Dr. Wendy O’Connor  had a one-year-old baby at home and owned a private psychology clinic when her twin daughters were born. As she adjusted to new responsibilities, another shift happened. Dr. Wendy felt it, questioned it and found a new and very specific mission: to help women become truly happy by deepening their self-knowledge and overcoming fear. In the second episode of Season 3 of the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast, she describes to host Amy Boyle how the shift in her priorities after becoming a mom and the resistance she found when closing her private practice to become a happiness coach informed her career transition and strengthened her belief in the power of positive psychology. “If we let other people’s opinions have power over us, we can very quickly just short-circuit a dream instantly.” In a world that values productivity and instant gratification, where many women (myself included, as a foreigner who is currently shifting careers) feel insecure and sometimes frustrated about their passions and desires, Dr. Wendy reminds us that it is worth it to explore our discomfort with the current situation, that our thoughts (and other people’s) very seldomly reflect reality and that obstacles exist to make us stronger in the journey.  One might think it is easier for her because she is a trained psychologist. But with a bit of curiosity and courage, we, too, can change our relationship with our fears and unlock our potential. These two questions by Dr. Wendy might help us start: “What are the parts of my life that bring me joy and fulfillment? And what are the parts that feel either a little stale or disconnected or kind of lackluster?” During this episode, Dr. Wendy encourages women in the audience to dare to take non-obvious paths, “allowing yourself full permission to experience it all, to be happy and grateful as all heck that you have an incredible life and there’s not much to complain about and to honor the deeper desire for more.” First, we must approach our feelings of detachment and frustration with curiosity. Then, discover our strengths and what we want our lives to look like. During this process, she says we should remember that gratitude and ambitiousness are compatible. “You get to have both.” We can’t control the shortcomings – that will happen, for sure – but we can influence our interpretation of them. In other words, how we experience them. In Dr. Wendy’s case, that meant moving on when people told her her career shift was too risky. For each of us, that means being intentional about what we want, why we want it and what we need to achieve it. “You’re on a road trip to somewhere really freaking good. And there’s going to be traffic. There’s going to be potholes. There’s going to be flat tires. There’s going to be bathroom breaks. There’s going to be snack breaks. There’s going to be construction… A lot of times, there’s this expectation that it should be linear. And what we don’t even realize by wishing that is that we’re actually wishing away the very tools we need to create and sustain what we’re after.” Now it’s your turn to think: How do you  want to experience your life? What fears can you (or should you) reshape? You can find Dr. Wendy on Instagram Website https://www.drwendyoconnor.com/ FREEBIE - Monthly planner Carolina Baldin is a freelance journalist from Brazil. Having worked in law, policy and regulation, she is passionate about everyday stories that illustrate larger issues. She graduated from a master's program at Northwestern University in 2023 and became a guest blogger on the " Speaking of Phenomenal" podcast  blog in March 2024.

Season 3 of the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast starts with dancer, author and former Rockette Jennifer Jones. The first Black woman ever on the line in Radio City, Jennifer built a career as a professional dancer, having performed on Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical “42nd Street” and Simply Red’s music video “Infidelity.” She is the author of the children’s book “On the Line: My Story of Becoming the First African American Rockette” and a forthcoming memoir, which will be released next year. Throughout the ups and downs in her career and personal life, Jennifer learned to follow her intuition and persevere even when the path wasn’t clear. She had to abandon her passion for the stage for family reasons and battled cancer at the age of 50 after fostering healthy habits her entire life. In this first episode, Jennifer shares with Amy Boyle her unshakable belief in providence, inviting us to embrace our challenges as tools for growth. “If you move through roads open for you, avenues open.” Despite being shy as a child, Jennifer fell in love with the stage while performing at her fourth-grade recital. After watching Broadway’s “The Wiz” five times with her parents and getting autographs from performers who “looked like me,” she made her decision. “That’s what I want to do. I want to walk out of that stage door.” Growing up practicing tap dance, jazz and ballet, Jennifer enrolled in a dance program at a local college close to her home in New Jersey, which opened the doors to the Broadway Dance Center, where she took dance classes. She applied to a Rockette audition and got a call back even though she had little experience and doubted her potential. Jennifer learned later from a news channel that Radio City had hired the first woman of color as a dancer. She just didn’t realize she was that woman. She found resistance among people in the field but continued to pursue her career. “I wanted to dance. I wanted to be on that stage, have the lights, the lashes, the lipstick. And no one was allowed to take that away from me.” She only stopped dancing to find a better means of supporting her family. She didn’t have a college degree and didn’t know how to type, but again, she persevered. “I was starting over and over.” At 50 years old, a cancer diagnosis tested her resilience one more time. She had stage III colorectal cancer, and her doctor said she would live for about five more years. Through Dancers Against Cancer, an organization that gives financial support to people in the dance community who are battling cancer, Jennifer found the help she needed to pay her medical bills. Now an advocate for diversity in the arts and colorectal cancer awareness, Jennifer teaches children and adults to be resilient in the face of adversity by listening “to that inner voice” we all have within. “It’s very important for people to get still and quiet and really, really listen to what their gift is to the world.” Have you ever tried to find out what your gift is? Find Jennifer on: Instagram, Facebook Carolina Baldin is a freelance journalist from Brazil. Having worked in law, policy and regulation, she is passionate about everyday stories that illustrate larger issues. She graduated from a master's program at Northwestern University in 2023 and became a guest blogger on the "Speaking of Phenomenal" podcast blog in March 2024.

I recently had the incredible opportunity to be featured on the Vitally You podcast with Dana Frost, a wellness expert, life coach, and energy medicine practitioner. As many of you know, Dana's podcast is a treasure trove of insights on how to feel younger while growing older, touching on health, culture, spirituality, and personal growth. It was an honor to join her in a conversation that resonated deeply with the mission of the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast and my journey as a multimedia journalist. A Connection Rooted in Shared Experiences Dana and I go way back, having first met through a female entrepreneurs networking group in Chicago. Our paths crossed during a time when we were both balancing the demands of raising large families and managing our entrepreneurial ventures. Dana has always been a source of inspiration for me, with her unwavering commitment to personal growth and her ability to juggle various roles with grace. During our conversation, Dana highlighted the multifaceted nature of women's lives and how we adapt to different seasons and responsibilities. This theme is central to the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast, where we celebrate women's resilience, strength, and ability to thrive amidst challenges. Embracing Change and Growth During our conversation, a particularly memorable moment occurred when Dana commended me for finishing my master's degree at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and for becoming an adjunct lecturer. This accomplishment symbolized more than just a career milestone; it highlighted the importance of perseverance and flexibility. Like many women, my journey has been marked by balancing personal and professional aspirations. The story of my return to school, delayed by caring for my mother, is a reminder of the sacrifices many women make and the resilience we muster to pursue our dreams. As Dana noted, this capacity to shape-shift through life's various stages is a hallmark of our strength. The Power of Storytelling Throughout the podcast, we touched upon the transformative power of storytelling. As a photographer and journalist, my mission has always been to capture and elevate the unique stories of women. The 52 Phenomenal Women Project, which I undertook before and during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, is a prime example of this. Profiling a woman a week for two years, this project highlighted the diverse experiences and inspiring qualities of women from different walks of life. By showing interest in my work and recognizing the impact of these stories, Dana emphasized the significance of our role as storytellers. Our discussion highlighted the deep connections we can create through shared narratives and the motivation we can gain from one another's experiences. Moving Forward with Hope and Enthusiasm As I prepare to teach at Medill, I am filled with excitement and hope for the future. This new chapter in my career is not just a professional advancement but a continuation of my lifelong passion for learning and teaching. I am eager to inspire the next generation of journalists and to share the lessons I've learned along the way. Dana’s podcast is a beautiful reminder that feeling younger while growing older is about embracing our journeys with curiosity and enthusiasm. It's about recognizing our capacity for growth and adaptation, no matter where we are in life. Join the Conversation I invite you to listen to my episode on Vitally You with Dana Frost and to reflect on your own journeys. Let’s celebrate the remarkable women in our lives and continue to support each other in our endeavors. Thank you, Dana, for having me on your show and for being a beacon of positivity and inspiration. I’m also thrilled to announce that Dana will be a guest on the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast in Season 3! Stay tuned for an insightful and inspiring conversation. You can find the Vitally You podcast on all major platforms. Be sure to check out the show notes for links to my work and join us in this conversation about wellness, resilience, and the beauty of the female experience. Amy Boyle Multimedia Journalist, Photographer, and Podcast Host

In this solo episode, after an unexpected and uncomfortable dental procedure, host Amy Boyle reflects on the power of pause. In our complex and dynamic world, we can easily forget the reasons behind our actions, and many of us start to work and live on autopilot. Only by pausing can we find the clarity, silence and perspective we need to reassess our priorities and goals and move forward. Amy reminds us that whenever we stop for a moment, we are able to acknowledge what matters in our lives and discover new things about ourselves, including our limits. She encourages us to see these limits not as restrictions but as tools that help us reroute. Then, we can continue to work and live with a renewed and clearer purpose. But it’s not only about us. How we treat ourselves directly impacts our care for others. Amy stresses the importance of addressing our needs to become better instruments of service to those we love. She invites us to pause and profoundly examine ourselves: Do we know how to acknowledge our limits within our dynamic routines? What are we doing for our self-care? Carolina Baldin is a freelance journalist from Brazil. Having worked in law, policy and regulation, she is passionate about everyday stories that illustrate larger issues. She graduated from a master's program at Northwestern University in 2023 and became a guest blogger on the "Speaking of Phenomenal" podcast blog in March 2024. Bonus from Amy: My favorite topic is AWE. Here is a great meditation for when you pause by Professor Dacher Keltner.

In the final episode of Season 2 of “Speaking of Phenomenal,” host Amy Boyle celebrates the podcast’s 25 episodes and remembers the 12 phenomenal women who accompanied us throughout this season. By sharing their stories, they taught us about resilience, kindness, mindfulness, generosity. “The Speaking of Phenomenal podcast is more than a platform,” Amy explains. “It’s a beacon for those who believe in the transformative power of narrative, in the beauty of a shared journey and in the strength of a community that stands together.” Here are a few inspiring quotes by guests and host Amy Boyle and their book recommendations! On spreading kindness “One message at just the right moment can change someone's entire day, outlook or life.” Megan Murphy, founder of the Kindness Rocks Project, an initiative that combines eco-friendly practices and self-care to uplift people though simple messages written on rocks. Book recommendation: The 5 am Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma. On adaptability “Life gets better the older we get. We become more of ourselves. We trust ourselves. We speak our minds. We don't care what people think anymore. We really, truly blossom into our true selves.” Shannon Gomes, marketing expert focused on promoting women and redefining Gen X as the “adaptable generation.” Book recommendation: The Life Brief: A Playbook for No-Regrets Living, by Bonnie Wan On food literacy "We have such a challenge with malnourishment in this country… What we want to provide with the Charlie Cart Project is an antidote.” Carolyn Federman, founder of “The Charlie Cart Project,” a non-profit that helps children across the U.S. access food education through innovative mobile kitchens. Book recommendation: On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen, by Harold McGee On generosity and happiness “I just simply think, get out of your own way. Start helping someone else… you will be amazed how it shifts your attitude and your focus and all of a sudden stuff starts falling to you.” Lisa Dietlin, philanthropy expert, author and keynote speaker. Book recommendation: Outlander Series, by Diana Gabaldon On food and cultural roots "When you're giving your kids your culture, you can give it to them on a plate and they don't even realize it, but it just instills this love of their culture and their roots in them." Anupy Singla, the founder of lifestyle and food company Indian as Apple Pie and author of four cookbooks on Indian cuisine. Book recommendation: Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones, by James Clear and A Suitable Boy: A Novel, by Vikram Seth On female leadership "Women are here to change the paradigm of business, and we are gonna change it in a big way, in a really positive way." "When we have more money and more resources, we can make bigger differences. We can really achieve our epic missions a lot easier." Meghann Conter, the founder and chief visionary officer of The Dames, a global online network that supports businesswomen from 6 continents. Book recommendation: 10x is Easier than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less, by Dan Sullivan and Dr .Benjamin Hardy; Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself, by Michael A. Singer; and The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level, by Gay Hendricks On women’s empowerment “You will get angry by injustices because they are injustices. What matters is what you do with that anger. Channel that anger into something productive.” Jessica Buchlitner, journalist and organizer of the "50 Women Anthology Series." Book recommendation: 50 Women, by Jessica Buchlitner and Carol Pott On innovation and fashion “I think a lot of times success is like this: You have a hope, so you try again.” Anya Cheng, tech innovator and founder of AI-driven men's rental service Taelor.style Book recommendation: Choose Better: The Optimal Decision-Making Framework, by Timothy Yen On mindfulness "When you're present, you pay attention to your life…and experiencing life is how we enrich our soul, how we feel more joy.” Alessandra Chiareli, a mindfulness and leadership expert passionate about solar eclipses Book recommendation: The Collector: A Novel, by Daniel Silva On communicating one’s true value "Everything isn't perfect. But you know what? I'm not going to give up." "I am glad that no matter how dark it got, that I kept moving forward. And I dreamed bigger." Precious Williams, a pitch master, international professional speaker, best-selling author, and the founder and CEO of the Perfect Pitch Group. Book recommendation: The Ultimate Sales Machine: Turbocharge Your Business with Relentless Focus on 12 Key Strategies, by Chet Holmes On holistic healing "You have the answers. And even if it seems like it's scary, the reality is, when you lean into it, it's usually the best thing you could have ever done." Jennifer Froemel, a bilingual Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) passionate about holistic healing, bilingualism and pro bono therapy. On the power of pause “Our limits are not barriers, but rather signposts guiding us towards more sustainable paths to our goals.” “As phenomenal women, we thrive on challenges, but let's not forget the power of pause. It’s in these moments of stillness that we often find our greatest insights and make the most significant strides forward.” Host Amy Boyle. Book recommendation: Awe, by Dacher Keltner As Season 2 comes to a close and we eagerly await Season 3, let us take a moment to reflect on how those trajectories compare to our own lives. Like Carolyn Federman, the founder of the Charlie Cart Project, for example, we may not know how our endeavors will end, but we move forward. Carolyn started using a mobile kitchen to improve the logistics of a class she was giving as a volunteer at her children’s school. Now, her project serves almost 500 locations, raising awareness of healthy eating habits among children. Like Carolyn, who struggled to learn about manufacturing techniques to build the carts, we all face obstacles. But the path gets a little easier if we have a clear “why” for whatever we want to accomplish. A friend once told me the best step is the one we give. We’ll always learn something. From our failures and achievements. Carolina Baldin is a freelance journalist from Brazil. Having worked in law, policy and regulation, she is passionate about everyday stories that illustrate larger issues. She graduated from a master's program at Northwestern University in 2023 and became a guest blogger on the "Speaking of Phenomenal" podcast blog in March 2024.

In the latest episode of the "Speaking of Phenomenal" podcast, host Amy Boyle interviews Lisa Dietlin, a philanthropy expert, author and keynote speaker who is transforming the nonprofit sector in the U.S. by helping people and organizations make a difference every day. Having decided to move from political fundraising to philanthropy on a day she was supposed to distribute yard signs in the rain, Lisa founded "The Institute Of Transformational Philanthropy" and became one of the most influential philanthropy advisors in the nation. The U.S. Department of State named her a Fulbright Specialist last year. Between laughs and meaningful reflections, Lisa joyfully shares her path from being a political fundraiser to helping innovate the nonprofit sector's status. She also highlights the importance of giving from the heart, which can transform the lives of the giver and the receiver. With a positive tone, Lisa gives practical tips on how to make giving more human-centric in our lives and describes accessible steps like discovering our passions and creating a concrete plan of action that can be more elaborate or simply infused in our everyday lives. Her creativity, boldness and passion for giving prompted her to form a committee with experts from all over the U.S. to help build a national framework for the nonprofit sector so that all employees in this field can receive fair wages and benefits while they work to solve some of the country's hardest issues. A woman who chooses happiness daily, Lisa reveals her recipe for joy: to get out of her own way and think of the needs of others without sacrificing her own self-care and hour-long walks by herself. Inspired by the advice she gives in her book "The Power of Three: How to Achieve Your Goals by Simply Doing Three Things a Day," she encourages the listener to be audacious and vulnerable in their enterprises and not to be afraid of the "no" but excited with the possibility of the "yes." Carolina Baldin is a freelance journalist from Brazil. Having worked in law, policy and regulation, she is passionate about everyday stories that illustrate larger issues. She graduated from a master's program at Northwestern University in 2023 and became a guest blogger on the "Speaking of Phenomenal" podcast blog in March 2024.

For Episode 7 of the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast, host Amy Boyle interviews Illinois-based therapist Jennifer Froemel, a bilingual Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) passionate about holistic healing, bilingualism and pro bono therapy. In 2014, Jennifer founded Innovative Counseling Partners, PLCC, where she integrates medical, alternative, and spiritual approaches to support her clients' well-being. Last year, after hiking to Mount Everest Base Camp and falling in love with the Nepali people, Jennifer started to plan an expansion of her services to Kathmandu and Nepal to provide free mental health support for their underserved communities. Jennifer, who began her journey as a therapist in community mental health centers, shares how her role as a parent and challenges with her son's well-being and performance at school made her want to learn more about different methodologies. She became familiar with methods like somatic-based intervention, which helps clients shift their way of thinking, and started to apply those strategies in the treatment of her clients. Logistic and funding difficulties in community mental health made her found Innovative Counseling Partners, PLCC, in partnership with a pediatric occupational therapist and a nutrition response physician. For Jennifer, therapy is more than a space to discuss relationships. In this episode, she explains how factors like our food habits, sleep hygiene and financial situation can affect our well-being. Regarding food, she described the hard work it takes to make clients believe in the importance of diet for mental health. She enjoys the challenge and doesn't mind spending 45 minutes discussing how consuming almond butter is better than peanut butter for a child with ADHD. She also highlights the importance of pro bono therapy and discusses her work with communities like Cicero, Aurora and Glendale Heights and her recent partnership with CommunityHealth, a volunteer-based health center that, among other initiatives, assesses the needs of immigrant communities. "I believe everyone deserves access to good mental health care providers," Jennifer says, adding that having Spanish-speaking therapists helps clients who are immigrants feel understood and welcomed. "I am bilingual myself and it's so important to me, I think, to realize that the world is bigger than just English speaking." As a final piece of advice, Jennifer invites us to listen to ourselves. "You have the answers. And even if it seems like it's scary, the reality is, when you lean into it, it's usually the best thing you could have ever done." Carolina Baldin is a freelance journalist from Brazil. Having worked in law, policy and regulation, she is passionate about everyday stories that illustrate larger issues. She graduated from a master's program at Northwestern University in 2023 and became a guest blogger on the "Speaking of Phenomenal" podcast blog in March 2024.

In this episode of the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Precious Williams, a pitch master, international professional speaker, best-selling author, and the founder and CEO of the Perfect Pitch Group. Her story is one of resilience and transformation, as she went from battling severe financial, personal, and health struggles to winning half a million dollars at Shark Tank with a 54-second pitch and becoming the # KillerPitchMaster. In this masterclass, Precious shares with host Amy Boyle the invaluable lessons she learned from her unique life experiences. From being an unwanted child to becoming a lawyer in New York, she ultimately discovered her talent for pitching, communicating, and helping others "unlock the gift of speaking and pitching." "I want to do all the things that no one expects the little girl from the hood to be able to do," was her thought as a child, which led her to leave Saint Louis and pursue a career as an attorney. She attended Georgetown University Law Center on a full scholarship, then finished her studies at Rutgers School of Law in Newark and passed the bar exam. While applying to Georgetown, Precious learned how to make people see she deserved to be there, "to be able to articulate and to put it down on paper." But being in the courtroom for 40 years wasn't exactly her dream, and Precious eventually "embraced being the killer." She abandoned her career and decided to pitch an idea for a plus-size lingerie company at Shark Tank, winning half a million dollars. But she had challenges. Her boyfriend died, she couldn't take care of the company on her own and eventually lost everything. She struggled with homelessness and alcoholism (she is now seven years sober). "I am glad that no matter how dark it got, that I kept moving forward. And I dreamed bigger." Precious's mission is to empower her clients to recognize and articulate their unique values. She encourages them to step into their 'zone of genius,' to be innovative and creative. "We're witnessing people living their dreams. And can we do it? Yes," she says. As for the future of pitching, she reminds the listener about the importance of seeing beyond today to come up with creative and groundbreaking ideas, highlights how a personal touch can make a difference in everything we do, even in the AI era, and encourages us to foster narratives that are inspiring and realistic at the same time. Just like hers. "Everything isn't perfect. But you know what? I'm not going to give up." Carolina Baldin is a freelance journalist from Brazil. Having worked in law, policy and regulation, she is passionate about everyday stories that illustrate larger issues. She graduated from a master's program at Northwestern University in 2023 and became a guest blogger on the "Speaking of Phenomenal" podcast blog in March 2024.

In the latest episode of the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, host Amy Boyle welcomes entrepreneur Anupy Singla, the founder of lifestyle and food company Indian as Apple Pie and author of four cookbooks on Indian cuisine. For the past 10 years, Anupy has shared Indian recipes and encouraged the use of fresh spices with one main goal: to promote the authenticity of Indian food as a way of connecting to one's cultural roots. Born in India and raised outside of Philadelphia, Anupy took her first cooking lesson from her grandfather, who was born in a small village in India, during one of his visits to her childhood home. She fell in love with Indian cuisine. Years later, after becoming a mom and facing the daily challenge of putting healthy and tasty food on the table, she left her career in broadcast journalism and pursued her passion for cooking and Indian food. "When you're giving your kids your culture, you can give it to them on a plate and they don't even realize it, but it just instills this love of their culture and their roots in them." What started as a blog where she casually shared her life evolved into an educational and retail platform where Anupy employs systematic recipe testing and facilitates access to fresh spices made in the U.S. and shipped from Chicago. Coming from a professional background unrelated to cooking, she bravely embraced the challenges of entrepreneurship, taking a hands-on approach to her business and getting involved with all parts of the process, from recipe testing to dealing with customers. Anupy's career transition shows that the skills learned in another profession are never wasted. In this episode, she shares how her writing and reporting skills helped her clarify misconceptions about Indian spices and cooking methods. Curry powder is not used in India. Black pepper and white pepper are the same thing. Passionate about healthy eating, she has also investigated ways to make Indian food even healthier through alternative cooking methods like air-frying and baking instead of deep-frying. "My goal is not to get folks addicted to sugar or salt. It's to get them addicted to the delicious food that is in the container." As someone who wants to "always be striving for more," Anupy is now expanding her business to frozen food and will also lead a food tour to Northern India in February 2025. Her trajectory from a professional journalist to a mom and then to an entrepreneur inspires us to make the most of our needs and those of people we care about with creativity and passion. When faced with challenges in your path, what is your approach? Carolina Baldin is a freelance journalist from Brazil. Having worked in law, policy and regulation, she is passionate about everyday stories that illustrate larger issues. She graduated from a master's program at Northwestern University in 2023 and became a guest blogger on the "Speaking of Phenomenal" podcast blog in March 2024. Chicago Magazine and original 52 Phenomenal Women post on Anupy Singla.

In the latest episode of the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast, host Amy Boyle talks to mindfulness champion Alessandra Chiareli, Ph.D. Alessandra, a 2018 original Phenomenal Woman, shares her journey from stress, burnout and heart issues to finding healing through daily meditation. "I learned so much about myself and about the power of presence to help us make the most of the life that is in front of us." She describes how this experience inspired her to blend mindfulness and leadership at 3M, where she worked for 30 years. With her unique perspective as a trained scientist and a self-proclaimed “eclipse chaser,” Alessandra shows how events like the recent solar eclipse on April 8 can serve as powerful opportunities to practice mindfulness. She reminds us that only by mastering the art of being present can we effectively manage stress, heal from past and future anxieties and connect with our best selves. "That's what it's all about. How can we be our best to make a difference?" But Alessandra's path to witnessing the eclipse was not without its challenges. She and her husband, who had also seen the 2017 eclipse in Nashville, faced an Airbnb cancellation in Mazatlán, Mexico (a popular viewing spot this year), unpredictable weather conditions and an 11-hour last-minute trip to another town. Despite these difficulties, they were able to witness and document the eclipse. "You just keep remembering that it was so worth it." She also gives practical tips on how to enjoy eclipses: Book your flights and hotel in advance (for her, hotels are more reliable than Airbnb). Research the path of totality and cloud coverage. Don't let the effort to document the phenomenon distract you from what is happening right before your eyes. Be flexible. As Alessandra prepares for another eclipse adventure, which will take place in Spain in 2026 and should last about a minute, she becomes less worried about documenting it and more focused on the experience. She wants to see the "diamond ring," a flash of light right before the moon covers the sun. She missed it in Nashville and Mexico. "That power of presence to be in the moment, to be there enjoying each second of that amazing experience is going to be something that I'll be cultivating so that I can be my best self open to that incredible phenomenon." For Alessandra, a solar eclipse is "a moment that pulls all of our attention to being present." But she has also learned how to find those moments in her daily life, regardless of extraordinary phenomena. She practices meditation and breathing exercises every day. "When you're present, you pay attention to your life…and experiencing life is how we enrich our soul, how we feel more joy." How do you find those moments in your routine? Carolina Baldin is a freelance journalist from Brazil. Having worked in law, policy and regulation, she is passionate about everyday stories that illustrate larger issues. She graduated from a master's program at Northwestern University in 2023 and became a guest blogger on the "Speaking of Phenomenal" podcast blog in March 2024.

In a world rapidly pulsating with digital notifications and fast-paced interactions, a quietly profound movement is reconnecting us to the earthy, tangible elements of human kindness. This week on "Speaking of Phenomenal," we had the privilege of sharing moments with Megan Murphy, the inspired mind behind the Kindness Rocks Project. Her journey is not just about painting rocks; it's about painting lives with strokes of compassion and connection. A Journey of Solace and Joy Megan's venture began on the serene beaches of Cape Cod, where during a pivotal time in her life, she found solace in the rhythmic waves and the smooth surfaces of the rocks she stumbled upon. Each rock she painted with messages of hope and encouragement was a step towards healing. What started as a personal quest to scatter joy through these small painted stones blossomed into a global crusade, touching lives in over 90 countries—a testament to the universal language of kindness. More Than Just Rocks The essence of the Kindness Rocks Project transcends the simple act of painting rocks. It's about the smiles that unfold from unexpected discoveries. It's about the stranger who finds a rock at the perfect moment, their spirits lifted by a few heartening words. Megan’s initiative reminds us that within the vastness of our global village, the intimate human connection remains the most enduring. Environmental Stewardship with a Creative Twist As the project garnered global participation, Megan recognized the importance of nurturing our planet just as much as our spirits. She emphasizes eco-friendly practices and the 'Leave No Trace' principles, ensuring that this wave of kindness also respects the environments it touches. It’s about making a positive impact, both emotionally and ecologically. Empowering Voices Through Her’d Megan’s efforts to spread kindness don’t stop at rocky shores. She is also a Certified Professional Coach and a beacon of empowerment for women. Her latest venture, the Her’d Storytelling project, is poised to launch nationwide this fall. It aims to amplify women’s voices, sharing stories of resilience and connection, further weaving the fabric of communal empathy. The Transformative Power of Travel Megan's passion also carries her to distant lands, where she leads all-women safaris in Africa. These journeys are not just about exploring new terrains but about discovering the inner landscapes that shape us. Megan believes in the transformative power of travel and the profound insights that come when women share their stories and experiences in unison. Inviting You to Cast Your Own Stone This episode of "Speaking of Phenomenal" is an invitation—an invitation to pause, to paint, and to partake in a movement that’s as grounding as it is uplifting. Megan Murphy's story encourages us to consider our roles in the rivers of life. So, whether you find a painted rock or decide to paint one for another, remember: each small act of kindness is a pebble thrown into the pond of life, creating waves that can traverse oceans. In a bustling world, let’s not forget the phenomenal power of simple human connections and the profound changes they can bring about. Megan Murphy’s Kindness Rocks Project is a reminder that sometimes, the most impactful messages come not through screens, but through simple stones, held in our hands, carrying whispers of kindness.

By Carolina Campos Ruiz Episode 10 of the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast features Meghann Conter, the founder and chief visionary officer of The Dames, a global online network that supports businesswomen from 6 continents. Through this incubator, Meghann helps women grow to the seven or eight-figure mark in revenue or get to the C-suite in corporate while fostering work-life balance. Meghann Conter's journey with The Dames began in 2015 in Denver. She identified a gap in support for women transitioning from six to seven figures in their businesses. Her mission was to establish a community to promote higher-level positions and revenue among women, thereby increasing the number of female leaders. "When we have more money and more resources, we can make bigger differences. We can really achieve our epic missions a lot easier." With her unique blend of boldness and humor, Meghann shares her vision of reinventing leadership through vulnerability, fun and horizontal collaboration. After spending a year at improv school, she learned how to use sketch comedy to communicate complex concepts. Combining those strategies with her theatrical background from her youth and with the help of a coach, Meghann writes sketches and performs as different characters at events organized by The Dames, like its annual "funference," using edutainment to address critical issues affecting women leaders. She also teaches members how to embrace vulnerability and ask for concrete help. "We should all be able to ask for what it is that we need to take our missions to the next level." She shares inspiring stories of how The Dames' network has facilitated connections, leading to significant opportunities for its members, like one of her members, an author, who will be able to turn her book into a movie. As for the future, she dreams of creating in-person chapters in countries where it is tough for businesswomen to find support from other women who have run or led big businesses. "It's my belief that women are here to change the paradigm of business, and we are gonna change it in a big way, in a really positive way." As a woman without heroes or heroines who has been constantly encouraged to embrace her uniqueness, Meghann shows how blending courage and vulnerability and striving to become a "fuller version" of ourselves is crucial for those who want to make a difference. It's not an easy task, but it's so worth it. Carolina Baldin is a freelance journalist from Brazil. Having worked in law, policy and regulation, she is passionate about everyday stories that illustrate larger issues. She graduated from a master's program at Northwestern University in 2023 and became a guest blogger on the "Speaking of Phenomenal" podcast blog in March 2024.