Episodes

  • Turning a Diagnosis Into a Movement: Scoliosis Awareness, Advocacy & the Power of Mother-Daughter Resilience |Marta Eliza Miller & Corrina Clover Miller | Founders of the Marta Eliza Miller Foundation

    Turning a Diagnosis Into a Movement: Scoliosis Awareness, Advocacy & the Power of Mother-Daughter Resilience |Marta Eliza Miller & Corrina Clover Miller | Founders of the Marta Eliza Miller Foundation
    Jun 24 2026
    What happens when a life-changing diagnosis becomes the beginning of a greater mission? Mother-daughter duo Corrina Clover Miller and Marta Eliza Miller join Kara Duffy to share their journey from figure skating and entertainment to founding the Marta Eliza Miller Foundation, an organization dedicated to scoliosis awareness, research, and supporting young athletes. Together they discuss turning fear into action, building a nonprofit from a difficult moment, homeschooling on the road, chasing creative dreams, and what it means to create a life outside traditional expectations. Marta and Corinna share how resilience, curiosity, and community have shaped their mission to help others stand tall, be strong, and dream big. The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. WEBSITE: https://martaelizamillerfoundation.org/ INSTAS: @martaelizamiller @m.e.m.foundation 00:00:00 — Welcome & Introduction 00:01:00 — Living a Bicoastal Life & Growing Up on the Road 00:03:00 — Marta’s Scoliosis Diagnosis & Beginning the Foundation 00:06:00 — Navigating Fear, Surgery Concerns & Finding Purpose 00:10:00 — Building the Marta Eliza Miller Foundation 00:12:00 — Marta’s Accelerated Education & Musical Theater Journey 00:15:00 — Corinna’s Career in Music Management & Entertainment 00:18:00 — Choosing an Unconventional Path & Pushing Forward 00:21:00 — Expanding the Foundation Nationwide 00:24:00 — Understanding Scoliosis & Advocacy Through Awareness 00:32:00 — The Mission: Helping Young Athletes Stand Tall 00:35:00 — Self-Care, Fitness & Managing Scoliosis 00:38:00 — How to Support the Foundation 00:41:00 — Final Thoughts & Closing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • Motherhood, Ministry & The Radical Act of Loving Your Neighbor | Rev. Jes Kast | Writer, Pastor, & Community Advocate

    Motherhood, Ministry & The Radical Act of Loving Your Neighbor | Rev. Jes Kast | Writer, Pastor, & Community Advocate
    Jun 17 2026
    What if rebuilding our communities starts with something as simple as becoming better neighbors? Reverend Jes Kast joins Kara Duffy to explore faith, motherhood, service, and what it means to create the kind of world we actually want to live in. Together they discuss reclaiming religion in a time when faith is often weaponized, the power of receiving support from our communities, and why true leadership comes from connection rather than control. Jes shares her journey through motherhood, the NICU experience, spirituality, and her belief that small acts of care can become powerful movements of hope. --------------- The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. INSTA: @RevJesKast 00:00 — Welcome to Powerful Ladies Podcast & Introducing Rev. Jes Kast 02:00 — Jes’ Calling, Ministry & Becoming a Mother 05:00 — IVF, NICU, & The Transformative Experience of Motherhood 08:00 — Motherhood, Spirituality & Understanding God Through Love 13:00 — The Loneliness Epidemic & Why We Need Each Other 16:00 — Power With vs. Power Over: Community as Leadership 19:00 — Becoming a Better Villager & Choosing Service 22:00 — Rebuilding Connection in a Digital World 27:00 — Parenting, Generational Change & Bringing Back Community 31:00 — From Skyscrapers to Root Systems: Redefining Success 36:00 — Finding Enchantment, Wonder & Magic in Everyday Life 42:00 — Gardening, Viriditas & Reconnecting With Life 50:00 — Moving From Despair Into Hope & Action 55:00 — Reclaiming Christianity, Faith & Humble Leadership 59:00 — Supporting Your Community & Creating Change Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Workplace Equity & the Cost of Ignoring Humanity | Stacey Gordon | DEI Strategist & Founder of Rework Work

    Workplace Equity & the Cost of Ignoring Humanity | Stacey Gordon | DEI Strategist & Founder of Rework Work
    Jun 10 2026
    What happens when leaders stop seeing employees as resources and start seeing them as human beings? Leadership advisor, workplace culture strategist, and founder of Rework Work, Stacey Gordon joins Kara Duffy for a candid conversation about the current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the widening gap between executives and workers, and why leadership accountability has never mattered more. Together, they explore the future of work, the rise of entrepreneurship among marginalized communities, workplace humanity, pay inequity, and the critical leadership skills needed to create organizations where people can truly thrive. The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. WEBSITE: reworkwork.com LINKEDIN: linkedin.com/in/staceygordon SUBSTACK: linkedin.com/in/staceygordon INSTA: @reworkwork 00:00 Introduction to Stacey Gordon 01:00 State of DEI, Inclusion & Workplace Leadership 03:30 The Business, Moral & Legal Cases for Inclusion 07:00 Accountability, Bias & Human Behavior 09:00 Corporate Culture, Entrepreneurship & Workplace Exclusion 14:00 From Community to Scarcity Mindset 16:00 Should We Protect Corporate Spaces? 19:00 Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Inclusion 22:00 Leadership Accountability & Pay Gaps 29:00 Humanity, Compensation & Employee Experience 31:00 PTO, Trust & Leadership Culture 34:00 The Leadership Reality Check 38:00 What Makes a Great Leader? 40:00 Leadership, Listening & Decision-Making 44:00 Profit, Purpose & Pay Equity 47:00 Housing, Affordability & Economic Inequality 51:00 DEI, Capitalism & Finding Someone to Blame 53:00 Stacey's Journey Into This Work 54:00 Burnout, Hope & Staying Motivated 55:00 Travel, Perspective & Global Awareness 01:01:00 Freedom, Choice & Human-Centered Leadership 01:03:00 Action Steps for Leaders 01:05:00 Resources, Courses & Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • The Art of Hospitality, High-Stakes Events, & Creating Unforgettable Experiences | Kristin Mitchell | Founder of Gathered In Style

    The Art of Hospitality, High-Stakes Events, & Creating Unforgettable Experiences | Kristin Mitchell | Founder of Gathered In Style
    Jun 3 2026
    What does it really take to create luxury events for premium brands, high-profile talent, and private clients? Kristin Mitchell, founder of Gathered In Style, joins Kara Duffy to pull back the curtain on the realities of the event industry - from managing million-dollar expectations and navigating unexpected crises to building a thriving referral-based business. Together they discuss entrepreneurship, confidence, client relationships, team building, and why kindness, hustle, and adaptability remain some of the most valuable assets in business. Kristin also shares stories from the front lines of event planning, proving that success often comes down to solving problems no one else sees. The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. WEBSITE: https://www.gatheredinstyle.com/about INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/gatheredinstyle/ INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/itskristinmitchell/ 00:00:00 Welcome & Introducing Kristin Mitchell 00:01:00 Starting Gathered In Style During COVID 00:03:00 Growing Up in West Virginia & Discovering Event Planning 00:06:00 The Reality of Luxury Event Planning 00:08:00 Wildfires, Weather & Crisis Management 00:10:00 New York City's Resilience After COVID 00:12:00 Housing, Renting & Entrepreneurship 00:15:00 Finding Inspiration Through Travel & Design 00:18:00 Building a Referral-Based Business 00:21:00 Turning Passion Into Profit 00:24:00 Adapting to Clients & Staying Positive 00:25:00 Confidence Growth as an Entrepreneur 00:27:00 Finding Your Niche & Entrepreneurial Community 00:28:00 Hospitality Stories: The Salmon Incident 00:30:00 Entrepreneurship & Expecting the Unexpected 00:32:00 The Sod Story & Event Logistics 00:35:00 Building and Delegating to a Team 00:37:00 Defining a Powerful Lady 00:39:00 Fitness, Friends & Family 00:40:00 Growing a Following & Demystifying Events 00:43:00 Work Ethic, Gen Z & Leadership 00:47:00 Lifelong Learning & Embracing AI 00:48:00 Final Reflections & Where to Connect Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    52 mins
  • The Vulnerability of Music, Freedom of Comedy & Doing It Your Own Way | Jordan Duffy | Singer, Songwriter, Audio Engineer, & Performer

    The Vulnerability of Music, Freedom of Comedy & Doing It Your Own Way | Jordan Duffy | Singer, Songwriter, Audio Engineer, & Performer
    May 27 2026
    What does it really take to build a creative career independently? Singer-songwriter, performer, and audio engineer Jordan Duffy joins Kara Duffy for a candid conversation about creating music on her own terms, producing her 2025 album Nights Like These, and navigating the realities of the modern music industry. Together they explore collaboration, creative control, vulnerability in songwriting, the emotional difference between music and comedy performance, and how Jordan built a trusted creative network that continues to expand her opportunities across music, acting, improv, and beyond. The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. INSTA: @JordanKDuffy WEBSITE: JordanDuffyMusic.com EMAIL: TheJordanDuffy@gmail.com EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 — Introduction 03:16 — Moving to Los Angeles & Becoming a Performer 06:22 — The Reality of Independent Music Careers 07:20 — Why Jordan Chose the Independent Route 10:01 — Music Industry Contracts & Financial Realities 12:45 — Building an Organic Audience as an Independent Artist 13:02 — The Joy of Recording Studios & Producing Music 16:02 — The Financial Investment Behind Making an Album 20:38 — Balancing Creativity, Scheduling & Business Logistics 21:34 — Waiting Six Months to Release the Album 22:58 — Finding the Right PR Team 25:00 — Jordan’s Vocal Style & Musical Influences 26:18 — Jordan’s Songwriting Process 29:49 — Writing Emotional Songs That Sound Upbeat 31:13 — Creating Cinematic Music Videos 34:11 — Learning Front-End & Back-End Creative Skills 35:18 — Acting, Improv & Comedy Opportunities 36:30 — Why Comedy Feels More Natural Than Music 38:18 — Separating Performance Personas & Personal Identity 39:09 — Reflecting on Achieving Childhood Dreams 39:50 — Stage Presence, Music & Emotional Energy 41:08 — Confidence, Creativity & Growth 42:07 — Where to Find Jordan’s Music & Work 43:00 — Closing Remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • Accessibility, Ambition & the Business of Being Funny | Danielle Perez | Comedian, Actor & Writer

    Accessibility, Ambition & the Business of Being Funny | Danielle Perez | Comedian, Actor & Writer
    May 20 2026
    What does it mean to create a life that’s both deeply authentic and unapologetically ambitious? Comedian, actor, and writer Danielle Perez joins Kara Duffy to talk about building a career in entertainment while navigating disability, representation, and the realities of modern creative life. Together they explore the power of visibility, the importance of accessibility, and why success in creative industries requires far more than talent alone. Danielle shares candid stories about stand-up comedy, acting alongside Larry David on Curb Your Enthusiasm, surviving the chaos of LA entertainment culture, and the spreadsheets, systems, and resilience that keep her moving forward. ---------------------------------------------------------------- The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. INSTA: @divadelux 00:00 — Introduction to Danielle Perez 02:00 — The Accident That Changed Danielle’s Life 03:15 — Discovering Stand-Up Comedy 04:15 — Friendship, Support Systems & Madison Shepherd 04:50 — Disability Representation, DEI & Accessibility 07:20 — Why Representation in Media Matters 08:35 — The Weird Things People Say to Disabled People 13:00 — Accessibility, the ADA & Public Spaces 19:50 — Acting, Writing & Creative Vulnerability 23:20 — Success, Ambition & The Entertainment Industry 29:10 — The Business of Comedy & Creative Careers 33:20 — Goal Setting, Lists & Creative Discipline 36:00 — The Myth of the “Tortured Artist” 41:50 — Hustle Culture, MLMs & the Manosphere 44:30 — Advocacy, Identity & Public Expectations 47:10 — Accessible Fashion & Plus-Size Challenges 52:15 — Acting on Curb Your Enthusiasm 55:15 — Upcoming Projects & Returning to Ballard 56:10 — What Power Means to Danielle Perez 57:10 — Supporting Artists & Live Comedy 58:35 — Where to Follow Danielle Perez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Grief, Rituals & Raising Emotionally Literate Humans | Korie Leigh, PhD | Thanatologist & Childhood Bereavement Expert

    Grief, Rituals & Raising Emotionally Literate Humans | Korie Leigh, PhD | Thanatologist & Childhood Bereavement Expert
    May 13 2026
    Why are we so uncomfortable talking about death, and what is that avoidance costing us? In this episode, Kara Duffy sits down with grief educator and thanatologist Korie Leigh to unpack how Western culture became disconnected from death, ritual, and communal grieving. From childhood development and emotional regulation to collective trauma and meaning-making, this conversation offers practical tools for navigating grief at every age. Korie shares insights from her work with children and families, explains why euphemisms around death can create confusion for kids, and opens up about the personal loss that reshaped her understanding of grief, resilience, and community care. The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. INSTA: @drkorieleigh WEBSITE: korieleighphd.com TIK TOK: @drkorieleigh LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/korie-leigh-phd-ccls-ft-99a5073a/ 00:00 Introduction to Korie Leigh & Thanatology 02:20 What Thanatology Actually Means 03:30 Western Culture’s Fear of Death & Grief 05:10 The History of Rituals, Wakes & Collective Mourning 07:30 Why Millennials Are More Disconnected From Death 08:15 The Tasks of Grief & Accepting Loss 10:05 How Children Understand Death at Different Ages 13:10 Magical Thinking, Child Development & Emotional Language 16:00 Why Euphemisms Around Death Confuse Kids 17:40 Writing Books About Childhood Grief & Bereavement 21:00 Supporting Tweens & Teens Through Grief 22:20 Talking to Kids About Heaven, Souls & Death 24:10 Continuing Bonds Theory & Staying Connected After Loss 27:10 Parenting, Identity & Grief After Pregnancy Loss 31:00 A Full-Circle Moment With a Bereaved Mother 33:00 What Puffy Paints Taught Korie About Emotional Expression 35:00 Emotional Literacy, Parenting & Honest Communication 37:00 Inside Out, Core Memories & Emotional Development 39:00 The Grief-Tastic Book Fair & Humor in Grief Work 41:20 Music, Joy, Play & Staying Present 42:15 Rituals, Meaning-Making & Collective Healing 45:20 Becoming a Parent & Designing Intentional Family Rituals 48:00 Trying New Things, Playfulness & Identity Evolution 49:20 Community Care, Politics & Showing Up For Others 51:30 Collective Grief, Stability & Rebuilding Community 53:45 Where to Find Korie Leigh & Her Work Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • Family Law, Judicial Ethics & the Human Side of Justice | Ami Sagel | Orange County Superior Court Judge

    Family Law, Judicial Ethics & the Human Side of Justice | Ami Sagel | Orange County Superior Court Judge
    May 6 2026
    Family court impacts some of the most personal and emotional moments in people’s lives, but most of us know very little about how it actually works. In this episode, Orange County Superior Court Judge Ami Sagel pulls back the curtain on the realities of being a judge, the moral responsibility of making life-altering decisions, and the human stories behind divorce, custody, and domestic violence cases. Kara and Ami explore how judges balance fairness with discretion, the growing mental health crisis affecting families, and why compassion and accountability are essential inside the justice system. The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Website: JudgeAmiSagel.com Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Judge Ami Sagel & Family Law 02:00 The power and limitations of being a judge 04:00 Judicial ethics, morality & life outside the courtroom 07:00 Jury trials vs. bench trials explained 09:00 Family law, custody disputes & judicial discretion 11:30 Humanizing judges & the emotional weight of courtrooms 13:00 Cases involving children, abuse & emotional burnout 16:00 Ami’s journey from corporate law to federal prosecutor 18:00 Sex trafficking cases & witnessing society’s “underbelly” 20:00 Adoption law, parental rights & emotionally difficult work 22:00 Divorce as “the great equalizer” across socioeconomic lines 24:00 Mental health, financial stress & family court realities 27:00 How family law has evolved beyond traditional gender roles 30:00 Co-parenting, custody dynamics & children navigating divorce 33:00 Building community, civic engagement & trust in the law 35:00 The frustration of legal limitations & following precedent 38:00 Self-represented litigants & navigating the court system 41:00 Why civics education and legal literacy matter 43:00 Supporting families through conflict, compromise & healing 46:00 How judges are appointed and elected in California 48:00 Ami’s reelection campaign & challenges as a woman of color 51:00 Diversity on the bench & representation in the legal system 53:00 Final reflections on justice, empathy & public service Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    56 mins