Haley Walden is a copywriter, brand voice strategist, fantasy author, and martial artist with a background in Korean martial arts. At age 14, she discovered Tang

As a multi-passionate geek, she has

Haley's links and info:

⁠https://haleywalden.com⁠ - author

⁠https://www.authorhaleywalden.com⁠ - books

Andrea's links and info:

The Martial Arts Woman (book):⁠https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Arts-Woman-Motivational-Stories/dp/1544916213⁠

Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone (book): ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Inspirations-Everyone-Andrea-Harkins/dp/150297830X⁠

How to Start Your Own Martial Art Program (book): ⁠https://www.amazon.com/How-Start-Your-Martial-Program/dp/1511795263⁠

Write Amazing Wedding Vows (book): ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Write-Amazing-Wedding-Step-Step/dp/172339484X⁠

When Cristine was 14 years old, she suffered an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) hemorrhage in her brain. To save her life, the neurosurgeon removed 6 cm of her motor cortex. She was not supposed to survive. The doctors told her family she would be bedridden and probably never walk or talk again.

Fast forward to today. How did Cristine go from that devastating diagnosis to becoming a martial art

Denise leads by example! Her Kenpo training began in 1994 at the Boise Kenpo Karate school. Today, she holds a 6th-degree black belt. Her 1st-degree rank was significant, as she was the first woman to be promoted to a black belt in a Kenpo organization in the state of Idaho at that time. She later took over this school, which she operated for many years until a promotion at her day job at the Veterans Health Administration required extensive travel. Denise retired from the V.A. after a 37 year long career serving mostly in upper management positions. She shares about her initially difficult transition to retirement until she began to fill her time with what she loves - martial arts, family, and even pickleball. She is active in the Kenpo Women's Symposium, where she promotes women in martial arts. We discuss extensively all the benefits of martial arts outside the physical practice, including communication and learning to overcome failure. If you're looking for a role model and someone who leads by example, you will find it in Denise.

International Women of Kempo (formerly the Kempo Women's Symposium: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kenpowomenssymposium

Andrea's info and links:

www.themartialartswoman.com (blog and book info here)

Thank you for listening! xoxo

Barbara White, a long time martial art woman, shares about her martial art journey and her loving relationship with her husband, Bob White, who recently passed away. He was her husband and best friend as well as a well-known martial artist in the martial art community. I also learned that Barbara has been a nurse for 40 years which allowed her to care for her husband! What a giver! Barbara is the creator of a beautiful martial art symposium for martial art woman and gives back back in many ways including a yearly martial art camp for abused children. She is warm, loving, and caring. Most of all, she is truly a blessing beyond imagination.

Barbara's links and Info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kenpowomenssymposium

Andrea's links and Info:

www.themartialartswoman.com

https://themartialartswoman.com/inspiring-books/

Audrey Hussey is a super fit conscientious high achiever type martial artist! That's a mouthful, but I think when you hear her talk about her martial art journey you will agree that she has a spunk and spirit that outshines many. From learning a martial art alongside some of her kids (and she has 6 kids, btw), to coming to a near screeching halt when she saw the perfect and affordable location for her martial art school, you get the sense that Audrey does not easily give up. Personally, she exudes commitment and dedication to excellence in martial arts. Her previous experiences in body building and powerlifting contribute to her strong physicality and mindset. Plan to be be inspired as Audrey walks you through her martial art journeys and milestones and shares how she turned an empty space connected to a gas station into a successful martial art school. Today, at 57 years old, Audrey strives to be the absolute best that she can be. Trust me, she is fierce in her commitment to martial arts but what truly propels her forward is her tenacity and ability to push through difficult moments knowing that she will find a solution somewhere, somehow.

Audrey's links and info:

Andrea's links and info:

This exceptional woman, Stephanie Dunham, faced childhood trauma and torment for years, but today finds healing in martial arts. She is a black belt who teaches her own program a couple of times a week, and on the side, helps other women heal from their tragedies and is involved in a ministry to combat sex trafficking. Amazing, right? She is a reminder that we can all make a positive difference in the world through our words, thoughts and actions. She decided to not be a victim, but instead, a leader of positive change. We should all aspire to do the same!

