In this episode of the Stories That Sparkle Podcast, Vannoy shares her experience, strength and hope in going from a Zero to a 12 plus. She felt like she was shame. Today, she lives a life of paying back all that she has been given of the past fifty-six years. She has an beautiful message of hope, love and service to share with all of us.

This is the sixth recording session of the Discoball Tour. And for this one, I got the added benefit of spending a few hours with Vannoy at her house on my way to Amarillo. It was a long, wonderful day that reminded me how grateful I am for the wisdom of so many others in my life. And the reminder: it’s only [fill in the day of the week you’re in].

So, I invite you to get comfortable, sit back, and listen in.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop every Wednesday.

LINKS

Do you worry about how much someone drinks? Do you tell lies to cover up someone else’s drinking or what’s happening in your home? Have you been hurt or embarrassed by drinker’s behavior? Are you affected by someone else’s gambling? There is help available for you.

If you are affected by someone else’s alcoholism, you can visit: Al-Anon & Alateen and/or ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families)

If you affected by someone else’s gambling, you can visit: Gam-Anon

And if you are struggling with alcoholism or gambling addiction yourself, there is help available for you. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA.org) and GamblersAnonymous.org

All things Hella Rader:

Every link in one place: linktr.ee/hellarader

Follow me on Instagram or check out my Website for more about me

And in the latest episode of the Discoball Tour Docuseries—Day 9: Big Texan, I take along for my 16-hour day that started in Dallas, included my stop to record with Vannoy, and ended in Amarillo.

The Stories That Sparkle is a reader-supported publication snd listener-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Here is a coupon for 30% off of a paid subscription (valid through 12/31/25)

In this episode of the Stories That Sparkle Podcast, Jill and I hang out on her couch next to her grand piano and talk about her life through the lens of being a concert pianist, high-level tennis player, music teacher, and one-time single mom. Jill is an all-around gorgeous woman of exuberance, who, from music and sports, learned to keep the eye on the prize and keep moving forward.

This is the fifth recording session of the Discoball Tour and my second one in Dallas. And for this one, I got the added benefit of spending the night with Jill and her husband Richard…two of the most generous, open-hearted individuals who, together, make for a magical couple. Being with them was the re-charge I needed before heading to Amarillo (after Jill and I finished recording) on my way to Santa Fe.

So, I invite you to get comfortable, sit back, and listen in.

All things Jill Montgomery:

Jill on Instagram

Jill's Website: montgomerypiano.com - all the info about Jill, how to sign up for music classes, piano or guitar lessons, and of course, hire her to play at an upcoming event…trust me, she’s the real deal and an awesome sauce teacher and performer.

All things Hella Rader:

Every link in one place: linktr.ee/hellarader

Follow me on Instagram or check out my Website for more about me

Here is the latest episode of the Discoball Tour Docuseries—Day 8: Puppy Love, which shows where I was at (emotionally) BEFORE I got to Jill and Richard’s house…stay tuned for the bounce back on Day 9 AFTER I spent the night with them, cuddled with their pups, enjoyed several meals and engaged in inspiring conversation with them.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop every Wednesday.

The Stories That Sparkle is a reader-supported publication snd listener-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode of the Stories That Sparkle Podcast, Mandi shares, in her very real and beautiful way, her journey to find the care she needed as she entered perimenopause, discover the compounding impact her ADHD (a diagnosis she resisted), and use her creative voice to share, for free, the resources she discovered along the way. She is one of the most generous, genuine, and funnest women I have ever, EVER met.

This is the fourth recording session of the Discoball Tour and my first one in Dallas…and true to Texan form, this conversation is beautifully outsized in all the best ways.

So, I invite you to get comfortable, sit back, and listen in.

LINKS

All things Mandi Dixon:

Mandi’s VERY REAL Instagram - a MUST FOLLOW for anyone entering into/going through perimenopause/menopause and struggling with ADHD

Mandi’s AWESOME Guidebook for navigating ADHD, Perimenopause, Menopause, and so much more!

Mandi Dixon LPC Website

AND - for additional resources, visit the Menopause Society

All things Hella Rader:

Every link in one place: linktr.ee/hellarader

Follow me on Instagram or check out my Website for more about me

Here is the latest episode of the Discoball Tour Docuseries about my drive from Memphis to Dallas and right up to me walking into Mandi’s office building.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop every Wednesday.

The Stories That Sparkle is a reader-supported publication snd listener-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode of the Stories That Sparkle Podcast, Gale (G-A-L-E) makes me laugh, reminds me to relax, and makes the world’s best case for having fun. Like me, Gale likes to hit the road, make new friends, and take notes—on her legal pad. She is such a hoot and reminds me so much of Barbara (my mentor and spiritual mom who passed away last year). It was a real pleasure to spend the afternoon with Gale and a total honor to be with her right before she went on a date. Oh, did I mention that Gale is definitely younger than me? Well, she is.

This conversation is a total blast and I cannot wait to see Gale again…and have her take me on a tour of her version of Memphis, or Key West or, or, or—who knows where the two of us might end up.

This is the third recording of the Discoball Tour and my only one in Nashville (I drove to Dallas the day after I recorded this episode).

Also: I did not know Gale until I was introduced to her, by text, the night before we recorded this conversation by a woman I had met ten days before that. It is the epitome of everything I want and hope for The Stories That Sparkle to be and do.

So, I invite you to get comfortable, sit back, and listen in.

LINKS

All things Hella Rader:

Every link in one place: linktr.ee/hellarader

Here is the latest episode of the Discoball Tour Docuseries about some of my time in Memphis before I met up with Gale.

The Discoball Tour DocuSeries on YouTube is a companion video blog for the podcast episodes I recorded during my 30-day cross country drive to record eighteen women’s stories in ten different cities. Subscribe to my channel for all new releases: YouTube.com/@hellarader (pro tip: you can listen to podcast episodes on YouTube as well…they will be next up in the channel following each docu-series episode).

Every link in one place: linktr.ee/hellarader

Please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber to my Substack…or you can buy me a cup of coffee.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop every Wednesday.

The Stories That Sparkle is a reader-supported publication snd listener-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

IIn this episode of the Stories That Sparkle Podcast, Stephanie and I have an incredible conversation in her tree house (I call it a sunroom) about her two-year long battle with insomnia, the rest she found in her Yoga Nidra practice, and the key of forgiveness. I cry at least twice. It’s powerful.

This is the second recording of the Discoball Tour and my final one in Nashville (I drove to Memphis not long ago we finished recording).

Also: three weeks later, I got a text from both Stephanie and Becca (with whom I recorded an episode the day before) after they met at a studio in Nashville (they did not know each other before) and instantly recognized each other as two women who had just recorded a conversation with me for the podcast. It is a dream come true for me—others making connections and building community, on (and more importantly) offline.

So, I invite you to get comfortable, sit back, and listen in.

All things Stephanie:

Stephanie on Instagram: @areyouvedakiddingme

Stephanie’s Links: Lintr.ee/areyouvedakiddingme and Website

All things Hella Rader:

Every link in one place: linktr.ee/hellarader

Here is the latest episode of the Discoball Tour Docuseries with scenes from BEFORE I met up with Stephanie (and had coffee).

Discoball Tour DocuSeries on YouTube, a companion video blog to go with podcast episodes. Subscribe to my channel for all new releases: YouTube.com/@hellarader (pro tip: you can listen to podcast episodes on YouTube as well…they will be next up in the channel following each docu-series episode).

Every link in one place: linktr.ee/hellarader

Please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber to my Substack…or you can buy me a cup of coffee.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop every Wednesday.

The Stories That Sparkle is a reader-supported publication snd listener-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode of the Stories That Sparkle Podcast, Becca and I sit down in her sunroom in Nashville, TN and talk about turning 40, the different kinds (and meanings) of endurance, and what she would want the younger version of herself to know. What a perfect way to kick off the series of conversations I had and recorded with eighteen different women during my four-week driving Discoball Tour across the US in September 2025!

Also: While Becca and I know each because we are both in the Core Energetics Somatic Practitioner Training Program (say that ten times fast!), she is one of my dearest friends. I am beyond grateful that we could share this conversation (plus the time we spent together before and after the mics were turned on/off)…Becca is true champion of others and herself—her gift of receiving others is just one way her bright light shines through.

So, I invite you to get comfortable, sit back, and listen in.

All things Becca:

Becca on Instagram: @beccatillinghast

Becca on Substack: 10 x 100

All things Hella Rader:

Discoball Tour DocuSeries on YouTube, a companion video blog to go with podcast episodes. Subscribe to my channel for all new releases: YouTube.com/@hellarader

You can start with: Discoball Tour Day 0: Getting Ready

Every link in one place: linktr.ee/hellarader

Please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber to my Substack…or you can buy me a cup of coffee.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop every Wednesday.

The Stories That Sparkle is a reader-supported publication snd listener-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

To close out Domestic Violence Awareness month, Zoie (their mom is Jenn, who shared her story in Episode 21: I Stand By Me) joins me via Zoom and shares their experience as a kid coming of age in a home impacted by domestic violence. Zoie is an inspiration to me about how to set boundaries, make choices around relationships, and reclaim the sparkle within. This story perfectly illustrates that no matter our age or circumstance, our stories have so much to offer to each other.

Pro Tip: get yourself a “Mom Squad,” or as I like to call it, a “Variety Pack of Love,” aka a community of love and support. Because together, we can bring light into dark places, walk through anything and come out the other side with joy.

So, I invite you to get comfortable, sit back, and listen in.

Brief content warning: This episode includes discussion of domestic violence, martial rape, involuntary drugging, and gaslighting as told from the perspective of someone growing up in a home where all of the above are present. Please take care of yourself and, if needed, skip listening to this episode.

LINKS

For reference:

Tiny Kitchen Dances (Jenn) on Instagram: @tinykitchendances

Tiny Movements (documentary film about Jenn’s story) on Instagram: @tinymovementsfilm

Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Resources:

If you are in an (emotionally, physically, sexually, financially, spiritually) abusive situation, please know: you are not alone. For help, reach out to:

National Domestic Violence Hotline. They are available 24/7 by phone, text or chat.

RAINN

And to learn ways to get in involved in ending domestic and sexual violence, reach out to NO MORE.

All things Hella Rader:

Every link in one place: linktr.ee/hellarader

Please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber to my Substack…or you can buy me a cup of coffee.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop every Wednesday.

The Stories That Sparkle is a reader-supported publication snd listener-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

IIn this episode of the Stories That Sparkle Podcast, Holly and I get to know each as she tells me about how she and her business partner Bonnie started Winchester Brew Works ten years ago. At the time, it was the only women-owned brewery with a woman as the brewer in the state. Wow! Holly’s easy-going vibes and chilled out approach to even the scariest moments make her the perfect person to create a place for community to happen and to make space for everyone to belong. She really knows how to brew up the Third Place. (She had to explain that to last part to me).

So, I invite you to get comfortable, sit back, and listen in.

LINKS

All things Winchester Brew Works:

Winchester Brew Works on Instagram: @winchesterbrewworks

More about the brewery, including upcoming events: Winchester Brew Works website

All things Hella Rader:

Every link in one place: linktr.ee/hellarader

Please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber to my Substack…or you can buy me a cup of coffee.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop every Wednesday.

The Stories That Sparkle is a reader-supported publication snd listener-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode of the Stories That Sparkle Podcast, Jaclyn shares how her passion and desire for connection (to family, community, and food) pushed her to make a change which then led her to start a regenerative vineyard, farm market and community center in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Located less than two hours outside of Washington, DC, Patti’s Place and Laurel Grove Wine Farm stand as the incredibly inspiring result of what is possible when I am willing to let it begin with me.

So, I invite you to get comfortable, sit back, and listen in.

LINKS

All things Jaclyn, Patti’s Place & Laurel Grove Farm:

Patti’s Place on Instagram: @pattisplace_lgwf

More about Patti’s Place Farm Market, including menus, products and events: Patti’s Place website

Laurel Grove Wine Farm on Instagram: @laurelgrovewinefarm

More about the regenerative farming system that Jaclyn is implementing, visit the Laurel Grove Wine Farm website.

Jaclyn’s Vetted Product Recommendations:

Better Way Toilet Paper

David’s Toothpaste

Ayrshire Beef

Roots and Leaves Fire Cider (raw apple cider vinegar for immune and digestive support)

Spring & Mulberry Chocolate (sweet treats with natural sugars and ingredients)

Fishwife Tinned Seafood Co.

Celt Salt by Nature’s Pantry

SIMPLi Foods

All things Hella Rader:

Every link in one place: linktr.ee/hellarader

Please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber to my Substack…or you can buy me a cup of coffee.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop every Wednesday.

The Stories That Sparkle is a reader-supported publication snd listener-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness month, I invited Jenn to join me via Zoom to discuss her journey as a survivor, her healing through movement and dance, and her commitment to stand by (as in for) herself (as much as she welcomes her community to stand by and with her). At the end of our conversation, we also discuss Jenn’s experience with relationships, dating and finding joy in her body as part of her healing.

It is an honor to call Jenn a friend and to share with her a community of mutual love and support.

Brief content warning: This episode includes discussion of domestic violence, martial rape, involuntary drugging and other forms of relationship abuse. Please take care of yourself and, if needed, skip listening to this episode.

This episode runs longer than usual—on purpose and by design. It was important to me to give Jenn as much time and space as she wanted to share her story with us. So, I invite you to get comfortable, sit back, and listen in.

LINKS

All things Jenn & Tiny Kitchen Dances:

Tiny Kitchen Dances on Instagram: @tinykitchendances

Tiny Movements (documentary film about Jenn’s story) on Instagram: @tinymovementsfilm

To learn about upcoming screenings and how to support the film Tiny Movements, click this link: Watch and Support Tiny Movements

And you can listen to my conversation with Laura Sweeney, director of Tiny Movements, in the episode titled “Face the Fear”.

Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Resources:

If you are in an (emotionally, physically, sexually, financially, spiritually) abusive situation, please know: you are not alone. For help, reach out to:

National Domestic Violence Hotline. They are available 24/7 by phone, text or chat.

RAINN

And to learn ways to get in involved in ending domestic and sexual violence, reach out to NO MORE.

All things Hella Rader:

Every link in one place: linktr.ee/hellarader

Please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber to my Substack…or you can buy me a cup of coffee.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop every Wednesday.

The Stories That Sparkle is a reader-supported publication snd listener-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.