Speaking of Phenomenal | Journalism for Women and Gender-Expansive Voices

Women's empowerment isn't about becoming smaller or more palatable, it's about reclaiming rage. Amy Boyle talks with Krissie McMenamin, founder of RAGEher, about transforming anger into authentic creative power, building community through emotional truth, and why women's rage is the fuel behind real change. Featuring insights on authenticity, resilience, and the Finnish roots of creative rebellion.

MUSIC (used with permission)
WOMAN Performed by Tiffany Villarreal - Pod artwork by Amanda Eich

Got something to say? Text the show. Click the link in the episode description and your message comes straight to me. I read every one and may share your note on a future episode. I'd love to hear from you.

A quick ask before we get started. I'm currently in the running for Top Host with iHeartRadio, and there's something you can do between now and October 22nd. ( 10 EST, 9 PM CST, 7 PM PST in the US) 

Please vote DAILY,  Thank you!

 If you're loving the stories and insights on the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or GoodPods.  Each 5 star review is appreciated, thank you!

Enjoyed this conversation? Follow, rate and review Speaking of Phenomenal on Apple Podcasts, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Keep independent journalism going. Support the show on Patreon.

Speaking of Phenomenal is created and produced by Amy Boyle. Podcast artwork by Amanda Eich. “Woman” by Tiffany Villarreal, used with permission.

Thinking about starting a podcast? SOP is hosted on Buzzsprout, recorded with Riverside and edited in Descript. Start yours with our links.

Some links above are affiliate links. If you sign up, the show may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

In the Season 4 premiere, award-winning writer and advocate Kelly Cervantes, shares her profound journey through grief, resilience, and emotional wellness after losing her daughter Adelaide to severe epilepsy. Host Amy Boyle explores how Kelly transformed heartbreak into a mission for healing and community, uncovering the vulnerability and authenticity required to turn tragedy into purpose. A conversation about loss, advocacy, and finding meaning when everything changes.

MUSIC (used with permission)  WOMAN Performed by Tiffany Villarreal  

Podcast artwork by Amanda Eich

Got something to say? Text the show. Click the link in the episode description and your message comes straight to me. I read every one and may share your note on a future episode. I'd love to hear from you.

A quick ask before we get started. I'm currently in the running for Top Host with iHeartRadio, and there's something you can do between now and October 22nd. ( 10 EST, 9 PM CST, 7 PM PST in the US) 

Please vote DAILY,  Thank you!

 If you're loving the stories and insights on the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or GoodPods.  Each 5 star review is appreciated, thank you!

Enjoyed this conversation? Follow, rate and review Speaking of Phenomenal on Apple Podcasts, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Keep independent journalism going. Support the show on Patreon.

Speaking of Phenomenal is created and produced by Amy Boyle. Podcast artwork by Amanda Eich. “Woman” by Tiffany Villarreal, used with permission.

Thinking about starting a podcast? SOP is hosted on Buzzsprout, recorded with Riverside and edited in Descript. Start yours with our links.

Some links above are affiliate links. If you sign up, the show may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Kishori Koch  reveals how space clearing unlocks resilience and community healing. In this conversation about women empowerment through environment, she shares why our physical surroundings shape our mindset shifts and self-care practices. From the role of a death doula to the power of intentional living, discover how creating clarity in your home creates clarity in your life and ripples through your community.

MUSIC (used with permission)  WOMAN Performed by Tiffany Villarreal - podcast artwork by Amanda Eich

Got something to say? Text the show. Click the link in the episode description and your message comes straight to me. I read every one and may share your note on a future episode. I'd love to hear from you.

A quick ask before we get started. I'm currently in the running for Top Host with iHeartRadio, and there's something you can do between now and October 22nd. ( 10 EST, 9 PM CST, 7 PM PST in the US) 

Please vote DAILY,  Thank you!

 If you're loving the stories and insights on the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or GoodPods.  Each 5 star review is appreciated, thank you!

