Former Chief Girl Experience Executive at Girl Scouts USA and MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association)

Jennifer Allebach's life changed forever when her husband Brian was diagnosed with ALS in 2019. After 32 years of marriage and five children together, she became his primary caregiver while continuing to work full-time—first at Girl Scouts USA, then in a remarkable coincidence, at the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which serves ALS families.

For four years, Jennifer navigated the devastating progression of ALS while managing Brian's care, from installing Hoyer lifts to redesigning garden paths for wheelchair accessibility. She shares the emotional weight of caregiving, the financial challenges not covered by insurance, and the difficult decisions families face when confronting terminal illness.

Now in what she calls "the toddlerhood of grief," Jennifer is channeling her hard-won wisdom into purpose—planning to create resources for other ALS families based on the practical insights she gathered throughout their journey.

• The reality of being a primary caregiver for someone with ALS
• How ALS differs from other terminal illnesses (taking the body but not the mind)
• The financial burden of caregiving not covered by insurance
• Making end-of-life decisions as a couple
• Maintaining family relationships during long-distance caregiving
• The coincidence of working at MDA while becoming an ALS family
• Finding purpose in grief through helping others
• The practical challenges of home accessibility and daily care

• Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) - Provides research funding, clinics, and support for families affected by ALS and other neuromuscular diseases
• Girl Scouts USA - Where Jennifer served as Chief Girl Experience Executive

Jennifer is currently developing resources for ALS caregivers based on her experience. While she doesn't have public social media for this mission yet, her story demonstrates the power of turning personal experience into support for others facing similar challenges.

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It typically takes about a year to diagnose and is always terminal. Unlike other conditions, ALS affects voluntary muscles while leaving involuntary muscles (like the heart) and cognitive function intact, meaning patients remain fully aware throughout the disease's progression.

• ALS Association - alsa.org
• Muscular Dystrophy Association - mda.org
• ALS Therapy Development Institute - als.net

This episode touches on themes of terminal illness, grief, and caregiving. If you're facing similar challenges, please reach out to appropriate medical professionals and support organizations.

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Terry Grahl is the Founder and CEO of the national non profit, Enchanted Makeovers. The mission serves women and children living in shelters who have escaped domestic violence and human trafficking. Terry is also a children’s book author, speaker, and WARRIOR!

Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

In this powerful conversation, Aransas speaks with Deesha Philyaw, whose debut short story collection "The Secret Lives of Church Ladies" swept every major literary award, winning the PEN/Faulkner Award, The Story Prize, the LA Times Book Prize, and earning a National Book Award nomination.

Deesha shares her journey from rule-following church girl to award-winning author, revealing how losing her mother at 34 became a catalyst for refusing to spend her one precious life doing anything she didn't want to do. She opens up about navigating the complex relationship with her mother, who felt "intimidated" by her, and how writing fiction became her secret way of processing dissatisfaction with evangelical expectations.

This conversation dives deep into practical strategies for creative sustainability, including how to manage multiple projects without burnout, the power of "working alone together," and why Deesha believes writer's block and imposter syndrome are just surface layers hiding deeper truths. You'll also hear about her commitment to literary citizenship and breaking down barriers for BIPOC writers through mentorship and community building.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Connection

01:41

The Journey of Writing 'Church Ladies'

04:28

Mother-Daughter Dynamics and Personal Reflections

06:47

Expectations and Breaking Free

06:47

Navigating Personal and Societal Expectations

07:26

The Impact of Loss and Finding Purpose

09:14

The Writer's Path and Overcoming Challenges

11:27

Creating Community and Support in Writing

13:03

The Importance of Collaboration and Connection

15:48

Final Thoughts and Reflections

16:35

New Chapter

21:20

Balancing Life and Creativity

22:34

The Art of Multitasking

24:14

Navigating the Publishing Journey

25:04

Embracing the Uncontrollable

27:00

Managing Multiple Projects

28:43

Setting Realistic Expectations

29:50

The Power of Saying No

32:34

Finding What Truly Matters

35:15

Building Community and Supporting Others

44:06

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"I just don't have time to not do the things I wanna do."

"When we stop at writer's block or imposter syndrome, we're not interrogating it... There's always something. But when you interrogate it and it's an actual thing that you can address either in therapy or in some other way, then it's a movable object."

"I don't want to spend the one life I get doing something I don't wanna do... And then why spend that time writing something that makes other people happy or is playing scared or is playing safe."

