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

How do we show up for others without losing ourselves? Hillary Ebach, COO of Carallel, joins Amy to explore caregiving, emotional wellness, and the resilience that comes from building strong support systems. Discover why recognizing your role as a caregiver—whether to family, friends, or community, isn't a burden but a pathway to deeper connection and personal empowerment. A conversation about care, vulnerability, and showing up better for one another. 

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 

http://www.speakingofphenomenal.com

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.

Meet Chundria Brownlow, a TV talk show host turned filmmaker whose debut short "Dare to Love" became a turning point. She shares how she navigated the vulnerability and resilience required to authentically tell stories through film—and what it teaches us about creative self-discovery and female entrepreneurship in media. 

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

What does a fulfilling career actually look like? Marketing strategist and personal brand coach Heather Bennett joins Amy to explore how authenticity in your professional life not hustle or perfection to unlock both success and joy. Drawing from 20+ years in brand strategy, Heather reveals why women often disconnect their personal values from their career choices, and how reclaiming that alignment transforms everything. A conversation for anyone rethinking what "success" means to them.

Free Dream Job & Personal Brand Templates to help plan your year

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

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.

Have you wondered how to meet new friends during the pandemic? How to navigate this new stage of "MidLife"? How to support women owned brands?

On this episode of Speaking of Phenomenal, Amy sits down with Jack Perez, founder of Kuel Life, to explore how women build authentic community and navigate midlife transitions. During the pandemic, Jack asked herself a simple question: how do we stay connected? Her answer became Kuel Life—a platform championing women-owned brands and meaningful friendship. Discover how female entrepreneurs can foster genuine belonging and support systems that sustain us through life's biggest changes.

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

Rachel Simmonds is a mom of 3, teacher, blogger, fitness specialist, and author. Being a mom of three children, and an educator for more than 20 years, she enjoys sharing insight into what she's seen work in the classroom from both perspectives. She understands how difficult it can be juggling parenting at home in addition to ensuring children are supported in their education.

In this episode, Amy speaks with Rachel Simmonds, author of *Parenting Teens in a Digital World*, about the resilience and communication skills parents need to raise emotionally intelligent teenagers today. Rachel shares practical tools for busy parents navigating social media anxiety, digital communication, and the deeper emotional challenges of adolescence—transforming parenting from reactive crisis management into intentional, empowered connection. Perfect for mothers seeking authenticity and vulnerability in the hardest season of parenting.

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

Chef Alexia Apostolidi  shares her radical self-discovery journey from Greece to award-winning restaurateur and founder of "The One Week Chef School". Discover how this culinary pioneer turned career transition into creative resilience, empowering women through food entrepreneurship and purpose-led ventures. A story about choosing yourself first.

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.

Bhavana Jain, CEO of  BHAV , is reimagining women's empowerment through South Asian textiles and contemporary design. In this episode, Amy Boyle sits down with Bhavana to explore how her Chicago upbringing and Indian heritage shaped a vision for authentic leadership and how a female entrepreneur can scale a purpose-led venture without compromising her cultural identity. Discover the intersection of resilience, self-discovery, and business innovation in her journey from self-doubt to building a brand that designs a better future.

OFFER: AMY25 (For 25% off their order with BHAV)
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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.

Suzanne B. O’Brien RN, left traditional healthcare to redefine wellness as community care. The founder of Doulagivers International shares how emotional wellness, resilience, and collective healing became her path from burnout to purpose-driven entrepreneurship and how women leaders are building support systems that honor individual transformation and shared liberation.

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.

Tiffany Villarreal , a San Antonio singer-songwriter, turned self-discovery into women's empowerment. Amy Boyle explores how Tiffany found her authentic voice, overcame the pressure to diminish herself, and now uses her creative gift to inspire women to embrace their true selves. A conversation about creative resilience, vulnerability, and the power of showing up authentically, essential listening for female creatives, storytellers, and anyone rebuilding after burnout.

INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC (used with permission)
WOMAN 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.

Welcome to Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast, where women's empowerment stories and resilience journeys come to life. For 8 years, journalist Amy Boyle has asked phenomenal women one powerful question: What's the WHY behind your WHAT? From career pivots to community changemaking, discover the mindset shifts and life purpose stories that drive real women across 96 countries.

INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC (used with permission)

WOMAN
Performed by Tiffany Villarreal
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.

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.