Enjoyed this conversation? Follow, rate and review Speaking of Phenomenal on Apple Podcasts, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Keep independent journalism going. Support the show on Patreon.

Speaking of Phenomenal is created and produced by Amy Boyle. Podcast artwork by Amanda Eich. “Woman” by Tiffany Villarreal, used with permission.

Thinking about starting a podcast? SOP is hosted on Buzzsprout, recorded with Riverside and edited in Descript. Start yours with our links.

Some links above are affiliate links. If you sign up, the show may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Amy Boyle pauses Season 3's guest interviews to model her own resilience practice. After a frenzied week of interviews with inspiring women leaders, Amy reflects on how the "Yes, And..." principle and slow travel rewired her approach to life purpose and mindset. Discover how creating intentional space isn't about doing less, it's about empowering yourself differently. This behind-the-curtain moment explores the resilience stories that shape a journalist's own empowerment journey.

Audio edit by Geo Boyle - Audio of Milwaukee Rally and Oprah at DNC by Amy Boyle.

INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC (used with permission)  WOMAN Performed by Tiffany Villarreal  Podcast artwork by Amanda Eich

Got something to say? Text the show. Click the link in the episode description and your message comes straight to me. I read every one and may share your note on a future episode. I'd love to hear from you.

A quick ask before we get started. I'm currently in the running for Top Host with iHeartRadio, and there's something you can do between now and October 22nd. ( 10 EST, 9 PM CST, 7 PM PST in the US) 

Please vote DAILY,  Thank you!

Enjoyed this conversation? Follow, rate and review Speaking of Phenomenal on Apple Podcasts, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Keep independent journalism going. Support the show on Patreon.

Speaking of Phenomenal is created and produced by Amy Boyle. Podcast artwork by Amanda Eich. “Woman” by Tiffany Villarreal, used with permission.

Thinking about starting a podcast? SOP is hosted on Buzzsprout, recorded with Riverside and edited in Descript. Start yours with our links.

Some links above are affiliate links. If you sign up, the show may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Juliana Zavala, Senior Manager of Elementary Sports at Chicago Public Schools, shares how she built a girls' flag football league from scratch and the resilience, partnerships with the Chicago Bears, and advocacy it took to challenge the status quo in youth athletics. Discover how one female leader is reshaping community and youth sports through authentic vision and authentic leadership, turning personal mission into systemic change.

INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC (used with permission)  WOMAN Performed by Tiffany Villarreal

Podcast artwork by Amanda Eich

Got something to say? Text the show. Click the link in the episode description and your message comes straight to me. I read every one and may share your note on a future episode. I'd love to hear from you.

A quick ask before we get started. I'm currently in the running for Top Host with iHeartRadio, and there's something you can do between now and October 22nd. ( 10 EST, 9 PM CST, 7 PM PST in the US) 

Please vote DAILY,  Thank you!

 If you're loving the stories and insights on the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or GoodPods.  Each 5 star review is appreciated, thank you!

Enjoyed this conversation? Follow, rate and review Speaking of Phenomenal on Apple Podcasts, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Keep independent journalism going. Support the show on Patreon.

Speaking of Phenomenal is created and produced by Amy Boyle. Podcast artwork by Amanda Eich. “Woman” by Tiffany Villarreal, used with permission.

Thinking about starting a podcast? SOP is hosted on Buzzsprout, recorded with Riverside and edited in Descript. Start yours with our links.

Some links above are affiliate links. If you sign up, the show may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

In this episode of the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, we welcome Heather Eaton, a creative strategist and the Head of Product for Joe & Bella, a leading adaptive apparel brand. Heather shares her inspiring journey from management consulting at Deloitte to entrepreneurship and product strategy. Discover how Heather’s passion for innovative solutions in functional fashion led her to create impactful consumer products. Learn more about her insights on career adaptability, innovation, and making a difference in the lives of others.

Joe & Bella stylish, easy-dressing clothing for adults who are experiencing difficulties when getting dressed, whether due to age, a disability, chronic condition or recovering from an injury or procedure. Their clothes make dressing easier!  If you have a Joe or a Bella in your life you can Save 15% off your order with Joe & Bella with code AMYBOYLEPHOTOGRAPHY (Not sponsored, just raving fans!)

INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC (used with permission)
 WOMAN
Performed by Tiffany Villarreal Instagram Written by Greg Buddy Bangs Reed Jr, Michael Big Mike Hart Jr, Taura Stinson, Tiffany Villarreal
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Podcast artwork by Amanda Eich

Got something to say? Text the show. Click the link in the episode description and your message comes straight to me. I read every one and may share your note on a future episode. I'd love to hear from you.

A quick ask before we get started. I'm currently in the running for Top Host with iHeartRadio, and there's something you can do between now and October 22nd. ( 10 EST, 9 PM CST, 7 PM PST in the US) 

Please vote DAILY,  Thank you!

 If you're loving the stories and insights on the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or GoodPods.  Each 5 star review is appreciated, thank you!

Enjoyed this conversation? Follow, rate and review Speaking of Phenomenal on Apple Podcasts, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Keep independent journalism going. Support the show on Patreon.

Speaking of Phenomenal is created and produced by Amy Boyle. Podcast artwork by Amanda Eich. “Woman” by Tiffany Villarreal, used with permission.

Thinking about starting a podcast? SOP is hosted on Buzzsprout, recorded with Riverside and edited in Descript. Start yours with our links.

Some links above are affiliate links. If you sign up, the show may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Debbie Weiss, former accountant, author, and podcast host, reveals how radical vulnerability became her path to authentic leadership and purpose. After a lifetime of caregiving and self-doubt, she found her voice through storytelling. In this episode, hear how she reclaimed her narrative, built a platform that matters, and discovered that your second act isn't about reinvention—it's about finally becoming yourself. Her memoir, *On Second Thought... Maybe I Can,*, and her podcast prove that resilience isn't loud; it's quiet, persistent, and deeply human.
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INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC (used with permission)
 WOMAN
Performed by Tiffany Villarreal Instagram Written by Greg Buddy Bangs Reed Jr, Michael Big Mike Hart Jr, Taura Stinson, Tiffany Villarreal
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Podcast artwork by Amanda Eich

Got something to say? Text the show. Click the link in the episode description and your message comes straight to me. I read every one and may share your note on a future episode. I'd love to hear from you.

A quick ask before we get started. I'm currently in the running for Top Host with iHeartRadio, and there's something you can do between now and October 22nd. ( 10 EST, 9 PM CST, 7 PM PST in the US) 

Please vote DAILY,  Thank you!

 If you're loving the stories and insights on the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or GoodPods.  Each 5 star review is appreciated, thank you!

Enjoyed this conversation? Follow, rate and review Speaking of Phenomenal on Apple Podcasts, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Keep independent journalism going. Support the show on Patreon.

Speaking of Phenomenal is created and produced by Amy Boyle. Podcast artwork by Amanda Eich. “Woman” by Tiffany Villarreal, used with permission.

Thinking about starting a podcast? SOP is hosted on Buzzsprout, recorded with Riverside and edited in Descript. Start yours with our links.

Some links above are affiliate links. If you sign up, the show may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Join Amy Boyle as she explores emotional wellness and self-discovery with Dana Frost, a life coach and wellness advocate. From social work in Missouri to living abroad, Dana shares how her transformative coaching experience led to the creation of her inner ease system—a roadmap for women navigating life's biggest challenges. Discover how vulnerability, resilience, and intentional self-care become catalysts for lasting transformation.

Vitally You Podcast

INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC (used with permission)  WOMAN Performed by Tiffany Villarreal Instagram Written by Greg Buddy Bangs Reed Jr, Michael Big Mike Hart Jr, Taura Stinson, Tiffany Villarreal

Artwork by Amanda Eich

Got something to say? Text the show. Click the link in the episode description and your message comes straight to me. I read every one and may share your note on a future episode. I'd love to hear from you.

A quick ask before we get started. I'm currently in the running for Top Host with iHeartRadio, and there's something you can do between now and October 22nd. ( 10 EST, 9 PM CST, 7 PM PST in the US) 

Please vote DAILY,  Thank you!

 If you're loving the stories and insights on the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or GoodPods.  Each 5 star review is appreciated, thank you!

Enjoyed this conversation? Follow, rate and review Speaking of Phenomenal on Apple Podcasts, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Keep independent journalism going. Support the show on Patreon.

Speaking of Phenomenal is created and produced by Amy Boyle. Podcast artwork by Amanda Eich. “Woman” by Tiffany Villarreal, used with permission.

Thinking about starting a podcast? SOP is hosted on Buzzsprout, recorded with Riverside and edited in Descript. Start yours with our links.

Some links above are affiliate links. If you sign up, the show may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Arionne Nettles, journalist and author of "'We Are the Culture of Black Chicago's Influence on Everything' talks self-discovery, documentary storytelling, and turning cultural expertise into sustainable work. In this conversation with Amy Boyle, Arionne reveals how she pivoted from traditional journalism to building an author platform as a female entrepreneur and community changemaker. She discusses the growing power of audio reporting, mentoring the next generation of content creators, and the business of centering voices that shape culture—but are often left out of the narrative.

INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC (used with permission)  WOMAN Performed by Tiffany Villarreal Instagram Written by Greg Buddy Bangs Reed Jr, Michael Big Mike Hart Jr, Taura Stinson, Tiffany Villarreal

Artwork by Amanda Eich

Got something to say? Text the show. Click the link in the episode description and your message comes straight to me. I read every one and may share your note on a future episode. I'd love to hear from you.

A quick ask before we get started. I'm currently in the running for Top Host with iHeartRadio, and there's something you can do between now and October 22nd. ( 10 EST, 9 PM CST, 7 PM PST in the US) 

Please vote DAILY,  Thank you!

 If you're loving the stories and insights on the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or GoodPods.  Each 5 star review is appreciated, thank you!

Enjoyed this conversation? Follow, rate and review Speaking of Phenomenal on Apple Podcasts, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Keep independent journalism going. Support the show on Patreon.

Speaking of Phenomenal is created and produced by Amy Boyle. Podcast artwork by Amanda Eich. “Woman” by Tiffany Villarreal, used with permission.

Thinking about starting a podcast? SOP is hosted on Buzzsprout, recorded with Riverside and edited in Descript. Start yours with our links.

Some links above are affiliate links. If you sign up, the show may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

HR expert Katherine McCord joins Amy to explore how ego and unconscious bias shape hiring decisions and why curiosity is the antidote. Discover the neurodiversity and inclusivity strategies that unlock potential in overlooked talent. A must-listen for female leaders building equitable teams.

INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC (used with permission)  WOMAN Performed by Tiffany Villarreal Instagram Written by Greg Buddy Bangs Reed Jr, Michael Big Mike Hart Jr, Taura Stinson, Tiffany Villarreal

Artwork by Amanda Eich

Got something to say? Text the show. Click the link in the episode description and your message comes straight to me. I read every one and may share your note on a future episode. I'd love to hear from you.

A quick ask before we get started. I'm currently in the running for Top Host with iHeartRadio, and there's something you can do between now and October 22nd. ( 10 EST, 9 PM CST, 7 PM PST in the US) 

Please vote DAILY,  Thank you!

 If you're loving the stories and insights on the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or GoodPods.  Each 5 star review is appreciated, thank you!

Enjoyed this conversation? Follow, rate and review Speaking of Phenomenal on Apple Podcasts, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Keep independent journalism going. Support the show on Patreon.

Speaking of Phenomenal is created and produced by Amy Boyle. Podcast artwork by Amanda Eich. “Woman” by Tiffany Villarreal, used with permission.

Thinking about starting a podcast? SOP is hosted on Buzzsprout, recorded with Riverside and edited in Descript. Start yours with our links.

Some links above are affiliate links. If you sign up, the show may earn a small commission at no cost to you.