Find Your Voice, Change Your Life
136 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 63 ratingsPsychologist and Host, Dr. Doreen Downing, invites guests who have suffered from public speaking anxiety to tell their story of struggle and how they overcame fear. They took an inner journey, found the voice that is truly their own, and now speak with confidence.
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Episodes
#133 Mingling Your Way to Great Conversations
April 18, 2024 08:00 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MBToday, I interview Susan RoAne who faced challenges early in childhood marked by her brother's battle with polio, which demanded much of her family's attention and resources. This experience, while difficult, taught her the importance of communication and advocacy, as she often found herself speaking up on her brother's behalf. Susan also shared how she was thrust into social situations from a young age, which laid the groundwork for her future expertise in mingling and networking. Her jou...
#132 Unconventional Paths to Business Authenticity
April 04, 2024 15:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBToday, I interview Julia Stege, who struggled to find her footing amidst doubts about her artistic abilities and societal expectations. Growing up in a family where creativity was both encouraged and stifled, Julia found herself navigating conflicting messages about her abilities. Despite doubts about her artistic prowess and pressures to conform, Julia pursued her passion for graphic design. As Julia ventured into the world of design, she encountered further obstacles. Traditional marketin...
#131 Harnessing Intuition for a Life of Purpose
March 21, 2024 14:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBToday, I interview Elona Lopari, who was misunderstood and restricted by societal norms early in her childhood. Growing up in Albania, she grappled with being labeled as mischievous and stubborn for her independent thinking and curiosity. Despite these hurdles, Elona found solace in her innate drive for achievement and a determination to break through limitations imposed by others. Upon immigrating to the United States, Elona continued to face challenges but found support and encouragement ...
#130 Breaking the Status Quo with Mindful Innovation
March 07, 2024 15:00 - 35 minutes - 24.8 MBToday, I interview Matt Mueller, who talks about how he went from being a very creative child to facing the tough rules of grown-up life that often stop us from being imaginative. He shares important times when the fear of what others would think made him quiet his own new ideas. This story of change is not only about Matt; it's something many of us can relate to when we think about how often we've had to hold back our creativity because of the pressure to fit in. Matt delves into the cha...
#129 Beyond Limiting Beliefs Into Limitless Potential
February 22, 2024 13:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBToday, I interview Linda Ford, who shares her journey from a challenging childhood in Ireland, characterized by poverty and emotional turmoil, to becoming a master-certified coach. Linda's early experiences were marked by economic hardship, lack of education, and a deep-seated sense of insecurity and self-doubt. Her breakthrough came when she moved to America, which sparked a transformative journey towards self-confidence and understanding her true potential. Linda realized that confidence ...
#128 For the Best Results, Focus on Your Listeners
February 08, 2024 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBToday I interview Dr. Maria Nemeth who shares her journey of dealing with shyness despite being labeled as an extrovert. Dr. Nemeth explains the distinction between being extroverted and feeling shy, recounting personal stories that shed light on the challenges she faced. Throughout the conversation, she shared breakthrough moments that impacted her personal growth, her initial struggles in public speaking, and a memorable moment that challenged her newfound voice. Despite the challenges ...
#127 Braving Up: Dare to Be Resilient and Empowered
January 25, 2024 15:00 - 32 minutes - 22.9 MBToday I interview Deb Drummond who shares her story of navigating a challenging childhood growing up in a home where she felt tormented by an older sibling. Complicating matters, adults around her dismissed these struggles, downplaying her experiences as just typical sibling behavior. That environment left scars on Deb's self-esteem and confidence, making it stressful for her to speak up confidently. However, at the age of 16, Deb, having had enough of the ongoing turmoil, summoned the cou...
#126 Rewrite Your Reality for Total Transformation
January 11, 2024 13:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBToday, I interview Shiraz Baboo, an influential figure in the realm of reality intervention. Born in South Africa during the Apartheid era, Shiraz's journey took a significant turn when his parents moved to Canada, seeking to escape racial tensions. In high school, Shiraz initially conformed to the "in" crowd, losing his authentic voice. However, a pivotal moment came when his family moved to an all-white neighborhood, forcing him to stand out and be independent, shaping him into the perso...
