Most of us shy away from the word, often viewing it as a negative trait reserved for the few, the ruthless, or the overly driven. But what if A*b!T*0^ isn’t what we’ve been told? What if it’s actually a powerful force worth reclaiming and celebrating? In this provocative episode, the hosts unpack the true meaning, challenging its negative connotations and exploring why women are often penalized for aspiration while men are praised for it. They dive into the inspiring stories of champions like Lindsey Vonn and discuss how female athletes push through injuries, full-time jobs, and societal expectations all while fighting for visibility and respect. From the struggles of sponsorship and representation to the subtle ways A*b!T*0^ is weaponized against women, this episode reveals how society’s narrative needs a radical shift.

You’ll discover: how A*b!T*0^ is universally linked to drive, tenacity, and passion, traits women are often discouraged from embracing publicly. We break down why the word gets a bad rap, how media and Hollywood portray A*b!T*0^ women as "bitchy" or "overbearing," and how redefining this word could unlock unprecedented levels of empowerment for women everywhere.

With insights on leading confidently, instilling ambition in the next generation, and personal stories about overcoming stereotypes, this episode challenges you to reclaim your drive. It’s perfect for women who feel societal pressure to downplay their goals, entrepreneurs hungry for more, and anyone eager to understand why A*b!T*0^ is the secret ingredient to success and why it’s time to claim it back.

Hit play and start your journey to owning your power, because ambition isn’t a dirty word; it’s your next level.

Ready to decode whether staying or leaving is the right move for your career and how to make that decision confidently? Discover the secret frameworks, honest insights, and emotional triggers that drive those tough choices. Whether you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or just craving growth, this episode unlocks the mindset shifts that help you navigate career crossroads without regret.

Imagine knowing exactly when it’s time to stay for stability or jump for opportunity. We break down the silent signals your gut is screaming at you like the “Sunday Scaries” or quiet discontent and share practical checklists to clarify your next move. From the truth behind loyalty, the impact of culture mismatch, to how pay raises can influence your decisions, you’ll learn how to rewrite the narrative around your career trajectory and value.

You’ll discover:

• The different “species” of career stayers and leavers—including the loyalist, the escape artist, and the sampler—and how understanding these archetypes reveals your true motivation.
• The surprising stat that employees who stay over two years often earn 50% less, and what that means for your earning power.
• How to use visualization and external support to gain clarity on your “next.”
• The critical advice from career vets that simplifies the decision-making process: sometimes, it’s just one clear reason pushing you out the door.
• The nuanced difference between leaving in anger versus planning your exit with purpose, including how to handle counter offers and emotional blackmail.

In a world where workplace loyalty is evolving, especially among Millennials and Gen Z, knowing when to fight, stay, or pivot could change everything. This episode is perfect for professionals feeling overwhelmed, women balancing emotional ties, and anyone ready to take control of their career story with confidence.

Hosted by the four women of The After call, who’ve navigated the chaos firsthand, this conversation provides the tools, mindset shifts, and real-talk insights that empower you to make smarter, more authentic decisions, without regret. Trust yourself, avoid burnout, and step into your next chapter with clarity and courage.

In this episode, the hosts dive into the messy, honest reality of identity including how it shifts, stretches, and sometimes gets completely rewritten as life evolves.

What starts as a conversation about a hosts new hair changes, quickly unfolds into something deeper: who we are after transformation, redefining confidence, and letting go of the versions of ourselves that no longer fit.

One host opens up about leaving her “pick-me” era behind and learning to show up without shrinking or performing for validation. Another calls out the complicated weight of the “mom” identity like how it can both ground you and quietly blur the edges of who you are outside of caregiving. And in true After call fashion, one of the women unapologetically shares that she’s never really struggled with identity at all, sparking a raw and honest debate about self-awareness, privilege, and personal evolution.

Together, the hosts unpack how external shifts, from style to relationships to milestones like turning 40, often mirror deeper internal growth. They challenge societal labels, explore the pressure to stay the same, and reflect on the role of friendship and support systems in becoming who you’re meant to be next. It’s a conversation about reinvention, self-trust, and embracing the fluidity of identity, because sometimes the boldest thing you can do is outgrow the story people expect you to keep telling.

Chapters

00:00 The Transformation: A New Identity

03:03 Embracing Change: Hair and Self-Perception

06:01 Confidence and Dating: A New Approach

08:58 Evolving Identities: The Sum of Our Parts

12:00 Authenticity vs. Societal Labels

17:33 Exploring Identity and Authenticity

19:12 The Evolution of Self

21:05 Midlife Reflections and Identity Crisis

23:02 The Role of Friendship in Identity

25:11 Navigating Motherhood and Personal Identity

27:18 The Challenge of Self-Discovery

29:21 Defining Identity Beyond Labels

30:45 Finding Joy in Simple Moments

32:47 Career Identity and Personal Growth

35:51 Embracing Change and Evolving Identity

What do lunar calendars, workplace value, and questionable fashion trends have in common? They're all fair game in this unfiltered conversation between Jo and Nina.

We dive into the messy reality of personal growth, setting intentions that actually matter (not just the ones that look good on Instagram), and why the new year hits different when you're rebuilding your life. Plus: why women still struggle to advocate for their own value at work, the relationship dynamics nobody talks about honestly, and whether any of us actually know what we're doing with fitness routines.

This is The After Call, where we talk about the stuff that matters and laugh about the stuff that doesn't. Real conversations, zero polish, and probably more honesty than you were expecting.

Topics We Cover:

• Navigating relationships and personal transitions
• Why the lunar calendar might actually matter
• Setting intentions vs. making resolutions
• The value gap: why women undercharge and under-advocate
• Fashion trends we're confused by
• Finding yourself while everything else is falling apart

Hit play. Grab your coffee (or wine). Let's go.

Summary

In the inaugural episode of the After Call podcast, host Jo and her friends Lex, Laurel, and Nina share their personal journeys and the motivations behind starting this podcast, including Jo's unique approach to pitching them.

They discuss the importance of friendship, navigating life changes, and the desire to create a supportive community for women. The conversation highlights their shared experiences, challenges, and the vision for future episodes that will delve into various topics relevant to their lives and the lives of their listeners.