eight hours of sleep?

In this powerful episode of Smart Women Talk, host Katana Abbott sits down with bestselling author and leadership consultant Dr. Arin Reeves to unpack the real reason women are burned out—and why “self-care” isn’t the solution.

Discover how to identify and plug the “energy leaks” in your life, set boundaries that actually hold, and manage your energy (not just your time). Arin also breaks down the misunderstood stress gap between men and women in the workplace—and how women can reclaim their power without guilt or exhaustion.

Topics include:

• Why self-care can sometimes add stress
• The “canoe with holes” metaphor for burnout How to identify what’s draining vs. energizing you
• The three kinds of energy: physical, cognitive, and emotional
• Practical steps to delete, delegate, and reset

Learn more about Arin and her latest book In Charge: The Energy Management Guide for Badass Women Who Are Tired of Being Tired at arinreeves.com.

Subscribe for more empowering conversations at SmartWomenTalk.com.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you or someone you love is navigating a diagnosis, this conversation is for you. Host Katana Abbott sits down with Dr. Mensa, an expert in integrative oncology, to explore how nutrition, lifestyle, mind–body practices, and smart testing can help patients thrive during treatment—not just get through it. Katana also shares her personal journey with early-stage breast cancer, the choices she made (including cryoablation), and how having a coordinated care “quarterback” changed everything. Together they demystify naturopathic/integrative care—what it is, how it complements surgery/chemo/radiation, and practical steps women can start today. You’ll learn:

• What integrative oncology is—and how it supports conventional treatment
• Evidence-informed nutrition basics (think: “rainbow plate,” anti-inflammatory herbs, smart sugar strategy)
• Why stress, sleep, and mindset matter—and easy ways to start
• Which labs and hormone markers can inform a more personalized plan
• Post-treatment tips to reduce recurrence risk and protect heart/bone health

Resources mentioned:
• Dr. Mensa’s clinic: aimnatural.com
• Join our community + get our free course Unlock Your Financial Power: JoinSmartWomen.com


Dr. Jeffrey Mensah is a board-certified naturopath and integrative medicine specialist at the Associates of Integrative Medicine in Michigan. He bridges conventional oncology with evidence-based natural therapies to help patients thrive through and beyond cancer treatment. Dr. Mensah’s approach focuses on nutrition, mind-body medicine, metabolic health, and reducing treatment side effects while supporting long-term wellness. He is also a fellow of the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners and an educator on topics such as cancer nutrition, stress management, and survivorship. Learn more at aimnatural.com


Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode of Smart Women Talk is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition, treatment options, or before starting any new health regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard in this program.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we’re spotlighting a critical—but often overlooked—piece of the journey: financial toxicity. Katana welcomes Molly MacDonald, co-founder & CEO of The Pink Fund and Editor-in-Chief of Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine.

After her own diagnosis upended her livelihood, Molly built a national nonprofit that has paid nearly $11 million in non-medical bills for patients in active treatment—housing, transportation, utilities, and insurance—so they can stay on therapy and focus on healing.

We also explore the magazine’s mission to educate, inspire, and deliver hope; the SurThrivor™ mindset; and community-powered fundraising like Dancing with the Survivors. 

You’ll learn:

• What “financial toxicity” looks like—and practical ways to prevent treatment disruption
• How The Pink Fund’s 90-day “financial bridge” works (what’s covered & who qualifies)
• Why education and mindset (via Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine) are essential to survivorship

Resources & links:
The Pink Fund (apply, donate, become an ambassador): https://pinkfund.org
Subscribe free to Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine: https://pinkfund.org

What if AI could give you back 30 hours a week—without sacrificing your voice or your brand?

In this episode, Smart Women Talk host, Katana Abbott, sits down with marketing strategist and AI expert Kendra Corman to unpack how she went from 14-hour days to building a smarter, lighter business with AI as her strategic partner. You’ll learn:

• How to train AI to write in your authentic voice (Kendra’s “Voice Paragraph Method”).
• Set guardrails so AI challenges your thinking instead of just agreeing.
• Start small with high-impact workflows you repeat all the time.

We also cover practical tips on organizing chats and memories, sanity-saving prompts, and why kindness—even to your AI—pays off. You’ll hear:

• The Voice Paragraph Method for brand-true writing.
• How to make AI your strategic partner (not just a content machine).
• Starter prompts & projects that save hours right away.
• Smart ways to keep your AI projects, folders, and “memories” organized.

Kendra Corman is a marketing strategist, AI expert, and author who went from working 7 days a week, 14 hours a day to saving 30-40 hours per week using artificial intelligence. She's taught thousands of entrepreneurs how to leverage AI to create abundance in their businesses while maintaining their authentic voice. Kendra hosts the "Imperfect Marketing" podcast and has spoken on stages across the country about AI and marketing strategy. Her mission is to help business owners do more effective marketing with fewer resources so they can focus on what truly matters.
Connect with Kendra at kendracorman.com/linkedin.