#125 Freedom, Fun, & Light-heartedness
December 27, 2023 08:00 - 39 minutes - 27.5 MBToday, I interview Crystal Deichert, whose journey unfolds from the confines of traditional Catholic values to the vibrant shores of Maui. Raised in a community that prioritized conformity, Crystal faced the challenge of breaking free from societal constraints to uncover her authentic self. Crystal shares her childhood struggles, emphasizing the lack of room for individuality in her community. Seeking solace, she found inspiration in the ocean and, notably, dolphins. These marine creatures ...
#124 The Confident Voice: From Corporate to Coaching for Entrepreneurs
December 14, 2023 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBToday, I interview Marc Evans, a seasoned business coach and CFO. Shaped by the assertiveness of his mother and the calm demeanor of his father, Marc learned early on the power of confidence. Early on in life, Marc faced challenges related to his height but quickly overcame them with his ability to use his voice effectively. This skill is what he brought to his role in corporations. As a manager, he honed his skills, and he became adept at wearing different hats to achieve corporate goals. ...
#123 A Path to Healing Family Pain
November 30, 2023 16:00 - 37 minutes - 26.2 MBToday, I interview Kyomi O’Connor who shared a compelling story of her life, marked by early familial challenges. During her childhood, Kyomi endured emotional abuse and struggled with her own identity. As a support to a weak mother, she embraced a dual persona, projecting an outwardly bubbly demeanor while concealing an inner struggle for self-acceptance. Transitioning into her teenage years, Kyomi faced societal taboos in Japan when her career aspirations clashed with her father's expecta...
#122 Beyond the Good Girl: Unleashing True Strength
November 16, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 21.5 MBToday, I interview Renee Bauer who shared her journey from a childhood shadowed by economic hardships to a life of significant achievement. She spent her formative years in an environment where family finances were a constant concern. Her parents tirelessly juggled nighttime jobs, including taking on cleaning medical facilities to ensure stability. Renee, even as a teenager, pitched in with the cleaning efforts, often at the cost of her social life. This part of her life was marred by a dee...
#121 Awaken Your Divine Vision
November 03, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 22.8 MBToday, I interview Jane Applegath whose story reflects how external circumstances can often drown out our inner voices, creating conflict within ourselves. In the midst of these challenges, she discovered the transformative power of yoga and meditation. Jane grew up with 4 other siblings so she had to speak up or she’d never be heard. For her, it was about the inner voice she wasn't tuned into. And knowing that voice is the epicenter of the story we create for ourselves and the life we live...
#120 Unlocking Superpowers: Embracing ADHD and ADD
October 19, 2023 08:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBToday, I interview Carol Vincie who shares a compelling story of her journey to discover and embrace her own voice despite the challenges posed by Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Carol's story reflects the struggle many face when dealing with these conditions, as she navigated a world that often misunderstands or stigmatizes them. Carol’s lack of a voice revolved around her undiagnosed ADD. She lived for decades and decades with undiagno...
#119 Uncovering the Power of Shyness
October 05, 2023 08:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBToday, I interview Jeff Borschowa who shares a deeply personal journey of overcoming shyness and embracing introversion. Jeff's early years were marked by the struggle to find his voice in a world that often seemed overwhelming. Growing up in an environment that didn't necessarily support his unique gifts, he faced challenges ranging from bullying to feeling out of place in social situations. He was painfully shy as a young man. Speaking up was not "acceptable" in his family. To challenge...
#118 Grace, Meditation, and Voice
September 21, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBToday, I interview Georgann Low who has a compelling story of facing inner struggle and losing her voice after a journey through the tumultuous landscape of the '60s and '70s. From an outspoken and sassy youth to a period of drug-induced turmoil, Georgann's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. After graduating from high school, Georgann spent years in New York and California, going to college until she dropped out to become a full-fledged hippie. The drugs she took ...
#117 Beyond Dependency: Rediscovering True Connection
September 07, 2023 08:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBToday, I interview David Doerrier who faced childhood insecurities and a long battle with addiction. He embarked on a path of self-discovery that led him to rediscover his authentic voice and passion. David is a testament to the power of resilience and personal growth. David found himself in careers that had him in front of people daily. He knew this was what he wanted to do. However, he had loud voices in his head that were telling him he was no good, laughing at him, and doing all they co...
#116 Discover Your Brilliance & Embrace Quiet Leadership
August 24, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 20 MBToday, I interview Tamara Herl whose getting up in front of a group of people to speak has always been hard for her. Tamara shares her compelling story of navigating through the challenges of finding her voice amidst family turmoil, societal expectations, and personal inhibitions. Tamara sheds light on the transformative potential of embracing one's unique brilliance, tapping into the language of nature, and using creativity as a powerful means of self-expression and empowerment. Tamara ca...
#115 Don't Speak and Don't Tell: The Burden of Trauma
August 10, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBToday, I interview Cindy Benezra who will share how she has emerged as a brilliant advocate for sexual abuse survivors. Her story is deeply moving, reflecting her struggles and resilience in the face of unimaginable trauma. From a young age, Cindy endured abuse at the hands of her father, a dominant and intelligent man who shattered her innocence. The abuse left her voiceless, as she grappled with the confusion of what was happening to her. Over the years, she found solace in nature, partic...
#114 Embrace Courage and Speak Up!
July 27, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBToday I interview Ivna Curi. Ivna is a remarkable individual who has overcome significant struggles to find her voice and confidently speak her mind. Her journey from a shy and obedient girl to a powerful advocate for assertive communication is truly inspiring. In our conversation, Ivna shares her transformative experiences, revealing the pivotal role courage played in her life. From her early days in Brazil, where she felt compelled to be the "nice girl" and avoid conflict, to her corporat...
#113 From Corporate Traps to Career Satisfaction
July 20, 2023 08:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MBToday, I interview Anthony Kuo whose life journey took him from being tightly wound and trapped in the corporate world to breaking free and following his heart's desire. He joins us today to share his transformative experiences and how he has now dedicated his life to helping others find their own path to fulfillment. Anthony Kuo's early life was shaped by the weight of immigrant family expectations and a musical background, where he excelled as a musician, performing at prestigious venues ...
#112 Breaking Free from Silence, Abuse, and a Cult
July 13, 2023 15:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBToday, I interview Sally Lotz whose early life was marked by the strict rules and limitations imposed by her family's conversion to Jehovah's Witnesses. In this oppressive environment, she endured abuse from her stepfather, forcing her to suppress her true self and become invisible. Sally's journey stands as a testament to the power of finding one's voice and using it to empower others. At the tender age of 15, a revelation sparked within Sally when her mother discovered her non-Jehovah's ...
#111 Uncovering Intergenerational Trauma
July 06, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 22.8 MBToday, I interview Fabienne Slama, a Renaissance woman and an inspirational figure who has overcome tremendous challenges to become a beacon of light for others. Her journey began with a deep intergenerational trauma stemming from her family's North African background. Her great-grandmother's forced marriage at a young age set the stage for a lineage of women who struggled to find their voice and worth. Despite these obstacles, Fabienne's innate curiosity and thirst for knowledge propelled ...
#110 From Voiceless to Powerful Advocate
June 29, 2023 08:00 - 25 minutes - 18 MBToday, I interview Sandy Rosenthal who after Hurricane Katrina, has faced the daunting task of exposing the truth behind the disaster. Despite lacking public speaking experience and facing challenges with her pronunciation skills, she fearlessly led an investigative team that exposed the mistakes of the Army Corps of Engineers and their subsequent attempts to conceal their errors. Sandy's influential work is detailed in her book, "Words Whispered in Water," which chronicles her efforts to l...
