The Women On Top

By Valerie Lynn

HELLO, Gorgeous.

Welcome to The Women On Top — the mentorship podcast you’ve always wanted, designed by women, for women.

Here, we’re not about competition;

... more

· Business

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FAQs about The Women On Top:

How many episodes does The Women On Top have?

The podcast currently has 107 episodes available.

The Women On Top episodes:

September 09, 2026Solo Episode: Am I Behind, or Just Somewhere Else: The Hidden Costs of the Lives You Keep Wondering About
Have you ever looked at someone else’s life and thought, I want that.
Maybe it’s the career, the relationship, the freedom, the travel, the house, the family... or simply the version of yourself you imagine you could have become if you’d made different choices.
It’s easy to glamorize the lives we didn’t choose. We see the beautiful parts of someone else’s reality, or imagine an alternate version of our own, without seeing what comes with it.
Because every life has a hidden cost.
In this solo episode, Valerie reflects on the lives we imagine, the choices we made, and the choices we didn’t. She explores what happens when we look beneath the surface of the lives we envy, and whether we would actually be willing to pay the price that comes with them.
She also turns that question inward, reflecting on her own career and the choice not to aggressively climb the corporate ladder. There can be grief around the lives we didn’t live, but there can also be value in recognizing the seasons, experiences, relationships, and lessons that came from the paths we did choose.
This episode is an invitation to look at our lives with a little more honesty and a little more gratitude—not because every choice was perfect, but because there is no version of life without trade-offs.
In this episode, we explore:
The illusion of glamorous lives and their hidden costs
Why we often romanticize the lives we didn't choose
How career ambition can come at the expense of other parts of life
The impact of comparison on how we see ourselves and our choices
The grief that can come with the lives we didn't live
Why multiple life paths can be fulfilling, even when they look completely different
How gratitude and self-awareness can help us appreciate the life we are actually living
The importance of asking whether we want the whole life—not just the parts we can see
A few questions to sit with:
What is a life you sometimes envy?
What do you imagine that life would give you?
And perhaps more importantly:
What would that life ask you to give up?
Because every life—including the ones we envy—comes with grief, uncertainty, sacrifice, and trade-offs.
Maybe the goal isn't to stop wondering what if?
Maybe it's to become curious enough about our own lives to recognize that some of the things we might have missed were actually the price of having the lives we did get to live.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and personal reflections
01:24 Envisioning different lives and their hidden costs
03:11 The illusion of glamour and the real sacrifices
05:03 Behind the scenes of seemingly perfect lives
07:20 The reality of travel and lifestyle choices
09:17 Valerie’s career journey and self-reflection
12:24 Living fully through diverse experiences
14:36 The grief and envy in comparing lives
16:29 Questions to consider about envy and gratitude
17:48 Book recommendation: The Midnight Library
Mentioned in this episode:
📖 The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Connect with The Women On Top:
Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!
Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/
...more
21min
August 26, 2026Olivia Burnett: When Grief Changes the Life You Thought You Wanted - How to Trust the Unknown
What happens when grief changes the life you thought you wanted?

In this episode of The Women On Top, Olivia Burnett opens up about navigating grief, uncertainty, and the unexpected ways life can reshape our dreams and expectations. As the host of 20 Something, Olivia has spent years exploring what it means to find your way through the messy, uncertain seasons of adulthood—and this conversation gets deeply personal.

At the heart of this conversation is a simple but powerful reminder: you don't have to have your life figured out to be exactly where you're supposed to be.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Olivia Burnett and her journey
01:48 Starting the 20 Something podcast and its purpose
04:01 Olivia's experience with loss and its impact
07:00 The lesson of embracing uncertainty
11:07 Challenging societal milestones and expectations
15:02 Core values versus societal checkboxes
19:58 The Tall Girl Theory and women's evolving roles
23:00 Dating, attraction, and redefining standards
26:03 Stories of resilience and connection
29:49 The impact of podcasting on Olivia’s soul
33:05 Handling turbulent emotions and self-care
36:08 The power of sharing authentic stories
40:09 Reflecting on childhood and self-acceptance
44:00 The message of self-astonishment and confidence
48:14 Trusting the process and embracing life’s magic

Connect with Olivia:
20 Something Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/twenty-something-with-olivia-burnett/id1849245894
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twentysomething_podcast/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs83WX_XVbjT1VENrzl3TKQ
Connect with The Women On Top:
Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!
Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/
...more
50min
August 12, 2026Dr. Alicia Newsome: Functional Medicine Doctor Shares The High-Achieving Woman’s Guide to Feeling Good (& Learning to REST)
What if your hormones aren’t working against you—but actually trying to tell you something?

In this episode of The Women On Top, Dr. Alicia Newsome breaks down women’s hormonal health in a way that’s practical, empowering, and easy to understand.