What if working less is the key to more freedom, impact, and income?

Dr. Nona Djavid—mindset mentor and author of Elevate Your Life—went from burnout to a seven-figure business while working just one week a month.

In this inspiring conversation, we unpack her four-step “quantum leap” framework, the power of an unreasonable vision, and why success takes both mechanics (systems, strategy) and energetics (identity, beliefs, emotional state).

We also talk self-care that goes beyond massages—real, moment-to-moment choices that protect your health, relationships, and joy. If you’re craving ease, abundance, and clear next steps, this one’s for you.


Dr. Nona Djavid is a mindset mentor, author, and founder of the eLIVate Club and The One Week/Month Lifestyle. She helps high-performing women unlock their next level by combining neuroscience, energetics, and business strategy.
 
A former chiropractor turned spiritual entrepreneur, Dr. Nona teaches clients how to quantum leap their impact and income without hustling harder. She’s been featured in Forbes, HuffPost, and CBS News, and is the author of eLIVate Your Life. She currently lives between Southern California and Italy with her two sons.

Connect with Dr. Nona at nonadjavid.com.

Do you feel like you’re constantly trying to control every aspect of your life—only to end up exhausted, anxious, or stuck?

In this powerful interview, Katana Abbott talks with Kute Blackson, transformational speaker and bestselling author of "You Are the One" and "The Magic of Surrender."

Kute shares deeply moving insights from his personal journey and his mother’s remarkable grace during her battle with cancer. You’ll learn how surrendering to life’s flow can bring more peace, clarity, and abundance than you ever imagined. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why surrender is not giving up—but letting go of what no longer serves you.
• How surrender can unlock more magic, miracles, and alignment in your life.
• The three main reasons your goals may not be manifesting (and how to shift them).

Learn more about Kute Blackson: www.kuteblackson.com
Free course – 8 Levels of Gratitude: www.8levelsofgratitude.com
Free Manifestation Masterclass: www.manifestationmasterclassonline.com

#SmartWomenTalk #KuteBlackson #MagicOfSurrender #PersonalGrowth #Mindset #Authenticity #LifePurpose #Transformation #LettingGo #Surrender #Manifestation #SpiritualGrowth #Abundance #Alignment

Heal from Within with Dr. Shannon South

In this powerful episode of Smart Women Talk, Katana Abbott sits down with Dr. Shannon South — also known as The Joy Doctor — to explore how you can tap into your own “inner counselor” to heal from trauma, release limiting patterns, and step into lasting joy and abundance.

Dr. Shannon shares her personal journey from anxiety and depression to profound healing, along with the transformative process she now teaches to clients and practitioners worldwide. 

Whether you’re facing emotional pain, seeking deeper spiritual connection, or ready to break free from old survival patterns, this conversation will inspire you to embrace the healing power within.

Dr. Shannon D. South, known as the “Joy Doctor,” is an award-winning therapist, bestselling author, and inspirational speaker with over 25 years of experience in spiritual psychology and trauma healing. Following a personal awakening in 1994 that healed her anxiety and depression, she’s dedicated her life to helping others connect with their highest, most joyful selves. As founder of the Inner Counselor Certification Program, Shannon trains clinicians and coaches worldwide in her powerful healing method. Her mission is to help spiritually minded women and professionals embody joy, love, and abundance—naturally and permanently.

Connect with Dr. Shannon at theinnercounselor.com.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, psychological, or other professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

In this episode of Smart Women Talk, host Katana Abbott sits down with the amazing Dr. Anna Cabeca for a powerful discussion on what it really means to live vibrantly after menopause.
Dr. Anna shares why balancing hormones isn’t just about taking hormones—and how food, mindset, and lifestyle play an even bigger role. From her Keto-Green® lifestyle tips to natural approaches to sexual wellness, Dr. Anna offers a refreshing perspective that puts women back in control of their health and happiness.
In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to use food to rebalance hormones and support weight loss.
• Why sexual health still matters (and how to improve it naturally).
• What inflammation, stress, and insulin resistance have to do with menopause.
• Why Dr. Anna says "it takes more than hormones to fix your hormones."

You’ll leave this episode feeling informed, inspired, and ready to thrive—no matter your age.
Learn more about Dr. Anna: https://dranna.com

Disclaimer:
The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, medications, or health care regimen. The views expressed by our guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Smart Women Talk team.

#menopause #hormonehealth #DrAnnaCabeca #SmartWomenTalk #keto #sexualhealth #womenswellness #selfcare