#109 Illustrated Black History: Unveiling the Iconic and Unseen Voices of America
June 22, 2023 08:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBToday, I interview George McCalman who has always found solace in his art, which has served as a safe haven for him to freely express his thoughts and feelings. Against all odds, he rose. An African American in a white neighborhood, he defied discrimination. With creativity as his weapon, he forged his path to self-discovery. McCalman is an artist and creative director based in San Francisco. He is known for his design studio, McCalman Co., which collaborates with a diverse range of cultura...
#108 A Journey of Revolution and Evolution
June 16, 2023 00:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBToday, I introduce Harriet Tubman Wright who highlights her moments of struggle and transformation. Growing up she experienced setbacks such as losing a school election and not winning speech contests. These early losses resulted in Harriett holding herself back from stepping into leadership roles. However, she chose not to dwell on these disappointments and instead embraced her creativity, finding avenues for self-expression in fashion, music, and dance. She encourages others to recognize ...
#107 Our Shared Stories Need Platforms
June 08, 2023 08:00 - 26 minutes - 18.7 MBToday, I interview Trish Tonaj. Trish was the firstborn, and her parents encouraged her to be herself, which meant a childhood full of art. She loved to paint anytime she got the chance. She even took classes in school. However, when she was reaching the end of high school and beginning to forge a path for her life, her father suddenly discouraged the idea of her becoming an artist, despite having paid for lots of classes and extracurricular art activities. He told her she would never make a...
#106 Confusion to Clarity: Finding Your Soul’s Purpose
June 02, 2023 03:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBToday, I interview Grace Mosgeller who speaks about growing up in a family where she was told what to do and what to think. In a situation like that, you can get confused and lose touch with who you really. Grace had an inner voice, but she didn’t listen to it until much later in her life. Her parents valued education, knowledge, and money. They were forces of influence that led Grace down a path she didn’t really choose. One example was her desire to play the saxophone, but they said not y...
#105 Finding Flow in Conversation and in Life Private
May 25, 2023 08:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBToday I interview Denise Blanc. Denise grew up in Chicago where she had close relationships with her siblings and looked up to her parents – but in different ways. Her father was very intelligent, a "man's man" who was good with numbers. Her mother ran a tight ship at home, always desiring that the house and children be presentable at all times. Denise tells us that she felt a bit left out in school. She was in a gentile environment where no one looked like her, and she was often left out ...
#104 "Expressways to Conflict Resolution”
May 18, 2023 08:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBToday, I interview Phil Blagg. In this captivating interview, we delve into a revelation that has remained hidden for the entirety of his life until now. Throughout the years, Phil guarded a family secret with unwavering dedication, keeping it locked away from the world. As we explore how keeping that secret affected him on his extraordinary journey, it becomes apparent that Phil's experiences may strike a chord within you, resonating with moments from your own life where finding your voice ...
#104 Expressways to Conflict Resolution
May 18, 2023 08:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBToday, I interview Phil Blagg. In this captivating interview, we delve into a revelation that has remained hidden for the entirety of his life until now. Throughout the years, Phil guarded a family secret with unwavering dedication, keeping it locked away from the world. As we explore how keeping that secret affected him on his extraordinary journey, it becomes apparent that Phil's experiences may strike a chord within you, resonating with moments from your own life where finding your voice ...
#103 From Introverted Perfectionist to Mindful Lawyer
May 11, 2023 14:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBToday I interview Claire E. Parsons, a successful lawyer who practices in Ohio. Both of her parents were lawyers, and her sister was born just 15 months before her. Growing up, Claire was quiet, introverted, and a bit of a nerd. Her sister, on the other hand, was very extroverted and enjoyed being the center of attention. Claire felt pressure to be the "good girl" and excel in everything she did. This pressure to be perfect followed Claire into her adolescence and early adulthood, where she...
#102 From Self-Doubt to Center Stage
May 04, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBToday, I interview Iris Goldfeder, an entrepreneur, professional musician, and co-owner of Gas Stove Creative. Iris shares her journey of pursuing her passion for music and overcoming stage fright. Despite struggling with self-doubt and throwing up before auditions, Iris joined the band Brave and Crazy and felt that her presence made a difference. She talks about how the applause was addicting and although she still experiences stage fright, once she sings the first two lines, she knows she ...
