The Uplifters

When Susan R. Pryde was diagnosed with stage 4 cirrhosis of the liver, she could have been forgiven for retreating in fear. Instead, she dove headfirst into reclaiming her health and her joy - and the results have been nothing short of extraordinary. Sue's story is one of triumph over adversity, of finding purpose and possibility in the midst of crisis. Facing down a dire prognosis, she embarked on a radical transformation, shedding extra weight, overhauling her diet, and reconnecting with the hobbies and passions that nourished her soul. But the real magic happened when Sue began to peel back the layers, to uncover the deeper emotional wounds that had driven her unhealthy coping mechanisms for decades.

Through vulnerability, self-discovery, and an unwavering commitment to her own healing, Sue not only reversed the course of her liver disease, but she emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her book, "Reversing Cirrhosis: How Liver Disease Helped Me Restore My Health, Find My Voice and Learn to Live My Very Best Life," has become a manual for others navigating liver challenges, while her work as a mentor and advocate is changing lives.

On the day I met Sue, I learned that our beloved uncle, John Marinake, a consummate Uplifter, who spent his last years dedicated to his own radical self-care and healing and in service to others, was diagnosed with advanced liver disease. Unlike Sue, he didn't recover, and recently died as a result of this terrible disease. He was one of the first and most ardent supporters of this podcast, and so it is an honor to dedicate this episode to him with gratitude not just for his loving support of this mission, but for all of his good work in the world. To honor his legacy, please join me in donating to this cause which he held dear. John was a beloved and dedicated volunteer with the HERO team at Metro Nashville Public Schools. His efforts helped to ensure that students in unstable housing had access to school supplies, basic necessities, and - the work closest to his heart - new school shoes! John brought joy to all who were lucky enough to work alongside him and helped more than 6,000 students find the perfect pair of shoes. He will be missed deeply. The news story linked here put a beautiful spotlight on John and his motivation to serve students. The family has recieved $4,100 so far in his honor and is hoping to reach their $5000 goal today to help these students start the school year feeling their best. Any amount helps!Sue and John’s journeys are testaments to the power of the human spirit - to face our fears and to find the courage to become the truest versions of ourselves. In Sue’s words, "I didn't expect all of this, never in a million years." But, here she is now, living her best life and teaching others how to live theirs.

Five Uplifting Lessons from Sue Pryde:

1. Embrace your fears - facing them head-on can lead to profound transformation.

2. Listen to the wisdom of your body and let it guide you on your healing journey.

3. Nourish your whole self - body, mind, and spirit - for lasting...

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Meet Cher Hale, an inspiring force of nature who's rewriting the rules of public relations and her own life story. As the founder of Ginkgo PR, Cher is on a mission to create a more equitable media landscape by amplifying the voices of underrepresented authors and entrepreneurs. But her journey to this purpose wasn't a straight line - it was a winding path of self-discovery, loss, and ultimately, courage.In this intimate conversation, Cher opens up about the transformative power of grief, the importance of reclaiming our narratives, and the unexpected ways our dreams can evolve.

Apologies in advance if you find yourself wanting to turn your life upside down and go all-in on your dreams after you listen to Cher’s insights on raising "courage capital," creating boundaries that serve our highest good, and redefining pleasure in pursuit of our true wellbeing. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, an aspiring writer, or simply someone seeking to live a more authentic life, Cher's wisdom will leave you feeling uplifted and ready to take on your own journey of self-discovery.

5 Key Uplifting Lessons:

1. Embrace the messy first draft - in your work and in life.

2. Invest in your dreams, literally and figuratively.

3. Redefine pleasure to align with your true purpose.

4. Use the inevitability of death as a compass for living fully.

5. Cultivate a support network that believes in your dreams.

Ready to invest in your dreams? Join us for our first-ever Uplifters Retreat where we will go all-in together on designing and creating your next chapter!

The Uplifters website

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Hey Uplifters,

Dr. Marcia Morgan is a force of nature who has dedicated her life to giving women a voice in some of the toughest environments imaginable. From pioneering as one of the first female law enforcement officers in the 1970s to advocating for incarcerated women, Marcia has faced down challenges with grace, grit, and an unshakeable commitment to justice.

In this episode, Marcia takes us on a journey through her remarkable career, sharing stories of breaking barriers in male-dominated fields and the vital importance of maintaining your sense of self while blazing trails. She opens up about her current chapter of life, exploring new passions and rediscovering the joy of curiosity and play.

Marcia’s book, "GO: How to Get Going and Achieve Your Goals and Dreams at Any Age," distills her wisdom into practical advice for women of all ages. She emphasizes the power of mindfulness, self-reflection, and surrounding yourself with supportive people who uplift your dreams.

This conversation is a reminder that it's never too late to go after what you want – and that the journey itself can be just as rewarding as the destination.

5 Uplifting Lessons:

1. Embrace mindfulness and regular self-reflection to stay connected to your goals and values.

2. Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage your dreams and growth.

3. It's never too late to pursue new passions or revisit childhood aspirations.

4. Use visual reminders or "goal objects" to keep your dreams at the forefront of your mind.

5. Maintain your authentic self even when pioneering in challenging environments.

Listen to this and all of the inspiring Uplifter stories on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Need a break to battle your own burnout and reset? Join us for our first-ever Uplifters Retreat.

Let’s keep rising higher together.

💓Aransas

Uplift!

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

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

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

👭 Join an Uplifters Circle for regular doses of support and sisterhood. Details HERE.

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Today you’ll meet Daisy Auger-Dominguez. Born in New York City but raised in the Dominican Republic, Daisy's journey took her from feeling like an outsider in American high school to becoming a trailblazer in workplace diversity and inclusion. With stints at powerhouse companies like Moody's, Google, and Disney under her belt, Daisy now shares her hard-won wisdom on creating more inclusive workplaces and finding balance in our work lives.

"Reshaping systems is relentless, complex, and often fraught with setbacks, skepticism and resistance to change. In these moments, we must carve out for ourselves spaces to pause, reflect, recharge, and reset. To sustain the revolutionary work of building workplaces that work for everyone, you must stay strong and inspired yourself!"

In this episode, Daisy opens up about the challenges of straddling multiple cultures, the weight of being a spokesperson for diversity initiatives, and the importance of self-care in the face of burnout.

With warmth, humor, and refreshing candor, Daisy offers insights into everything from the art of using mantras to the value of asking for help. Her journey reminds us that even as we work to uplift others, we must also take care of ourselves.

How Daisy Takes Care of Her WellbeingI've learned to listen to where I feel flow and joy, my highest and best use, rather than contorting myself into versions other people want of me. I also prioritize restorative practices like sleep, rest, breathwork, exercise and nurturing relationships with my family, friends and community.5 Key Uplifting Lessons:

1. Embrace your unique perspective - your diverse experiences are your superpower.

2. Don't be afraid to ask for help - even CEOs have coaches!

3. Lead with integrity - it's the foundation of trust and respect.

4. Practice self-forgiveness - we're all imperfect humans doing our best.

5. Remember your purpose - it will guide you through the toughest challenges.

Thanks to Susie Jaramillo for nominating Daisy and to Dara Astmann for our opening message this week! Listen to this and all of the inspiring Uplifter stories on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Need a break to battle your own burnout and reset? Join us for our first-ever Uplifters Retreat.

Let’s keep rising higher together.

💓Aransas

Uplift!

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

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

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

👭 Join an Uplifters Circle for regular doses of support and sisterhood. Details HERE.

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Hey Uplifters,

May I ask for your help with something, right quick? I super love The Uplifters Podcast and all of the amazing stories we’ve featured. I want to make it even better for you, though - so I need your help! I've created a quick survey to understand what you love and what you'd like to hear more about. Please click here to help shape the future of The Uplifters Podcast.

In this week's episode, you’ll meet Lauren Roerick, a trailblazing adventurer who's redefining what it means to take a walk in the woods. As the first North American woman to hike the 3,000-kilometer Hexatrek across France, Lauren has spent months at a time immersed in nature, pushing her limits, and learning profound life lessons along the way.

