There's More To Our Story Thu, 20 Aug 2026 15:00:01 -0400 https://www.theresmoretoourstory.com en-us © 2026 There's More To Our Story yes d38ac56b-c3ea-58c2-b6f0-93b319705002 Alica Gallagher episodic true Whether Art imitates Life, or the other way around, one thing for sure is those who control the stories, control the culture. And for far too long, when it comes to film and television, women have been systemically "aged out" and virtually erased from the stories that are told. This, subtly (and not so subtly) creates a culture that tells women they lose their value as they age; when in fact the exact opposite is true. As women age, our stories become more complex, far more interesting, and dare I say, inspiring. This is a podcast of stories about real women to expand the limited narratives we are told, and to explore how the way women are portrayed (or not) in film and television as they age, influences the way women are seen (or not) in our society, and how we see ourselves.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) 404729 Alica Gallagher https://storage.buzzsprout.com/madlu78d1evo32b0o0mxqmxgyve9?.jpg There's More To Our Story https://www.theresmoretoourstory.com Alica Gallagher Getting Back Up to Skate Again with Sandy Davies Getting Back Up to Skate Again with Sandy Davies Welcome back to a brand new season of There's More to Our Story podcast with return guest from Queensland, Australia Sandy Davies.  It was no accident that Alica chose Sandy Davies as her first guest to return to the podcast.  Sandy once again shares her sparkle, her wisdom, her generous heart, and an inspiring personal story about when her 6-year-old self learned about getting back up.  Together they discuss friendship; life resets; chapter endings; new beginnings; and the often times much needed pauses in between. A conversation that reminds us it's ok and often time necessary to find joy when life can feel heavy, and the import role artists and storytellers have during challenging times.     

About The Guest: Sandy Davies

Positive ageing advocate and author Sandy Davies calls Australia’s ancient Daintree rainforest home.

Born and raised in the American Midwest in the state of Kansas, Sandy immigrated to Australia on a Rotary Fellowship in the 1990s to do her master’s degree in social justice at the University of New South Wales in Sydney.

After graduate school, tourism beckoned. Sandy operated an adventure tourism business with her soul mate on World Heritage Listed K’Gari for decades before semi-retiring to the tropical idylls of Far North Queensland.

You may remember Sandy from her years of producing HappyPause™ Balm. While you’ll no longer find HappyPause™ on the shelves of your favourite pharmacy, Sandy’s passion for smashing the stigma around menopause hasn’t waned.

Sandy is a harbinger of joy. Her contagious enthusiasm and life stories reaffirm that we all have the capacity to live our dreams, no matter our age.

Sandy has authored many projects, but the one closest to her heart is the book The Power to Rise Above. The stories within its pages serve as proof of the strength within each of us. Sandy is a firm believer that joy always returns if only we let her in.

You can find Sandy on LinkedIn or follow her happy vibe on Insta @thepowertoriseabove and @happypause_menopause

You can also listen to her previous episodes here:

From Kansas to Queensland: A Journey of Inspiration, Resilience, and "Magic"

Group Discussion on the film "Good Luck to You, Leo Grande"



]]> Welcome back to a brand new season of There's More to Our Story podcast with return guest from Queensland, Australia Sandy Davies.  It was no accident that Alica chose Sandy Davies as her first guest to return to the podcast.  Sandy once again shares her sparkle, her wisdom, her generous heart, and an inspiring personal story about when her 6-year-old self learned about getting back up.  Together they discuss friendship; life resets; chapter endings; new beginnings; and the often times much needed pauses in between. A conversation that reminds us it's ok and often time necessary to find joy when life can feel heavy, and the import role artists and storytellers have during challenging times.     

About The Guest: Sandy Davies

Positive ageing advocate and author Sandy Davies calls Australia’s ancient Daintree rainforest home.

Born and raised in the American Midwest in the state of Kansas, Sandy immigrated to Australia on a Rotary Fellowship in the 1990s to do her master’s degree in social justice at the University of New South Wales in Sydney.

After graduate school, tourism beckoned. Sandy operated an adventure tourism business with her soul mate on World Heritage Listed K’Gari for decades before semi-retiring to the tropical idylls of Far North Queensland.

You may remember Sandy from her years of producing HappyPause™ Balm. While you’ll no longer find HappyPause™ on the shelves of your favourite pharmacy, Sandy’s passion for smashing the stigma around menopause hasn’t waned.

Sandy is a harbinger of joy. Her contagious enthusiasm and life stories reaffirm that we all have the capacity to live our dreams, no matter our age.

Sandy has authored many projects, but the one closest to her heart is the book The Power to Rise Above. The stories within its pages serve as proof of the strength within each of us. Sandy is a firm believer that joy always returns if only we let her in.

