Where Passion Meets Purpose

Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Melissa Ashton, Leadership Expert, Executive Coach, Motivational Speaker, Author and mother of six, who overcame immense personal challenges including her son's traumatic brain injury and her own journey of self-discovery. Discover powerful insights on self-leadership, balancing masculine and feminine traits in leadership, and the transformative power of faith and purpose.Follw Missy - IG - @melissalynneashtonLinkedIn - Melissa Lynne Ashton

In this episode, Jen interviews Cindy Scharkey, a registered nurse and author of 'Permission for Pleasure,' about women's sexuality, pleasure, and intimacy in midlife. They explore how societal beliefs, education, and mindfulness impact women's sexual well-being and how to embrace pleasure at any age.

Connect with Cindy:

www.cindyscharkey.com

Podcast: Permission for Pleasure with Cindy Scharkey

In this episode, Jen welcomes back to the show drug safety advocate Kim Witczak, about her powerful story of loss, advocacy, and purpose. They explore the systemic issues in healthcare, the importance of self-advocacy, and how to connect with your intuition to live a purposeful life.

Follow Kim:

Instagram - @kim_witczak

Facebook - Kim Witczak

LinkedIn - Kim Witczak

Website:

Kimwitzcak.com

In this inspiring conversation, Jen interviews CEO, Author and Speaker Kendra Cooke, who shares her journey from real estate to coaching, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy, mindset, and authentic leadership for women entrepreneurs. Discover practical tools, personal stories, and empowering insights to elevate your success and purpose.Follow Kendra:Instagram -  @KendraCooke  LinkedIn- Kendra CookeFacebook - Kendra CookeBook - Embrace, Empower, Evolvewww.kendracooke.com

In this episode, Jen interviews Jessica Papineau, a leading personal stylist dedicated to empowering women. Jessica shares her unique journey from a challenging upbringing in rural Maine to becoming a recognized thought leader in personal styling. She discusses the importance of self-identity, overcoming societal pressures, and the transformative power of fashion. Through her signature styling program, Jessica helps women align their wardrobe with their true selves, fostering confidence and authenticity. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community, collaboration, and personal growth in achieving one's purpose

In this episode, Jen breaks down what real leadership looks like today, how great leaders lead with energy, belief, connection, and purpose.Inspired by principles from Jon Gordon’s Power of Positive Leadership, Jen shares how great leaders don’t focus on fixing people — they focus on creating environments where people feel seen, trusted, and empowered to lead from their strengths.You’ll learn how positive energy, authentic connection, and belief in others can transform culture, build trust, and unlock higher levels of ownership and performance.This conversation is a reminder that leadership isn’t about control, it’s about activating potential and elevating everyone around you.

In this episode of "Where Passion Meets Purpose," host Jennifer Mentesana welcomes Laura Elbyr, who shares her journey as a mother, entrepreneur and performer. Laura discusses her new podcast, "Better Than the Medal," which aims to address the pressures children face in youth sports and the importance of sportsmanship over winning. The conversation delves into Laura's personal experiences, including her struggles with self-identity while supporting her husband’s business and her own health challenges, which ultimately led her to rediscover her passion for acting and creativity.Throughout the episode, Laura reflects on the societal pressures surrounding youth sports, emphasizing the need for a shift in focus from winning medals to fostering character and resilience in children. She shares poignant stories about her son Noah's experiences in sports, highlighting the importance of communication and understanding between parents and children. The episode concludes with a call to action for parents to engage in meaningful conversations about sportsmanship and to prioritize their children's well-being over competitive success.

In this episode of 'Where Passion Meets Purpose', Jen interviews Jordan Reynolds, a wellness coach turned social media expert. They discuss Jordan's journey from teaching fitness to creating impactful content for businesses. The conversation covers the importance of authenticity in social media, strategies for new business owners, and the evolving landscape of platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Jordan shares insights on audience growth, the significance of batching content, and her vision for future retreats and coaching programs.

As we step into a new year, it’s easy to set resolutions that feel inspiring in January… and forgotten by March. In this solo episode of Where Passion Meets Purpose, I invite you to slow down and approach the new year differently — with intention, presence, and purpose.We explore the power of choosing a Word of the Year — a single guiding theme that becomes your anchor, your compass, and your reminder of who you’re becoming. Rather than chasing endless goals, this word helps you embody a state of being that keeps you grounded in what truly matters and aligned with where you want to be by the end of the year.I also share why lasting change isn’t created through lofty resolutions, but through small, daily actions that compound over time. When your goals are broken down into simple, intentional habits — and aligned with your word — they become sustainable, meaningful, and deeply connected to your purpose.If you’re craving clarity, focus, and a more intentional path forward, this episode will help you step into the year feeling centered, empowered, and guided — not rushed or overwhelmed.Tune in, choose your word, and begin the year rooted in intention — not pressure.

In this episode of Where Passion Meets Purpose, I sit down with Heart-Centered Purpose Coach Victoria Gustafson for a conversation that will stay with you long after the episode ends.Victoria survived the unthinkable, a sudden cardiac arrest with less than a 1% chance of making it through. Her heart stopped for 12 minutes while on the pickleball court, and thanks to the courage of a bystander who performed CPR, she not only survived… she returned without brain injury. It was nothing short of a miracle.That moment became a divine turning point. Victoria knew she was spared for a reason, and she has since devoted her life to advocating for women’s heart health through speaking, coaching, and sharing her message on stages and podcasts.In this powerful conversation, she opens up about:The day everything changed — and the miracle that saved her lifeWhy women must become their own greatest health advocatesThe symptoms we often overlookWhat questions to ask your doctorThe screenings every woman should request at a certain ageHow surviving gave her renewed clarity, purpose, and a mission to help othersThis episode is a reminder of the strength within us, the importance of trusting our intuition, and the profound impact one life can make when it’s aligned with purpose.Tune in and let Victoria’s courage inspire you to listen more deeply to your body, your intuition, and your calling.Follow Victoria:Insta & FB:: @alittlelucyloveWebsite Coming in 2026 - Heartcenteredlifecoach.comHeart Screenings:Baseline Heart Health Checklist for Women 50+ Advanced Cholesterol & Lipoprotein Panel • ApoB • LDL-P (particle number) • Lipoprotein(a) • Total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL, triglycerides Blood Sugar & Metabolic Testing • Fasting glucose • Hemoglobin A1c • Fasting insulin • HOMA-IR Inflammation Markers • hs-CRP • Homocysteine • Ferritin Thyroid Testing • TSH • Free T3 • Free T4 • Thyroid antibodies Nutrient & Electrolyte Markers • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) • Magnesium (RBC preferred) • Vitamin D (25-OH)Blood Pressure Evaluation • Office blood pressure • Home BP monitoring (1–2 weeks) • 24-hour ambulatory BP (optional) Heart Imaging & Functional Tests • Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scan • Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) • Echocardiogram • EKG or Holter monitor Menopause-Related Hormone Tests • Estradiol • Progesterone • FSH & LH • AM Cortisol Optional Longevity Markers • Omega-3 Index • Lp-PLA2 • NT-proBNP