Stephanie's Links & Info:

Andrea's Links & Info:

(or on amazon)

Jane and I became friends a few years ago after she invited me to be a co-host on her podcast, The Java Buzz Morning Talk Show. Since then, I learned that Jane is a true friend to many. She is selfless in many ways and reaches out to those who need encouragement, a smile or just a quick hello. Aside from this, she is an accomplished martial artist, a business owner, and a positivity enthusiast. Her down to earth personality is a shining light in a difficult world and I truly admire her for always striving to make a positive difference. Today, Jane shares the ups and downs of her childhood, her martial art training and accomplishments, her unique work history (some cool jobs!) and her side businesses. Most of all, she will inspire you with her personality and wisdom on this episode of The Martial Arts Woman Podcast.

Jane's Links and Info:

Andrea's Links and Info:

Dr. Jean Kanakogi is an amazing positive force not only in martial arts but in all that she does. She holds a B.S. and M.S in Criminal Justice/Protection

Besides her experience in executing search and arrest warrants, she connects with people through her expertise in resilience, emotional intelligence, deception detection, interrogation skills, firearms/martial arts tactics, and humor – she keeps it real. Dr. Jean holds a 6th degree in Judo and is a sought-after speaker and presenter in corporate, law enforcement, and mental health arenas because she is...well... a relatable badass! 

Listen in as Dr. Jean shares how she was nearly born on the Judo mat, her experiences as a federal agent and public speaker, and how she celebrates her mother, Rusty Kanakogi, “the mother of women’s judo,” in her book, Get Up and Fight.

See links and info below!

Website: https://www.rustykanokogi.com/ You can purchase her book, Get Up & Fight, the memoir of Rusty Kanokogi, and learn more about Dr. Jean here.

Instagram: @therealrustykanokogi

Website: https://www.rustykanokogi.com/dr-jean-k

Andrea's Links and Info:

*New* The Martial Arts Woman Branded Merch: https://www.amazon.com/shop/andreaharkins/list/22BXER332IMZZ?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d

Andrea's books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/andreaharkins/list/RVRX8POF02XD?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d

Andrea's blog: www.themartialartswoman.com

Sabotage. Sexualization. Misplaced loyalty. At what point do you realize your martial art experience is not what it should be and how do you change that? Lisa shares how she ended up in a dojang that demeaned her and diminished her ability to achieve her black belt after the appropriate amount of training. Yet, she eventually found her way through this negative experience to the other - and more promising side - of martial arts.

If something doesn't feel right at your martial art school, leave. There is no room for inappropriate behavior and no excuses. As in all professions, there are good and bad people. Always trust your gut and your reasoning and move on. There are mostly great schools out there willing to encourage and motivate you to be your personal best.

Thank you to Lisa for explaining her scenario and how martial arts has it share of bullies and bad apples, too.

Andrea's Links and Info:

Rachelle's lifelong ambition of becoming a school teacher came to an abrupt stop early on in her career when she was attacked in the hallway of a public school by a male teenage student who "lifted her off the floor by her throat." When she complained to the Principal, he called her melodramatic and he told her to just calm down. She wasn't a martial artist then...not yet, and this was not even the catalyst for her seeking training. The true catalyst was being bullied and threatened by a family member who was a police officer. That is when she knew for sure that self-defense was the answer. As an adult, she also struggled with anger, hurt and fear from childhood traumas because her mother was often in abusive relationships. This is no sob story, though. Rachelle found a new and different career, learned martial arts and today owns her own school and also works private security jobs. She claims that martial arts did more for her than eight therapists combined! Her succinct storytelling will capture your interest as she shares how she overcame all, became successful, and why she fervently believes that “everything is martial arts.”

Rachelle's Links and Info: 

Andrea's Links and Info: