The Stubborn Mindset Changes Everything

What if being called “stubborn” isn’t an insult—but one of the greatest survival skills a woman can have?

What happens when your career disappears, your health changes everything, people dismiss your voice, and the life you planned no longer fits?

You reinvent.

On this powerful episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, Liz Brohan talks with best-selling author, business strategist and coach Adriana Cowden, whose extraordinary story proves that resilience isn't about bouncing back. Sometimes, it's about becoming someone entirely new.

More than a decade ago, Adriana went from running billion-dollar brands in the C-suite to fighting for her life in hospital rooms. She has navigated more than 30 chronic illnesses and more than 25 surgeries—and faced the kind of physical, professional and emotional challenges that would stop many people in their tracks. Instead, she became stubborn as fuck.

Her book, Stubborn as Fuck: 13 Truths to Rise, Reclaim and Reinvent Your Life, challenges women to rethink what resilience really means. Adriana doesn't see reinvention as starting over. It's transformation. It's giving yourself permission to go inward, reassess what you want, and emerge with a life that actually belongs to you.

Stop Apologizing. Start Advocating.

This conversation gets real about something many women know all too well: being dismissed.

Adriana shares her experiences of being dismissed in the medical system—even when she arrived prepared, organized and armed with questions. Her message? Being strong doesn't mean doing everything alone. Even the most capable woman may need a medical advocate and someone firmly in her corner.

The conversation also tackles:

Adriana is also developing Audrey Ava, an AI-powered medical tool inspired by her own experience of using technology to analyze medical information and develop better questions for her doctors.

Your Life Doesn't Have to Look Like the Plan

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from this conversation is that reinvention isn't failure.

Sometimes the career ends. Sometimes your health changes. Sometimes a relationship or identity no longer fits. Sometimes you simply realize you've been living according to someone else's expectations.

That's not the end.

That's your invitation to transform.

And Adriana's advice is refreshingly direct: stop apologizing for taking up space. Stop waiting for permission. Love yourself first. Find people who will fight for you. And when life tells you that you can't—you might just need to get a little more stubborn as fuck.

Because your resilience isn't just about surviving what happened to you.

It's about deciding what happens next.

Resources & References Mentioned

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Tales from a Wing Woman: Why We All Need Someone in Our Corner

What happens when the job you thought was yours disappears—and instead of staying stuck, you build something entirely new?

In this episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, Liz Brohan talks with Jen Anderson, a self-described “wing woman” who has turned her natural talent for collaboration, strategy, networking and getting things done into a profession.

Jen’s journey began with a painful career setback. After more than 20 years in fitness leadership, she was passed over for a promotion she expected to get. That rejection became the catalyst for a new chapter—and ultimately helped her discover that her greatest strength was helping other business owners succeed.

So what exactly does a wing woman do? Jen describes herself as a collaborator, strategist, accountability partner, communications resource, business-development partner and sounding board. She helps clients identify gaps, create capacity, become more visible, make introductions, find opportunities and—most importantly—take action.

The conversation also tackles the messy realities of entrepreneurship: recognizing when a client relationship isn’t working, trusting your gut, finding your people and accepting that you don’t have to be everyone’s cup of tea.

Networking gets a major spotlight, too. Jen encourages women to get curious, ask questions, make introductions and step outside their usual circles. Visibility doesn’t require attending every event—it requires being intentional and consistent. And sometimes, the best networking move is simply bringing a wing woman with you.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway? There is enough success to go around. Don’t gatekeep your connections, knowledge or opportunities. Share your gifts, lift other women up and give yourself grace along the way.

Because none of us has to do it all alone. Sometimes we just need someone willing to say, “I’ve got you. Let’s do this together.”

Resources & References Mentioned

Highlight Quotes

“There is enough for everyone. When you share what your gifts are, you're elevating others. I’m not a fan of being a gatekeeper. Share what you’ve got—because it’s going to come back to you.” — Jen Anderson

“Wing woman sounds like action. We’re doing it together. We come away with action items—and sometimes I’ll take a couple of those this week. Let me do those.” — Jen Anderson

“You have to continue to stay visible because people can’t buy from you if they can’t find you. Start small, but be consistent.” — Jen Anderson

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What if the next opportunity to change your life—or someone else’s—starts with two simple words: say yes?

In this inspiring episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, host Liz Brohan is joined by special guest host Dorothy Rosen and Jennifer Parks, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Chicago, for a powerful conversation about stepping outside your comfort zone, finding purpose through service, and discovering just how much impact one person can make.

Jennifer shares how a college volunteer experience sparked a lifelong commitment to service and ultimately led her to Habitat for Humanity. Today, she helps lead efforts to create affordable homeownership while strengthening the communities surrounding those homes.

The conversation takes a deeper dive into Women Build, Habitat Chicago’s initiative that brings women together to build homes for women-led families. But the real lesson goes far beyond construction. Volunteering can build confidence, develop new skills, expand your network, and teach women to get comfortable asking for support—and asking for money.

Jennifer also explores the history behind housing inequity, including redlining and discriminatory lending practices, and explains why Habitat’s mission is about much more than putting a roof over someone’s head. It’s about building homes, community and hope.

And then there’s curling! Jennifer explains why the sport she loves is essentially “chess on ice”—a lesson in communication, teamwork, strategy and community that translates surprisingly well to leadership and life.

Most importantly, Jennifer challenges women to stop waiting until they feel completely ready. Step outside your comfort zone. Try something new. Volunteer. Build relationships. Say yes when the opportunity feels right—and give yourself permission to say “not now” when it doesn’t.

Because sometimes, all it takes is one small act of courage to start creating a much bigger change.

Links/references mentioned in the episode

Highlight Quotes

Quote 1

“Even if now is not the right time to say yes, that’s okay. But don’t discount the opportunity. Step out and try. That’s where we learn, gain confidence, build skills and create new relationships.” — Jennifer Parks

Quote 2

“We have more power and more ability than we know. We just have to act upon it—make the decision to help one person or make one opportunity available. What rolls from that can lead to a richer life.” — Jennifer Parks

Quote 3

“As women, we frequently think we have to have achieved certain things to show up. I think we just need to step out and try. We are filled with innumerable talents and opportunities.” — Jennifer Parks

You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

In this eye-opening episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, host Liz Brohan is joined by special guest host Dorothy Rosen and wealth strategist Randi Lynn Quigley for a conversation that challenges nearly everything we've been taught about saving, borrowing, and building wealth.

Rather than focusing on cutting expenses or simply saving more, Randi introduces listeners to the concept of Infinite Banking—a financial strategy that uses properly structured whole life insurance policies to create long-term cash flow, preserve wealth, and potentially reduce reliance on traditional banks. She explains how individuals can use the cash value within these policies to finance major purchases, invest in real estate, prepare for retirement, and build generational wealth while allowing their money to continue compounding.

Throughout the discussion, Randi emphasizes that financial independence begins with understanding how money really works. She shares examples of how she personally uses multiple policies for everything from purchasing vehicles to investing in real estate and planning for taxes. She also discusses why many wealthy families and business leaders have historically relied on similar strategies to grow and protect their assets.

Liz and Dorothy ask the questions many listeners are likely thinking, breaking down complex concepts into understandable language while encouraging women to question traditional financial advice and become more intentional about their financial education.

Whether you're in your 20s and just beginning to build wealth or later in life looking for new retirement strategies, this episode offers a fresh perspective on thinking differently about money. While the concepts may challenge conventional wisdom, the conversation encourages listeners to do their own research, seek qualified guidance, and remain open to financial strategies that are rarely discussed in mainstream education.

If you've ever wondered whether there's a different way to build lasting financial security, this episode is an invitation to start asking bigger questions—and to take greater ownership of your financial future.

5 Resources & References Mentioned

Highlight Quotes

"Financial freedom doesn't start with making more money—it starts with understanding how money actually works. Stop asking where to save your money. Start asking how to make it work for you. #InfiniteBanking #WomenAndWealth"

"Question the rules you've been taught about money. Who created them? Who benefits from them? Sometimes building wealth starts by challenging conventional wisdom. #KickAssWomen #FinancialIndependence"

"We spend years learning how to earn money—but almost no time learning how to grow it. The biggest investment you can make may be your financial education. #WomenAndWealth #FinancialLiteracy"

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Why are we still talking about equal pay in 2026?

In this powerful episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, hosts Liz Brohan and Mary Olivieri sit down with attorney and equal pay advocate Barbara Young to unpack the persistent realities of wage inequality—and what women can do about it.

After more than four decades practicing law, Barbara shares the moments that shaped her career, from arguing cases early in her legal journey to becoming a fierce champion for women’s economic equality. She reflects on entering a profession where women were present in the classroom but often disappeared from leadership—and what she learned watching compensation gaps play out in real time.

Barbara explains how a chance introduction to the concept of Equal Pay Day became a mission that led to the creation of Equal Pay Day Chicago, a coalition bringing together organizations, leaders, and everyday women to advocate for economic fairness.

This conversation goes beyond statistics. Barbara offers practical advice listeners can use immediately: research your market value, negotiate salary and benefits, prepare for performance reviews, and advocate for yourself the same way you advocate for everyone else.

The episode also explores mentorship, networking, transparency in pay practices, and the legacy of trailblazers like Lilly Ledbetter, whose fight changed U.S. law for future generations.

One of the strongest reminders from this conversation: equal pay isn’t only a policy issue—it’s a personal one.

If you’ve ever accepted less than you deserved, hesitated to negotiate, or wondered whether your work is valued fairly, this episode is your reminder 

Resources & References Mentioned

Highlight Quotes

“You are not asking for more because you’re ungrateful. You’re asking because you know your value. Advocate for yourself the way you advocate for everyone else.”

“Don’t negotiate only salary. Negotiate the whole package—time, flexibility, benefits, growth, and opportunity. Every line item has value

“Equal pay doesn’t change because people quietly work harder. It changes when people ask questions, demand transparency, and refuse to accept less.”

You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

Why are we still talking about equal pay in 2026?

In this powerful episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, hosts Liz Brohan and Mary Olivieri sit down with attorney and equal pay advocate Barbara Young to unpack the persistent realities of wage inequality—and what women can do about it.

After more than four decades practicing law, Barbara shares the moments that shaped her career, from arguing cases early in her legal journey to becoming a fierce champion for women’s economic equality. She reflects on entering a profession where women were present in the classroom but often disappeared from leadership—and what she learned watching compensation gaps play out in real time.

Barbara explains how a chance introduction to the concept of Equal Pay Day became a mission that led to the creation of Equal Pay Day Chicago, a coalition bringing together organizations, leaders, and everyday women to advocate for economic fairness.

This conversation goes beyond statistics. Barbara offers practical advice listeners can use immediately: research your market value, negotiate salary and benefits, prepare for performance reviews, and advocate for yourself the same way you advocate for everyone else.

The episode also explores mentorship, networking, transparency in pay practices, and the legacy of trailblazers like Lilly Ledbetter, whose fight changed U.S. law for future generations.

One of the strongest reminders from this conversation: equal pay isn’t only a policy issue—it’s a personal one.

If you’ve ever accepted less than you deserved, hesitated to negotiate, or wondered whether your work is valued fairly, this episode is your reminder 

Resources & References Mentioned

Highlight Quotes

“You are not asking for more because you’re ungrateful. You’re asking because you know your value. Advocate for yourself the way you advocate for everyone else.”

“Don’t negotiate only salary. Negotiate the whole package—time, flexibility, benefits, growth, and opportunity. Every line item has value

“Equal pay doesn’t change because people quietly work harder. It changes when people ask questions, demand transparency, and refuse to accept less.”

You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

What if the stories that shape us—and the stories we tell—aren’t so different after all?

In this thoughtful and unexpected episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, hosts Liz Brohan and Mary Olivieri sit down with Shauna Hannan, president of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, to explore the intersection of storytelling, leadership, creativity, and faith.

Shauna shares her unconventional path—from aspiring documentary filmmaker to pastor, professor, author, and seminary president—and reveals why she believes preaching and filmmaking have more in common than most people realize. Both, she argues, are rooted in creating experiences that move people, not simply delivering information.

The conversation explores what happens when institutions invite participation instead of hierarchy and why listening may be one of the most transformational leadership skills we have. Shauna reflects on reimagining theological education for a changing world, creating greater access to learning, and making room for voices traditionally left out of the conversation.

Liz and Mary bring their signature curiosity and candor to topics including creativity as a spiritual practice, the role of performance in communication, collaborative leadership, and the challenge of letting go of nostalgia in order to build something meaningful for the future.

Along the way, the discussion touches on wilderness, art, interpretation, community, and those unexpected moments that redirect our lives.

Whether you identify as spiritual, religious, creative, questioning—or simply curious—this episode is an invitation to think differently about leadership, meaning, and the courage to trust your own voice.

Because sometimes the most powerful stories aren’t the ones we’re told.

They’re the ones we’re invited to help create.

Resources & References Mentioned

Highlight Quotes

“Preaching and filmmaking aren’t that different. Neither is about delivering information—they’re about creating an experience that changes people.”

“We’re not trying to get back to the glory days. We’re making them. Growth begins when we stop worshipping nostalgia and start imagining what’s next.”

“Bring exactly who you are. Don’t leave parts of yourself behind. The future gets stronger when more voices are invited into the story.” 

You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

What happens when the "good girl" finally breaks? According to bestselling author Sam Beck-Bessinger, she might just become a werewolf.

In this thought-provoking and wildly entertaining episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, Liz Brohan sits down with author, screenwriter, and creative writing professor Sam Beckbessinger to discuss her new novel, Femme Feral—a darkly funny feminist horror story about a woman who believes she's experiencing perimenopause, only to discover she's transforming into a werewolf.

Together, Liz and Sam explore the cultural silence surrounding menopause, the pressure women face to "have it all," and the hidden cost of decades spent suppressing anger, ambition, and authenticity. Sam shares how the book emerged from her own experience of burnout and what she calls the moment when all of a woman's coping mechanisms stop working.

The conversation dives deep into female rage—not as something destructive, but as a powerful force for truth, justice, and self-discovery. Sam discusses why women are often conditioned to disconnect from their anger and how that buried emotion can eventually demand to be heard.

Listeners will also enjoy stories about Sam's unusual research process, including interviews with stalking experts, a real-life cat serial-killer vigilante, and the strange intersections between horror and humor. Along the way, she reveals why "weirdness" is essential to creativity and how originality comes from exploring the unexplored corners of our own minds.

The episode also touches on Sam's South African upbringing, the lasting impact of apartheid, intergenerational healing, and the responsibility many women feel to carry forward the voices of those who came before them.

Ultimately, Femme Feral is an invitation to stop apologizing for your anger, embrace your wildness, and ask yourself an important question: What might happen if you finally danced with your beast?

5Resources & References Mentioned

Highlight Quotes

You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

In this deeply personal episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, hosts Liz Brohan and Mary Olivieri sit down with therapist and holistic mental health advocate Monica Sharma for a powerful conversation about reinvention, resilience, and learning to trust yourself. Monica opens up about the defining challenges she faced across three decades of her life — from struggling with depression in her 30s despite appearing “successful” on paper, to navigating heartbreak and choosing single motherhood in her 40s, to confronting burnout and self-preservation in her 50s after building and ultimately closing her thriving therapy practice.

Throughout the conversation, Monica shares how cultural expectations, perfectionism, and the pressure to always “do the right thing” left her disconnected from herself. She explains how intuitive decisions — including enrolling in a life-changing holistic health program and later becoming a mother at 42 — helped her reconnect with purpose and joy.

The episode also explores the emotional toll of caregiving, entrepreneurship, grief, and productivity culture, while highlighting the importance of making space for healing, reflection, and self-trust. Monica’s recurring theme of “lost, found, and flow” becomes a moving framework for understanding personal growth at every stage of life.

Liz and Mary bring warmth, humor, and vulnerability to the discussion as they reflect on their own experiences with depression, relationships, and self-discovery. Together, they remind listeners that reinvention isn’t a one-time event — it’s an ongoing practice of choosing yourself, listening inward, and having the courage to step toward what feels true.

Resources Mentioned

Highlight Quotes

“Sometimes the bravest thing a woman can do is stop living by everyone else’s expectations and start listening to herself.” #WordsOfWisdom #KickAssWomen

“You are the main meal. Everyone else is a side dish.” — Monica Sharma on learning to date herself and reclaim her identity. #KickAssWomen

“Reinvention isn’t a one-time event. It’s a lifelong practice of getting lost, finding yourself again, and learning to trust the flow.” #WordsOfWisdom

You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

In this powerful follow-up episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, hosts Liz Brohan and Mary Olivieri welcome back career strategist Janet Viane to move from theory to action—showing women how to design careers that truly fit their lives.

Building on her concept of “bridging” (instead of climbing the traditional corporate ladder), Janet reframes career growth as a multidimensional journey. Rather than focusing solely on upward movement, she encourages women to pursue experiences that align with their full lives—professionally, personally, emotionally, and beyond.

Through real-world stories and practical advice, the conversation explores how lateral moves, detours, and even perceived setbacks can lead to greater long-term success. Janet shares her own journey from corporate executive to business owner and publisher, demonstrating how embracing change can unlock unexpected opportunities.

The episode dives deep into the importance of both hard and soft skills, emphasizing that while technical expertise may open doors, communication, influence, and leadership are what sustain success. Janet also introduces actionable frameworks, including building a three-circle network, leveraging mentors (both aspirational and grounding), and continuously reassessing your path as your goals evolve.

Listeners will walk away with tangible strategies for navigating uncertainty, overcoming fear of change, and intentionally shaping a career that reflects their values and ambitions. Whether you’re feeling stuck, considering a pivot, or simply ready for something more, this episode offers a refreshing, empowering roadmap.

The takeaway? Your career doesn’t have to be a straight line—it can be a bridge to something better.

🔗 Resources & References

🧵Highlight Quotes

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