Lauren takes us on a journey through her unexpected transition from casual day hiker to a trailblazing long-distance backpacker. With warmth and humor, she shares how she tackled the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) as her first major hike, only to have her plans derailed by the pandemic… and then again by wildfires. But true to her adventurous spirit, Lauren didn't let that stop her - she pivoted to new trails and new challenges, always finding a way to keep moving forward.

Lauren's stories of perseverance, adaptability, and self-discovery will inspire you to push your own boundaries and embrace the unexpected twists in your path. She offers invaluable insights on listening to your intuition, finding joy in difficult moments, and the importance of rest in any endurance pursuit - whether you're hiking across a continent or tackling a big life goal.

5 Key Uplifting Lessons:

1. Embrace the journey, not just the destination - sometimes the unexpected detours lead to the most beautiful experiences.

2. Listen to your intuition and don't be afraid to change course when something no longer serves you.

3. Find joy in the moment, even during challenging times - it's a choice that can transform your experience.

4. Rest and self-care are crucial parts of any endurance pursuit, whether in nature or in life.

5. Solitude can be a powerful tool for connecting with yourself and strengthening your inner voice.

Keep up with Lauren on Instagram: @laurenroerick and YouTube: @laurenroerick

Thanks to Jill Greenwood for nominating Lauren and to Christina Testut for our opening message this week.

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

In this week's episode, you’ll meet Eliza Factor, an artist and author whose life took an unexpected turn when her first child, Felix, was born with significant disabilities. What began as a challenging and often isolating experience blossomed into a beautiful journey of discovery, innovation, and community-building.Eliza's story begins in 2003 when she contracted chicken pox during pregnancy. While she recovered, the illness profoundly affected her unborn son. Felix entered the world unable to move independently or communicate through traditional language. Rather than seeing limitations, Eliza saw an opportunity to reimagine how we connect, communicate, and create inclusive spaces.

Driven by a desire to build community for families like hers, Eliza founded Extreme Kids and Crew, a program for children with disabilities that welcomed entire families. This initiative grew from her realization that parents of children with disabilities often neglect their own needs while focusing intensely on their children's care.

As Felix approached adulthood, Eliza confronted a new challenge: the lack of meaningful work opportunities for adults with disabilities. Her solution? Lonely Worm Farm, an innovative agricultural project designed with inclusion at its core. Picture wheelchair-accessible paths lined with berry bushes and waist-high planters, allowing individuals of all abilities to participate in the joys of farming and harvesting.

Through her journey, Eliza discovered a new language of connection beyond words, learning to communicate with Felix through body language, energy, and presence. This profound shift in perspective not only deepened her bond with her son but also influenced her art, allowing her to capture the essence of human experience in richer, more nuanced ways.

5 Uplifting Lessons from Eliza's Story:

1. Embrace the unexpected: Life's challenges can lead to beautiful innovations and personal growth.

2. Create what's missing: If you can't find the community or resources you need, take the initiative to build them yourself.

3. Redefine communication: There are many ways to connect beyond words; presence and energy speak volumes.

4. Trust your instincts: Sometimes the best ideas come from following your intuition and personal experiences.

5. Share your vision: Don't be afraid to involve others in your dreams; collaboration can turn small ideas into powerful movements.

Eliza's story reminds us that uplifting happens not just from overcoming obstacles, but from rebuilding our spaces to be more inclusive and connective. What do you wish existed in the world? Maybe it’s just waiting for you to create it.

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

When I was 46 years old, my young husband died suddenly from a heart attack. He died in my arms, and I couldn't save him.  This tragedy put my life on a different trajectory...one that could've spelled disaster for my own life for years to come. I wanted to cry in a corner, being catatonic and not interacting with the world. Actually, I did for several months after his passing.  I had a business to run - being self-employed, with two teenagers to raise, a home to take care of, and, ultimately, I realized, a life of my own to live. I chose not to die along with my late spouse...but rather to live life passionately and with purpose to honor him, and to model for my children how to live.  Sometimes, in the early grief, the only thing I had to be grateful for was the day itself - just waking up. But, with courage and support from friends and family, I kept going, not gracefully at first - with many mistakes along the way.

