This week, Wendy Babcock is stepping behind the mic solo for a look behind the scenes of WHEN Stories™—where it started, how it has evolved, and the unexpected transformation she’s watched happen along the way.

WHEN Stories was originally created to help speakers, coaches, and experts build the authority assets Wendy knew could make a difference: professional stage footage, a published story, podcast visibility, and content that could help them become more searchable, credible, and bookable.

But something happened that Wendy didn't anticipate.

People came for the assets.

They walked away talking about the experience.

In this episode, Wendy shares why six weeks of story development can uncover a completely different story than the one someone thought they were going to tell, what happens when a person stands on stage and declares where they've been, what they do, and where they're going, and why the process can become a new “WHEN moment” all by itself.

She also shares how WHEN Stories has evolved beyond the original stage, podcast, and anthology into Legacy Books, YouTube premieres, the Speaker Map, personalized speaking opportunities, and the Authority Trail™—creating an ecosystem designed to keep a speaker's story working long after they leave the stage.

And perhaps most importantly, Wendy talks about something she could never intentionally engineer: the invisible thread that seems to connect each cohort. People enter as strangers, begin sharing their stories, and somehow discover connections that were there all along.

This is the story behind the stories—and a look at what can happen when the right story, the right time, and the right people align.

Because the stage may be the moment.

But the story is the momentum.

ABOUT WENDY BABCOCK
Wendy Babcock is a speaker, author, and founder of WHEN Stories™ — a multimedia platform helping women transform personal stories into professional authority.

She’s a Small Business of the Year recipient, and Hollywood Independent Music Award–winning songwriter.

Her work has helped speakers, coaches, and entrepreneurs step onto stages, into books, and into visibility that actually converts.

🔗 CONNECT WITH WENDY
Website: http://wendybabcockspeaks.com

WHEN Stories™: http://whenstories.com

Facebook:   / wendybabcockpresents 

LinkedIn:   / wendybabcockspeaks 

Instagram:   / wendybabcockspeaks 

TikTok:   / genxsongsandstories 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎤 EXPERIENCE WENDY'S WOMENS IN BUSINESS EVENT
3-Day Legendary Women in Business Event:
http://legendarywib.com

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

What happens after you step off the WHEN Stories stage?

In this special Where Are They Now? episode, Wendy catches up with WHEN Stories speaker and Certified Facilitator Sharon Slack to talk about what has happened since she shared her story.

For Sharon, getting on stage wasn't just about creating a powerful talk. It changed the way she saw herself, her voice, and what she was capable of building.

Since her WHEN Story, Sharon has grown her business, landed speaking opportunities, built new collaborations, gained clients, and expanded her work through retreats, webinars, masterminds, and more. Her WHEN Story has become one of the first assets she shares with potential clients and speaking opportunities—allowing people to understand who she is and why she does the work she does before they ever get on a call.

And the impact has gone far beyond business.

Sharon shares how telling her story helped her release the shame and fear attached to parts of her past and walk off the stage with a new belief:

“Now I can do anything.”

Today, through Reclaim Her, Sharon helps women reclaim their confidence, identity, and voice. She's also bringing that work full circle as a Certified WHEN Story Facilitator, helping other women uncover, develop, and share the stories that explain who they are and why their work matters.

In this episode, Wendy and Sharon talk about the ripple effect that can happen when you stop treating your story as something that happened to you—and start using it as an asset that continues working for you long after you leave the stage.

About Sharon Slack

Sharon Slack is a dynamic motivational speaker and Health & Wellness Strategist who turned her personal health crisis into a catalyst for change.

After facing health challenges that were dismissed by traditional medicine and being told there was nothing else that could be done, Sharon embarked on a journey to reclaim her own health, leading her to discover the power of holistic wellness.

With more than 12 years of experience in the nursing field, Sharon now uses her nurturing experience and insights to empower women who have felt overlooked by doctors or told there's nothing more that can be done. Her approach focuses on the whole person and holistic health solutions that encompass both mental and physical well-being.

Sharon's commitment to personal growth, wellness, and mentoring extends beyond her own journey. She is passionate about helping women reclaim their confidence, identity, voice, and ability to take an active role in their own lives.

Her story is one of resilience, dedication, and empowerment—and today she uses those experiences to help other women reclaim themselves.

Connect with Sharon

Website: sharonslack.com
Email: Hello@sharonslack.com
Facebook: facebook.com/sharon.slack
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharon-slack-rn/

Discover WHEN Stories

Your story doesn't end when you step off the stage. That's where the ripple begins.

Learn more about WHEN Stories and how to share your story at whenstories.com.

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

What happens after you finally tell the story you’ve been carrying for years?

In this special Where Are They Now? episode of the WHEN Stories Podcast, Wendy Babcock catches up with former WHEN Stories speaker Erica Gumieny, who took the stage in March 2025.

For Erica, sharing her WHEN Story wasn’t simply about giving a talk.

It unlocked something.

While developing her story, Wendy helped Erica uncover a specific moment she hadn’t even realized was significant. That discovery changed not only how Erica approached her talk, but how she thought about creativity, her work, and the message she wanted to put into the world.

Since stepping off the WHEN Stories stage, Erica has:

• Published the book she spent 15 years working toward and finally held it in her hands.
• Used her WHEN Story as a springboard for talking about her book and its message in a deeper, more meaningful way.
• Landed speaking engagements and stepped into speaking with a new sense of confidence and determination.
• Changed the way she writes, creates content, and shares her story by focusing not only on herself, but on the person who needs to hear it.
• Given herself permission to stop doing what she thinks she should do and create in a way that feels aligned with who she actually is.
But one of the biggest shifts has been internal.

Erica describes success at this stage of her life as alignment: being able to bring together her faith, humor, encouragement, depth, sass, and personality without feeling like she has to separate those pieces of herself.

And the experience of actually telling her story was deeply personal.

After sharing one of the most vulnerable parts of her life from the WHEN Stories stage, Erica walked off, embraced Wendy, and sobbed. She describes it as a deep release.

Today, she doesn't describe herself as simply more confident.

She's determined.

As Erica puts it: enough playing around. There are things inside us that keep asking to be said, created, or shared. At some point, we have to stop walking around them and do the thing.

Whether you've been sitting on a book, a message, a business idea, or a story you know you're supposed to share, Erica's conversation is a reminder that telling your story can change far more than what happens on a stage.

Because sometimes the story you finally have the courage to tell becomes the thing that gives you permission to become more fully yourself.

Connect with Erica Gumieny

https://www.ericagumieny.com/

Erica is an author, speaker, encourager, and storyteller whose work blends faith, humor, depth, and a little sass. Her mission is to help people feel less alone and believe that even after difficult chapters, a new beginning is possible.

About WHEN Stories™

WHEN Stories is more than a stage.

It's a transformational storytelling experience that helps coaches, speakers, authors, entrepreneurs, and professionals uncover the story that shaped who they are, connect it to the work they do today, and build an Authority Trail™ that creates lasting visibility and trust.

Participants receive professional story coaching, a filmed live talk, podcast interview, YouTube Premiere, media assets, and more, all designed to amplify their message long after they leave the stage.

Because your story deserves more than one audience.

It deserves an ecosystem.

Learn more about WHEN Stories:
Website: https://whenstories.com

Interested in sharing your own WHEN Story?
Schedule a discovery call with Wendy:
https://letsmeet.io/wendybabcock/when-stories-info-session

Connect with Wendy Babcock

Wendy Babcock is the Founder & CEO of WHEN Stories Media Group, international speaker, author, and creator of The Authority Trail™.

Website: https://wendybabcock.com

Follow Wendy on social media for more stories, speaking insights, and weekly episodes of the WHEN Stories Podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone whose story deserves to be heard.

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

What happens when you stop saying “I’m trying” and finally realize...

I’m doing this.

In this special Where Are They Now? episode of the WHEN Stories Podcast, Wendy Babcock catches up with former WHEN Stories speaker Paquita Reddish to explore the extraordinary growth that followed her decision to share her story.

When Wendy first met Paquita, she was quiet, reserved, and still navigating a major transition in her life. But something was already changing.

Then came WHEN Stories.

Paquita knew there was more of her story she needed to tell. She also knew that telling it meant going deeper, not to focus on the trauma she had experienced, but to show other women what it looked like to move through it and choose themselves. 

Her final words on the WHEN Stories stage were:

“And I am ready.”

When she stepped forward and said them, Paquita describes feeling as though a door had been kicked open.

And apparently... it had. 

Since stepping off the stage, Paquita has:

• Spoken at events including Black Girl Fest in Milwaukee, where organizers used clips from her WHEN Story to promote her appearance.
 • Been invited back for a second year as a coach for Yo Quiero Dinero, helping other women learn to embody and share their stories.
 • Launched her own podcast, Boss Chick Testimonies, with interviews already booking months in advance.
• Continued building her coaching business, The Divine Solutionist, helping purpose-driven women and entrepreneurs move from ideas into action.
• Stepped into nonprofit leadership as Executive Director of the BLM Legacy Foundation and Marketing & Public Relations Director for the Anchor Her Glow Foundation.
• Written her solo book, Anointed Through the Ashes, expanding the story she could only begin to tell in her 20-minute WHEN Story.
• Continued developing her Dominion Strategy, designed to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs align their purpose, focus, and execution.   

But perhaps the biggest transformation is Paquita herself.

She says her confidence went “through the roof” after WHEN Stories because she realized:

I can do this. I can speak. I can share my story.

And other women are listening.

Paquita now regularly hears from women who tell her they see themselves in her story, her book, and even the WHEN Stories Legacy Books she continues to share.  

In this conversation, Wendy and Paquita also talk about something so many women do without realizing it: minimizing what we've accomplished.

I'm trying.

I'm just...

I should be doing more.

Paquita is learning to replace that language with something much more powerful:

I'm doing it.

Whether you're sitting on a story, rebuilding after a difficult chapter, starting a business, pursuing a stage, or wondering if you've somehow missed your moment, Paquita leaves us with a beautiful reminder:

It doesn't matter how long it takes to reach your goals.

Just keep going.

Because sometimes your life doesn't unfold according to the timeline you imagined.

Sometimes it changes when you finally decide:

I am ready. 

Connect with Paquita Reddish

📌 Connect with Paquita Reddish:
Paquita Reddish is the CEO of Blessed Divine Creations LLC  and a dynamic motivational speaker dedicated to inspiring others through her powerful story of resilience. Born in Syracuse, NY, Paquita is a proud survivor of domestic violence and depression, turning her pain into purpose by helping others find hope, healing, and strength.

As a devoted mother of three beautiful children—two daughters and one son who are her world—Paquita leads with love, faith, and determination. Through her businesses and speaking engagements, she empowers women, entrepreneurs, and survivors to rise, thrive, and walk boldly in their purpose.

www.facebook.com/blesseddivinecreations
www.instagram.com/blesseddivinecreations
www.blesseddivinecreations.com

Paquita Reddish is a speaker, author, coach, podcast host, and founder of The Divine Solutionist. Her work helps purpose-driven women and entrepreneurs move beyond what they've survived, align with their purpose, and take action on what they're called to create.

You can also find her podcast, Boss Chick Testimonies, on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 

Website: PaquitaReddish.com

We’ll add Paquita’s direct social links here.

Experience the story that helped open the door.

Watch Paquita's WHEN Story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ4DVlkV6Jc

About WHEN Stories™

WHEN Stories is more than a stage.

It's a transformational storytelling experience that helps coaches, speakers, authors, entrepreneurs, and professionals uncover the story that shaped who they are, connect it to the work they do today, and build an Authority Trail™ that creates lasting visibility and trust.

Participants receive professional story coaching, a filmed live talk, podcast interview, YouTube Premiere, media assets, and more, all designed to amplify their message long after they leave the stage.

Because your story deserves more than one audience.

It deserves an ecosystem.

Learn more about WHEN Stories:
 Website: https://whenstories.com

Interested in sharing your own WHEN Story?
 Schedule a discovery call with Wendy:
 https://letsmeet.io/wendybabcock/when-stories-info-session

Connect with Wendy Babcock

Wendy Babcock is the Founder & CEO of WHEN Stories Media Group, international speaker, author, and creator of The Authority Trail™.

Website: https://wendybabcock.com

Follow Wendy on social media for more stories, speaking insights, and weekly episodes of the WHEN Stories Podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone whose story deserves to be heard.

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Where Are They Now? | Stephanie Locchetta

What happens after the stage?

In this special Where Are They Now? episode of the WHEN Stories Podcast, Wendy Babcock catches up with former WHEN Stories speaker Stephanie Locchetta to explore what life and business have looked like since sharing her story.

Stephanie opens up about the powerful healing she experienced after telling her WHEN Story and how that one courageous moment became the catalyst for incredible growth.

Since stepping off the stage, Stephanie has:

• Opened a thriving wellness collective and filled all of her practitioner suites in less than two months.
• Been invited to television interviews, podcasts, speaking engagements, and community book signings.
• Created her signature Self-Love Shift framework and launched a membership community.
• Expanded her practice with advanced somatic training, sound healing, coaching, and holistic wellness.
• Used her WHEN Story as a powerful tool to build trust with clients before they ever work with her.

But perhaps the biggest transformation wasn't in her business.

It was within herself.

Stephanie shares how telling her story released years of emotional weight, gave her the confidence to step onto bigger stages, and reminded her that vulnerability isn't weakness... it's what creates real connection.

Whether you're considering sharing your own story, wondering what happens after the spotlight fades, or simply need a reminder that your experiences matter, this conversation will leave you inspired.

Because your story isn't the end of your journey.

Sometimes... it's where everything truly begins.

Connect with Stephanie Locchetta

Stephanie is a Self-Love Coach, artist, speaker, sound healing practitioner, and founder of a collaborative wellness studio dedicated to helping people heal from the inside out.

Learn more about Stephanie, her coaching, retreats, workshops, membership, sound healing, and upcoming events:

Stephanie's Linktree:  https://linktr.ee/stephanielocchettaart

Experience the story that started it all.

Watch Stephanie's WHEN Story: https://youtu.be/C7CUcuVBOjU?si=LfqrhcSqxzN4MTJk

About WHEN Stories™

WHEN Stories is more than a stage.

It's a transformational storytelling experience that helps coaches, speakers, authors, entrepreneurs, and professionals uncover the story that shaped who they are, connect it to the work they do today, and build an Authority Trail™ that creates lasting visibility and trust.

Participants receive professional story coaching, a filmed live talk, podcast interview, YouTube Premiere, media assets, and more—all designed to amplify their message long after they leave the stage.

Because your story deserves more than one audience.

It deserves an ecosystem.

Learn more about WHEN Stories:
Website: https://whenstories.com

Interested in sharing your own WHEN Story?
Schedule a discovery call with Wendy:
https://letsmeet.io/wendybabcock/when-stories-info-session

Connect with Wendy Babcock

Wendy Babcock is the Founder & CEO of WHEN Stories Media Group, international speaker, author, and creator of The Authority Trail™.

Website: https://wendybabcock.com

Follow Wendy on social media for more stories, speaking insights, and weekly episodes of the WHEN Stories Podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone whose story deserves to be heard.

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Beyond Survival: Building a Life of Significant Wellness | Frances Hurst

What happens when the health challenge that shaped your entire life becomes the foundation for helping others transform theirs?

In this episode of the WHEN Stories Podcast, Certified WHEN Stories Facilitator Sharon Slack sits down with former WHEN Stories speaker Frances Hurst, wellness educator, lifestyle coach, and founder of Significant Wellness.

Born with PKU (Phenylketonuria), a rare inherited metabolic condition requiring lifelong nutritional management, Frances learned from an early age that food was never simply food. Every meal required planning, discipline, and choices that often made her feel different from everyone around her.

But Frances eventually discovered an important distinction: managing a health condition and truly living well are not the same thing.

That realization transformed not only her relationship with food and her health, but ultimately her relationship with herself.

Today, Frances uses those experiences to help others take greater ownership of their health through education, sustainable lifestyle habits, and behavioral transformation.

In this conversation, Frances and Sharon explore:

• How childhood experiences can shape our adult relationship with food and health
• Why sustainable wellness goes far beyond the number on the scale
• The role of movement, sleep, hydration, stress, nutrition, and gut health in overall wellness
• Why repeated diets and setbacks don't mean you've failed
• How small, consistent choices can create significant transformation
• The importance of understanding the “why” behind our habits and behaviors
• How Frances's experience with WHEN Stories challenged her to become more vulnerable
• What it meant when audience members told Frances, “I saw myself in your story”

Frances also shares a powerful client transformation that reinforced one of her core beliefs: sometimes the biggest change isn't losing weight. It's believing in yourself again.

And that same lesson came full circle when Frances stepped onto the WHEN Stories stage.

What began as a story about PKU and weight loss became something much bigger: a story about self-leadership, wellness, identity, and choosing to show up differently for your own life.

Because sometimes hearing someone else's story is exactly what we need to begin changing our own.

About Frances Hurst

Frances Hurst is a wellness educator, speaker, lifestyle coach, and founder of Significant Wellness. Drawing from her lifelong experience managing PKU and her education in wellness, behavioral transformation, and healthy lifestyle coaching, Frances helps individuals create healthier lives through informed decisions and sustainable habits.

Her work focuses on nutrition, movement, hydration, sleep, stress, gut health, mindset, and creating healthier home environments. She believes true wellness isn't about perfection or quick fixes. It's about making small, intentional choices that can lead to significant, lasting transformation.

Connect with Frances

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frances-hurst-4a269287/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SignificantWellness/

About WHEN Stories™

WHEN Stories™ helps entrepreneurs, speakers, coaches, authors, executives, and changemakers transform the defining moments of their lives into powerful keynote talks that build authority, credibility, and lasting impact.

Every WHEN Stories keynote becomes part of an Authority Trail™, extending far beyond the stage through professionally produced videos, podcasts, books, photography, and digital assets that help speakers become more discoverable by audiences, event planners, and AI search.

Learn more at WHENStories.com.

 Sponsored By:

Kate Carter Coaching

Kristin Adkins with Crash Design Co

Thryv

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

What if healing doesn't begin when you finally love yourself... but when you're willing to believe you might deserve to?

In this deeply honest episode of the WHEN Stories Radio Network, Wendy Babcock sits down with artist Jennifer Babcock to explore the personal journey behind her keynote, Breaking Into Self Worth.

Jennifer has spent much of her life wrestling with anxiety, panic attacks, perfectionism, self-doubt, and the exhausting belief that she was somehow "too much" and "not enough" at the very same time.

Then life forced everything to stop.

A devastating leg injury, months of recovery, the loss of her beloved soul cat, overwhelming anxiety, and a series of emotional setbacks became the catalyst for something unexpected: learning that healing isn't about becoming someone new—it's about finally seeing yourself the way the people who love you already do.

In this heartfelt conversation, Jennifer opens up about accepting help when it feels uncomfortable, learning to embrace uncertainty instead of fearing failure, and discovering that even small acts of self-care—what she affectionately calls her "princess baths"—can become powerful reminders that she's worth caring for.

As an artist, Jennifer also shares how creativity has always helped her process emotions she couldn't put into words, revealing why every piece of art is, in many ways, a self-portrait.

Whether you've struggled with anxiety, depression, perfectionism, self-loathing, fear of failure, people-pleasing, or believing you'll never be enough, this episode offers gentle encouragement that healing rarely happens all at once.

Sometimes it begins with one small decision.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why self-worth is often the hardest relationship we ever build

• How anxiety and perfectionism distort the way we see ourselves

• Why accepting help is often one of the bravest things we can do

• How fear of failure keeps us from experiencing life

• The surprising power of "romanticizing" everyday moments

• How art can become a form of emotional healing and self-discovery

• Why your mistakes don't diminish your value—they make you uniquely human

• What it means to take the first step toward believing you're worthy of love

Memorable Moments

"Needing help isn't a crime."

"The only way through it... is through."

"When I don't have the words, I have the art."

About Jennifer Babcock

Jennifer Babcock is an artist whose creativity has always been her way of understanding both the world around her and the emotions within her.

Through painting, drawing, mixed media, and abstract expression, Jennifer explores themes of anxiety, healing, identity, vulnerability, and self-worth. Her artwork serves as a visual journal—capturing feelings that are often difficult to express with words alone.

In her second WHEN Story, Breaking Into Self Worth, Jennifer courageously shares her personal journey through panic attacks, perfectionism, self-doubt, and learning to accept unconditional love. Her message reminds audiences that healing doesn't begin when we become perfect. It begins when we're willing to see ourselves with a little more compassion.

Jennifer also creates live artwork during WHEN Stories events, allowing the energy of each audience and each speaker's story to shape every original piece she creates.

About WHEN Stories™

WHEN Stories™ helps entrepreneurs, speakers, coaches, authors, executives, and changemakers transform the defining moments of their lives into powerful keynote talks that build authority, credibility, and lasting impact.

Every keynote becomes part of The Authority Trail™—a multimedia authority-building ecosystem that extends beyond the stage through professionally produced videos, podcasts, books, photography, speaker profiles, and digital assets that increase discoverability by audiences, event planners, media outlets, and AI search.

If you've ever wondered how one meaningful story can become a keynote, podcast, book chapter, YouTube feature, and long-term authority asset, this is exactly what WHEN Stories was built to do.

Learn more:
https://whenstories.com

About Wendy Babcock

Wendy Babcock is the founder of WHEN Stories™, creator of The Authority Trail™, TEDx speaker, international keynote speaker, bestselling author, and authority-building strategist.

She helps speakers, entrepreneurs, authors, coaches, and experts transform their personal stories into authority-building assets that generate speaking engagements, media opportunities, strategic partnerships, referrals, and long-term visibility—both online and in AI-powered search.

Learn more:
https://wendybabcock.com

Sponsored By:
• Kate Carter Coaching
• Crash Design Co. (Kristin Adkins)

Subscribe for more transformational conversations, inspiring keynote stories, and authentic discussions that remind us healing often begins with one courageous story.

#WHENStories #AuthorityTrail #JenniferBabcock #SelfWorth #SelfCompassion #MentalHealth #AnxietyRecovery #PanicAttacks #Perfectionism #HealingJourney #FearOfFailure #PeoplePleaser #EmotionalHealing #ArtTherapy #Creativity #Artist #SelfDiscovery #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #Storytelling #KeynoteSpeaker #Healing #MentalWellness

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

How do you find yourself again after years of taking care of everyone else?

In this inspiring episode of the WHEN Stories Radio Network, Wendy Babcock sits down with women's empowerment speaker, entrepreneur, and confidence mentor Rhonda Deaver to explore the life experiences that inspired her keynote, The Power of One Yes.

For years, Rhonda poured herself into caring for her family, running a successful floral business, supporting her husband through a life-threatening heart emergency during the COVID pandemic, grieving the loss of her best friend, and putting everyone else's needs before her own.

Somewhere along the way...

She disappeared.

In this heartfelt conversation, Rhonda shares how one simple decision to say "yes" to a new community changed everything. What began as joining Mary Kay became something much deeper: a journey back to confidence, authentic friendships, self-worth, and rediscovering the woman she had quietly forgotten.

This isn't a conversation about makeup.

It's about the daily choices that remind women they matter.

Whether you're navigating caregiving, burnout, motherhood, entrepreneurship, empty nesting, grief, or simply wondering who you are outside of serving everyone else, this episode offers practical encouragement and hope that it's never too late to reclaim your voice.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why so many women lose their identity while caring for everyone else

• The connection between confidence, self-care, and emotional well-being

• How caregiving and major life transitions quietly reshape who we become

• Why healthy female friendships can completely change your life

• The surprising power of saying "yes" to new opportunities

• Why your children learn more from watching you than listening to you

• How simple daily habits can rebuild confidence from the inside out

• Why investing in yourself isn't selfish—it's one of the greatest gifts you can give your family

Memorable Moments

"It's never about makeup. It's always about believing in yourself."

"Sometimes one 'yes' is all it takes to begin becoming yourself again."

"Our children may not always listen—but they're always watching."

About Rhonda Deaver

Rhonda Deaver is a women's empowerment speaker, entrepreneur, confidence mentor, and Independent Mary Kay Beauty Consultant dedicated to helping women stop disappearing inside their own lives.

Through authentic storytelling, practical encouragement, self-care, leadership, and meaningful community, Rhonda empowers women to rebuild their confidence, strengthen their self-worth, and rediscover the purpose that's been there all along.

Drawing from her own experiences as a wife, mother of four, business owner, caregiver, and entrepreneur, Rhonda helps women understand that taking care of themselves isn't selfish—it's essential.

Her mission is simple: help more women believe they matter.

Connect with Rhonda

Website:
www.marykay.com/rhondadeaver

Facebook:
https://facebook.com/rhonda.deaver

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/rhonda60snow

LinkedIn:
https://linkedin.com/in/rhondadeaver

About WHEN Stories™

WHEN Stories™ helps entrepreneurs, speakers, coaches, authors, executives, and changemakers transform the defining moments of their lives into powerful keynote talks that build authority, credibility, and lasting impact.

Every keynote becomes part of The Authority Trail™—a multimedia authority-building ecosystem that extends beyond the stage through professionally produced videos, podcasts, books, photography, speaker profiles, and digital assets that increase discoverability by audiences, event planners, media outlets, and AI search.

If you've ever wondered how one meaningful story can become a keynote, podcast, book chapter, YouTube feature, and long-term authority asset, this is exactly what WHEN Stories was built to do.

Learn more:
https://whenstories.com

About Wendy Babcock

Wendy Babcock is the founder of WHEN Stories™, creator of The Authority Trail™, TEDx speaker, international keynote speaker, bestselling author, and authority-building strategist.

She helps speakers, entrepreneurs, authors, coaches, and experts transform their personal stories into authority-building assets that generate speaking engagements, media opportunities, strategic partnerships, referrals, and long-term visibility—both online and in AI-powered search.

Learn more:
https://wendybabcock.com

Video Production: MKE Video

Sponsored By:
• Kate Carter Coaching
• Crash Design Co. (Kristin Adkins)

Subscribe for more transformational conversations, inspiring keynote stories, and practical encouragement from speakers who have turned life's defining moments into messages that help others.

#WHENStories #AuthorityTrail #RhondaDeaver #WomenEmpowerment #Confidence #SelfWorth #SelfCare #CaregiverBurnout #CaregiverSupport #WomenSupportingWomen #Friendship #Community #PersonalGrowth #LifeTransitions #ConfidenceForWomen #Mindset #Resilience #GriefHealing #Motherhood #WomenEntrepreneurs #Purpose #Leadership #Storytelling #KeynoteSpeaker

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

What if healing after loss isn't about moving on... but learning how to carry love forward into a completely new life?

In this heartfelt episode of the WHEN Stories Radio Network, Wendy Babcock sits down with Dr. Kamela "Kami" Harmon to discuss the deeply personal story behind her keynote, Reincarnation After Loss.

A Doctor of Education specializing in Ethical Leadership and a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with nearly three decades of experience in emergency medicine and trauma care, Dr. Harmon spent her career helping others through the worst days of their lives.

Nothing prepared her for becoming a widow herself.

After losing her husband and soulmate, Clark, Kami found herself consumed by grief, anxiety, guilt, and overwhelming sadness. But through journaling, counseling, movement, healthy living, and intentional daily choices, she slowly rebuilt a life that honored both her love for Clark and her own future.

In this conversation, Wendy and Kami explore what healthy grieving actually looks like, why healing doesn't mean forgetting, how guilt can complicate loss, and why telling difficult stories has the power to change lives.

Whether you've lost a spouse, parent, sibling, friend, career, relationship, or another meaningful part of your life, this episode offers hope that while life may never be the same, it can still become beautiful again.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why grief is deeply personal—and why there is no "right" timeline for healing

• How journaling, counseling, movement, and intentional habits became part of Kami's healing journey

• The emotional weight of survivor's guilt and learning to let go of self-blame

• What decades in emergency medicine taught her about life, loss, and resilience

• Why healing isn't about moving on—it's about moving forward with love

• How sharing vulnerable stories helps others feel less alone

• The surprising emotional release that came from telling her WHEN Stories keynote

• Why your greatest heartbreak may become your greatest opportunity to serve others

Memorable Moments

"Life is meant to be lived. My life is meant to be a story worth telling."

"Healing doesn't erase grief. It gives you better tools to carry it."

"I helped patients one at a time. Now my story allows me to help many."

About Dr. Kamela Harmon

Dr. Kamela (Kami) Harmon is a Doctor of Education specializing in Ethical Leadership, a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, speaker, and coach with nearly 30 years of experience in emergency medicine and trauma care.

Drawing from both her extensive clinical career and her own journey through profound personal loss, she helps individuals navigate grief, anxiety, depression, life transitions, emotional resilience, healthy living, and personal transformation.

After losing her husband, Clark, Kami transformed unimaginable heartbreak into a mission of helping others rebuild meaningful lives after loss. Her unique combination of medical expertise, leadership education, lived experience, and compassionate coaching allows her to connect with audiences in a way that is both evidence-based and deeply personal.

Contact Dr. Kami:

Email: rnkami@gmail.com

LinkedIn:
https://linkedin.com/in/dr-kamela-harmon-4222301ba

About WHEN Stories™

WHEN Stories™ helps entrepreneurs, speakers, coaches, authors, executives, and changemakers transform the defining moments of their lives into powerful keynote talks that build authority, credibility, and lasting impact.

Every keynote becomes part of The Authority Trail™—a multimedia authority-building ecosystem that extends beyond the stage through professionally produced videos, podcasts, books, photography, speaker profiles, and digital assets that increase discoverability by audiences, event planners, media outlets, and AI search.

If you've ever wondered how one meaningful story can become a keynote, podcast, book chapter, YouTube feature, and long-term authority asset, this is exactly what WHEN Stories was built to do.

Learn more:
https://whenstories.com

About Wendy Babcock

Wendy Babcock is the founder of WHEN Stories™, creator of The Authority Trail™, TEDx speaker, international keynote speaker, bestselling author, and authority-building strategist.

She helps speakers, entrepreneurs, authors, coaches, and experts transform their personal stories into authority-building assets that generate speaking engagements, media opportunities, strategic partnerships, referrals, and long-term visibility—both online and in AI-powered search.

Learn more:
https://wendybabcock.com

Sponsored By:
• Kate Carter Coaching
• Crash Design Co. (Kristin Adkins)

Subscribe for more transformational keynote talks, inspiring conversations, and powerful stories that remind us one story really can change everything.

#WHENStories #AuthorityTrail #KamelaHarmon #KamiHarmon #GriefRecovery #Widow #WidowSupport #HealingAfterLoss #GriefJourney #LifeAfterLoss #Bereavement #Resilience #MentalHealth #HealthyGrieving #AnxietyRecovery #EmotionalHealing #PersonalGrowth #Storytelling #KeynoteSpeaker #EmergencyMedicine #NursePractitioner #Leadership #Hope #LossAndHealing #PersonalTransformation

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

What if healing isn't about fixing yourself... but remembering who you were before the world taught you to abandon yourself?

In this deeply moving conversation on the WHEN Stories Radio Network, Wendy Babcock sits down with trauma-informed healing practitioner Vanessa Cook to explore the powerful story behind her keynote, Coming Home to Myself.

Vanessa shares the deeply personal journey that led her from religious trauma, church hurt, and years of spiritual performance to a life rooted in authenticity, self-trust, and embodied healing. Together, Wendy and Vanessa discuss the courage it took to tell this story publicly, the overwhelming response it received, and why speaking our hardest truths often becomes the catalyst for someone else's healing.

The conversation goes beyond religion. It's about identity, nervous system healing, learning to trust yourself again, and discovering that the life you've been searching for may begin by simply coming home to yourself.

Whether you've experienced religious trauma, spiritual abuse, emotional neglect, people-pleasing, or you've simply spent years trying to earn your worth, this episode offers hope, compassion, and a reminder that healing is possible.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why Vanessa evolved from holistic health coaching into trauma-informed somatic healing

• How breathwork helps regulate the nervous system and process unresolved trauma

• The hidden connection between emotional wounds and physical health

• What it really means to "come home to yourself"

• Why healing isn't about needing another person forever—it's about learning to trust yourself

• How sharing vulnerable stories creates connection instead of isolation

• The surprising response Vanessa received after publicly sharing her story of religious deconstruction

• Why authenticity often requires courage before it creates freedom

Memorable Moments

"I'm not healing them. They're healing themselves."

"You don't need another person to trust. You need to learn to trust yourself."

"The stage is simply the vehicle. Your courage is what changes lives."

About Vanessa Cook

Vanessa Cook is the founder of Starlight & Sage Wellness and a trauma-informed holistic wellness speaker, breathwork facilitator, somatic healing guide, tantra healing practitioner, and sexuality educator. Through breathwork, somatic practices, movement, sound healing, and transformational coaching, she helps individuals reconnect with themselves, regulate their nervous systems, heal from trauma, and reclaim their inner power.

Her work supports people navigating religious trauma, emotional healing, self-worth, relationships, personal transformation, and embodied wellness through personalized, whole-person approaches.

Learn more about Vanessa:

Website: https://starlightandsagewellness.com/

Book a Session: https://calendly.com/starlightandsage

Facebook: https://facebook.com/vanessahealingpractitioner

Instagram: https://instagram.com/starlightandsagehealing

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@starlightandsagehealing

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/starlightandsagewellness

About WHEN Stories™

WHEN Stories™ helps entrepreneurs, speakers, coaches, authors, executives, and changemakers transform the defining moments of their lives into powerful keynote talks that build authority, credibility, and lasting impact.

Every keynote becomes part of The Authority Trail™—a multimedia authority-building ecosystem that extends beyond the stage through professionally produced videos, podcasts, books, photography, speaker profiles, and digital assets that increase discoverability by audiences, event planners, media outlets, and AI search.

If you've ever wondered how one meaningful story can become a keynote, podcast, book chapter, YouTube feature, and long-term authority asset, this is exactly what WHEN Stories was built to do.

Learn more:
https://whenstories.com

About Wendy Babcock

Wendy Babcock is the founder of WHEN Stories™, creator of The Authority Trail™, TEDx speaker, international keynote speaker, bestselling author, and authority-building strategist.

She helps speakers, entrepreneurs, authors, coaches, and experts transform their personal stories into authority-building assets that generate speaking engagements, media opportunities, strategic partnerships, referrals, and long-term visibility—both online and in AI-powered search.

Learn more:
https://wendybabcock.com

Video Production: MKE Video

Sponsored By:
• Kate Carter Coaching
• Crash Design Co. (Kristin Adkins)
• Thryv

Subscribe for more transformational keynote talks, powerful podcast conversations, and inspiring stories that remind us one story really can change everything.

#WHENStories #AuthorityTrail #VanessaCook #WendyBabcock #ReligiousTrauma #ChurchHurt #SpiritualHealing #SpiritualDeconstruction #TraumaHealing #SomaticHealing #Breathwork #NervousSystemHealing #SelfWorth #HealingJourney #PersonalGrowth #Authenticity #Storytelling #KeynoteSpeaker #WomenSpeakers #MentalHealth #PersonalDevelopment #EmotionalHealing #Transformation #HealingThroughStory

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

What happens when life forces you onto a path you never planned?

In this powerful episode of the WHEN Stories Podcast, Wendy Babcock sits down with author, speaker, journalist, and caregiver advocate Monica Vest Wheeler to explore the life-changing experiences that transformed her purpose. From losing a career she thought she'd have forever to navigating the realities of caregiving, grief, stroke recovery, and Alzheimer's, Monica shares the lessons that only come from living through life's hardest seasons.

Together, Wendy and Monica dive into:
• Why caregivers often lose themselves while caring for others
• The conversations families avoid until it's too late
• How being fired became the unexpected turning point that changed Monica's life
• Why authenticity matters more than expertise when you're trying to make an impact
• The healing power of telling your story out loud
• How asking better questions can create deeper, more meaningful relationships

Monica reminds us that while every circumstance is unique, the emotions we experience are universal. Her message is a powerful reminder that your life is just as worthy as the one you're caring for, and that sharing your story can become the catalyst for healing—not only for yourself, but for everyone who hears it.

Following this interview, you'll also experience Monica's powerful WHEN Story, where she reveals the invisible line that changed the trajectory of her life forever.

If you've ever been a caregiver, experienced loss, questioned your purpose, or wondered whether your story matters, this episode is for you.

 ABOUT MONICA VEST WHEELER
Monica Vest Wheeler is an author, speaker, former newspaper reporter and editor, and nationally recognized advocate for caregivers, brain injury survivors, stroke survivors, and families navigating catastrophic health events. Through her writing, photography, and speaking, she has spent decades helping people process grief, communicate through difficult seasons, and discover hope in life's hardest moments.

Learn more:
https://www.monicavestwheeler.com

 

Learn more about WHEN Stories:
https://whenstories.com

Interested in sharing your own story on the WHEN Stories stage?
https://whenstories.com/apply

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Content Warning:: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories 

“It's What I Did Next” is a raw and powerful talk by Tennisha Denise Loggins that explores the impact of generational trauma, silence, and survival. Through deeply personal storytelling, Tennisha shares her journey from inherited pain and violence to self-awareness, healing, and transformation. Confronting difficult truths—including becoming the very thing she once feared—she reveals how breaking cycles requires choosing voice over silence. This talk is a bold testament to resilience, showing that brokenness is not a limitation but a foundation for leadership, legacy, and generational healing.

Tennisha Loggins is a speaker, transformation coach, and storyteller whose work centers on faith, healing, resilience, and becoming. Drawing from her lived experience and her upcoming book Beautifully Broken: The Silence Within Me, she speaks boldly about breaking generational silence, navigating loss, and finding purpose in the midst of pain.

Tennisha's message resonates with women rebuilding emotionally, spiritually, and practically after seasons of survival. Through truth-telling, reflection, and real conversation, she creates space for healing and helping audiences release shame, reclaim their voice, and move forward with intention.

She is the founder of Purposeful Coaching & Consulting (Coming soon), where Tennisha supports women in translating healing into action, building clarity, confidence, and sustainable direction. Her approach is grounded, faith-led, and transformational, reminding women that they do not need to be whole to begin, only be willing to take the next step.

• https://linktr.ee/tennishaloggins - ( updates are still being made)
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tennisha.loggins
• IG : https://www.instagram.com/tennishaloggins/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tennisha-loggins-8665a513b/

SPONSORED BY:
Kate Carter with Kate Carter Coaching
Kristin Adkins with Crash Design Co.
Cassandra Vohs-Demann with Your Confident Voice

WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Unmute Your Story—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Content Warning:: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories

What if love… isn’t enough?

In this powerful and deeply personal WHEN Stories™ talk, parent coach and speaker Merri Guggisberg shares her journey from quietly wondering where she belonged… to helping parents create deeper, more meaningful connection with their children.

As an adopted child growing up in a loving home, Merri had everything she needed — and still felt different.

Years later, as a parent herself, she realized something that changed everything.

Merri Guggisberg is a Parent Coach, Speaker, and Family Connection Advocate who supports parents, caregivers, and educators in building stronger, more meaningful relationships with the children in their lives. Through her work with MKG Parent Coach, Merri helps families bring Mindfulness, Kindness, and Gratitude into everyday moments, especially in the moments that can strain connection.

Drawing from both her personal experiences and her work with families, Merri helps parents move away from pressure and proving and toward presence, understanding, and connection. She is known for her warm, relatable approach and her ability to create space for parents to slow down, reflect, and respond with intention. Her work resonates with families from all backgrounds and reminds us that even in loving homes, children can still quietly wonder where they fit.
Merri is a sought-after speaker for conferences, education settings, and faith-based communities, where she shares practical, meaningful ways to strengthen connection within families. Whether speaking in person or virtually, she creates an environment where parents feel seen, supported, and encouraged as they navigate raising children in today’s world.

Merri is the creator of the PAUSE process, a practical and meaningful way for parents to become more fully available, grounded, and intentional in how they show up with their children. Through the PAUSE process, she guides families to be present, attentive, and understanding, while building support systems and exploring solutions together in ways that work for their unique family.
At the heart of Merri’s work is a deep belief that children don’t just need love. They need to feel seen, understood, and secure in who they are. When families create that kind of environment, both parents and children are able to grow, connect, and thrive.

You can connect with Merri via email at merri@mkgparentcoach.com or learn more here:
https://mkgparentcoach.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/merriguggisberg/

https://www.instagram.com/mkgparentcoach/

https://www.youtube.com/@mkgparentcoach

SPONSORED BY:
Kate Carter with Kate Carter Coaching
Kristin Adkins with Crash Design Co.
Cassandra Vohs-Demann with Your Confident Voice

WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Unmute Your Story—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments #unmuteyourstory

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Content Warning:: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories

What if the version of you the world applauds… isn’t the real you?
In this powerful WHEN Stories talk, Lisa Quam shares her journey from childhood trauma and perfectionism to finally finding her voice through comedy and recovery.

Lisa Quam is a comedian, storyteller, and speaker who uses humor to tell the truth people spend a lifetime trying to hide.

She grew up in a home shaped by trauma, where perfection mattered more than feelings and silence often felt safer than honesty. For years, she learned to survive by minimizing her voice, masking her truth, and performing the version of herself the world could accept.

Everything changed when she stepped onto a comedy stage for the first time and realized that laughter could do something nothing else ever had — make the truth safe enough to be heard.
What started as stand-up became something deeper.

A way to uncover nearly five decades of hidden pain, including an eating disorder she didn’t fully recognize until she began telling the truth out loud.

Today, Lisa’s work is grounded in a simple but powerful belief:
The things we hide the most are often the things that connect us the fastest.
Through humor, honesty, and lived experience, she creates spaces where people can lower their guard, stop pretending everything is fine, and finally feel seen.

She continues to expand and shape her story for different audiences, using it as a bridge for connection, truth, and shared humanity.

Because there is power in letting go of perfection, and end even more power in telling the truth.
Lisa is honored to be part of WHEN Stories, where origin becomes authority and lived experience becomes impact.

https://www.facebook.com/quamedy
https://www.quamedywi.com/

Video Production by MKE Video

SPONSORED BY:
Kate Carter with Kate Carter Coaching
Kristin Adkins with Crash Design Co.
Cassandra Vohs-Demann with Your Confident Voice

WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Unmute Your Story—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments #unmuteyourstory

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Content Warning:: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories


What if the reason you feel unseen… is because you’ve been waiting for someone else to see you? In this powerful WHEN Stories™ talk, holistic coach and speaker Trina Grimm shares the deeply personal moment that changed everything — sitting on the floor, asking for support… and realizing no one was coming. Not her partner. Not her friends. Not the people she trusted most. And in that moment, she uncovered a truth that would transform her life.

Trina Grimm is a holistic coach and speaker who helps women reconnect with themselves and feel truly seen and heard. Often described as a time-bender, a multi-tasker, and someone who can hold a lot, she spent much of her life not realizing these were innate parts of who she was.

Through discovering Human Design, she found language for how she experiences the world—and with that understanding, a deeper calling began to emerge. It was through a season of her life where everything felt like it was falling apart—one that brought her to a quiet moment sitting on the bedroom floor—that she began to recognize this not as a breaking point, but as the beginning of her life’s work.

With a background of over 10 years in education, along with her own personal journey in holistic health and personal development, Trina blends intention with intuition and philosophy with real life. Her work is shaped by lived experience through anxiety, depression, people-pleasing, and the pressure to be “enough,” offering a grounded and embodied approach to alignment.

Today, she works primarily with women—especially mothers and business owners—through Ayurveda, Human Design, boundary setting, communication development, and personal reflection to help them understand their energy, patterns, and truth so they can show up with clarity and confidence—and begin to see and hear themselves in a way they never have before.

🔗 Connect with Trina Grimm:

Facebook:   / trina.a.grimm.coach   
Instagram:   / trinagrimmcoaching   
Website: https://www.trinaagrimm.com 
Email: trina@wildflowerpathcollective.com 

🎥 Video Production by MKE Video

SPONSORED BY: Kate Carter with Kate Carter Coaching
Kristin Adkins with Crash Design Co.
Cassandra Vohs-Demann with Your Confident Voice

WHEN Stories: http://whenstories.com Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™.

Unmute Your Story—be seen, be heard, make an impact! #WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments #unmuteyourstory

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Content Warning: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories

At just 10 years old, Lisa Yeakley learned what it felt like to believe she wasn’t enough.

A new school. A pair of blue cotton pants. A classroom full of whispers.

What seemed like a small moment became the beginning of years of perfectionism, self-doubt, body image struggles, and hiding parts of herself to feel safe.

In this powerful WHEN Stories talk, Lisa shares how childhood shame followed her into adulthood… impacting her confidence, motherhood, health, business, and identity. But she also shares how she began breaking generational cycles, redefining confidence, and learning that perfection is not the price of worthiness.

This story is for anyone who has ever:
• Struggled with feeling “not enough”
• Battled perfectionism or people pleasing
• Felt insecure about their appearance or weight
• Hidden parts of themselves to fit in
• Wanted to break unhealthy family patterns
• Tried to build real confidence and self-worth

Lisa’s story is a reminder that healing doesn’t happen through perfection… it happens through honesty, awareness, and courage.

From Lisa:
Hi, I’m Lisa — a health coach passionate about helping women feel better from the inside out. After transforming my own health, I now help others create lasting change through simple habits, accountability, mindset, and metabolic health support.

Whether you’re looking to lose weight, reduce inflammation, gain energy, build confidence, or create an additional stream of income through coaching, I’d love to connect and see how I can support you.

Message me to learn more about working with me 1:1, joining my community, or exploring coaching opportunities.

https://form.jotform.com/coachyeakley...

ABOUT WHEN STORIES™
WHEN Stories™ is where personal stories become professional authority. Through live TEDx-style storytelling events, books, podcasts, and media, women share the moment when everything changed — and how that transformation shaped who they became.

Subscribe for more powerful real-life stories about healing, confidence, resilience, visibility, entrepreneurship, trauma recovery, mindset, and personal transformation.

#LisaYeakley #WHENStories #Perfectionism #SelfWorth #ConfidenceJourney #ChildhoodTrauma #HealingJourney #BodyImage #GenerationalHealing #PersonalGrowth

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Content Warning: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories

What happens when your entire identity falls apart… and you have to rebuild from the ground up?

In this powerful WHEN Stories talk, Wonder Wendy shares her deeply personal journey through divorce,  harassment, PTSD,, and ultimately discovering purpose later in life.

At 31 years old, Wendy found herself sitting in a living room after telling her husband she wanted a divorce… suddenly realizing he owned a gun and was heading toward it. That hallway moment changed her forever.

But this story isn’t just about survival.

It’s about becoming.

Through heartbreak, rebuilding, corporate success, harassment, therapy, identity loss, aging,  and starting over again in Arizona, Wendy discovered what she now calls “The Wonderful Bucket List Life” — a life built not around fear, but around meaning, growth, curiosity, and saying YES to life again.

This talk is for:
Women over 40 and 50 reinventing themselves
Anyone healing after divorce or emotional trauma
People struggling with identity after career or family changes
Survivors of harassment and PTSD
Women entering menopause and feeling lost
Anyone afraid it’s “too late” to start over
Personal growth and self-discovery seekers
People searching for purpose in midlife

Topics covered in this talk include:
Overcoming trauma
Starting over after divorce
Midlife reinvention
Women’s empowerment
PTSD recovery
Healing after harassment
Empty nest identity loss
Personal transformation
Self-worth and resilience
Living boldly after fear
Finding purpose after 50
Storytelling and healing

Wonder Wendy is best described as a Renaissance Woman – learning, growing, creating, and striving to create an impact in the world.   

Her history spans government service, corporate America, and the non-profit sector.  Her creative accolades include numerous costuming awards and cooking awards.  She has spoken across the United States and in Europe.  International best-selling author.

As a life-long-learner she’s always looking for new opportunities to grow her experiences and neural pathways.  Rappel off a nine story building?  Sure. (these ropes are safe, right?) Besides it raised funds for a local arts center!

Wonder Wendy actively supports other women in striving for their potential.

Active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma’s alumni network.
Founding member of 50 Women Can Lead the Change

Where to find Wendy:
Website:  https://wonderwendyandfriends.com/
The Imperfect Prophet Podcast:  https://wonderwendyandfriends.com/pod...


ABOUT WHEN STORIES™
WHEN Stories™ is where personal stories become professional authority.

We help women transform defining life moments into powerful TEDx-style talks, published books, podcast features, and visibility assets that help them become known for their message.

Learn more at:
https://whenstories.com

#OvercomingTrauma #WomenOver50 #MidlifeTransformation #DivorceRecovery #PTSDRecovery #WomenEmpowerment #PersonalGrowth #Reinvention #HealingJourney #WHENStories

Learn more at:
https://whenstories.com

#OvercomingTrauma #WomenOver50 #MidlifeTransformation #DivorceRecovery #PTSDRecovery #WomenEmpowerment #PersonalGrowth #Reinvention #HealingJourney #WHENStories

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Content Warning:: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories

Dr. Cynthia McKnight’s story is a moving reflection on pain, faith, and transformation. Using the dragonfly as a symbol, she shares how seasons of grief, loss, waiting, and impossible circumstances became the very places where God was quietly shaping her.

Cynthia McKnight is a seasoned leader in counseling, entrepreneurship, and public speaking, bringing more than 25 years of dedicated experience to her work. As a temperament coach, she equips individuals, families, and organizations with tools to understand themselves and others better—deepening personal growth, strengthening relationships, and enhancing communication.
As the founder of Eyes On You Consulting/Productions, Cynthia combines her expertise in counseling, speaking, and creative production to help people transform their lives. She also serves as a ministry leader at Love Kingdom Fellowship Church, offering faith-based guidance with compassion and purpose.
Cynthia is an active volunteer with AARP, where she engages audiences with practical, insightful information on senior living and enhancing quality of life. Her voice has been featured on prestigious platforms, including the Hope Global Forum in Atlanta and the Power Networking Event 2025, where she shared her expertise with diverse and influential audiences.

An accomplished author and creative, Cynthia has written several books exploring God’s word and everyday life lessons. As a producer and director, she has also developed impactful plays and films that inspire, educate, and uplift communities.
Deeply committed to empowering others—especially women—Cynthia has reached more than 30,000 women through her coaching, counseling, and keynote speaking. Her work has helped reshape marriages, support personal achievements, and build strong, purpose-driven lives.
With a Master’s in Counseling, a Doctorate in Ministry, and decades of experience as a business owner and mentor, Cynthia brings a unique, transformative teaching style to every space she enters. When Cynthia steps into a room, she doesn’t just speak—she connects, inspires, and elevates the atmosphere.

temperamentharmony.com
  / cynthia.speaks 
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
  / eoycm 

Video Production by MKE Video

SPONSORED BY:
Kate Carter with Kate Carter Coaching
Kristin Adkins with Crash Design Co.
Cassandra Vohs-Demann with Your Confident Voice

WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Unmute Your Story—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments #unmuteyourstory #ChristianTestimony #HealingAfterLoss #FaithOverFear #TrustGod #InfertilityTestimony #GriefHealing #ChristianEncouragement #Transformation #HopeInGod #GodWasThereAllAlong

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Content Warning:: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories

This is a raw, powerful talk by Jen Vertanen about trauma, worthiness, and the life-altering lesson she received from her mother in her final days: learn how to let people love you. Through deeply personal storytelling, Jen shares her journey from survival and self-protection to vulnerability, belonging, and healing generational wounds. It’s ultimately a moving invitation for women to put down the armor, receive support, and step fully into the bold, unruly lives they were meant to live.

Jen Vertanen is the founder of We the Unruly, a movement for creative entrepreneurs—founders, authors, speakers, coaches, healers, and other creative weirdos with the audacity to change the world—who've outgrown the rules that got them here and are ready to claim what's next. A proud Gen X woman with 3+ decades of corporate leadership delivering multi-million dollar projects, Jen has spent her career being the disruptor people actually want in the room.
We the Unruly—her podcast, community, transformational coaching, and speaking—is the culmination of her corporate leadership and a decade of intense identity work that took her from self-loathing to fully, unapologetically herself.
Jen speaks to the women who appear to have it all together and are quietly holding themselves back from the stage, the book, the bigger visibility they actually want. Her message is simple and unrelenting: the identity that got you here won't get you there. It’s time to get unruly.

Website: http://wetheunruly.com
Tiktok:   / we_the_unruly 
Insta:   / we_the_unruly 
Facebook:   / jennifervertanen 

Video Production by MKE Video

SPONSORED BY:
Kate Carter with Kate Carter Coaching
Kristin Adkins with Crash Design Co.
Cassandra Vohs-Demann with Your Confident Voice
WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Unmute Your Story—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments #unmuteyourstory #MotherWound #HealingTrauma #SelfWorth #GenerationalTrauma #Vulnerability #Belonging #WomensEmpowerment #EmotionalHealing 

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Content Warning: This inspiring story includes sensitive topics - cancer, emotional vulnerability - that could be triggering for some. Viewer discretion is advised.

As WHEN Stories' emcee and publishing house director, Sara Deacon has been behind the scenes for this entire journey - coaching, editing, producing, cheering everyone else to the stage.

And then it was her turn.

What happened backstage wasn't graceful. It was a full breakdown. Because knowing how storytelling works doesn't make your own story feel safe - especially when that story includes a cancer diagnosis you're still living with.

In this episode, Sara shares what it felt like to be diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and how it cracked open every narrative she'd been running on about success, identity, and what it means to fight. She talks about rejecting the "battle" mindset handed to every cancer patient, choosing alignment over hustle, and rebuilding her life and marriage around what actually matters. And she gets honest about what it's like to put your story out into the world when the ending isn't written yet.

Sara Deacon is a professional emcee, award-winning speaker, and author of Welcome to the Stage: The 360 Approach to Hosting Events Like a Pro - and the creative engine behind WHEN Stories' publishing and production.

Connect with Sara: https://saradeacon.com http://welcometothestagebook.com http://radeacmedia.com http://businessinterrupted.com sara@saradeacon.com

WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Content Warning: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised.

In "Get Ready to Own Your Worth," Jen Bee takes us back to where her story really begins — as the daughter of Cuban immigrants navigating a childhood marked by survival, loss, and prejudice. She learned early to shrink, to perform, and to earn her place. That pattern followed her into a successful corporate career she eventually realized was built on everyone else's version of who she should be.

So she left. Six figures on the table. And it didn't go smoothly.

Her first business closed. The plan didn't work. But instead of calling it proof that she was wrong to try, Jen called it data — and rebuilt. Within six months she had not only matched her corporate salary, she surpassed it. The difference wasn't a better strategy. It was a decision to stop hiding.

The bowtie you'll notice? It's not a style choice. It's a declaration. Jen wears it as a daily act of showing up as exactly who she is — and she'll tell you that is the most powerful business move she ever made.

Coach Jen Bee is a business empowerment coach, speaker, retreat leader, and founder of G.R.O.W. — Get Ready to Own Your Worth. She helps women entrepreneurs get visible, get seen, and supercharge their impact and income through aligned action and unapologetic authenticity. When she's not coaching, you'll find her with her two adopted sons and wife of 14 years, yelling at Florida Gators games, geocaching, or chatting up a complete stranger.

Her message: the biggest leap isn't the perfect plan. It's taking messy, aligned action anyway.

GROW with Jen Bee https://growwithjenbee.com/linktree
Get unstuck and GROW Your Best Life and Business
https://www.growwithjenbee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jen.blanco.779
Jen “Bee” Blanco | LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-%E2%80%9Cbee%E2%80%9D-blanco-606b946/

Video Production by MKE Video

SPONSORED BY:
Kate Carter with Kate Carter Coaching
Kristin Adkins with Crash Design Co.
Cassandra Vohs-Demann with Your Confident Voice

WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Content Warning: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised.

In "From Survival to WORTHY," Jim Plasky shares a deeply personal story of growing up in a traumatic, unpredictable home — where survival meant becoming invisible long before childhood should require it. He carried that armor into adulthood and into emergency medicine, where he thrived in chaos while quietly avoiding his own pain.

But the chaos of a hospital system eventually became its own kind of cage. Constraints, quotas, and a culture that treated patients as diagnoses pushed Jim to make a decision most clinicians only dream about: walk away and build something better.

That decision became Revitalize Health and Wellness — a clinic Jim founded on a radical idea: that whole-person care isn't a bonus feature, it's the whole point. No rushed appointments. No checkbox medicine. Just a provider who has done his own healing work showing up fully for patients who deserve the same. Jim built the practice he wished had existed when he needed it most.

James "Jim" Plasky is a nurse practitioner, clinic owner, trauma survivor, and storyteller. Trained in medicine and shaped by lived experience, he has spent his career caring for bodies while learning how to heal a soul that grew up inside trauma, silence, and abandonment. He lectures nationally to nurse practitioner students with an emphasis on compassion, presence, and trauma-informed care — and speaks openly about the burnout that hides behind professional success.

Jim is the author of Worthy: A Journey from Survival to Healing and the founder of The Worthy Initiative, a platform for trauma-informed education and healing-centered conversation.

His message: you are not broken, you are becoming.

Clinic website
www.revitalizewi.com

Personal website
www.jimplasky.com

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/jim.plasky

Video Production by MKE Video

WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories
When everything changed, it happened in a pediatrician’s office.

One sentence — “He needs to program the suicide prevention hotline into his phone” — flipped everything this mom thought she knew about mental health, parenting, and prevention.

In this powerful WHEN Stories™ talk, Linda Eskay shares how that moment led her to uncover why traditional “prevention” often fails — and how understanding biology, human design, and the identity gap can truly protect our children.

This isn’t another talk about teen anxiety or suicide awareness… it’s about real prevention, real solutions, and freeing our kids — before they reach the edge.

✨ Learn how aligning parenting with neuroscience and natural design can shift your family from survival mode to connection, calm, and joy.

Freeing Ourselves, Freeing Our Children

Linda Eskay is a paradigm disruptor, transformational coach, and international speaker who helps parents, teens, and twentysomethings create clarity out of chaos in today’s anxiety-filled world. Drawing from her expertise in psychology, neuroscience, human potential, and conscious parenting, she challenges outdated systems and beliefs that leave families overwhelmed and disconnected. With a gift for seeing beyond surface struggles to the deeper patterns shaping behavior, Linda helps young people and their families break free from limiting conditioning. Her work equips the next generation with tools to build resilience, restore harmony at home, and thrive in uncertain times. We’re living in unprecedented times — and Linda shows why we need unprecedented solutions.

https://linktr.ee/lindaeskay
  / linda-eskay-b601b7167 
  / linda.eskay.3 


SPONSORED BY:  Crash Design Co. (Kristin Adkins) http://crashdesign.co

WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Unmute Your Story—be seen, be

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories

Everything About Tenacity Is Wrong

When everything changed, Linda wasn’t in crisis—she was having a conversation with an AI chatbot. That single sentence it gave her became a mirror, revealing how quietly she’d learned to live small.

Her talk, The Art of Tenacity, is a powerful reflection on reinvention, resilience, and giving yourself permission to begin again. Linda reminds us that starting over isn’t failure—it’s forward motion.

🎙️ Part of the WHEN Stories™ Experience — where women share their When Everything Changed moments and turn them into legacy.

Linda Grizely is a personal finance expert, financial wellness speaker, money coach, and creator of the MeMoney™ method—a permission-based approach to budgeting that puts you back on the financial priority list.
She helps women move from shame and confusion into clarity and confidence—without judgment or lecture. Her work centers on a simple truth: You can’t build a life you love on a budget you hate™. Through courses, talks, coaching, and her podcast, she teaches women how to get intentional with money in a way that feels safe, empowering, and doable.
Linda is known for her calm clarity and her ability to make even the most overwhelmed person feel seen, capable, and hopeful. She meets clients where they are—with compassion, not pressure. Her voice is deeply grounded in lived experience: from becoming a single mom at 16, to navigating midlife divorce, remarriage, and a blended family, to building a life that aligns with her values.
Professionally, she’s launched multiple businesses, reinvented herself many times, and walked away from high-paying roles in pursuit of something more honest and whole.
Today, she helps women stop putting themselves last—financially and emotionally—so they can reclaim confidence in their money, their choices, and their future.
In her free time, she enjoys singing mediocre karaoke, sucking at golf, and excelling at soaking up the sun.


Website: https://www.LindaGriz.com
Instagram:   / lindagrizely 
Facebook:   / thelindagrizely 
LinkedIn:    / linda-grizely 
TikTok: 

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories

Living My Values Out Loud:  The Power of Choice and Voice:

When everything changed, Susan was sitting in a dark office—questioning her purpose after years of success.
Her story is about rediscovering her worth, rebuilding community, and choosing values over validation.

From walking away from a promotion after 9/11 to helping others find their voice during the pandemic, Susan reminds us that real change starts with small, values-based actions.

💡 “Know your value. Live your values.”

Susan LePlae Miller is a strategic partnerships leader, speaker, and consultant with 30+ years of experience driving action, collaboration, and innovation across healthcare, technology, and nonprofit sectors. As Founder of Pieces of I, she empowers organizations to align mission, vision, and values through consulting, workshops, and speaking. She has secured more than 300 partnerships, advanced patient engagement initiatives, and built programs that strengthen organizational culture and impact.

Beyond consulting, Susan is an author and poet, co-authoring Mission Hope: Thriving Through Seasons of the Soul, Culture Impact: Strategies to Create World-Changing Workplaces, and Be You More: Live Your ValYous. Guided by her mantra, “Know your value, live your values,” Susan helps leaders and teams move from awareness to action, sparking collaboration, innovation, and lasting change.

Email:  Susan@piecesofi.com
Website:  https://www.piecesofi.com/
LinkedIn:    / susan-lep.  .
Instagram:    / piecesofillc 
X:    / piecesofi 
Facebook:    / piecesofi 
Youtube:     / @piecesofi 


SPONSORED BY:  Crash Design Co. (Kristin Adkins) 

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories

When everything changed… she picked up the clippers.
After decades of hiding bald spots, battling trichotillomania, and living with the scars of childhood trauma, Brittany, made a life-altering choice — to shave her head and set herself free.

In this powerful WHEN Stories™ talk, she opens up about growing up in abuse, living with shame, and learning to love herself again — not despite her differences, but because of them.
Her story is one of healing, faith, and courage — proving that beauty, worthiness, and freedom begin when we stop hiding who we are.

🎧 Watch to the end for a moment that will change how you see self-acceptance forever.


Brittany Brandt is a Janesville native and the founder and CEO of 2B Consulting Co., where she helps small businesses and nonprofits grow through authentic marketing, storytelling, and strategy. With over 15 years of marketing experience, 2B Consulting Co specializes in graphic design, digital marketing, web building, social media, and much more.

A speaker, writer, and coach, Brittany blends her professional expertise with her own journey of resilience, sobriety, and healing to empower others to show up with confidence and clarity. She is currently writing multiple books, including Your Story is Your Strategy: A Holistic Approach to Marketing, and creating courses that teach entrepreneurs how to market with heart.

Deeply rooted in her community, Brittany also builds spaces like EnVision, an entrepreneur mastermind and The Butterfly Room to connect and uplift others. As a single mom of three, she leads with compassion, creativity, and faith, reminding people that their story is not just worth telling, it’s the very strategy that sets them apart.


Facebook:
  / 1fqlhcwf11 

TikTok & Instagram: @healing_britt

Www.2bconsultingco.com


Video Production by MKE Video
SPONSORED BY: Crash Design Co. (Kristin Adkins) http://crashdesign.co

WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Unmute Your Story—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments #unmuteyourstory
#Trichotillomania

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories

Breaking Cycles Through Honest Conversation:

When everything changed, it was a Friday in November 2012 — the day Kelly discovered her daughter Abigail had a plan to take her own life.

What began as a moment of heartbreak became a decade-long journey of healing, understanding, and unshakable love. Together, Kelly and Abigail walked through therapy, tears, and transformation — emerging not just as mother and daughter, but as best friends and business partners.

Kelly’s story is a powerful reminder that mental health challenges don’t define us — connection does. 💜

🎙️ Part of the WHEN Stories™ Experience — where women share their When Everything Changed moments and turn them into legacy.

In 2012, Kelly discovered the power of the mother-daughter relationship when she learned that her daughter, Abigail, had a plan to take her own life. This experience launched Kelly and Abigail on a journey of learning and growth, navigating the mental health arena, and developing strong communication skills.

Kelly is now a passionate advocate for sharing the lessons she and Abigail have learned on this journey. She is the co-founder of The Mother Daughter Journey, Certified C.O.A.C.H. Principals Conversation Specialist Teaching Partner,Classroom Behavior Specialist, speaker, author, co-creator, and producer of The Mother Daughter Journey Podcast.

She is a wife of 36 years, a girl mom, grandmother, puppy parent, music lover, and self-proclaimed travel addict. Car rides are considered concerts featuring herself. When Kelly isn’t working with her students or clients, you will most likely find her outside experiencing nature and soaking up some vitamin D.


https://themotherdaughterjourney.com/     

  / kellywhitespeaks 

  / the.md.journey 

  / kellywhitespeaks 

kelly@themotherdaughterjourney.com 

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories

Love Your Mess

When everything changed… she chose herself.

After years of being the “good girl” who did everything right — the career, the family, the expectations — Brittany hit a breaking point.
A text message ended a friendship, but began a reckoning.

It forced her to see that she’d spent a lifetime fighting for space in everyone else’s world… and had forgotten to make room for herself in her own.

In this raw, powerful WHEN Stories™ talk, Brittany shares how she stopped performing for approval and started living for alignment.

Through heartbreak, career shifts, therapy, and courage, she discovered that clarity doesn’t come from perfection — it comes from the mess.

✨ Watch this talk if you’ve ever felt unseen, burned out, or afraid to trust your intuition.
This is a story of emotional agility, self-worth, and loving your mess — because that’s where transformation begins.

Brittany Nyenhuis is a visionary strategist, movement builder, and mother of three who blends corporate clarity with radical compassion. As the founder of Human Element Consulting and Love Your Mess, she operates at the intersection of policy, purpose, and personal transformation—helping both organizations and individuals rise with integrity.

Born and raised in Wisconsin and still proudly rooted there, Brittany brings Midwestern grit and grace to everything she does. Through Human Element Consulting, she partners with small to mid-sized businesses to build people-first workplaces. Her expertise spans inclusive HR frameworks, compliance strategy, and leadership coaching—all grounded in the belief that the human element isn’t a liability, it’s the greatest asset.

Her second venture, Love Your Mess, is a soul-led platform and movement that empowers women to reclaim their truth, challenge societal norms, and embrace unapologetic self-expression. It’s a space where belief meets emotional agility, and where vulnerability becomes a superpower. Brittany’s coaching, content, and community-building efforts invite women to rise—not in perfection, but in authenticity.

Whether she’s guiding a CEO through a culture shift or helping a woman rediscover her voice, Brittany leads with emotional depth, strategic clarity, and a fierce commitment to transformation. Her work is rooted in lived experience, spiritual wisdom, and a belief that our mess isn’t something to hide—it’s the birthplace of our brave decisions and our magic.


Business Links
www.humanelementconsulting.com
www.loveyourmess.org
www.brittanybong.com

Social Media Links/Handles
LinkedIn:   / brittany-nyenhuis 
Instagram:   / loveyourmessxoxo  

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories

The Burning Phoenix is Reborn

When everything changed, Angela was flat on her back, praying. What followed was not thunder… but planting. In this powerful talk, Angela shares how a single night of honest prayer revealed the truth she’d been avoiding: she fought harder for others than she ever did for herself.

Through divine conversation and self-discovery, she unlearned the label “lesser,” embraced her worth, and began teaching others a new way to communicate—with grace, understanding, and purpose.

This is a story about purpose over approval, faith over fear, and learning that sometimes the soil you resist is the soil you were intended for. 🌱

🎙️ Watch Angela’s transformative WHEN Story from the live theatre stage — part of the WHEN Stories™ Experience, where women share their “When Everything Changed” moments and turn them into legacy.

👉 Subscribe for more life-changing stories of resilience, faith, and visibility.

Angela is a former teacher with a unique and powerful perspective, specializing in working with students of all ages who have experienced trauma or are neurodiverse. Her personal and professional experiences have given her a rare ability to help others see the inherent value and worth in people in new and meaningful ways. This deep empathy and insight will not only help you grow as a person, but also transform how you connect with others.

Angela is known for her ability to build lasting relationships with families, a skill that has consistently led to positive outcomes. As an educator, she was able to achieve high test scores with low student stress, and her innovative methods focused on cultivating responsibility and empathy in her students.
Now, as a speaker, mompreneur, trainer, life doula, and travel agent, Angela is dedicated to strengthening families and communities through innovative methods that bridge generational divides.

Blessed Daughter of Allah Llc
https://sites.google.com/u/3/d/1vURSE...

#WHENStories #FaithJourney #ChristianMotivation #PurposeDrivenLife #WomenOfFaith #SelfWorth #InspirationalStories #MotivationalTalk #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualAwakening #HealingThroughFaith #ChristianSpeaker #StorytellingPower #GodsPlan #EmpoweredWomen

HZU CONSUTING INTERNATIONAL 

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories

Logan's Heart and Smiles

✨ WHEN: Joe Herr — Logan’s Heart & Smiles ✨

When everything changed, Joe turned heartbreak into hope.
After losing his son Logan, who was born with cerebral palsy, Joe founded Logan’s Heart & Smiles — a nonprofit dedicated to helping children with disabilities live safely and comfortably at home.

Since 2002, Joe and his team have built over 250 ramps, fences, and home modifications across Wisconsin — proving that love can truly build anything. ❤️

🎙️ Watch Joe’s inspiring WHEN Story — a powerful reminder that even through loss, purpose can rise.

Joe Herr | Founder, Logan’s Heart & Smiles

Joe Herr is the heart and soul behind Logan’s Heart and Smiles, a Wisconsin-based nonprofit dedicated to improving homes and inspiring hope for children with disabilities.

When Joe’s son, Logan, was born with cerebral palsy, he knew there was a purpose behind the challenges they faced—he just didn’t know what it was yet. That purpose revealed itself when Logan received his first wheelchair, and Joe discovered there were no funding sources or organizations focused on building ramps for children like his son. Using his own money and construction skills, he built a simple ramp so Logan could safely get in and out of their home.

After Logan passed away, Joe understood why their journey mattered: it was meant to help others. Within six months of Logan’s death, he built his first ramp for another family—and Logan’s Heart and Smiles was born. “Heart” because Logan had one bigger than his body, and “Smiles” because his joy could light up any room.

Since its founding in 2002, Joe’s organization has helped more than 250 children across Wisconsin through ramps, fences, handrails, bathroom adaptations, and other accessibility modifications—each project built with love, compassion, and community spirit.

In 2024, Joe became full-time paid staff as the organization continues to expand its reach and impact. Guided by the belief that every child deserves safety, dignity, and independence, Joe has built far more than ramps—he’s built a legacy of kindness, resilience, and hope that continues to change lives every day.

Joe is a true beacon of love and compassion, proving that even through loss, purpose can rise—and that when hearts unite, smiles last forever.

Website: https://logansheartandsmiles.org/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/loganshearta...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBGz...
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/loganshear

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories

The Serenity Project

Bron Watson is no stranger to unexpected left turns. A business owner, educator, and mother of five, Bron was building a life she loved when cancer arrived—not once, but twice.

What began as a life-threatening diagnosis has since evolved into a deeply personal mission: to change the narrative in which the health system navigates the emotional, physical, and spiritual chaos of serious illness. Her years of experience in nursing, business, and human behaviour—combined with her raw honesty—have shaped a voice that is warm, wise, and refreshingly real.

Bron doesn’t believe in sugar-coating life’s challenges. Instead, she offers a steady hand and a calming perspective, showing others how to find meaning, healing, and calm in the chaos of cancer.
Her upcoming book, The Serenity Project: Finding Calm in the Chaos of Cancer, is a heartfelt guide to living—and healing—on your own terms, one moment at a time.

www.bronwatson.com
Facebook   / bronwatsonme 
Instagram   / bron_watson 
LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/bronwatson
You Tube    / @bronwatson 
Email: bron@bronwatson.com


WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Unmute Your Story—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments #unmuteyourstory

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories


"Level Unlocked" That was the whisper that changed everything for Erika Sweeney. What started as a quiet nudge during heartbreak turned into a fierce journey of healing, self-discipline, and divine signs.

In this unforgettable WHEN Story, Erika takes us behind the scenes of her transformation — from losing her beloved dog and her father, to stepping on stage at Natural Olympia, to rebuilding her identity after selling a multi-million-dollar company.

She didn’t just compete. She showed up — for herself, her dreams, and her spirit.

🎯 This talk is for you if:

You're craving purpose after loss

You’ve forgotten how to dream for you

You want to see what discipline, signs, and spirit can create

You’re navigating motherhood, entrepreneurship, and your own rebirth

🕊 Signs. Sweat. Stillness. This is what happens when you stop waiting… and choose yourself.

Erika Sweeney is a professional Bodybuilder, Entrepreneur, and the host of The My Fit Tribe Podcast, a transformative podcast centered on nutrition, fitness, wellness and spiritual growth. We lead powerful conversations with inspiring guests from diverse backgrounds. Each episode explores the unique paths these individuals have taken to build strength in mind, body, and spirit. Through insightful storytelling and lived experience, Erika creates a space where wellness meets real-world resilience, helping listeners fuel their own growth—inside and out.

  / my_fit_tribe_ 
  / myfittribez 
https://myfittribe.org/
https://myfittribe.buzzsprout.com


WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Unmute Your Story—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

#WHENStories #Storytelling

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Refined By Fire: A Journey of Faith, Healing, and Purpose

"You are not what tried to break you. You are the evidence of what healing can become.”

 In this powerful WHEN Story, Paquita Reddish shares how a single moment with her daughter changed everything — and led her on a faith-fueled journey of healing, entrepreneurship, and purpose.

From surviving mental health struggles and domestic chaos to building two thriving businesses and leading a legacy event for Black women in business, Paquita’s story is one of grit, grace, and God.

💛 If you've ever asked:
Can I really start over?
Is it too late to heal?

Can faith and entrepreneurship coexist?
 …this talk is your answer.

🔥 You’ll hear about:
Surviving depression, single motherhood, and toxic relationships

Starting a business from purpose and pain

Finding your identity outside of titles

Stepping into leadership through legacy

Taking your power back — even when your past is watching


👑 Watch this talk if you're ready to stop surviving and start building. Because the fire didn’t destroy her. It refined her.
—
📌 Connect with Paquita Reddish:
Paquita is the CEO of Blessed Divine Creations LLC  and a dynamic motivational speaker dedicated to inspiring others through her powerful story of resilience. Born in Syracuse, NY, Paquita is a proud survivor of domestic violence and depression, turning her pain into purpose by helping others find hope, healing, and strength.

As a devoted mother of three beautiful children—two daughters and one son who are her world—Paquita leads with love, faith, and determination. Through her businesses and speaking engagements, she empowers women, entrepreneurs, and survivors to rise, thrive, and walk boldly in their purpose.

www.facebook.com/blesseddivinecreations
www.instagram.com/blesseddivinecreations
www.blesseddivinecreations.com

WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Unmute Your Story—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments #unmuteyourstory

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Rewired: From Inner Critic to Confidence 

“You have to be perfect to be loved.” That was the script Jasmin Nass carried since childhood — until a panic attack on a perfect day forced her to rewrite everything.

In this deeply moving WHEN Story, Jasmin shares how motherhood, divorce, and a sudden emotional spiral became the catalyst for healing. From self-abandonment to self-love, she takes us inside her journey of unlearning, reclaiming, and transforming — with the help of hypnosis.

🧠 Whether you’re battling inner critics, people-pleasing, or the weight of old wounds…
✨ This story is your invitation to ditch the script and build a life aligned with your truth.

🎯 You’ll hear about:

Breaking free from perfectionism & people-pleasing

Healing your inner child & learning to love yourself

Rewiring old belief systems with hypnosis

Transforming relationships from the inside out

Moving from self-doubt to self-trust

🌀 “When you change your mind, you change your life.”

Jasmin Nass, CHt | Hypnotist, Speaker, and Founder of Elevate Mindworks
Featured on WHEN Stories: Rewired — From Inner Critic to Confidence

Jasmin Nass isn’t your typical hypnotist — and thank goodness for that. A master of subconscious transformation, she’s the relatable, grounded, neuroscience-informed voice high-achievers turn to when their polished lives stop feeling good on the inside.

After spending years chasing validation, perfection, and external success, Jasmin experienced a personal unraveling on her 45th birthday that changed everything — again. That breakdown became another breakthrough — and the moment everything realigned.

As the founder of Elevate Mindworks and creator of The Elevation Method™, Jasmin helps high-achieving midlifers—professionals, entrepreneurs, and recovering perfectionists—finally feel the internal peace their success never gave them. Her work guides clients out of overthinking, people-pleasing, and self-sabotage—and into grounded confidence, clear self-trust, and a life that makes them say, “This. This is what I’ve been chasing.”

In her WHEN Stories talk, Jasmin shares a raw behind-the-scenes look at what happens when success stops working — and how choosing herself was the first step to reclaiming her confidence, her voice, and her peace.

Her message?
You’re not broken. You’re just running an outdated script.
And it’s time to write a new one.

Join Elevate Elite — Your Fast Track to Subconscious Freedom. Unlock free hypnosis audios, powerful mindset tools, and exclusive insights to rewire the root, quiet the noise, and live with confident clarity. https://elevatemindworks.myflodesk.com/elevate-elite-when

https://www.elevatemindworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/elevatemindworkshypnosis
https://www.youtube.com/@RewiredwithJaz

WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Unmute Your Story—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments #unmuteyourstory

#WHENStories #JasminNass #DitchTheScript #HypnosisHealing #InnerChildWork #RewireYourMind #PerfectionismRecovery #ChangeYourStory

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Beyond the Blur / Clarity through Connection

“Sometimes the clearest vision comes after the fog.”
In this poetic and powerful WHEN Story, Courtney Hull shares how her journey from blurred vision to deep clarity wasn’t just about eyesight — it was about insight.

From receiving her first pair of glasses at 12 to standing in the African rainforests, photographing burn survivors, and facing soul-tired disconnection in her 40s, Courtney shows us what it means to see clearly again and again throughout life.

🎯 You’ll relate if you’ve ever felt:

Lost in your roles (mom, leader, partner, human)

Exhausted but afraid to slow down

Like your joy, identity, and purpose have gotten fuzzy

Like you're craving connection but not sure where to start

💡 Courtney’s story is a gentle reminder that clarity isn’t a lightning bolt — it’s a return. And sometimes, all it takes is someone saying, “You’re not alone. I see you. Keep going.”

Courtney Hull is the Associate Dean of Fire/EMS Training at Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, and the founder of Plugged In, LLC, a company focused on leadership and relationship development, communication, and connection in high-stakes environments. 

A former career Firefighter/AEMT, Courtney transitioned to Fire/EMS education full time in 2010 after teaching part-time since 2007. She holds a master’s degree in training & development and is passionate about shaping the future of emergency services through inclusive, high-quality education.

As a classroom leader, Courtney is known for building strong relationships with students, designing creative, engaging lessons that proactively manage classroom dynamics, and providing holistic support to increase student success. Her leadership style is driven by her CliftonStrengths of Learner, Developer, and Relator—she’s energized by helping people grow, learn, and connect with purpose.

Courtney’s strategic mindset shines in her ability to rally teams around a shared vision, foster inclusive and engaged cultures, and generate fresh, effective solutions to stubborn challenges. Whether in a classroom, firehouse, or boardroom, she’s committed to developing resilient, high-performing teams that thrive under pressure.

Courtney also strongly believes in community engagement and service above self which is evident through her participation in numerous volunteer engagements, supporting fundraising endeavors and involvement with non-profits. She spent 15 years with the Wisconsin Summer Camp for Burn Injured Youth with 5 of those years in a leadership position from Activities Director to Camp Director. 

In her spare time, Courtney enjoys traveling, hiking, photography, trying new foods and cheering on her young son at his sporting events.
 
Courtney P. Hull, MSTD, NRP
Plugged In www.pluggedincc.com
Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-hull-aa5b8b73/
Founder and Presenter for Plugged In, LLC
Fire/EMS Associate Dean and Fire/EMS Educator at Waukesha County Technical College
Clifton Strengths: Learner ◦ Developer ◦ Relator ◦ Individualization ◦ Analytical

WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Unmute Your Story—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

A HEART'S JOURNEY: To Powerful Listening

“I was in another dimension… surrounded by love, beyond words.”
When Kathy Collins survived a near-death experience during cancer treatment, her life would never be the same. What followed was a journey filled with spiritual signs, divine appointments, prophetic dreams, and a calling to walk with others at the edge of life and death.

In this extraordinary WHEN Story, Kathy shares how a moment in the ER opened her heart to powerful listening, mystical purpose, and a career as a hospital chaplain — even though it was never part of her plan.

🕊 You’ll hear about:

Her near-death experience and the vibrational realm beyond

Visions, colors, and prophetic dreams that came true

How she left corporate America to follow her heart

Miraculous synchronicities (including meeting the man from her vision)

The truth she now shares with patients about love, death, and what comes next

✨ If you’ve ever wondered whether the universe is speaking to you — or if your story has more meaning than you realize — this talk will move you deeply.

Some speakers bring slides. Some bring statistics. Kathy Collins brings a life story that sounds like it was written by the universe itself.

Kathy is a seasoned hospital chaplain, author, and speaker whose life and work are grounded in compassion, authenticity, and deep spiritual insight.  Raised along the shores of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin, Kathy’s professional path spans the corporate business world, hospice volunteering, grief education, and hospital chaplaincy.  Her diverse background – and personal journey as a cancer survivor – have uniquely prepared her to support individuals and families facing life’s most profound transitions.

Kathy’s call to chaplaincy followed a life-altering cancer diagnosis and a near-death experience, events that reshaped her understanding of purpose, healing, and the power of presence. Rather than retreating, she embraced the unknown. She discovered that life’s most excellent tools are love, service, and the ability to truly listen.

In both her hospital ministry and public speaking, Kathy seamlessly blends heartfelt storytelling, spiritual wisdom and gentle humor. Her signature presentation, “A Heart’s Journey: To Powerful Listening,” invites audiences to explore the transformative power of attentive presence, especially during times of grief, uncertainty, and change.

Kathy is the author of The Mystic Chaplain – My Story (available on Amazon), where she shares her extraordinary journey and the lessons she has learned along the way.  She continues to write, speak, and lead with grace and resilience – reminding us that the heart knows precisely where to lead us, especially since it’s the most reliable GPS of all – the one that beats in your chest.

Contact:
Email: Kathysnilloc@gmail.com
Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-collins/
Website: https://www.kathycollinswriter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kathycollinsauthor


WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Unmute Your Story—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments #unmuteyourstory

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories

When Courage is a Choice

“Courage isn’t something you have — it’s something you choose.”
In this breathtaking WHEN Story, Traycee Mayer takes you from the bottom of a canyon in California to the muddy hills of Spain — and through every brave choice in between.

Traycee is an expert in helping leaders leverage the strengths of human connection to achieve explosive success in their own careers and with those they lead. She unapologetically believes people don’t need to be treated fairly, they need to be treated as the unique individuals they are to thrive and succeed. She has led teams of hundreds and helped to create paths for dozens of great leaders.

Traycee can help you drive accountability, productivity, and positive financial results while guiding you in leadership presence, growth mindsets and new tools for development. She is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, creator, world traveler and impactful trainer to teams and leaders at all levels.

Traycee’s style has progressed from over 40 years of bridge building Leadership. She is a UC Berkeley Certified Executive Coach, a Certified Edgewalker Facilitator and Archetypes of Change Facilitator as well as ICF Coach.   She has what you need to develop Connection, Clarity, and Courage.  Traycee@BeYouLeadership.com

http://BeYouLeadership.com
  / trayceemayer 

FB-@beyouleadership
IG-@theleaderpaths
http://theLeadershipContradiction.com
email-traycee@beyouleadership.com

WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Unmute Your Story—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #WHENStories

Rescue to Revelation: A Midlife Journey from Broken to Becoming   

Christine Welch is a Trauma Disruptor & Clarity Coach, Retreat Facilitator, and founder of IGNITE Sisterhood. After a traumatic brain injury ended her 27-year career in emergency services, Christine discovered that her worth was never in what she did—or the uniform she wore—but in who God says she is. Now, she helps midlife women reconnect with their purpose, reclaim their identity, and rise into their next chapter with clarity, confidence, and authentic community.

Christine helps women go from broken to becoming—through truth, trauma healing, and the power of sisterhood.

EMAIL: christinejean@christinejean.net
WEBSITE: www.theclaritycollab.com
SPEAKER INQUIRY: https://ScheduleTheClarityCollab.as.m...


WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Unmute Your Story—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments #TEDx-Style Talk

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories

Healing Through Unconditional Self-Love

Stephanie is a self-love coach, motivational speaker, abstract artist and sound healer dedicated to helping others cultivate self-love. Through transformative workshops, retreats and her online community membership, Cultivate, she inspires individuals to embrace their authentic selves, heal from within, and connect with their true purpose. Using art, journaling, sound therapy and coaching, Stephanie guides her clients on a journey of self-love, emotional healing and creative expression. Her creative healing studio is located in Cambridge, WI

  / stephanielocchettaart 
   / @stephanielocchettaart 
https://linktr.ee/StephanieLocchettaArt
  / stephanielocchettaart 

Video Production by MKE Video
Filmed at The Muskego Circle Community Center

WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Unmute Your Story—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments #unmuteyourstory

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories

From Learning to Walk to Saving the Planet: Self-love makes all things possible.
At the core of Carolyn’s mission lies a profound commitment to our planet. As a dedicated Earthling, she harnesses the power of her real estate license as a catalyst for environmental stewardship. Leading by example, Carolyn serves as the President and Managing Director at Clear Blue Commercial, a trailblazing entity in the realm of commercial real estate. Clear Blue Commercial proudly holds certifications as a Green Business, a Small Business, a Woman-Owned Business, and as a B-Corp – a testament to their unwavering dedication to sustainability and ethical business practices.

Drawing from her diverse leadership background spanning the realms of entertainment, real estate, and hi-tech industries, Carolyn is not just a speaker but a force for change. She lends her expertise and passion to  shaping policies and initiatives aimed at combating climate change on a global scale. Additionally, she serves as a Champion on the advisory board for the Women’s Business Collaborative, advocating for gender equality and empowerment in the business world.

Recognized as an Enterprising Woman of the Year by Enterprising Women magazine in 2022 and hailed as a Top Impact Company by Real Leaders magazine for multiple consecutive years, her dedication to driving positive change is undeniable. Driven by her transformative experiences, Carolyn is on a mission to cultivate a supportive, innovative, and collaborative environment where clients, team members, and the planet alike can thrive. Through her speaking engagements, she ignites the spark of inspiration, empowering individuals and organizations to embrace sustainability, creativity, and collective action. Join Carolyn Pistone on a journey of discovery, empowerment, and transformation – where every word spoken is a step towards a brighter tomorrow.

Driven by her transformative experiences, Carolyn is on a mission to cultivate a supportive, innovative, and collaborative environment where clients, team members, and the planet alike can thrive. Through her speaking engagements, she ignites the spark of inspiration, empowering individuals and organizations to embrace sustainability, creativity, and collective action. 

https://carolynpistone.com/
https://clearbluecommercial.com/
  / carolynpistone  

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories

For decades, Lisa has cultivated her leadership and inclination to help others succeed by partnering with individuals and businesses for strategic solutions and inspirational development. A Business Coach, Thought Partner, and Life Strategist; Lisa is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, Scrum Master, Certified Scrum Product Owner, and PMP. Lisa is an international best-selling author and award-winning business strategist. Her most recent book, Stepping Into Gratitude, became an international best-seller in 2023.

Lisa uses a combination of theories and industry practices to guide Business Owners and Executives on building out a sustainable strategic plan aligned with their core value system.

A passionate advocate, Lisa sits on a number of boards and committees, including Brojora Foundation, Santa’s Letters, and Cardinal Opportunities. She is the International President of Delta Phi Epsilon and a Legacy leader for Polka Dot Powerhouse.

Personally, Lisa is an adventurer of heart and free spirit. You will find her traveling the world with her husband, Nate, or sitting by a fire watching the stars. She is a proud fur-baby mom to Jack, Simon, and Dexter.

https://www.LisaCondon.com
Book a Call with Me: https://bookme.name/lisacondon
Facebook:   / lisacondonspark 
  / 549269553880589 
LinkedIn:   / lisacondon 
Instagram:   / lisacondonspark 



WHEN Stories:  

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories

Beyond Binary: Breaking the Silence

At 15 Michelle found out that she has Androgen Insensitive Syndrome (AIS), also known as an Intersex variation. As an adult she experienced the death of her nephew and her son within two years. Triumph through trauma has been a cornerstone in her life.

On her path to continuous healing Michelle became a Certified Holistic Life Coach and Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator (TCTSY-F). She uses her certifications and her Entrepreneurship and Business Management degrees as a Life & Biz Coach to business owners, non profit leaders, and other changemakers around the world.

Michelle’s lived experiences and professional training have shaped who she is and how she interacts with the world.

Her mission is to create a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous world for all by helping the changemakers in the world to be advocates for themselves just like they are for the change they want to see in the world.
She believes that you shouldn’t have to constantly sacrifice your needs to create a big impact. You shouldn’t have to silence yourself to protect the status quo. When you prioritize your needs, your health, and your well-being, that’s when you create a bigger impact than you ever thought possible. You deserve to love your life on purpose. You are worth it!

www.michellevandehey.com
FB  / michelle.vandehey 
IG  / michellevandehey 
LI  / michelle-vandehey 

Love Your Life On Purpose Podcast -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkFuUkfdqoOz1hymW1P1nzA

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories

From Keeper of Secrets to Teller of Truths

Megan Malick is an author, speaker, and grief and logistics mentor. She brings heart and soul to the practicalities of life, making space for emotion in a world that often leads with the head. She specializes in supporting and guiding intuitive Gen-Xers and Millennials living in the sandwich generation.

Megan believes that our paperwork tells a story that deserves to be honored with tenderness, clarity, and care.

Through her writing, speaking, workshops, and one-on-one support, Megan creates space for emotion in a world that too often leads with the head.

Although Megan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a background of over 25 years serving in education, ministry, and mental health, no title, degree, or role has taught her as much as grief has.

When Megan isn’t walking with others, you can find her walking in the trees, reading a good book at the beach, or exploring new places with her spouse, Joe.  Megan loves coffee, cats, meaningful conversation, and anything sparkly.

📖You can order her debut book, A New Path: A Practical Workbook and Planner for Your First Year of Grief and Settling Your Person’s Affairs  here https://a.co/d/hSpRlME
Or schedule a call with her:  https://calendly.com/megan-a-new-path...

Facebook   / revmeganmalick 
Instagram   / meganmmalick 
LinkedIn      / revmeganmalick 
Substack  https://meganmalick.substack.com/
Website:  

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Life Doesn't Stand Still:  Rise. Rebuild. Repeat.

Erica Gifford Mills is an international speaker, award-winning and international best-selling author, empowerment coach, and talk radio host. She is the founder of Balanced Symmetree, a transformative movement that helps ambitious, purpose-driven women reclaim their power, align with their passions, and create rooted lives and careers that reflect who they truly are.
 
As seen on Apple News and Google News, Erica was named one of the Top 10 Female Mindset & High-Performance Coaches Disrupting the Self-Help Industry by Disrupt Magazine. She was also recognized by MSN News as one of the 10 Visionary Entrepreneurs Driving the Future of Their Industries.
 
With advanced degrees in Human Resources, Management, and Military Psychology, Erica combines her academic background with certifications in life, business, and empowerment coaching to deliver a unique, integrative approach. Her work is grounded in holistic leadership, emotional resilience, and inner transformation.
 
Through her live podcast, Get Rooted Radio, and her award-winning book and workbook, The Rooted Life: Live, Love, Let Go, Erica teaches women to be seen, heard, and free—to live it up, love it up, and let it go.
 
Website: https://www.balancedsymmetree.com
Email: balancedsymmetree@gmail.com
Facebook:   / balancedsymmetree; 
Instagram:   / balancedsymmetree 
Twitter:   / balncdsymmetree 
LinkedIn:   / erica-mills-76403a7 
YouTube:    / @balancedsymmetree9117   

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories

Ditching Average

Consuela Muñoz is a dynamic keynote speaker, international best-selling author, and certified Gallup Strengths Coach who helps leaders ditch average and lead with passion. After a life-changing moment of clarity at work, Consuela began her journey from not engaged and “just average” to becoming a catalyst for activation in others. Her work is rooted in the belief that every leader has untapped potential—and when they engage their strengths, everything changes.

Drawing on over a decade of experience in leadership development and employee engagement, Consuela created the Strengths-Activated Engagement™ approach and her signature LEAD method—Leverage strengths, Empower engagement, Achieve aspirations, and Drive performance. Through these tools, she equips leaders to unlock team potential, drive performance, and achieve what others see as impossible.
As the host of the Lead to Achieve podcast, Consuela shares transformative stories, powerful frameworks, and real conversations with leaders who are changing how work gets done. Her storytelling, humor, and practical tools connect deeply with audiences—whether on stage, in a boardroom, or through a screen.

Her programs, including the v, have inspired hundreds. But more than results, Consuela is known for igniting the fire within leaders to find their voice, own their strengths, and create meaningful impact.
Offstage, she’s a fierce advocate for education and childhood hunger initiatives, a believer in bold action, and a champion of everyday leaders who are ready to rise.

Consuela Muñoz helps leaders break free from average—so they can lead with energy, purpose, and results.

https://www.consuelamunoz.com/engage
info@consuelamunoz.com


Video Production by MKE Video
Filmed at The Muskego Circle Community Center

WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Unmute Your Story—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories

Journey From the Ashes

Erica Gumieny is the owner of Pivotal Point, LLC, where she serves in multiple capacities to inspire and empower individuals and organizations.

With a problem-solving mindset akin to Vanilla Ice—"If there's a problem, she'll solve it!"—Erica blends humor and truth to help people and organizations overcome obstacles and gain clarity, empowering them to achieve their goals and purpose.

As an author, Erica shares her candid communication style through articles, her blog, and her upcoming book, Journey from the Ashes. She is also the creator and host of The Funny Kind™, a video blog series dedicated to uncovering kindness and light in everyday moments.

As a speaker, Erica tailors her presentations to meet the needs of her audience, seamlessly combining humor, authenticity, and storytelling to captivate and inspire. Her unique approach ensures that each presentation not only engages but also provides valuable insights that resonate deeply with her listeners.

In her corporate career, Erica has honed her client-focused expertise and senior leadership skills across diverse industries, including healthcare, higher education, advertising, training and development, and transportation.

Erica is deeply committed to giving back to her community and has served in numerous volunteer roles. She has been on the Board of Trustees for organizations such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Professional Dimensions, The Parenting Network, and the Alverno College Alumnae Association. Additionally, Erica and her family are passionate about volunteering for several nonprofits and serving meals for Community Projects for Seniors.

Erica holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with Honors from Alverno College and a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Administration from Concordia University.

She is married to Jay, the owner of Central States Insurance Agency, and together, they have two adult children whom they cherish spending time with, creating memories, and sharing laughter.

www.yourpivotalpoint.com   
erica@yourpivotalpoint.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf1pTR16LkUhTf4e8uQUnrg

Video Production by MKE Video
Filmed at The Muskego Circle Community Center

WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Unmute Your Story—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Kaela Gedda is an Ontological Life Coach serving leaders and entrepreneurs to live their most joy-filled lives creating multi-six+ figure businesses as a result. She runs her coaching business, Rise Leadership Circle, with the best partner a girl could ask for, her mom Lisa. Kaela also is one of the co-founders of The Nest Cowork + Club in her hometown Green Bay. She has many obsessions: witchy reads, her dogs Murray and Millie, weekly horseback riding, spa days, snacks, and drinking tea and champagne. Kaela frequently travels internationally, across the US, or on extended road trips. According to Human Design she’s a Reflector, Enneagram 8, and a self proclaimed maximalist. For Kaela home is between Green Bay, WI and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where Kaela and her husband Tom recently purchased their dream lake house to live near the water making her Pisces self happy. Kaela’s top commitments are to: indulge in rich experiences, love wildly, and take snack breaks.

 https://RiseLeadershipCircle.as.me/?appointmentType=70872831 

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised.

Talk Title: Nurturing Empowerment & Wonder
How intentionally crafted childrens novels and elevating awareness of benefits of true self-care for adults can promote healing from today’s increased social and emotional stress 

Vivianne Winters Israel - Registered Nurse; mom; thriving cancer survivor; motivational speaker; self-care enthusiast; published author, Tender Moments: Diary of a First-time Mother awarded Benjamin Franklin Silver Award, co-author in Amazon Bestseller Life by Design: Leverage, Legacy and Lifestyle, now authoring series of novels for children; acknowledgements: American Biographical Institute’s Golden Lifetime Achievement Award; Member: Independent Book Publishers Association, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators

Website  https://vivwi.me

Pinterest (primary SM) https://www.pinterest.com/viviannewi_childrens_author/

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/An.Authors.Journey.into.Childrens.Fiction.FORUM

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@authors_journey?_t=8n7RBiUIdh8&_r=1

Clapper https://www.clapperapp.com/Viv_Speaker_Author

WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Your story matters—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised.

Talk Title: An Ally in Bloom

Nic (short for Nicole) Kuck is originally from Southern California. She moved to Arizona 20 years ago to play softball and earn her degree at Grand Canyon University. After graduation, she immersed herself within the special needs community in both an academic & athletic setting. She taught children with vast and varied cognitive and behavioral needs, and coached athletes, and their coaches, within Special Olympics Arizona.

As Nic & Aaron’s (her AZ native husband) family grew, her work with individuals with special needs did too - now caring for two of her own neurodivergent littles; one with often debilitating cognitive & physical symptoms of her disability.

As Executive Director of Eminent Special Needs Planning, her personal experience, allows Nic to build relationships that reach far beyond the technicalities of planning alone. It provides opportunity for intentionality & empathy while educating, envisioning with, & empowering families & organizations for life.

ESNP Freebie SHARED.pdf (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ITsj6-uV0D9ZuVqnXl5HWSF8lf3MPkli/view?usp=drive_link)
https://www.eminentsnp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/your.special.needs.ally/
https://www.facebook.com/eminentsnp/
https://youtube.com/@yourspecialneedsally
https://www.linkedin.com/company/eminentsnp/


WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Your story matters—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised.

Talk Title: My Story Matters

Wendy Babcock is an award-winning lyricist, TEDx speaker, Author, and The Paid Stage & Storytelling Coach who has dedicated her life to helping others find and amplify their voices. With nearly a decade of experience as a speaker and mentor, Wendy has inspired countless individuals to embrace their personal stories as a tool for visibility, connection, and transformation.

Wendy’s own pivotal “WHEN” moment—a time of resilience and reinvention as a newly single mom—set her on the path to empowering others. As the founder of WHEN Stories™, Wendy has created a powerful platform that combines a TEDx-style stage, anthology books, and podcasts to elevate impactful life stories and give them the recognition they deserve.

Wendy is also an accomplished lyricist, having won the VH1 Song of the Year contest and written over 100 songs. Her ability to weave emotion and authenticity into storytelling has made her a sought-after speaker and coach, helping entrepreneurs and coaches craft their signature talks, get paid to speak, and build trust through storytelling.

When she’s not on stage or coaching, Wendy channels her passion for words into songwriting, mentoring, and building community through her signature events. Her mission is clear: to remind the world that your story matters.

Website      http://wendybabcock.com
Facebook   http://facebook.com/wendybabcockpresents
Linkedin     https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendybabcockspeaks/
Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/wendybabcockspeaks/
Tiktok         https://www.tiktok.com/@gertieglitterbottom
Podcast     https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-stories/id1766360319
Soundcloud     https://on.soundcloud.com/BgT61MDLEggSxii36


WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Your story matters—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised.

Talk Title: From Sole to Soul: My Journey of Transformation and Empowerment

Vanessa Cook shares her inspiring story of personal transformation, health, and wellness. Vanessa is a wife, mother of 7 beautiful kids, loves to hike and explore the world around her, run, and has a passion for bringing light to those around her. Once on a path defined by challenges, traumas, negative choices, hurt, and sickness Vanessa turned her life around by releasing 85 lbs and diving deep into the realms of hormones, epigenetics, and holistic health. Her journey didn't stop with her own transformation; it ignited a passion to empower others on their paths to wellness. As a certified Health and Fitness Coach, Vanessa specializes in personalized holistic health coaching, offering insights into nutrition, mindset mastery, trauma healing, and more. Beyond her professional endeavors, Vanessa's role as a foster parent and advocate for trauma-informed care adds depth to her understanding of healing and resilience. Her story is not just a narrative of personal transformation but a testament to the power of dedication, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of health and happiness.

Website: solerevivalhealthandfitnesscoaching.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solerevivalhealthcoach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solerevivalhealthcoach
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@solerevivalhealthcoach
Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/69ethVLgTH7ibdUrm4TSn3

Video Production by MKE Video
Filmed at The Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts

WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Your story matters—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised.

Talk Title: Leaving Early

Jon Taylor is an accomplished speaker, talk show host, and media producer with an extensive background in digital marketing. His career has been dedicated to crafting compelling content for coaches, consultants, and businesses that prioritize personal growth and well-being.

As a single father, Jon's personal journey of resilience and self-discovery has deeply influenced his work. In 2010, he embarked on a path of sobriety, which ignited a lifelong passion for learning and personal development. These experiences inspired him to found a video production company in 2015, specifically catering to the self-improvement community.

Jon's unique blend of professional expertise and personal insight allows him to connect with audiences on a profound level. His talks inspire and empower individuals to embrace their own journeys of growth and transformation.

• YT- @jontaylor3
• FB- https://www.facebook.com/jontaylor257
• WEB- https://mkevideo.com

WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Your story matters—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW:   This story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised.

Talk Title:  The Question. 

Jenn Fredericks is a beacon of resilience and hope, inspiring countless individuals through her journey of overcoming immense adversity. With three decades as a chronic kidney disease patient, including two kidney transplants, Jenn knows firsthand the challenges and triumphs of navigating long-term illness. Her role as a caregiver for her daughter, who faces a life-threatening diagnosis, has only deepened her empathy, strength, and determination.

Today, Jenn channels her experiences into her work as a Personal Resilience Practitioner and Prosilience Coach, guiding clients toward a life rooted in vitality, inner calm, and joy. She creates a supportive space where clients can find emotional respite and connection, offering tailored resources to repair and prevent burnout. Jenn’s approach is informed by her unique lived experience, empowering others to view life through a lens of resilience and renewed perspective.

Website:  http://www.prosiliencecoach.com
LinkedIn:    / jennfredericks 
Facebook:   / jennfredericksprosiliencecoach 
YouTube:     / @prosiliencecoach 
Subscribe:  http://subscribepage.io/familycaregiv...

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised.

Talk Title: Finding My Voice

TW: This story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised.

Talk Title: Finding My Voice

Cassandra Vohs-Demann is a visionary leader and inspiring speaker with over thirty years of experience as a coach, professional musician, performer, writer, composer, community builder, and producer. She is the owner of A Place to Shine Coaching & Speaker Academy, where she leverages her extensive expertise to empower individuals to achieve their goals and step confidently into the spotlight.
Through her coaching and workshops, Cassandra provides invaluable tools and support, drawing from her own experiences of overcoming self-doubt and finding her voice. Her commitment to fostering personal growth and building confidence is at the core of her transformative programs.
Cassandra has also established a significant presence in the arts through A Place to Shine Music. For over three decades, this company has served as the foundation for her performing arts studio, production company, and her successful career as a songwriter and performer. Cassandra's dedication to community building is exemplified by her role as the Founder and Artistic Director of the Woodstock Community Choir, a 501c3 nonprofit organization recognized as the Official Choir of Woodstock.
As a sought-after concert artist, Cassandra performs at festivals, fundraising events, and concert series, with her original music available on all major platforms. She has composed music for numerous nonprofit organizations, using her talents to support their missions. Her mantra, "Believe in what is possible," reflects her unwavering belief in the power of creating inclusive and supportive environments. She remains dedicated to creating opportunities for people to use their gifts and shine.
Cassandra is also the host of the A Place to Shine Podcast, where she continues to inspire and uplift others. She believes in the power of using your voice for good.

www.cassandravohsdemann.com
www.aplacetoshinecoaching.com
cassandravohsdemann@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/CassandraVohsDemannOfficial/
https://www.facebook.com/aplacetoshinecoaching/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-vohs-demann-206ab66/

A Place to Shine Podcast
https://www.aplacetoshinecoaching.com/podcast
HERE I AM - Song featured in Cassandra’s talk
https://cassandravohsdemann.com/track/3075382/here-i-am
APPLE MUSIC - HERE I Am - Album
https://music.apple.com/us/album/here-i-am/1030898586


WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Your story matters—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Glenn Derby. is a former NFL offensive lineman who played for the New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers following a distinguished collegiate career with the University of Wisconsin–Badgers. Beyond his achievements on the field, Glenn is a devoted advocate for mental health, addiction recovery, and trauma healing, drawing from his own journey of resilience and transformation.

A recovering addict and alcoholic with over 30 years of sobriety, Glenn began confronting his Complex PTSD in 2022. Through therapy, he discovered that his struggles with anger were rooted in unresolved trauma. His path to recovery and healing has fueled his passion for helping others find hope and overcome their own challenges.

For more than 25 years, Glenn has worked with middle and high school boys, guiding them through anger, trauma, and emotional hurdles. In addition, he specializes in working with high-achieving couples, employers, employees, and athletes, helping them navigate the unique challenges of high-performance environments. His work has touched the lives of thousands, offering practical strategies for building resilience, fostering emotional growth, and improving communication.

As a dynamic speaker, Glenn shares his Four C’s framework—Chaos to Calm for Clarity to Communicate Effectively—empowering audiences to navigate life’s challenges and find calm amidst turmoil. His unique blend of NFL celebrity, personal recovery, and trauma expertise makes him a sought-after speaker for universities, corporations, recovery programs, youth organizations, and athletic teams. Glenn’s message resonates with diverse audiences, offering insights into stress management, mental resilience, emotional intelligence, and the transformative power of personal growth.

Tiktok:   / coachglennderby 
Instagram:   / gderby79 
Facebook:   / ged7979 

Video' Production by MKE Video
Filmed at the Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW:   This story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised.

Talk Title:  Beyond the Obituary

Kristin Adkins is a passionate advocate for amplifying voices and ideas that deserve to be heard. With a background in Web Design, Graphic Design, and Marketing, Kristin has honed her skills through diverse experiences, from serving as a Graphic Design and Marketing intern for NASCAR's Chicagoland Speedway to leading as the Director of Member Services for Pi Sigma Epsilon.

In 2021, Kristin founded Kristin Pearson Designs, later rebranded as Crash Design Co. to honor her late father, with a mission to empower professional speakers with a compelling online presence. Her award-winning web design work has propelled her clients to notable successes, including transitioning to full-time speaking careers, publishing books, and achieving remarkable financial milestones. Inspired by those around her, Kristin has become a public speaker herself, sharing insights on the power of curiosity and the transformative potential of asking questions.

Driven by her belief that life is too short to try to figure it all out by ourselves, Kristin champions the idea that embracing curiosity opens doors to opportunities we never knew existed. Hailing from a small town without any stoplights, Kristin's journey to exploring diverse perspectives has reinforced her conviction in the value of learning from others.

LinkedIn:     / kristin-adkins 
Instagram:     / kristin.crashdesign 
Company Website: https://crashdesign.co/


#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised.

Talk Title: Letting Go

BIO: 

LINKS:


WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Your story matters—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised.

Yesenia Montenegro is a passionate motivational speaker and personal empowerment coach dedicated to inspiring individuals and organizations to reach their fullest potential. With over 12 years of personal experience in overcoming mental health challenges, Yesenia was amongst the first to introduce an after-school program focused on trauma sensitive, social-emotional development. Her mission is to meet people where they are and guide them toward their goals through diverse personal development strategies.
Yesenia's empowering approach equips individuals with the tools they need to navigate their journeys with certainty and resilience. She is currently writing her first children's book, "Luna Joy, Queen of the Misfits," aimed at inspiring young minds with the confidence to embrace their uniqueness.
As a certified trainer in Jack Canfield’s Success Principles Train the Trainer program, and with certifications in Level 2 Reiki Energy Healing and Dr. Amen’s Brain Health Licensed Trainer Course, Yesenia combines her extensive experience managing teams with her passion for coaching. She is committed to helping others cultivate unified and successful teams, fostering an environment of growth and empowerment in the face of adversity.
Through her work, Yesenia continues to make a profound impact, encouraging resilience, hope, and transformation in the lives of many. Join her on this journey towards empowerment and discover the strength within yourself!

Email: montenya12@gmail.com 
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/YeseniaMontenegroCoaching 
Instagram:   www.instagram.com/yesi.montenegro.coaching 


WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Your story matters—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

TW: This story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised.

Talk Title: Reclaim Your Wellness

Sharon Slack is a dynamic motivational speaker and Health & Wellness Strategist who turned her personal health crisis into a catalyst for change. After facing health challenges that were dismissed by traditional medicine and told there was nothing else they could do, Sharon embarked on a journey to reclaim her own health, leading her to discover the power of holistic wellness. With over 12 years of experience in the nursing field, she now uses her nurturing experience and insights to empower women who have been overlooked by doctors and told there's nothing else that can be done. Sharon guides her clients away from unnecessary medications and towards a life of health and vitality. Her approach is deeply rooted in understanding the whole person, focusing on holistic health solutions that encompass both mental and physical well-being. Dedicated to personal growth and the well-being of others, Sharon's commitment to holistic health and mentoring is evident. She embodies the desire not just to better herself but also to empower those around her to take control of their health journey and achieve their wellness goals. Sharon's story is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, dedication, and empowerment, making her a source of inspiration and a trusted guide for those seeking to navigate their path to wellness.

 
FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/sharon.slack78?mibextid=ZbWKwL

EMAIL: reclaimyourwellness1@yahoo.com

Website:   https://sharonslack.now.site

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-slack-rn/

WHEN Stories:  http://whenstories.com
Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Your story matters—be seen, be heard, make an impact!

#WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

In this powerful episode of WHEN Stories, Jenna Green, a former respiratory therapist who shares her remarkable story of overcoming severe health issues brought on by extreme overwork and sleep deprivation. Jenna recounts her four-year struggle with misdiagnosis and the heavy toll of seizure medications that left her feeling like a "walking zombie."

Through candid reflections, Jenna discusses how her drive to manage a hospital respiratory department led to her collapse, frequent "pause button" moments, and full-blown seizures. Her medical journey was fraught with challenges, including a misdiagnosis of epilepsy, which kept her heavily medicated and emotionally distant from her family during crucial years of her life.

But Jenna's story is one of transformation and resilience. A turning point came when she realized the true cause of her seizures—sleep deprivation and stress. She shares the steps she took to reclaim her health, set firm boundaries, and embrace self-care.

Listen in as Jenna opens up about the impact her condition had on her family, how they rallied to support her, and the life-changing lessons she learned along the way. Now, Jenna emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and prioritizing self-care, and she’s ready to step into a new chapter as a grandmother with renewed focus on her health and family.

Tune in for an inspiring episode about advocacy, recovery, and the power of putting yourself first.

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

In this insightful episode of the WHEN Stories podcast, we sit down with Chris Keaton, an experienced song plugger and North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductee. With decades of experience in the evolving music industry, Chris shares his journey from performer to song plugger and provides a behind-the-scenes look at how he connects songwriters with key decision-makers in Nashville.

Key topics include the dramatic shift from CD sales to streaming, how the current landscape levels the playing field for independent artists, and the unpredictable roller coaster of getting a song cut and turned into a hit. Chris dives deep into his passion for helping songwriters navigate the emotional highs and lows of the industry, offering invaluable insights into the process of pitching songs to top-tier artists.

If you’ve ever wondered how the music industry has transformed or what it takes to get a song heard, this episode will give you an insider’s perspective on the challenges, rewards, and constant evolution of music and songwriting.

Chris is a Nashville-based entertainment industry executive, award winning music publisher, artist management consultant and a 2016 Inductee in the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.

Website:  https://chriskeaton.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chriskeatonpresents

Want to listen to Wendy Babcock's song, Revival?  This is the latest song Chris is getting in front of music professions right now... https://soundcloud.com/user-94935675/revival-mp3?si=d8588e5574d241939b1c1f9dbda95550&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Vanessa Cook shared her WHEN Story live at Warrior Unchained 2024!
 
This powerful talk recounts Vanessa's transformative journey from the depths of trauma, illness, and self-doubt to resilience and self-discovery. At her lowest point, unable to walk upstairs without assistance, she chose life over despair. Through therapy, fitness, mindfulness, and nutrition, she rebuilt her body and soul, finding strength in overcoming obstacles. Her story highlights the importance of personal transformation and embracing one's path, encouraging others to start their own journey toward healing and empowerment.

To learn more about Vanessa Cook:

Website:  https://solerevivalhealthandfitnessco...
Tiktok:   / solerevivalhealthcoach 
Facebook:   / solerevivalhealthcoach 
Gigsalad:  https://www.gigsalad.com/vanessa_cook...

http://whenstories.com

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Jennifer Babcock gave her talk live on stage at Warrior Unchained 2024. 

This heartfelt talk recounts Jennifer's journey of overcoming depression, anxiety, and trauma, symbolized by the creation of a wire tree sculpture named "New Beginnings." The tree, crafted during high school, unknowingly became a representation of her future struggles, including an assault by a close friend. Through therapy, art, and reflection, she learned resilience and self-acceptance, realizing that growth and healing are continuous processes. Jennifer emphasizes the power of self-portraits in capturing one's evolution and encourages others to embrace their stories. 

http://whenstories.com

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Michelle shares her story about how signing up for a 10K race was a catalyst that helped her get out of a deep depression and regain her sense of self after the tragic loss of her son.

She explains that despite being a self-help enthusiast, motivation alone wasn't enough to pull her out of the dark place she was in. It wasn't until she really dug deep and identified her true "why" - wanting to repair her relationship with her young daughter - that she found the drive to make positive changes.

Signing up for the challenging 10K race forced her to focus on her health and fitness in a way that motivation couldn't. The race became a turning point that helped her start getting out of bed, eating better, and ultimately regaining her sense of self.

Running the race and achieving a personal best time was an incredibly emotional and empowering experience for Michelle. It inspired her to become a health and life coach, specializing in helping others, especially mothers, prioritize self-care after loss or trauma.

Join Michelle's community: Peace, Freedom, & Joy for Changemakers

Connect with Michelle and send a message:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellevandehey/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.vandehey/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-vandehey/

Website: https://lightoflovecoaching.com/

Email: michelle@lightoflovecoaching.com

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Tracy transitioned from a 20-year corporate career to running her own online business coaching company after realizing she lacked control over her time and income in the corporate world.  The shift wasn't immediate; Tracy built her business alongside her corporate job for about 1.5 years before fully transitioning.  Key challenges included setting boundaries with family, overcoming imposter syndrome, and learning new online business strategies and technologies.  Tracy now enjoys more control over her time and income, with a successful coaching business that allows for travel and flexibility.

Tracy Beavers Website: https://www.tracybeavers.com

Tracy's Podcast: 

Create Online Business Success! | Visibility, Lead Generation, Content Marketing Strategies, and Entrepreneurial Inspiration

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-online-business-success-visibility-lead-generation/id1751582214

Free Resources from Tracy:  https://www.tracybeavers.com/resources

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

JAN HOATH-
As a competitive swimmer in high school, Jan suffered a devastating shoulder injury that ended her swimming career. This led her into a deep depression, where she struggled with suicidal thoughts and was put on antidepressants. However, after an encounter with a German teacher who told her about a scholarship opportunity to study abroad in Germany sparked a glimmer of joy and hope within Jan. She applied for and won the scholarship, which allowed her to go to Germany and experience a transformative year that helped her heal from her depression through embracing joy.

Jan's experience in Germany taught her that joy is a superpower and an inner compass that can guide us through even the most challenging circumstances. She realized that by following her joy, even in small ways, it could lead her to new possibilities and healing. Jan has since made it her mission to help others harness the power of joy to overcome obstacles and create more fulfilling lives.

When someone is struggling, Jan recommends three key steps: 1) Be open and willing to notice even the smallest sparks of joy or hope, 2) Follow those threads of joy by taking action on them, and 3) See where that joy leads, trusting that it will open up new possibilities. She emphasizes that joy is not the end goal, but a path to better decisions and a more positive mindset to get through difficult times.

Jan encourages listeners to connect with her online at JanHoath.com or on social media to learn more about her work as a "Joyful Leadership Mentor" and how she can support others in harnessing the power of joy.

Website:  http://janhoath.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanHoathINC
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janhoath

Be sure to subscribe! 
Want to be on the WHEN Stories Podcast?  Send us an email to voices@whenstories.com

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters. 

Welcome to WHEN Stories!  In this first episode, I talk briefly about what it is and what you can expect. 

To Learn more go to http://whenstories.com

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the WHEN Stories Podcast, where we explore the transformative moments that redefine our lives.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from speakers who’ve turned pivotal challenges into powerful platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Want to share your story or learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities? Visit whenstories.com or follow us on social media. Let your voice be heard. Your story matters.