We talk about menstrual cycle phases, estrogen and progesterone, stress and cortisol, hormone testing, supplements, exercise, fertility after 35, and why understanding your body can change the way you feel and function.

But this conversation goes beyond hormones. We also explore self-worth, purpose, and what it means to create a life—and legacy—that feels aligned.

*In this episode:*

* Understanding your cycle and hormonal shifts
* How stress impacts hormones
* Estrogen, progesterone, and mood
* Cycle tracking and hormone testing
* Supporting hormonal health through lifestyle
* Fertility after 35
* Self-worth, purpose, and women's empowerment

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Women's Hormonal Health
01:18 Advice to My 25-Year-Old Self
03:48 Understanding Menstrual Cycle Phases
06:32 Hormones During Ovulation and Their Effects
07:30 The Luteal Phase and Progesterone
09:27 Stress, Cortisol, and Hormonal Imbalance
12:40 Environmental Toxins and Estrogen Dominance
15:05 Cycle Mapping and Hormone Testing
20:36 Supporting Hormonal Balance with Supplements
22:55 Exercise and Movement Throughout the Cycle
24:57 Supporting Fertility After 35
40:00 The Power of Self-Worth and Purpose
52:12 Legacy and Women’s Empowerment

Connect with Dr. Alicia Newsome:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.alicianewsome/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.alicianewsome
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dralicianewsome/?ref=NONE_xav_ig_profile_page_web#
Learn More:
https://bodywellnessinstitute.practicebetter.io/#/61d24ac639803316f87085f8/bookings?s=6a727abdfa3255b509609085

Connect with The Women On Top:
Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!
Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/
...more
58min
July 29, 2026Solo Episode: I Turned Down More Money and a Better Title - Why I Don't Regret It
In this personal solo episode, Valerie opens up about her layoff, the emotional and practical journey that followed, and the powerful lessons she learned while rebuilding her career with intention. She shares how she navigated uncertainty, reconnected with her core values, trusted her intuition, and ultimately chose alignment over ego—even when the “logical” choice seemed easier.
This episode is a grounding, heartfelt reminder that your body knows, your values matter, and your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
Valerie’s Journey in This Episode
The moment she knew a layoff was coming—and why it felt strangely right.
The shock of entering a tough job market after 17 years in one organization.
A terrible interview that clarified what she didn’t want.
A temporary role that felt like “homecoming.”
A high-paying, high-title offer she turned down because her body said no.
The realization that alignment > achievement.
The peace she feels now doing work she genuinely loves: employee experience, engagement, well-being, and culture.
A Message for Anyone in Transition
If you’re navigating a layoff, career change, or a season of uncertainty, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone—and that clarity, alignment, and purpose often emerge from the messiest chapters.
Closing
Thank you for being part of this journey. Valerie sends love, encouragement, and a reminder that your richest, most meaningful life is already unfolding—one aligned choice at a time.
Connect with The Women On Top:
Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!
Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/
...more
27min
July 15, 2026Dr. Saru Bala: Fatigue, Weight Gain, Anxiety? What Your Hormones and Gut Are Telling You (You're NOT Crazy!)
In this episode, Dr. Saru Bala joins Valerie to break down the foundations of women’s hormonal health in a practical, empowering way.
They explore how stress, gut health, blood sugar, and liver function all work together to influence cycles, symptoms, and long-term wellness. The conversation challenges common misconceptions about “normal” periods, aging, metabolism, and conditions like endometriosis and PCOS—while offering realistic, root-cause strategies women can start using immediately.
This episode is a reminder that your symptoms are not random—they’re signals—and learning to interpret them is a powerful first step toward healing.
Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Saru Bala and Her Mission
03:02 The Importance of Women's Health Awareness
05:58 Understanding Normal vs. Painful Periods
09:06 The Role of Hormones in Women's Health
12:03 Four Pillars of Hormone Health
15:00 Gut Health and Its Connection to Hormones
18:11 Endometriosis and Inflammation
20:50 Creating an Action Plan for Hormonal Health
23:47 The Impact of Stress on Women's Health
30:08 Understanding Cortisol and Its Impact
33:25 Recognizing Stress Signals
35:41 The Truth About Metabolism and Aging
37:57 The Connection Between Stress and Weight Gain
38:33 Nutrition: Finding What Works for You
40:06 The Role of Fasting in Health
41:15 Empowering Women Through Health Education
44:10 Navigating Healthcare: Finding the Right Support
46:39 The Benefits of Castor Oil Packs
50:06 Final Thoughts on Self-Care and Awareness

Connect with Dr. Bala:
Website: https://www.drsarubala.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drsarubala?lang=en
Blog: https://www.drsarubala.com/blog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarubala

Connect with The Women On Top:
Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!
Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/
...more
56min
July 01, 2026SC Perot: How a Stanford Lawyer's Burnout Led to a Harry Styles Obsession, a Bestselling Book, and a Whole New Life Built Around Joy
When her marriage ended, SC Perot had to rebuild her entire life from the ground up. What she didn't expect was that the rebuilding would start on long walks, with Harry Styles' music in her ears, slowly leading her back to her own joy.
In this episode, SC shares how that unlikely ritual cracked open a life beyond anything she had planned for, and we talk about what it means to actually follow the internal nudges pointing you toward your dreams, long before you understand where they're taking you.

Chapters

00:00 From Law to Joy: SC's Journey
03:01 The Role of Mentorship in Career Transitions
05:56 Navigating Burnout and Career Clarity
08:58 The Power of Decisive Action
12:04 Finding Your Unique Dreams
14:53 Embracing Change and New Opportunities
28:15 The Journey of Joy and Self-Discovery
35:39 Finding Joy in the Everyday
40:13 Balancing Present Gratitude and Future Goals
42:51 Living in the Moment: The Power of Joy
46:49 Advice for the Next Generation: Trust the Process

More About SC Perot:
Website: https://www.scperot.com/
Styles of Joy Book: https://www.amazon.com/Styles-Joy-Feel-Good-Framework-Rediscovering/dp/1637633459
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scperot/

Anne Levine - Law School Expert: https://www.lawschoolexpert.com/about-ann/
Ingrid Fattel Lee - Joyful: https://aestheticsofjoy.com/
Harry Styles - Carla's Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tIC16OCb0k

Connect with The Women On Top:
Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!
Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/
...more
54min
June 17, 2026Madge Rumman: The Medical System is Failing Women with Perimenopause and Menopause , So She Built a Business to Close the Gap
There is a condition that will affect every single woman on the planet. Not most women. Every woman. And for generations, we have treated it like a secret.
Madge Rumman decided she had seen enough.
A fintech veteran who could have kept building in the world she knew, Madge followed a quieter and more urgent call into women's health — co-founding Blair Health, Canada's first AI-powered platform for perimenopause and menopause care. Built on one belief: that every woman deserves fast, expert care without a nine-month waitlist standing between her and answers.
In this episode we get into why the menopause care system is broken, what Blair Health is doing to fix it, and what Madge learned about betting on yourself when the perfect moment never comes.
What we cover:
🔬 Why perimenopause can begin as early as your late thirties and what that means for you right now
🏥 How Blair Health is using AI to bring specialist-level menopause care directly to women
💬 Why menopause has been shrouded in silence for generations and what is finally shifting
🚀 What it is really like to build in femtech, where funding and talent are both scarce
✨ Why the perfect moment is never coming — and what happens when you stop waiting for it

Connect with Madge:
Blair Health Website: https://blairhealth.ca/about-us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXMuGdLCk6Q/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madgerumman/
Links: https://nkzv9.mssg.me/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnso_HXraNslsM_7E_GXnIRpob4r9IfIAyIXtZuG7JCO0uPToKnV6gGCk-GvA_aem_8lyUc6y9VGHoYMW3wMtzhg
Connect with The Women On Top:
Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!
Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/
...more
39min
June 03, 2026Dena Ayala: The Job Market Has Changed - Here's What You Need to Know & How to Stand Out
The job market has dramatically changed — and most people are still playing by the old rules.
In this episode, talent acquisition expert and senior leader, Dena Ayala, pulls back the curtain on what's actually happening on both sides of the hiring table. We talk about how AI is reshaping resumes and recruitment, why your personal story is your most underutilized asset, and how women especially can advocate for themselves with more confidence and creativity. Whether you're actively searching or simply future-proofing your career, this one is full of practical moves you can make today!
What we cover:
🤖 How AI is changing the game for both job seekers and recruiters
📄 Writing resumes and videos that actually feel like you
🔄 Practical strategies for career transitions and upskilling
🔮Where the job market is heading — and how to stay ahead of it
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Talent Acquisition Challenges
03:04 Navigating the Job Market: Insights and Strategies
05:54 The Role of Video Resumes in Job Applications
08:54 Empowering Women in Career Advancement
11:54 The Impact of AI on Recruitment
15:02 Future Job Market Trends and Adaptation
17:59 Optimizing Resumes with AI Tools
22:36 Navigating AI in Job Applications
25:38 The Personal Touch in Job Applications
27:38 Passion for Helping Others
29:34 Embracing Change in Recruitment
31:15 Tools for Modern Recruiters
35:27 Building a Meaningful Career
40:55 Celebrating Accomplishments and Finding Joy
resources

Helpful AI Tools:
Gamma for Presentations - https://gamma.app/
Seamless AI - https://seamless.ai/
JuiceBox - https://juicebox.ai/
Apollo - https://apollo.io/
Krisp - www.krisp.ai
SeekOut - www.seekout.com

Connect with Dena & Ignite Human Capital:

Ignite Human Capital - https://ignitehumancapital.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denaayala/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ignitehumancapital/
Connect with The Women On Top:
Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!
Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/
...more
41min
May 20, 2026Arianna Davis Santana: Executive Editor of The TODAY Show on Ambition, Fulfillment, & Lessons from the Most Powerful Women in Media
In this episode, we sit down with Arianna Davis Santana, Executive Editor of Digital at the TODAY Show, to explore what it really means to build a career at the center of modern media, and what ambition looks like once you’re inside it.

Arianna’s career spans some of the most influential names in media: from Oprah Daily (formerly O, The Oprah Magazine) to the TODAY Show, where she now leads digital strategy and editorial direction while also appearing on-air to break down what’s trending online.

Before that, she helped launch OprahMag.com, the fastest-growing site launch in Hearst Magazines’ history, and later helped lead its evolution into Oprah Daily. She has also shaped editorial storytelling at Refinery29, where she wrote deeply reported features and personal essays centered on culture, identity, and the lived experiences of women.

Across every chapter of her career, Arianna has been inside the rooms where modern media is shaped - interviewing icons like Oprah Winfrey, Hillary Clinton, Mariah Carey, John Legend, Will Smith, and more, while also building digital platforms that define what millions of people read, watch, and share.

But this conversation goes far beyond titles.

We talk about:
-The evolution of ambition in modern media
-What success actually feels like once you achieve what you thought you wanted
-Why leadership sometimes requires a little “Miranda Priestly energy”
-How authenticity, kindness, and authority can coexist in powerful women
-And how AI, digital culture, and storytelling are reshaping the future of media

Arianna also opens up about the deeper lessons she’s learned along the way, including how career setbacks, reinvention, and visibility all shape who you become when no one is watching.

At its core, this episode is about rewriting success, redefining ambition, and learning how to lead without losing yourself in the process.

Connect with Arianna:
Website: https://www.ariannadavis.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariannagab
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariannadavis/
What Would Frida Do?: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/arianna-davis/what-would-frida-do/9781541646322/?lens=seal-press
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ariannagdavis
Connect with The Women On Top:
Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!
Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/
...more
49min
May 06, 2026Molly McCartan: M&A Expert Shares The Truth About Why Women Are Walking Away From the Workforce & How to Build A Profitable Business You Can Exit
What does it really take to build a powerful career and a fulfilling life—and why are so many women deciding the traditional path just isn’t worth it anymore?

In this episode of The Women On Top, Molly McCartan, Managing Partner at The Whisper Group and Founder & CEO of The Mom Pact, pulls back the curtain on her journey through the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions, and the deeper calling that led her to advocate for working women everywhere.

We also explore the growing movement of women stepping away from traditional careers—and what needs to change to truly support women in the workplace, at home, and within themselves.

If you’ve ever questioned the path you’re on, felt the weight of “doing it all,” or wondered what it would look like to build your own table—this episode is for you.

Chapters
00:00 Empowering Women in Business
02:41 Navigating Mergers and Acquisitions
06:08 Building a Supportive Network
08:58 Strategies for Business Success
11:43 Avoiding Common Pitfalls
15:01 Overcoming Burnout and Self-Doubt
25:34 The Pressure to Prove: Women's Challenges in the Workplace
27:42 Negotiating for Yourself: The Importance of Self-Advocacy
29:17 Balancing Work and Family: The Ongoing Struggle
30:04 Finding Support: The Role of Partners in Career Success
31:54 The Workforce Exodus: Why Women Are Leaving Their Jobs
33:13 Creating Resources for Working Moms: The MomPact Initiative
34:29 Advocating for Change: The Need for Better Policies
36:20 Mental Health Resources: A Crucial Need for All
37:51 Closing the Gender Gap: The Fight for Equality
40:44 The Reality of Corporate Loyalty: Understanding Your Worth
42:24 Supporting Yourself: Best Practices for Busy Women
45:45 Embracing Imperfection: The Journey of Growth
47:54 Building Your Own Table: Empowering Women to Lead
49:50 Paying It Forward: The Importance of Mentorship

Connect with Molly:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollymccartan52
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollyowensmccartan/
The Mom Pact: https://www.entreprenista.com/articles/molly-mccartan-is-building-the-mom-pact-to-advance-ambitious-working-mothers-through-strategy-community-and-career-support
Connect with The Women On Top:
Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!
Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/
...more
52min

FAQs about The Women On Top:

How many episodes does The Women On Top have?

The podcast currently has 107 episodes available.