When Holly St. John Peck lost her husband suddenly, her world shattered. She chose to honor her late husband by living life to the fullest - and boy, has she ever! Now 60 years old, Holly is a kite-surfing, mountain-biking, scuba-diving force of nature who inspires others to find joy through play and adventure.

In this energizing episode, Holly shares her journey from devastating loss to rediscovering love, passion, and purpose. She opens up about the challenges of dating as a widow, finding a new partner who encourages her playful side, and taking up extreme sports in her 50s. Holly's infectious enthusiasm for life and down-to-earth wisdom will leave you ready to tackle your own challenges and pursue new adventures.

5 Uplifting Lessons from Holly

1. Help others to heal yourself - channeling grief into service can be transformative.
2. Rediscover play - try new things and approach life like a fun game to boost your mood.
3. Show up authentically - vulnerability and being yourself attracts genuine connections.
4. Take things in "teeny tiny doable chunks" - small steps lead to big changes.
5. Schedule self-care and play time - prioritize filling your own cup to have more to give others.

Whether you're facing loss, seeking more joy, or just need a dose of inspiration, Holly's story will lift you up and remind you that it's never too late to live life to the fullest!

www.theuplifterspodcast.com

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

This week, you’ll meet Maysoon Zayid: comedian, bestselling author, and self-proclaimed "lost Kardashian" who's turning pain into laughter and shaking up the world's expectations of disability. With the wit of a standup comic and the wisdom of a sage, Maysoon introduces us to her latest creation - the graphic novel "Shiny Misfits" - and shows us how to shine in a world that often tries to dim our lights.

In this episode, Maysoon opens up about working on her audiobook with Dave Matthews (!!), the challenges of marketing a children's book during a global crisis, the complexities of representation, and why she believes ugly kids deserve to live too (not just the cuties!). With equal parts humor and fierceness, she reminds us that especially in the darkest times, we need laughter, glitter eyeshadow, and a shoulder to lean on.

So grab your favorite cat (magical or otherwise), settle in, and prepare to be inspired by the shining force that is Maysoon Zayid. This episode is guaranteed to leave you laughing, thinking, and ready to unleash your own inner misfit on the world.

5 Uplifting Lessons from Maysoon Zayid

1. Shine unapologetically: Don't hide your differences - they're what make you unique and powerful.
2. Create the world you want to see: If you don't see yourself represented, be the one to change that narrative.
3. Embrace the complexity of life: It's okay to acknowledge both pain and privilege, struggles and successes.
4. Use humor as a force for change: Laughter can be a powerful tool for addressing serious issues and connecting with others.
5. Keep hope alive, even in dark times: Find ways to create beauty, laughter, and love, no matter the circumstances.

The Great Web of Uplifters

Maysoon was nominated by Danyell Flowers.

Today’s opening features Ari DeGrote.

Maysoon Zayid

Maysoon Zayid is a comedian, best selling author, Princeton Fellow, and disability advocate. She had the most viewed TED Talk of 2014 and is the author of Shiny Misfits, a graphic novel published by Scholastic.

The Uplifters website

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Shelley Zalis is a force of nature who refuses to play by anyone else's rules. As the founder of The Female Quotient and a pioneering researcher, Shelley has made it her mission to rewrite the playbook for women in business. From transforming online research when everyone said it couldn't be done, to creating the "Girls' Lounge" at male-dominated conferences, Shelley's career is a masterclass in following your heart and bringing others along for the ride.

In this episode, Shelley shares her journey from being the "only and lonely" female CEO in market research to becoming the "Chief Troublemaker" championing women's voices in the workplace. With infectious energy and bold ideas, she challenges us to rethink everything from how we use language to how we structure parental leave. Get ready for a conversation that will leave you inspired to create your own "heartbeat moments" and lead with authenticity.

5 Uplifting Lessons from Shelley Zalis

1. Embrace the power of the pack. One woman alone has power, but collectively we have impact. Bring others along to create real change.
2. Be a bold pattern maker. Don't wait for the "right time" – be willing to go first and create new possibilities for others.
3. Follow your heart, not just your head. Trust your instincts and be willing to take risks when you believe in something.
4. Embrace authenticity. Lead like yourself, not like someone else. There's power in bringing emotion and your true self to work.
5. Choose risk over regret. It's better to take a chance on your dreams than to look back wondering "What if?" Trust in your ability to find solutions.

Follow us at www.theuplifterspodcast.com

SHELLEY ZALIS

CEO, The Female Quotient

Known as the “Chief Troublemaker,” Shelley Zalis is a trailblazer for women in the workplace.

She is an internationally renowned entrepreneur, a pioneer for online research, a sought-after

speaker, a well-known thought leader, and a devoted mentor.

As founder and CEO of The Female Quotient, Zalis is in the business of equality™. Her mission

is to change the equation and close the gender gap in the workplace. Together with Fortune 500

companies, impact organizations, and conscious leaders, The FQ curates experiences, media,

and solutions that advance gender equality. The FQ has forever altered the business agenda

through its signature Equality Lounges® advancing equality at the largest global business and

industry conferences, including Davos, CES, SXSW, Cannes and more.

Prior to The FQ, Zalis became the mother of online research when she founded OTX (Online

Testing Exchange), which quickly grew into one of the world’s largest research companies and

earned Zalis distinction as the first female chief executive ranked in the research industry’s top

25. She sold OTX to Ipsos in 2010, where she led global innovation in over 80 countries.

With a bold approach to leadership, business, and life, Zalis is an acclaimed speaker and

dynamic moderator who has interviewed top-level CEOs, notable celebrities, and prominent

female figures. In addition to being an exclusive contributor to TIME, Zalis authors a Forbes

column, and has been named the #18 most influential voice on LinkedIn in the world.

A firm believer in giving back with generosity, Zalis is also the co-founder of #SeeHer, a

movement led by the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) to increase the accurate

portrayal of women and girls in advertising and media, has been honored as an “Industry

Legend" by the AdClub, received the Matrix Award by New York Women in...

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When Sarah Krasley was a little girl growing up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, she witnessed the collapse of the local steel industry and the devastating impact it had on her community. Hundreds of thousands of people, including members of her own family, lost their jobs seemingly overnight when the factories closed down.

That experience planted a seed that would eventually blossom into her life's work - finding ways to uplift and reskill workers displaced by automation and technological change. After an initial failure with a custom swimsuit company, Sarah started Shimmy, an industrial EdTech platform that uses engaging video games to train workers in the global fashion supply chain.

In this uplifting conversation, Sarah shares inspiring insights about her entrepreneurial journey, the value of curiosity and lifelong learning, and the power of surrounding yourself with courage-boosting voices.

5 Uplifting Lessons from Sarah Krasley

1. Reframe "failures" as learning opportunities that combust like stars, generating new fragments you can cultivate into future successes.

2. Listen for where you feel flow and joy rather than forcing things. That's a sign you're playing to your strengths.

3. Plan and get clear on your intentions before difficult conversations. It builds courage.

4. Cultivate self-awareness about past hurts so you don't project them unfairly onto new situations.

5. Prioritize restorative practices like sleep, creative outlets, and nurturing supportive relationships.

The Great Web of Uplifters

Sarah was nominated by moi!

Today’s opening features

Alison Relyea author of the wonderfully uplifting book Soundtrack: Liner Notes from a Pandemic Mixtape.

Sarah Krasley is a social impact entrepreneur who designs equitable and future-focused manufacturing systems. As Founder and CEO of industrial edtech company Shimmy, she creatively applies technology to upskill and reskill millions of workers in the global fashion supply chain so they stay relevant as automation changes what it means to make things.

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe