Take Action Podcast With Nicole Simmons

In this final episode of the Freedom Series,  Nicole sits with guest, Urmi Hussain, who is an author, financial services professional, blogger, speaker, and mentor.

Urmi discusses her book titled "Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth from Interracial Struggle" and talks about her journey as a third-culture kid and a South Asian woman.  She shares her motivation for writing the book, emphasizing the importance of making yourself visible to the world and connecting with a community facing similar struggles.

The conversation explores themes of self-acceptance, breaking societal expectations, and the power of embracing one's identity, with Urmi encouraging others to create their own space rather than trying to fit in.

About Urmi Hossain: 

Urmi Hossain is Bengali by blood and Italian by birth. She works in the financial services industry in Canada, where she is currently residing. She is a self-published author, blogger, speaker, polyglot, and mentor.  Her first book is: Discovering your identity, a rebirth from interracial struggle.  She is an advocate of women's empowerment and very passionate about teaching and mentoring other girls and women. She is part of the organization called Women In Leadership for the Victoria Chapter in Canada as the social media lead. She enjoys being a promoter of self-investing and personal development.  In her free time, she enjoys reading books and boxing.   Book: Discovering Your Identity LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/urmi-hossain Instagram: @urmamino Youtube Channel  Urmi's Blog 

In this podcast episode, host Nicole introduces her guest, Karina Viaud, an author, educator and podcaster.  Karina discusses her personal journey to freedom by using self reflection to learn how to face yourself after challenging break ups. She shares insights, lessons from her new book, called "Fired Up," to help explore how to ultize communication tools to navigate the difficulities in ending a relationship.  Karina encourages to spend more time with "me" vs "we" and the value of jouraling as a self health practice.  In her most vulnerable moments Karina walks us through the most important question we can ask of ourselves and others in order to have the relationships we want. 

About Karina Viaud:

Through the practice of reflection, Karina feels liberated and transformed. Growing up, and to this day, she reflected by writing in my journal. Journaling is safe. She writes about what she wants and about who she wants without fear of judgment, deception, and rejection. She most herself when she journals.

Karina's books are results of years of journaling, reflecting, and practicing mindfulness. She shares her most vulnerable moments of life with readers who enjoy learning from others' life experiences. Karina enjoys the work of others who are just as open and vulnerable about themselves. She gives herself to the world, a world, at times, is not as kind to her.

Instagram: 

@contemplatingexpressions

@karina_does 

Book - Fired Up 

 

In this episode, Nicole sits with Steph Courter, a certified Fitness Nutrition coach, corporate leader and lifetime bikini competitor.  Steph discusses the trio of faith, fitness, and leadership in her life and how they contribute to a sense of freedom.  The conversation delves into the impact of faith on Steph's fitness journey, emphasizing the role of belief, perseverance, and reliance on a higher power.  Steph shares her leadership qualities, describing herself as a natural leader and discussing her commitment to helping others on their fitness journeys.  The episode concludes with Steph expressing her passion for helping individuals achieve their fitness goals while incorporating faith and leadership principles.

About Stephanie (Steph) Courter

Steph is a certified Fitness and Nutrition coach. She really has a passion to help women have sustainable and healthy lifestyles. She has built a coaching fitness called Faith In Fitness by Steph and has a thriving Facebook Community - Fitness, Fun & Faith. As a lifetime bikini competitor she has competed in several bodybuilding competitions and has her sights set on becoming a Pro.

Instagram @‌stephcourter_fit

In this episode, Nicole invites special guest Brian Simmons her husband of 17 years to discuss importance of freedom in relationships, highlighting the strength that comes from being open and expressing oneself.  The discussion covers the evolution of intimacy in relationships, the significance of communication skills, and the need for shared visions.  Brian shares personal experiences, including his journey from hiding emotions to embracing vulnerability and the role of therapy in acquiring relationship skills.

About Brian

Brian Simmons is a Entrepreneur, Music Educator and Professional Musician and Compoaer.  He opened Music Schools International -Peachtree City in 2008 to provide music education programs to children, teens and adults.  He has composed, produced, and released two independent albums, “Music That Restores Soul,” and “God’s Words”.  Brian is driven and focused on helping other see their visions come to life.  He has been married to his wife Nicole for 17 years. 

Connect with Brian 

https://linktr.ee/BrianSimmons?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

In this epsiode podcast host, Nicole Simmons talks about the current podcast season focusing on the theme of "freedom," and specifically freedom from external expectations. Nicole shares a personal story about her struggle with meeting expectations in various areas of her life, including bodybuilding, work, relationships, and personal growth.

She emphasizes the mental and emotional toll of trying to live up to perceived expectations and the importance of finding true freedom by aligning with one's own desires.  Nicole concludes by encouraging listeners to be bold, honest, and transparent with themselves, emphasizing that true freedom comes from pursuing one's genuine desires and taking necessary action steps.