#101 Exploring Consciousness and Discovering One’s Self
April 27, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBToday I interview Nicholas Whitaker who shares his journey of finding his place in the world. He felt out of place in his hometown and decided to leave, which led him to Baltimore where he struggled with poverty and lived with a woman that was not a good fit. For years, he lived in unstable housing, including his car and squat buildings, while working in restaurants and coffee shops to make ends meet. During this period, he often turned to partying to escape reality. However, his perspective...
#100 From Sports to Speeches: Discovering Your Authenticity and Leadership
April 20, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MBToday I interview my husband, Earl Downing, and we'll explore the theme of finding your voice and expressing your Essence. Earl recounts his experiences with sports and how they gave him a safe and therapeutic outlet to be loud and expressive. He also shares his high school leadership journey, where he ran for student body president and delivered a rehearsed, effective speech that propelled him into grown-up life. I will highlight Earl's leadership skills and gifts, as we both reflect on o...
#99 Rewriting Your Childhood Stories
April 13, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 20.1 MBToday, I interview Calvin Niles who was raised in Barbados, a small island in the Caribbean. He had a loving environment, but his father was a strict disciplinarian who made sure his children minded their manners. His father's discipline style instilled in him a need for approval and reinforced a carrot-and-stick mentality. The school system was also quite rigid, and physical punishment was common. The government had a strong intention to provide a high education standard, but sometimes the ...
#98 Ask Questions, Listen, Learn, and Rise
April 06, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBToday, I interview Sabrina Victoria who grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, and her parents were Jehovah's Witnesses. They had been converted when Sabrina was five, and from then on, her upbringing was strict, religious, and submissive. In keeping with their new faith, Sabrina followed the rules. She obeyed the norms of Biblical teaching, learned as a female to submit to men, and learned as a female child to remain as quiet as possible, unless the group was evangelizing. Ironically, a large...
#97 Grounding, Power, and the Intimacy of Being Real
March 30, 2023 08:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBToday, I interview Sonja Rayne Lee. Unfortunately, part of Sonja's story includes childhood trauma, so there was a lot for her to overcome from a young age. At 12 she was molested. Luckily, her family immediately put her in therapy so she could begin working through it. But it was hard. Sonja felt exposed and vulnerable, and she was hurting. She put up a wall to shield herself and was afraid to let anyone in. This kept her from being fully seen by people, and it kept her feeling as though he...
#96 Your Self-Worth is Infinite
March 23, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBToday, I interview Jeff Davis. Unfortunately, Jeff's childhood was filled with bullying. He was a late bloomer, so he was the little guy surrounded by other boys who were getting tall and growing up. Because of this, he didn't have a girlfriend and he was teased a lot. He also had a lisp and a self-soothing habit of sucking his thumb, and people often beat him up, called him names, and told him he was worthless and stupid. Jeff's parents loved him and did the best they could, but they had ...
#95 The Power of Engaged Listeners
March 17, 2023 08:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MBToday, I interview Suzannah Baum who grew up in a household where the order of things was for women to be quiet and not disrupt the status quo. She looked up to her mother and thought it was completely normal to keep her comments to herself, pushing personal opinions and emotional reactions down and bottling them up. She followed in those footsteps from a very young age. Because this was the model put before her, Suzannah was a very quiet, shy child. She tells us that she often felt ignore...
#94 The Energy that Echoes Through Us
March 09, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBToday, I interview James Guzzetta. From the very beginning of his life, James had an intimate connection with nature and music. At age 1, James remembers being captivated by the light streaming down on him through tree branches. At age 4, he began playing music, and his experience heightened his awareness that he was having a divine connection to the deepest parts of himself. James also remembers the incredible backyard oasis at his grandmother's house. He grew up around lush, green fullne...
#93 The Voice That Empowered Me
March 02, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBToday, I interview Jami Carlacio whose mother died when Jami was an infant. An older sibling cared for her for a few months, and then her grandmother took over for a while. When Jami was five, the family was gathered in Spokane and her grandmother suddenly died while they were there. An already precarious little life had just gotten infinitely more difficult. Jami was left behind to stay with family in Spokane until she was 21. During this time, Jami felt lost and alone. She began using dr...
#92 Joy, Love, and Miracles
February 23, 2023 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBToday, I interview Lorraine Segal. Lorraine grew up in southern California. She tells us about her struggle to feel the same love she saw elsewhere around her. Her own parents never showed unconditional love, so Lorraine lacked the support and affection she craved. She felt she could never measure up and that everything had to be perfect, and in response to this, she often procrastinated. She was afraid of doing it wrong, so she didn't do it at all. Her parents meant well, but they never ...
#91 Confident Communication is a Journey
February 16, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBToday, I interview Hrideep Barot. Growing up in India, Hrideep says he thinks his lack of confidence began at a very young age when he was struggling with night terrors. He couldn't sleep without having nightmares, so he ended up in therapy and began suffering from crippling social anxiety. He finally started to have some relief from the night terrors in middle school, but this is also when he noticed that he lacked confidence. He'd been comfortable and poised while practicing a poem for t...
#90 Raw and Real
February 09, 2023 19:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MBToday, I interview Gail Kraft, who fought for her life from the very beginning after her mother made an attempt to abort her. Although Gail lived, she never got to form a strong relationship with her mother, because her mom died when Gail was just three years old. From that point, her father treated her like she was a burden, an inconvenient barrier keeping him from winning women over on dates. And so from a very early age, Gail learned to be a people pleaser, hoping to keep the peace and ...
#89 Keep on Walking
February 02, 2023 09:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBToday, I interview Sheldon R.S. Crocker who grew up in a very, very small town in Newfoundland, Canada. He was born with Arthrogryposis, which causes muscle atrophy and contractions at most joints. From birth he was challenged with not being able to walk. In order to become the inspiring speaker he is today, he has a story of abuse but also one of resilience and strength. Sheldon was unable to crawl as a baby. He wore braces on his legs, and doctors thought he would never be able to walk (...
#88 Consistency, Joy, & Speaking From the Heart
January 28, 2023 07:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBToday, I interview Melahni Ake who was born in Florida, but shortly afterwards her family moved to their hometown of Indianapolis where her grandparents had established a thriving church ministry. When her father suffered a sudden illness the family went back to Florida for his treatment, but he died quickly and they then returned to Indiana. Through all of these moves, Melahni had to learn to adapt quickly. She attended so many different schools and had so many new beginnings, she found ...
#87 Freedom Grows Love: Advocating for Others
January 19, 2023 09:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBToday I interview Leanne Dorish, who says that people have always paid attention to her because of her height. She learned very early on that people were always watching. When she spoke, her stature sometimes led to people seeing her voice as too strong. She pulled back a bit and became a skilled listener. She was teased consistently for one thing or another. Leanne even recalls being teased by family members. Once at a family dinner, she stood up to defend her dad during a discussion, and...
#86 From Tears to Triumph
January 12, 2023 09:00 - 27 minutes - 19.3 MBToday, I interview Linda Bello-Ruiz who grew up in Redwood Valley, California, in a family of six children. Linda was blessed with great parents, but with a crowded household, she wanted to find her own way to stand out. She craved attention, so she often used her height and bright red hair to turn heads. Her experience with her siblings also gave her a boost in maturity, and she soon became a comfort and a leader among her peers. She remembers getting in trouble for this, hearing her teach...
#85 Solving Difficult Problems and Making an Impact
January 05, 2023 09:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBToday, I interview Michaelene Cristini Risley who grew up in the midwest in an Italian Catholic family. From the start, she tells us that the pedestal men are put on in this culture makes women a little more hesitant to speak in their power. That, coupled with the typical idea that men leave the house but women must be married off, made Michealene want to rebel and live in her own way from a young age. After a couple of situations that occurred in her childhood, she distinctly remembers th...