You can find Sandy on LinkedIn or follow her happy vibe on Insta @thepowertoriseabove and @happypause_menopause

You can also listen to her previous episodes here:

From Kansas to Queensland: A Journey of Inspiration, Resilience, and "Magic"

Group Discussion on the film "Good Luck to You, Leo Grande"



]]> Alica Gallagher Buzzsprout-19628306 Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0700 3072 2 1 full false Trying to Capture the Moon Trying to Capture the Moon This is another special solo episode with host Alica Gallagher following up on her last one about the election on November 5th.  It wasn’t the result she was hoping for, and it’s been a rollercoaster of emotions for her since election night.  

She chose to record a follow up episode to help process her own thoughts and feelings about all of it, and thought her story might be relatable to someone else out there.

She shares how the arts provided her a much needed place of refuge and comfort as she tried to regain her center, and how the words of Toni Morrison reminded her of the critical role artists and storytellers have in our society, especially during challenging times.  

And she explains how the lessons she learned while trying to capture a photo of the moon with her cell phone have given her a way to navigate this vulnerable moment and find her way forward, one small step at a time.   

]]> This is another special solo episode with host Alica Gallagher following up on her last one about the election on November 5th.  It wasn’t the result she was hoping for, and it’s been a rollercoaster of emotions for her since election night.  

She chose to record a follow up episode to help process her own thoughts and feelings about all of it, and thought her story might be relatable to someone else out there.

She shares how the arts provided her a much needed place of refuge and comfort as she tried to regain her center, and how the words of Toni Morrison reminded her of the critical role artists and storytellers have in our society, especially during challenging times.  

And she explains how the lessons she learned while trying to capture a photo of the moon with her cell phone have given her a way to navigate this vulnerable moment and find her way forward, one small step at a time.   

]]> Alica Gallagher Buzzsprout-16149145 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0800 1045 full false Why I Support Vice President Kamala Harris for President - Special Solo Episode with Alica Gallagher Why I Support Vice President Kamala Harris for President - Special Solo Episode with Alica Gallagher This is a special personal solo episode with host Alica Gallagher discussing the election on November 5th in the United States and why she is whole-heartedly supporting Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz as the next President and Vice President of the United States.
 
Because of the unprecedented moment we find ourselves on the eve of an incredibly consequential election and the historic nature of this moment, Alica felt that recording a special stand-alone episode on the topic of the election was not only important and necessary, but also appropriate and very much aligned with the mission of the podcast There's More To Our Story. 

]]> This is a special personal solo episode with host Alica Gallagher discussing the election on November 5th in the United States and why she is whole-heartedly supporting Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz as the next President and Vice President of the United States.
 
Because of the unprecedented moment we find ourselves on the eve of an incredibly consequential election and the historic nature of this moment, Alica felt that recording a special stand-alone episode on the topic of the election was not only important and necessary, but also appropriate and very much aligned with the mission of the podcast There's More To Our Story. 

]]> Alica Gallagher Buzzsprout-16049320 Mon, 04 Nov 2024 18:00:00 -0800 987 full false AI and the Arts - Solo Episode with Alica Gallagher AI and the Arts - Solo Episode with Alica Gallagher A solo episode with host, Alica Gallagher, discussing her personal thoughts about AI and Generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) specifically with regards to its application in the Arts and the Entertainment industry.   This is a very important topic in the Entertainment industry right now and it is just one of several issues that are front and center for both the The Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA with their contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).  
 
 As someone who considers herself a creative person, an artist, who has spent a significant amount of time in her life working on and developing skills and finding ways to explore and express her creativity... as a singer, an actress, producer, storyteller and now yes, as a podcast host... Alica wanted to dedicate an episode to this topic and share her personal thoughts about it.  She felt compelled to share her concerns about this emerging technology, and what she sees as some potential risks and unintended consequences if it is misused or misapplied, especially when talking about the creative arts.  

]]> A solo episode with host, Alica Gallagher, discussing her personal thoughts about AI and Generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) specifically with regards to its application in the Arts and the Entertainment industry.   This is a very important topic in the Entertainment industry right now and it is just one of several issues that are front and center for both the The Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA with their contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).  
 
 As someone who considers herself a creative person, an artist, who has spent a significant amount of time in her life working on and developing skills and finding ways to explore and express her creativity... as a singer, an actress, producer, storyteller and now yes, as a podcast host... Alica wanted to dedicate an episode to this topic and share her personal thoughts about it.  She felt compelled to share her concerns about this emerging technology, and what she sees as some potential risks and unintended consequences if it is misused or misapplied, especially when talking about the creative arts.  

]]> Alica Gallagher Buzzsprout-13129693 Wed, 28 Jun 2023 22:00:00 -0700 1294 full false "Everything Everywhere All At Once" Discussion with Return Guest Paula Toker "Everything Everywhere All At Once" Discussion with Return Guest Paula Toker "And ladies, don't let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime."  Those words were spoken by Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh, as she accepted the Oscar for Actress in Leading Role for the role of Evelyn in the Academy Award winning film Everything Everywhere All At Once.

In this episode with return guest, Paula Toker, we discuss the Academy Award winning film. We talk about how we felt watching the now Academy Award winning performances from Hollywood legends Jamie Lee Curtis and Michelle Yeoh who don’t simply dispel the myth that women lose their value as they age, but they flat out blow up the idea entirely.

The film also stars Academy Award nominee Stephanie Hsu and Academy Award winner Ke Huy Quan.  And was written and directed by the Oscar winning team of Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, also known as “Daniels.”

If you haven't had a chance to check out the film, you might want to check out the movie first and then come back to listen to the episode.   It was a fun conversation. I hope you enjoy the episode.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Paula Toker is a visual thinker, dreams in color, and thrives when brainstorming a simplified way to explain a complex issue. With more than 27 years of experience in Silicon Valley at both Cisco and Apple, she has honed her skills into her one true passion as a right-brained thinker.  She works as the Reimagined Applications Content and Messaging Campaign Lead at Cisco. She currently lives in San Cruz, CA with her twin sons.

Learn more about Paula Toker and listen to her previous episodes here:

Curiosity, Inner Strength, and the "What if's" on the Road to Self with Paula Toker 



]]> "And ladies, don't let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime."  Those words were spoken by Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh, as she accepted the Oscar for Actress in Leading Role for the role of Evelyn in the Academy Award winning film Everything Everywhere All At Once.

In this episode with return guest, Paula Toker, we discuss the Academy Award winning film. We talk about how we felt watching the now Academy Award winning performances from Hollywood legends Jamie Lee Curtis and Michelle Yeoh who don’t simply dispel the myth that women lose their value as they age, but they flat out blow up the idea entirely.

The film also stars Academy Award nominee Stephanie Hsu and Academy Award winner Ke Huy Quan.  And was written and directed by the Oscar winning team of Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, also known as “Daniels.”

If you haven't had a chance to check out the film, you might want to check out the movie first and then come back to listen to the episode.   It was a fun conversation. I hope you enjoy the episode.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Paula Toker is a visual thinker, dreams in color, and thrives when brainstorming a simplified way to explain a complex issue. With more than 27 years of experience in Silicon Valley at both Cisco and Apple, she has honed her skills into her one true passion as a right-brained thinker.  She works as the Reimagined Applications Content and Messaging Campaign Lead at Cisco. She currently lives in San Cruz, CA with her twin sons.

Learn more about Paula Toker and listen to her previous episodes here:

Curiosity, Inner Strength, and the "What if's" on the Road to Self with Paula Toker 



]]> Alica Gallagher Buzzsprout-12481395 Tue, 21 Mar 2023 20:00:00 -0700 2519 full false Life Happened While I Was Making Other Plans Life Happened While I Was Making Other Plans A solo episode with host, Alica Gallagher, kicking off the return of the There's More To Our Story podcast.  Alica discusses the podcast's unexpected hiatus since the last episode. She shares how filmmaker Ryan Coogler's advice while delivering his David Lean Lecture at BAFTA inspired her to overcome her own bad habit of overthinking and get back in front of the microphone and hit record.  

]]> A solo episode with host, Alica Gallagher, kicking off the return of the There's More To Our Story podcast.  Alica discusses the podcast's unexpected hiatus since the last episode. She shares how filmmaker Ryan Coogler's advice while delivering his David Lean Lecture at BAFTA inspired her to overcome her own bad habit of overthinking and get back in front of the microphone and hit record.  

]]> Alica Gallagher Buzzsprout-12368719 Wed, 08 Mar 2023 17:00:00 -0800 503 full false Group Discussion on the film "Good Luck To You, Leo Grande" Group Discussion on the film "Good Luck To You, Leo Grande" Welcome to our very first group discussion, featuring a few of my previous guests, to discuss the film “Good Luck To You, Leo Grande.”  The film was written by Australian screenwriter Katy Brand, and directed by Australian filmmaker Sophie Hyde, and stars Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack…. you can watch this film on Hulu!

Spoiler Alert!! I want to issue a Spoiler Alert warning before you listen to the episode. We do our best not to get specific into the details of the film, but we do discuss a few plot points during our discussion that resonated with us. So, if you haven’t had a chance to watch this wonderful film, a film I personally whole-heartedly recommend, I recommend you check out the movie first, then come back to listen after you’ve had a chance to watch it.  

This is our very first group conversation, with guests joining from 5 different locations, 5 different time zones, and 2 different continents … and we worked very hard to overcome a few audio challenges we encountered at the beginning of the episode, so please be patient at the beginning.  I’m so happy to share this with you. So once again, if you haven’t seen the film yet … this is your last warning.  Enjoy the episode! 

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Learn more about Mariann Aalda and listen to her previous episodes here:

Dreaming Big, Honoring Your Gifts, and Owning Your Story - Part 1
Dreaming Big, Honoring Your Gifts, and Owning Your Story - Part 2

Learn more about Sandy Davies and listen to her previous episode here:

From Kansas to Queensland: A Journey of Inspiration, Resilience, and "Magic"

Discover more about Eleni Kelakos and listen to her previous episode here:

Use Your Voice, Share Your Story, And Change Your World

You can learn more about Cindy O'Neill and listen to her previous episode here:

A Shy Girl Who Overcame To Find Courage and Her Voice



]]> Welcome to our very first group discussion, featuring a few of my previous guests, to discuss the film “Good Luck To You, Leo Grande.”  The film was written by Australian screenwriter Katy Brand, and directed by Australian filmmaker Sophie Hyde, and stars Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack…. you can watch this film on Hulu!

Spoiler Alert!! I want to issue a Spoiler Alert warning before you listen to the episode. We do our best not to get specific into the details of the film, but we do discuss a few plot points during our discussion that resonated with us. So, if you haven’t had a chance to watch this wonderful film, a film I personally whole-heartedly recommend, I recommend you check out the movie first, then come back to listen after you’ve had a chance to watch it.  

This is our very first group conversation, with guests joining from 5 different locations, 5 different time zones, and 2 different continents … and we worked very hard to overcome a few audio challenges we encountered at the beginning of the episode, so please be patient at the beginning.  I’m so happy to share this with you. So once again, if you haven’t seen the film yet … this is your last warning.  Enjoy the episode! 

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Learn more about Mariann Aalda and listen to her previous episodes here:

Dreaming Big, Honoring Your Gifts, and Owning Your Story - Part 1
Dreaming Big, Honoring Your Gifts, and Owning Your Story - Part 2

Learn more about Sandy Davies and listen to her previous episode here:

From Kansas to Queensland: A Journey of Inspiration, Resilience, and "Magic"

Discover more about Eleni Kelakos and listen to her previous episode here:

Use Your Voice, Share Your Story, And Change Your World

You can learn more about Cindy O'Neill and listen to her previous episode here:

A Shy Girl Who Overcame To Find Courage and Her Voice



]]> Alica Gallagher Buzzsprout-11110099 Sun, 21 Aug 2022 17:00:00 -0700 4067 full false From Kansas to Queensland: A Journey of Inspiration, Resilience, and ‘Magic” – With Sandy Davies From Kansas to Queensland: A Journey of Inspiration, Resilience, and ‘Magic” – With Sandy Davies In this episode, I have the most inspiring and joyful conversation with Author and Businesswoman Sandy Davies. We talk about her journey starting from her Kansas-born roots to her current home in Queensland, Australia; to how some challenges she faced during perimenopause launched her out of semi-retirement; to her “magical” experience as an extra on the set of the teen adventure series Dive Club.  A gifted story-teller Sandy is, and what a gift the conversation turned out to be.   

About The Guest: Sandy Davies

Long before writing books and launching HappyPause™, Sandy Davies was born and raised in the American Midwest in the state of Kansas. Sandy accidentally ended up in Australia, and stayed.

Sandy’s mantra is it is never too late and you are never too old.

An allergic reaction to a treatment for intimate dryness during perimenopause launched Sandy out of semi-retirement to become the Queensland Australia based formulator and founder of award winning HappyPause™ Balm.

As a bit of a rebel who struggles taking ‘no’ for an answer, Sandy turned the lack of a simple, preservative-free natural solution for intimate dryness into her mission. The creation of HappyPause is Sandy’s ‘yes.’ A tiny pearl of HappyPause puts a spring back in your step. Creating HappyPause has brought Sandy unending joy in her second spring. 

At every chapter of life Sandy has thrived on giving back as a part of her ethos. In this HappyPause era, Sandy’s Australian Pay It Forward partner is The Period Project working to eradicate period poverty.

When not writing, packaging and processing HappyPause orders and heightening menopause awareness, Sandy enjoys helping others and spending time with her husband and their rescue dog Karma hunting nautilus shells along the fringing reefs of The Great Barrier Reef at the edge of the World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest. 

You can find more inspirational stories from Sandy in the co-authored #1 AMAZON Women & Business best seller Courage & Confidence What it Really Takes to Succeed in Business and Sacred Promise, edited by Dr Tererai Trent, Oprah Winfrey’s favourite guest of all time. Sandy’s anthology The Power to Rise Above about resilience and teenage bullying will be available in late 2022.

Show Notes

Read more about Sandy's "Magical" experience as an extra on the set of the teen/family drama Dive Club here.

Learn more about Sandy's award winning balm HappyPause.

Facebook | Instagram

Follow Sandy

Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn



]]> In this episode, I have the most inspiring and joyful conversation with Author and Businesswoman Sandy Davies. We talk about her journey starting from her Kansas-born roots to her current home in Queensland, Australia; to how some challenges she faced during perimenopause launched her out of semi-retirement; to her “magical” experience as an extra on the set of the teen adventure series Dive Club.  A gifted story-teller Sandy is, and what a gift the conversation turned out to be.   

About The Guest: Sandy Davies

Long before writing books and launching HappyPause™, Sandy Davies was born and raised in the American Midwest in the state of Kansas. Sandy accidentally ended up in Australia, and stayed.

Sandy’s mantra is it is never too late and you are never too old.

An allergic reaction to a treatment for intimate dryness during perimenopause launched Sandy out of semi-retirement to become the Queensland Australia based formulator and founder of award winning HappyPause™ Balm.

As a bit of a rebel who struggles taking ‘no’ for an answer, Sandy turned the lack of a simple, preservative-free natural solution for intimate dryness into her mission. The creation of HappyPause is Sandy’s ‘yes.’ A tiny pearl of HappyPause puts a spring back in your step. Creating HappyPause has brought Sandy unending joy in her second spring. 

At every chapter of life Sandy has thrived on giving back as a part of her ethos. In this HappyPause era, Sandy’s Australian Pay It Forward partner is The Period Project working to eradicate period poverty.

When not writing, packaging and processing HappyPause orders and heightening menopause awareness, Sandy enjoys helping others and spending time with her husband and their rescue dog Karma hunting nautilus shells along the fringing reefs of The Great Barrier Reef at the edge of the World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest. 

You can find more inspirational stories from Sandy in the co-authored #1 AMAZON Women & Business best seller Courage & Confidence What it Really Takes to Succeed in Business and Sacred Promise, edited by Dr Tererai Trent, Oprah Winfrey’s favourite guest of all time. Sandy’s anthology The Power to Rise Above about resilience and teenage bullying will be available in late 2022.

Show Notes

Read more about Sandy's "Magical" experience as an extra on the set of the teen/family drama Dive Club here.

Learn more about Sandy's award winning balm HappyPause.

Facebook | Instagram

Follow Sandy

Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn



]]> Alica Gallagher Buzzsprout-10826211 Mon, 11 Jul 2022 15:00:00 -0700 3761 1 8 full false A Shy Girl Who Overcame To Find Courage and Her Voice with Cindy O'Neill A Shy Girl Who Overcame To Find Courage and Her Voice with Cindy O'Neill In this episode, I talk with my friend Cindy O'Neill from Haddam, Connecticut. Cindy shares her story about being a shy girl who overcame and found the courage within her to share her voice - in two languages no less!  And even after "retirement", she's not done yet!  We cover a lot of different topics during the conversation, and I think Cindy’s story will resonate with a lot of people out there. So, I was thrilled when she agreed to be my guest for an episode.

About the Guest:

Cindy O’Neill is the Director of Programs for the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies. She joined CCFSA after making her mark in the private sector in various leadership roles. Cindy became interested in working in the non-profit arena after volunteering for CCFSA on an outreach effort for their Victims of Crime Act - Case Management Program.  She is excited to be making positive contributions to the families of Connecticut through her work. 

Educated at Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, she graduated magna cum laude after spending a year studying abroad in Spain. As well as Spain, she has lived in Mexico City, Mexico; Syracuse, NY; Baltimore, MD, and now resides in Connecticut with her husband Brian, where they are long-standing members of the Haddam Historical Society and where Cindy serves on the Board of Directors. 

In addition to helping facilitate well-being for the families of Connecticut, Cindy and her husband believe in taking care of their mental and physical health through nutrition and exercise. They have four children and six grandchildren. 

]]> In this episode, I talk with my friend Cindy O'Neill from Haddam, Connecticut. Cindy shares her story about being a shy girl who overcame and found the courage within her to share her voice - in two languages no less!  And even after "retirement", she's not done yet!  We cover a lot of different topics during the conversation, and I think Cindy’s story will resonate with a lot of people out there. So, I was thrilled when she agreed to be my guest for an episode.

About the Guest:

Cindy O’Neill is the Director of Programs for the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies. She joined CCFSA after making her mark in the private sector in various leadership roles. Cindy became interested in working in the non-profit arena after volunteering for CCFSA on an outreach effort for their Victims of Crime Act - Case Management Program.  She is excited to be making positive contributions to the families of Connecticut through her work. 

Educated at Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, she graduated magna cum laude after spending a year studying abroad in Spain. As well as Spain, she has lived in Mexico City, Mexico; Syracuse, NY; Baltimore, MD, and now resides in Connecticut with her husband Brian, where they are long-standing members of the Haddam Historical Society and where Cindy serves on the Board of Directors. 

In addition to helping facilitate well-being for the families of Connecticut, Cindy and her husband believe in taking care of their mental and physical health through nutrition and exercise. They have four children and six grandchildren. 

]]> Alica Gallagher Buzzsprout-10674878 Tue, 24 May 2022 11:00:00 -0700 3844 1 7 full false Curiosity, Inner Strength, and the "What If's" on the Road to Self with Paula Toker Curiosity, Inner Strength, and the "What If's" on the Road to Self with Paula Toker In this episode my guest Paula Toker and I discuss how sometimes life’s journeys unfold in ways we didn’t imagine and don’t always match the stories we have in our heads. But in those moments when we don’t always know what’s next, if we are open to following our curiosity a bit, and considering the words “What if”, the path may just end up leading us to discover our true selves.

Paula's Bio:

Paula Toker is a visual thinker, who dreams in color, and thrives when brainstorming a simplified way to explain a complex issue. With more than 27 years of experience in Silicon Valley at both Cisco and Apple, she has honed her skills into her one true passion as a right-brained thinker: Thought leadership and Creative Lead for Networking at Cisco.  She currently lives and works in San Jose, CA with her twin sons.

]]> In this episode my guest Paula Toker and I discuss how sometimes life’s journeys unfold in ways we didn’t imagine and don’t always match the stories we have in our heads. But in those moments when we don’t always know what’s next, if we are open to following our curiosity a bit, and considering the words “What if”, the path may just end up leading us to discover our true selves.

Paula's Bio:

Paula Toker is a visual thinker, who dreams in color, and thrives when brainstorming a simplified way to explain a complex issue. With more than 27 years of experience in Silicon Valley at both Cisco and Apple, she has honed her skills into her one true passion as a right-brained thinker: Thought leadership and Creative Lead for Networking at Cisco.  She currently lives and works in San Jose, CA with her twin sons.

]]> Alica Gallagher Buzzsprout-10507563 Tue, 26 Apr 2022 08:00:00 -0700 4772 1 6 full false Rewriting the Stories Inside My Head with Alica Gallagher Rewriting the Stories Inside My Head with Alica Gallagher A solo episode with Alica. It's been four weeks since the launch of the podcast There's More To Our Story.  Alica reflects back and shares what she's experienced and has learned those first four weeks. And discusses how she's learning to overcome and rewrite some old narratives playing inside her head.  

]]> A solo episode with Alica. It's been four weeks since the launch of the podcast There's More To Our Story.  Alica reflects back and shares what she's experienced and has learned those first four weeks. And discusses how she's learning to overcome and rewrite some old narratives playing inside her head.  

]]> Alica Gallagher Buzzsprout-10373917 Mon, 04 Apr 2022 03:00:00 -0700 1180 1 5 full false Use Your Voice, Share Your Story, And Change Your World with Eleni Kelakos Use Your Voice, Share Your Story, And Change Your World with Eleni Kelakos I sat down with my dear friend and immensely talented friend, Eleni Kelakos.  We discuss her incredible life’s journey (so far) as a professional actress, singer and songwriter, author, and professional trainer, and motivational speaker.  We cover a wide range of topics, dive into her latest book, Claim the Stage! A Woman’s Guide To Speaking Up, Standing Out, and Taking Leadership, and talk about the importance of storytelling and sharing our voices with the world.  There’s also a special treat at the end of the podcast, so please listen to the very end.

Eleni Kelakos

She has spent a lifetime on stage:  First, as a professional actress in New York and Hollywood; then as an award-winning, nationally touring singer and songwriter; and finally, as a professional trainer and motivational speaker, inspiring people to bring their Transformational Presence to their lives, their work and words.

Since 2003, when she founded The Eleni Group, Eleni has helped countless individuals at companies like General Motors, Google, and Allstate be more relaxed and relatable when they pitch and present.

When she’s not coaching or training a global clientele, Eleni practices what she preaches, firing up hearts and minds with her signature keynote presentations at conferences and events.

A double major in Theatre and Semiotics from Brown University, Eleni is a past president of the National Speakers Association of Michigan. She has produced four CD’s of original songs, and was a finalist in several prestigious national songwriting competitions. Her songs have been featured in the film Jill and Jac, and danced to by America’s Got Talent semi-finalist Beth Ann Robinson.
 
 Eleni’s book, Touch the Sky: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Truth, Make Your Mark, was a gold medal winner of the 2014 Global e-Book Awards. She recently released Claim the Stage! A Woman’s Guide To Speaking Up, Standing Out, and Taking Leadership, which reached #1 Amazon Bestseller status. Eleni lives happily with her husband, Jim, and two constantly shedding cats, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Follow Eleni: The Eleni Group | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Pinterest

Eleni's Books: Claim the Stage!
 Whether you want to step onto larger stages or share your voice more in meetings or conversations, one thing is certain: Your voice cannot be heard if you choose to silence it. Now is the time for you to claim the stage and step fully into the spotlight as a woman and leader, so you can share your gifts, wisdom, and perspective with others.
 
 Through her seven-phase Claim the Stage Cycle, you’ll learn tools and techniques to help amp up your confidence, steady your resolve (and your nerves), and prepare you to shine in the spotlight moments that can define your life and your career.

Eleni's Music:
You can find Eleni’s original songs I Will Fly, The Tallest Poppy, and Eleni's other original music on Apple Music, SoundCloud and CDBaby.

]]> I sat down with my dear friend and immensely talented friend, Eleni Kelakos.  We discuss her incredible life’s journey (so far) as a professional actress, singer and songwriter, author, and professional trainer, and motivational speaker.  We cover a wide range of topics, dive into her latest book, Claim the Stage! A Woman’s Guide To Speaking Up, Standing Out, and Taking Leadership, and talk about the importance of storytelling and sharing our voices with the world.  There’s also a special treat at the end of the podcast, so please listen to the very end.

Eleni Kelakos

She has spent a lifetime on stage:  First, as a professional actress in New York and Hollywood; then as an award-winning, nationally touring singer and songwriter; and finally, as a professional trainer and motivational speaker, inspiring people to bring their Transformational Presence to their lives, their work and words.

Since 2003, when she founded The Eleni Group, Eleni has helped countless individuals at companies like General Motors, Google, and Allstate be more relaxed and relatable when they pitch and present.

When she’s not coaching or training a global clientele, Eleni practices what she preaches, firing up hearts and minds with her signature keynote presentations at conferences and events.

A double major in Theatre and Semiotics from Brown University, Eleni is a past president of the National Speakers Association of Michigan. She has produced four CD’s of original songs, and was a finalist in several prestigious national songwriting competitions. Her songs have been featured in the film Jill and Jac, and danced to by America’s Got Talent semi-finalist Beth Ann Robinson.
 
 Eleni’s book, Touch the Sky: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Truth, Make Your Mark, was a gold medal winner of the 2014 Global e-Book Awards. She recently released Claim the Stage! A Woman’s Guide To Speaking Up, Standing Out, and Taking Leadership, which reached #1 Amazon Bestseller status. Eleni lives happily with her husband, Jim, and two constantly shedding cats, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Follow Eleni: The Eleni Group | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Pinterest

Eleni's Books: Claim the Stage!
 Whether you want to step onto larger stages or share your voice more in meetings or conversations, one thing is certain: Your voice cannot be heard if you choose to silence it. Now is the time for you to claim the stage and step fully into the spotlight as a woman and leader, so you can share your gifts, wisdom, and perspective with others.
 
 Through her seven-phase Claim the Stage Cycle, you’ll learn tools and techniques to help amp up your confidence, steady your resolve (and your nerves), and prepare you to shine in the spotlight moments that can define your life and your career.

Eleni's Music:
You can find Eleni’s original songs I Will Fly, The Tallest Poppy, and Eleni's other original music on Apple Music, SoundCloud and CDBaby.

]]> Alica Gallagher Buzzsprout-10319046 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 13:00:00 -0700 3703 1 4 full false Dreaming Big, Honoring Your Gifts, And Owning Your Story with Mariann Aalda - Part 2 Dreaming Big, Honoring Your Gifts, And Owning Your Story with Mariann Aalda - Part 2 This is part 2 of my interview with my dear friend and wonderfully talented actress Mariann Aalda.  In this episode, Mariann share’s more stories from her wonderful career, and discusses how her career took a dramatic shift as she got older.  It’s a varied and insightful discussion covering topics of aging, the industry, navigating life’s ever-changing landscapes, and doing what we do for the love of it. 

About The Guest:  Mariann Aalda | Follow my Instagram

In 1981, Mariann Aalda became one of the first African-American daytime soap opera heroines, the feisty, young criminal defense attorney DiDi Bannister on ABC's Edge of Night. But these days she’s prosecuting ageism with a TEDx Talk, a solo show, and as an AARP Age Disruptor.  

Her 30-yr TV career highlights also include co-starring opposite Redd Foxx and Della Reese as their daughter, Elizabeth, on the CBS sitcom, The Royal Family; recurring as Lita Ford, Anthony’s yuppie-from-hell girlfriend on CBS’ Designing Women, and co-starring opposite O.J. Simpson as his wife, Ellen for three seasons on the HBO dramedy, First & 10. 

But all that came to a screeching halt when Mariann committed the most unpardonable sin a woman can make in Hollywood…she got old.

]]> This is part 2 of my interview with my dear friend and wonderfully talented actress Mariann Aalda.  In this episode, Mariann share’s more stories from her wonderful career, and discusses how her career took a dramatic shift as she got older.  It’s a varied and insightful discussion covering topics of aging, the industry, navigating life’s ever-changing landscapes, and doing what we do for the love of it. 

About The Guest:  Mariann Aalda | Follow my Instagram

In 1981, Mariann Aalda became one of the first African-American daytime soap opera heroines, the feisty, young criminal defense attorney DiDi Bannister on ABC's Edge of Night. But these days she’s prosecuting ageism with a TEDx Talk, a solo show, and as an AARP Age Disruptor.  

Her 30-yr TV career highlights also include co-starring opposite Redd Foxx and Della Reese as their daughter, Elizabeth, on the CBS sitcom, The Royal Family; recurring as Lita Ford, Anthony’s yuppie-from-hell girlfriend on CBS’ Designing Women, and co-starring opposite O.J. Simpson as his wife, Ellen for three seasons on the HBO dramedy, First & 10. 

But all that came to a screeching halt when Mariann committed the most unpardonable sin a woman can make in Hollywood…she got old.

]]> Alica Gallagher Buzzsprout-10277500 Fri, 18 Mar 2022 20:00:00 -0700 4491 1 3 full false Dreaming Big, Honoring Your Gifts, And Owning Your Story with Mariann Aalda - Part 1 Dreaming Big, Honoring Your Gifts, And Owning Your Story with Mariann Aalda - Part 1 This is part 1 of my interview with my dear friend and wonderfully talented actress Mariann Aalda.  In this episode, Mariann talks about growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, pursuing her dreams of being an actress, and the beginnings of her trailblazing 30-yr career when she was cast as Didi Bannister on ABC's Edge of Night.

About The Guest:  Mariann Aalda | Follow my Instagram

In 1981, Mariann Aalda became one of the first African-American daytime soap opera heroines, the feisty, young criminal defense attorney DiDi Bannister on ABC's Edge of Night. But these days she’s prosecuting ageism with a TEDx Talk, a solo show, and as an AARP Age Disruptor.  

Her 30-yr TV career highlights also include co-starring opposite Redd Foxx and Della Reese as their daughter, Elizabeth, on the CBS sitcom, The Royal Family; recurring as Lita Ford, Anthony’s yuppie-from-hell girlfriend on CBS’ Designing Women, and co-starring opposite O.J. Simpson as his wife, Ellen for three seasons on the HBO dramedy, First & 10. 

But all that came to a screeching halt when Mariann committed the most unpardonable sin a woman can make in Hollywood…she got old.

]]> This is part 1 of my interview with my dear friend and wonderfully talented actress Mariann Aalda.  In this episode, Mariann talks about growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, pursuing her dreams of being an actress, and the beginnings of her trailblazing 30-yr career when she was cast as Didi Bannister on ABC's Edge of Night.

About The Guest:  Mariann Aalda | Follow my Instagram

In 1981, Mariann Aalda became one of the first African-American daytime soap opera heroines, the feisty, young criminal defense attorney DiDi Bannister on ABC's Edge of Night. But these days she’s prosecuting ageism with a TEDx Talk, a solo show, and as an AARP Age Disruptor.  

Her 30-yr TV career highlights also include co-starring opposite Redd Foxx and Della Reese as their daughter, Elizabeth, on the CBS sitcom, The Royal Family; recurring as Lita Ford, Anthony’s yuppie-from-hell girlfriend on CBS’ Designing Women, and co-starring opposite O.J. Simpson as his wife, Ellen for three seasons on the HBO dramedy, First & 10. 

But all that came to a screeching halt when Mariann committed the most unpardonable sin a woman can make in Hollywood…she got old.

]]> Alica Gallagher Buzzsprout-10237598 Sat, 12 Mar 2022 12:00:00 -0800 2747 1 2 full false The Journey of a Thousand Miles - A Beginning The Journey of a Thousand Miles - A Beginning  As the saying goes - "A Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

In this first episode, host and creator Alica Gallagher talks a bit about her background, shares her vision for the podcast and what she hopes to create, and invites you to join her on this new journey as the host of the new podcast There's More To Our Story.

]]>  As the saying goes - "A Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

In this first episode, host and creator Alica Gallagher talks a bit about her background, shares her vision for the podcast and what she hopes to create, and invites you to join her on this new journey as the host of the new podcast There's More To Our Story.

]]> Alica Gallagher Buzzsprout-10177384 Fri, 04 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0800 895 1 1 full false There's More To Our Story! There's More To Our Story! This is a podcast of stories about real women to expand the limited narratives we are told, and to explore how the way women are portrayed (or not) in film and television as they age, influences the way women are seen (or not) in our society, and how we see ourselves.

]]> This is a podcast of stories about real women to expand the limited narratives we are told, and to explore how the way women are portrayed (or not) in film and television as they age, influences the way women are seen (or not) in our society, and how we see ourselves.

]]> Alica Gallagher Buzzsprout-10177426 Wed, 02 Mar 2022 14:00:00 -0800 50 1 trailer false