Deesha Philyaw is the author of "The Secret Lives of Church Ladies," winner of the 2021 PEN/Faulkner Award, The Story Prize, and the 2020/2021 LA Times Book Prize in Fiction, and finalist for the 2020 National Book Award for Fiction. She's also the co-author of "Co-Parenting 101: Helping Your Kids Thrive in Two Households After Divorce." Her writing on race, parenting, gender, and culture has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, McSweeney's, and elsewhere. She's a regular contributor to The Rumpus and has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize.

• 
  
• Deesha Philyaw
• ’s Substack newsletter, which includes pre-orders for debut writers and indie bookstore support through Bookshop.org
• The Secret Lives of Church Ladies - Deesha's award-winning short story collection
• Nadia Bolz-Weber's wisdom: "Teach from your scars, not your wounds" originally shared on the podcast by Beth Carroll.
• The Uplifters Community offerings:cFriday morning Cocoon co-working sessions (available to podcast sponsors) Subscribe now and Monday intention-setting sessions

Mahogany L. Browne - Genre-bending storyteller, poet, and Lincoln Center resident who brings musicians and writers together while supporting emerging voices with incredible generosity and vision.

• Follow her Substack newsletter for writing opportunities and debut book recommendations
• Find her work at major bookstores and through Bookshop.org

• Website: theuplifterspodcast.com
• Community: Join our Friday co-working sessions and Monday intention-setting calls
• Social: Follow @theuplifterspodcast

Host: Aransas Savas

Music: "Lift You Up" by Savannah Savas

Production: Produce Your Podcast

If you're getting a boost from these episodes, please share them with the uplifters in your life and rate our show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. It helps us connect with more people who need these stories of courage and community.

summary

Former marketing executive Sarah Gomley shares how she transformed her life after discovering that all her achievements – the prestigious job titles, beautiful apartments, and impressive salaries – weren't bringing her joy. When she was laid off from Adobe just as her mother was dying, Sarah returned to Ohio and took a year off to reassess everything. Through therapy (which had started years earlier), caring for her mother, and confronting her perfectionism, she ultimately found genuine happiness running an art gallery in Columbus and falling in love with a kind man – a life she never would have imagined for herself. Sarah discusses how she learned to silence her inner critic (which she named after a childhood bully), the difference between happiness and joy, and why we should never dismiss our pain just because our lives look good on paper.

takeaways

• Letting go of societal expectations can lead to true happiness.
• Joy is a deeper, more fulfilling experience than mere satisfaction.
• The journey of transformation often begins with loss.
• Therapy can be a catalyst for understanding oneself better.
• Self-love is crucial for emotional well-being.
• Life's challenges can be easier to navigate with self-acceptance.
• It's okay to miss the financial security of a corporate job.
• Finding joy can be a lifelong pursuit.
• Change is possible at any stage of life.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Book Appreciation

02:19

Courage Capital and the Writing Process

04:59

The Journey to Joy and Self-Discovery

07:08

The Complexity of Joy vs. Satisfaction

09:07

Navigating Corporate Life and Personal Growth

11:42

The Impact of Loss and Transformation

13:43

Financial Realities and Career Choices

15:50

Mentorship and Community Connections

18:17

The Role of Therapy in Personal Change

20:56

Reflections on Life Changes and Identity

24:23

The Journey to Emotional Health

25:54

Managing Negative Self-Talk

28:24

Finding Joy Amidst Struggles

29:16

The Importance of Self-Compassion

31:29

Courage and Change

33:56

The Self-Publishing Experience

34:51

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summary

In this episode of the Uplifters podcast, host Aransas Savas interviews her husband, Andy Savas, about his recent experience covering the papal conclave in Rome. Andy shares insights into the preparation, the excitement of the event, and the emotional moments of witnessing history as a new pope was elected. The conversation highlights the challenges of live reporting, the atmosphere in St. Peter's Square, and the personal reflections on being part of such a significant occasion.

takeaways

• Andy had no prior knowledge of the conclave process.
• The duration of the conclave is unpredictable.
• The atmosphere in St. Peter's Square was reverent and hushed.
• The first round of voting typically results in black smoke.
• The excitement peaked with the appearance of white smoke.
• Witnessing the election of a new pope is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• The cardinals had to build consensus quickly during the conclave.
• Andy felt a rush while reporting live from the event.
• The crowd's reaction was mixed when the new pope was revealed.
• Food experiences in Rome added to the adventure.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to the Conclave Adventure

01:50

The Call to Rome: Preparing for the Conclave

03:39

The Journey Begins: Travel to Rome

05:40

Meeting Cardinal Dolan: Insights Before the Conclave

07:29

The Voting Process: Understanding the Conclave Mechanics

10:27

The Anticipation Builds: Smoke Signals and Public Reaction

12:43

The First Night: Black Smoke and Its Implications

15:14

The Second Day: Quick Turnaround and New Developments

16:49

The Moment of Truth: White Smoke and the New Pope

17:29

The Electric Atmosphere of St. Peter's Square

18:24

Capturing the Moment: The Rush of Excitement

19:52

The Anticipation Builds: Who Will Be the New Pope?

21:13

The Revelation: An American Pope

22:24

Mixed Reactions: Joy and Disappointment

23:32

The Aftermath: Coverage and Reactions

25:35

Inside the Conclave: The Process of Election

28:02

Reflections on Tradition and Experience

29:41

Culinary Delights: A Taste of Italy

31:28

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summary

In this conversation, Aransas Savas and Shannon Russell explore the transformative journey of women reinventing themselves, focusing on Shannon's transition from a successful television executive to an entrepreneur. They discuss the importance of mindset shifts, defining non-negotiables, and the role of research in building confidence. Shannon shares her insights on overcoming mental barriers, the significance of feeling good in one's career, and actionable steps for personal growth. The conversation emphasizes that change is possible and encourages listeners to take small steps towards their goals.

takeaways

• Shannon transitioned from a successful TV career to entrepreneurship.
• Hitting rock bottom can lead to transformative change.
• Defining non-negotiables is crucial for career satisfaction.
• Researching new opportunities builds confidence.
• Women often feel guilty for wanting more in life.
• Mindset shifts are essential for embracing change.
• Small steps can lead to significant career transitions.
• It's important to celebrate past achievements.
• Listening to inspiring stories can motivate change.
• You can always pivot and redefine your career path.

keywords

career transition, entrepreneurship, mindset shifts, women empowerment, personal growth, coaching, non-negotiables, overcoming barriers, self-reflection, actionable steps

Chapters

00:00

The Courage to Change: A Personal Journey

03:03

Finding Purpose in Transition

06:00

Defining Non-Negotiables for Success

08:53

Evolving Definitions of Purpose and Success

12:11

Overcoming Mental Barriers to Change

14:54

The Power of Research and Connection

18:12

Embracing the Unknown: Building Confidence in Change

23:19

Embracing Worthiness and Internal Conversations

25:02

Building Confidence Through Self-Discovery

26:56

Strategic Planning for Career Transitions

28:54

Balancing Personal Growth and Family Responsibilities

30:14

Maximizing Time for Personal Development

32:39

Creating Actionable Steps for Change

34:05

Reflecting on the Journey of Change

36:30

Facing Fears and Embracing New Opportunities

In this special tribute episode, host Aransas Savas honors her grandmother, Rosemary Baker, who recently passed away at age 95. Aransas shares the inspiring story of her grandmother's remarkable life and the valuable lessons she embodied about living fully at every age.

Chapters

00:00 Inspiration and Influences

02:54 Family Values and Homelife

06:25 Adventures and Aspirations

09:17 Facing Challenges with Resilience

19:24 Uplifters-YouTube-End-Off-White-v4.mp4

20:00 Uplifters-YouTube-End-Off-White-v4-Audio (1).mp3

1. The power of continuous creativity - never stop creating things you feel proud of
2. Commitment to movement - "If you never sit down, you never have to get up"
3. The importance of clear vision - be honest about what you want and work hard to achieve it
4. Embracing playfulness throughout life - becoming more childlike with age, not less
5. The restorative power of nurturing others
6. Being authentic - it's okay to have strong opinions and preferences

"Growing older isn't about letting go... it's about pushing boundaries and constantly looking for new adventures."

Aransas emphasizes that living and aging well is a community journey, encouraging listeners to show each other what's possible with a spirit of openness, possibility, curiosity, and play.

The episode concludes with an original song featuring lyrics about lifting others up written by Rosemary's Great-Granddaughter.

summary

In this heartfelt conversation, Angela shares her journey of navigating profound loss, leaving a high-demand religion, and embracing her creativity. Through her experiences, she discusses the importance of self-discovery, the complexities of grief, and the power of community. Angela emphasizes the significance of being present, allowing oneself to feel emotions, and the beauty of imperfection in art and life. The dialogue highlights the transformative nature of personal growth and the impact of authenticity in connecting with others.

takeaways

• Creativity can be a healing process.
• Loss can lead to new perspectives and purpose.
• Leaving a high-demand religion is a complex journey.
• Grief is a personal experience that can be shared.
• Selfishness in pursuing passion can be a positive force.
• Unlearning societal conditioning is essential for self-discovery.
• Exploration and curiosity can lead to personal growth.
• Imperfection in art reflects the beauty of life.
• Community can be built through shared experiences and creativity.
• Every small act of kindness can create a ripple effect.

Chapters

00:00

Stepping Outside Comfort Zones

00:51

New Chapter 2

01:11

Navigating Loss and Grief

01:25

New Chapter

02:08

Finding New Purpose and Joy

05:01

The Journey of Self-Discovery

07:43

Embracing Change and Connection

10:17

The Impact of Self-Validation

12:05

Understanding High-Demand Religions

13:35

Unlearning and Rebuilding Identity

17:02

Navigating Relational Needs and Self-Exploration

19:02

Embracing Curiosity and Overcoming Fear

21:34

The Power of Action Over Perfection

24:12

Lessons in Imperfection and Self-Compassion

25:09

Teaching Resilience and Self-Belief to the Next Generation

26:42

Creating Community Through Art and Kindness

32:56

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keywords

menopause, women's health, empowerment, community, self-discovery, education, entrepreneurship, resilience, awareness, support

summary

In this enlightening conversation, Aransas Savas and Julie Gordon White delve into the often-taboo subject of menopause, exploring its challenges and opportunities. They discuss the importance of breaking the silence surrounding menopause, the need for education and awareness, and the empowering aspects of this life stage. Julie shares her personal journey through menopause, the creation of her Menowell bar, and her passion for supporting women during this transition. The conversation emphasizes resilience, community support, and the potential for personal growth during this transformative time in women's lives.

takeaways

• Menopause is a powerful time for self-discovery and empowerment.
• Breaking the silence around menopause is crucial for future generations.
• Community support plays a vital role in navigating menopause.
• Understanding the symptoms of menopause can alleviate fear and shame.
• Women are often left without adequate education about menopause.
• The Menowell bar was created to address specific menopause-related needs.
• Entrepreneurship can stem from personal experiences and challenges.
• Courage is essential in both business and personal transitions.
• The conversation around menopause is evolving and becoming more mainstream.
• Leaving room for possibility can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Menopause and Empowerment

02:44

Building Connections and Community

04:19

Breaking the Silence on Menopause

05:45

Understanding Symptoms and Experiences

08:03

Researching Menopause: A Journey of Discovery

09:33

Finding Positivity in Challenges

11:24

Embracing Change and Resilience

13:03

The Role of Intuition and Support

15:52

Leaving Room for the Unexpected

16:32

The Power of Possibility

17:58

Creating the Menowell Bar

20:54

Entrepreneurial Journey and Challenges

22:17

Understanding Menopause

25:05

Generational Perspectives on Menopause

27:28

Future of Menopause Conversations

30:05

Courage in Entrepreneurship

31:41

Embracing the Unknown

• Menowell Bars: MenoWell menobars are protein powered, high-fiber, low sugar, gluten-free, dairy-free, Vegan, Low Carb, Keto/Paleo friendly - and a perfect first food if you're intermittent fasting. They are also just really tasty! Check them out
• The M Factor film: A groundbreaking documentary released in 2024 that addresses the marginalized health crisis faced by millions of women during menopause. This first-of-its-kind film features experts like Dr. Sharon Malone and Dr. Lisa Mosconi, and is available on PBS and various streaming platforms. Watch on PBS
• Harvard research on midlife brain rewiring: Research indicates that the brain undergoes significant rewiring in midlife, particularly around the fifth decade of life, which can enhance creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. This "rewiring" results in neural networks becoming more integrated and connected, potentially explaining the shift from detail-oriented thinking to more big-picture wisdom. Read more at Big Think
• Dr. Mary Claire Haver's work on post-menopausal health changes: In her bestselling book "The New Menopause," Dr. Haver explains how declining estrogen affects multiple body systems beyond typical symptoms, including heart health, cognitive function, bone integrity, and blood sugar balance. Her comprehensive approach covers everything from neurological to musculoskeletal issues that women may experience throughout the menopausal transition. Find on Amazon
• Marshall Goldsmith's "What Got You Here Won't Get You There": This influential leadership book explores how successful people can become even more successful by addressing counterproductive behaviors. Goldsmith argues that the traits and approaches that drive early success may actually hinder further advancement, requiring a shift in mindset and behaviors to reach the next level. Find on Amazon

🌟 Wear your inspiration with an Uplifter necklace. Treat yourself or gift one HERE.

💡 Need clarity on your next chapter? Explore private coaching to illuminate your path HERE.

🚀 Is your team ready to soar? Discover how I can boost your high-performers HERE.

I found myself smiling at Sandra Bookman's refreshing candor throughout this conversation. There's something deeply reassuring about hearing an accomplished broadcast journalist—who has guided New Yorkers through 27 years of collective triumphs and tragedies—reject the "icon" label and instead emphasize her fundamental humanity.

What struck me most was Sandra's self-awareness about her goal-oriented nature, tracing it back to her childhood in that small Texas town with dirt roads. From setting her sights on a fifth-grade academic award to visualizing her future in New York broadcasting, she consistently transformed dreams into concrete steps. This wasn't about magical thinking but rather persistent action, supported by parents who instilled both work ethic and the belief that she could achieve whatever she set her mind to.

Her perspective on resilience feels particularly valuable—acknowledging that most people demonstrate remarkable resilience daily, especially women juggling multiple responsibilities that often go unseen. There's wisdom in her recognition that her on-camera resilience isn't inherently more impressive than the behind-the-scenes strength of colleagues managing work, children, households, and countless invisible labors.

Rather than reporting from a comfortable distance, Sandra intentionally places herself in unfamiliar settings across the city's mosaic of communities. This isn't just professional diligence—it's a personal practice of breaking through the comfortable barriers of assumption.

"It's important for me to go there to see who people are, how they live, how the housing is different, find the best sandwich shop," she explained, highlighting how these experiences connect her to the communities she serves. By physically moving through different realities, she cultivates both knowledge and empathy that inform her reporting with authenticity.

This practice ripples outward, creating trust between herself and viewers who recognize that she's taken the time to understand their neighborhoods from within rather than characterizing them from without. In an age of increasing social division, her approach models how stepping into unfamiliar spaces—with genuine curiosity rather than preconceived notions—builds the foundation for more truthful storytelling.

• You struggle with balancing responsibility to others with care for yourself
• You want inspiration for building a goal-oriented mindset without perfectionism
• You're navigating a significant life transition and need reassurance that "you'll be fine"
• You're seeking models for breaking out of your own echo chamber and connecting with diverse perspectives

Let’s keep rising higher together.

💓 Aransas

🌟 Wear your inspiration with an Uplifter necklace. Treat yourself or gift one HERE.

💡 Need clarity on your next chapter? Explore private coaching to illuminate your path HERE.

🚀 Is your team ready to soar? Discover how I can boost your high-performers HERE.

She started her business with a box of Hefty garbage bags and zero experience. As a single mom of four with spotty child support, Jessica Varian Carroll's motto was stark and simple: "Work or be homeless. Those were the only choices I had."

There was a time when Jessica collected the loose change from her dryer just to feed her children. The water company had shut off service to her small ranch house, forcing her to send her kids to their father's just to shower. Yet even at her lowest moments, something in Jessica resisted accepting help. When friends encouraged her to visit St. Vincent de Paul for assistance, her first reaction was, "I don't deserve this help. This help is needed by others."

It's a paradox many of us recognize - our willingness to help others coupled with our reluctance to ask for it ourselves. Research shows we consistently underestimate others' willingness to help by nearly 50%. We're literally walking around assuming people will say no to our requests at double the rate they actually do.

Today, Jessica's organizing company has rehomed over a million items to charity. She's the author of She Had No Business, co-founder of the SOAR symposium for women, and a community activator who can raise $1,000 in a single day for families in need. Her journey from the shy girl in the corner to someone who confidently extends hundreds of invitations is a testament to what becomes possible when we transform our relationship with asking.

• You find yourself hesitating to ask for help, even when you really need it
• You've ever felt like an outsider waiting for an invitation
• You want to make bigger impact with limited resources
• You're seeking practical ways to build community around your mission
• You need permission to be braver about inviting others into your life or work

Where most of us wait for permission or suffer silently, Jessica boldly extends invitations that create ripples of positive change.

It started when she was in the corner at a networking event, desperately wanting to belong but too shy to insert herself. A simple "Hey, we're going for drinks at Watermark for my birthday. Do you want to come?" changed everything for her.

That moment became a template for Jessica's approach to community building. For every event, she now invites hundreds – not because she expects everyone to come, but because she remembers how it felt to need that explicit invitation. "I over-invite everything," she explains. "I sent out 750 messages for our first S.O.A.R. event because you don't know who needs that personal invitation. And then guess what? They show up and become your biggest fan."

Jessica continues this invitation practice even when resources are scarce. When she couldn't afford to host a birthday party, she found a public place where people could gather without cost to her. When families needed Christmas gifts, she leveraged her network to raise $1,000 in a day. Her invitations have rehomed over a million items to charity, creating a community-powered pipeline of generosity.

Let’s keep rising higher together.

💓 Aransas