Follow Nicole's Instagram 

@iamnicolesimmons 

Website: nicolesimmonsleadership.com

Take Action Podcast Instagram 

@takeactionpodcastshow

In this episode, we explore the journey and insights of Tanisha Townsend, a certified diversity, inclusion leader, Air Force veteran, entrepreneur and bodybuilder. Tanisha delves into her definition of freedom, highlighting the power to express herself and navigate her identity. As a New Jersey native pursuing a doctorate in education, she shares experiences from her military background and overcoming challenges. The conversation touches on the importance of conflict for personal growth, the role of support in relationships, and Tanisha's passion for fitness and empowerment through her boutique studio. Join us for an inspiring exploration of freedom across life's multi-facet phases.

About Tanisha Townsend is certified diversity and inclusion leader who is currently pursuing her doctoral degree. She is a United States Air Force Veteran, and her military background served her well in setting goals and in developing the discipline necessary for personal growth. She is an amateur competitor in the NPC, and she previously competed and placed in a show.  Tanisha has been a fitness professional for about 10 years and recently opened her own boutique fitness studio. She has been married to her husband for over 20 years and they have a lovely daughter.

Tanisha's website www.alleyesonme.org

Follow on Instagram @‌onlyladyt

In this episode our guest Michelle Feeney, a special education teacher and bodybuilder, offering listeners valuable insights on how to revamp their own fitness journeys. Michelle recounts her incredible transformation, starting from nearly 300 pounds and navigating challenges in a gym culture initially geared toward fit individuals. Five years ago, she kickstarted her journey, shedding weight with the guidance of a friend who introduced her to bodybuilding principles. Michelle underscores the significance of mental transformation, detailing the freedom she gained by conquering anxieties related to body image and social situations. Her participation in a "Summer Shred" transformation show became a platform to showcase both physical and mental growth. Michelle attributes her achievements to consistency, discipline, and a revamped relationship with food.

She highlights the importance of accountability and imparts practical tips for listeners, including efficient meal prep, realistic gym plans, and unwavering consistency.  

About Michelle Feeney is a special education teacher for the Department of Education in New York. She is a mother of two teenage sons, and a bodybuilder. 

Follow her on Instagram @Mish_foreverfit 

Get ready for a truly remarkable episode that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you feeling inspired! In our upcoming podcast episode, we delve into the incredible journey of resilience and transformation with Monica Meshell. Her vulnerability and unwavering determination reveal how fitness became the beacon of hope and ultimately saved her life.

Monica's triumphant tale is a testament to the human spirit's boundless strength. Her journey will not only move you to tears but also empower you with the tools to unlock the liberating power of fitness. Join us as we explore Monica's story, and prepare to be uplifted, encouraged, and motivated to harness the freedom that fitness can bring into your own life.

Our Guest Monica Taylor is a passionate for weight training and enjoy spending quality time with my friends. Her serious weight training started in 1998, and in 2007, she developed a keen interest in Figure competitions. In her debut at the Kentucky Muscle National Qualifier that year, she proudly secured a 9th place finish. When not hitting the gym, you can find her engrossed in a captivating book, catching up on my favorite shows, cherishing moments with my husband and daughter, or back in the fitness center, working on her goals.

Instagram @Monica_Meshell Facebook Monica Meshell

In this week's episode guest Caroline Harbin, shares her inspiring journey from a career in risk management to discovering her true passions. She emphasizes the role of curiosity and freedom in her transformation, as well as the importance of surrounding oneself with a diverse group of people for personal growth. Caroline believes that women should release the shackles of comparison and competition to embrace collaboration and a spirit of curiosity. She also offers her insights on the relationship between freedom and curiosity and encourages women to start by finding peace within themselves as a foundational step to pursue curiosity.

Our guest Caroline Harbin is passionate about building people and businesses. She founded COR Marketing & Strategies to partner with business owners in connecting to the COR (latin: heart) of their business and build their brand from the inside out. She serves small business owners in brand consulting, digital marketing, and sales strategy to help them connect to the right audience and grow their business. When she's not designing elevated websites, she's teaching yoga or living life to the full with her husband, Daniel, and Goldendoodle, Honey.

Social Links @carolineadairharbin

 

In this inspiring podcast episode, we delve into the world of women's empowerment in the business landscape with the remarkable Maricela Laverde. Maricela is a passionate advocate for helping women break free from societal constraints and thrive in the world of entrepreneurship. She shares tip to raise your business IQ and encourages you to listen to your inner guide to follow your dreams.

Our Guest Maricela Laverde is a dedicated realtor and branch manager at Crye-Leike Realtors in Peachtree City. Originally from Chicago and a mother of two, she began her career as a pricing/statistics analyst at prominent corporations like Mexicana Airlines, United Airlines, and Sears. She relocated to Georgia, where she later obtained her real estate license. Maricela has achieved numerous accolades in her field, including the Fayette County Board of REALTORS Circle of Achievement Award and the President's Circle Award at her previous brokerage. Beyond real estate, she actively engages with her community, organizing events like the Hispanic Heritage Festival of Peachtree City and empowering women through her Thriving Kit for Women initiative. In her downtime, you can find her enjoying a cup of coffee on her back porch overlooking a scenic golf cart path.

  Website: www.LaverdeHomes.com