Badassery Life

Season 6 Episode 2 Andrea is an advocate, writer, and fearless leader who turned her passion into purpose. She’s the Communications and Policy Manager at Health by Design, a consultant, and co-founder of Nonprofit Girl Gang. But she’s also a brave badass who made headlines with her courageous op-ed in the Indianapolis Star, calling out systemic harassment and abuse of power in politics.   Andrea has seen firsthand how toxic dynamics can poison workplaces, silence voices, and block progress. In this episode, she opens up about her experiences and delivers bold, actionable solutions for building safer, more equitable spaces in local and state politics. Click here to read Andrea's Op-ed

Michelle Corrao — author of Found: Triumph Through Gratitude — shares her journey through trauma, survival, and the long road back to herself.We talk about:• The moment everything changed (on Sept. 12, 1996, she survived a violent abduction by three strangers)• How anger and denial became her best friends• What healing really looks like -- how she healed and has found joyMichelle's life has been shaped by resilience, faith, and service. Her story includes real chaos, real trauma, and real darkness - and how she turned the unimaginable pain into purpose.Head to her website to dive deeper into her story — and listen to the song written in honor of her journey.www.michellecorrao.com

What if the bravest thing you could do was turn your life upside down — and trust yourself to land on your feet?In this first guest episode of our new season, we sit down with Amanda Kingsbury — writer, journalist, co-founder of Indy Maven, and Managing Editor of Innovation at Mirror Indy — to talk about reinvention, sobriety, friendship, and why starting over in midlife isn’t a failure… it’s a flex.Amanda opens up about the moment that led her to quit drinking, why she once did a cartwheel every day for a year after her divorce, and how loneliness, curiosity, and community journalism have shaped this current season of her life.We talk about empty nesting, losing friends to distance and change, and why friendship — not romance — is the relationship she values most.If you’re navigating a transition, questioning what’s next, or trying to trust yourself in a season that feels uncertain, this episode is for you.

Season 6 | Episode 16In this powerful episode of Badassery Life, Kelly sits down with Linda Calvin, a national tech leader, attorney, storyteller, mentor, and fierce advocate for women and Black leaders in tech. She's also a survivor of childhood trauma and she's boldly telling that story.Her journey is layered — growing up as the only Black child in a white family, surviving childhood sexual abuse, learning early to shrink, silence, and compartmentalize herself just to make it through.But Linda didn’t stay in those shadows.Inspired by a single hour of escape each week — Star Trek — she began imagining bigger worlds and eventually stepped into her own. Today she’s a VP in higher education, a writer, a leader, and a woman learning every day that she matters.This conversation is raw, real, courageous — and full of hope.

Season 6 | Episode 15In this episode, Kelly sits down with bestselling author and Loudmouth Books founder Leah Johnson — a woman using her voice, her books, and her bookstore to champion joy, representation, and radical visibility.Leah’s debut novel, You Should See Me in a Crown, was named one of TIME’s 100 Best YA Books of All Time. Since then, she’s become a literary force and the bold, brilliant mind behind Loudmouth Books, an Indianapolis bookstore dedicated to uplifting banned, challenged, and marginalized voices.In this conversation, Leah opens up about:How she discovered her voice — and why she refuses to shrinkWriting stories rooted in joy, humor, queerness, and belongingBuilding Loudmouth Books as a space for visibility and communityHow she protects her creativity while navigating burnout and pressureWhat gives her hope in a time of censorship and cultural pushbackLeah Johnson shows us what it looks like to live loud, love boldly, and make space for others to be seen. Learn more about her at byleahjohnson.com. If you live in Indianapolis, visit her bookstore: Loudmouth Bookstore.

season 6 | episode 14Amanda Bonilla is a powerhouse advocate, speaker, and connector who’s made it her mission to create spaces where women can thrive. A first-generation college graduate, she’s navigated challenge and change with courage — from being the “first and only” Latina voice in many rooms to launching WE Brunch, an intentional gathering that empowers women through connection and conversation.In this episode, Amanda shares how her early experiences shaped her resilience, what it means to build an ecosystem of support, and why representation and reinvention matter now more than ever.She encourages you to use your own voice, create your own table, and lift up others along the way.

Season 6 | Episode 13Jennifer Pace Robinson is the creative force and badass behind The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis -- the largest children’s museum in the world. After nearly 30 years of saying “yes” to bold ideas, she’s now the President & CEO, leading with curiosity, courage, and a whole lot of badassery.From dinosaurs and princesses to global villages and powerful exhibits like Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See, Jennifer has turned imagination into impact and made learning come alive for millions. Her story proves that curiosity can change the world — and reminds us it’s not just for kids."I’m not afraid to step outside my bubble…to travel, try something new, meet someone new, build a relationship that makes something bigger than I could have done happen." - Jennifer Pace RobinsonIn this episode, we dig into:• How Jennifer worked her way from intern to CEO• The “impossible” projects that actually worked• What curiosity and creativity teach us about leadership• How she balances innovation, vulnerability, and joychildrensmuseum.org

Season 6 | Episode 12Beth McCarthy Smith is the founder behind Simplicity Cold Pressed Juice & Cocktails.Before she built a brand that landed everywhere from Whole Foods and Kroger to the Super Bowl Players Tailgate and the Indy 500, Beth was running fast in the corporate media world. But life threw her some curveballs: fertility struggles, health challenges, and a need to slow down and heal from the inside out.Beth’s story is raw, real, and packed with lessons on resilience, reinvention, and joy. From juicing in her kitchen to leading one of Indy’s most recognized wellness brands, she shows us what it means to “fail forward” and to live life out loud.In this episode, we dig into:How “failing forward” shaped her storyThe little mindset shifts that made a huge differenceHow she turned kitchen-counter juicing into a national brandWhat badassery means to her (hint: it’s not about being perfect)https://simplicityjuice.com/

Jennifer Magley is fire, fearless, and full of badassery. From the tennis court to the keynote stage, she’s reinvented herself time and again — always out loud, always unapologetically.In this episode, we talk about presence, audacity, and joy. We laughed. We got real. We got silly. And through it all, Jennifer reminds us what it means to boldly say what you want — over and over again — and then go for it.Listen in as Jennifer talks about growing up, athletics, motherhood, dreams of being a background stooge on the Pat McAfee Show (ESPN) and to be a Talent Advocate in WWE, her LinkedIn power moves, and why she calls her mom her “Mom-ager.”Jennifer is a former NCAA Division I head coach turned Chief Brand Officer of The Basketball League and Basketball Super League. A dynamic speaker and emcee named Woman of the Year by Pass The Torch for Women Foundation, and so much more. She brings energy, honesty, and humor to every stage and every conversation - including this one.https://www.magleyjennifer.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermagley/

Season 6 | Episode 10This is a mini-episode — recorded LIVE during an event and shared completely unedited.Joanna Taft is the badass visionary behind PreEnactIndy - an anti-gentrification project that uses the power of arts, community, and courage to reimagine what’s possible. We sat down with her LIVE during the latest PreEnactIndy and talked about turning fear into fuel, using creativity to connect with your neighbors, and how you can “preenact” the life you want. Joanna Taft serves as the Executive Director of the Harrison Center in Indianapolis, where she leads initiatives that combine arts, community building, and storytelling to inspire lasting change.https://www.harrisoncenter.org/ #BadasseryLife #PodcastDrop #Preenactment #IndyArts #HarrisonCenter

She grew up in a log cabin. Now she leads one of the most historic women’s organizations in Indianapolis. This is the story of how Chelsea Marburger built a badass life of creativity, courage, and community impact.In this episode of Badassery Life, Chelsea shares how she’s helped others through nonprofit leadership, launched a creative stationery brand that brings joy to others, and now serves as Executive Director of the historic Indianapolis Propylaeum — an organization founded by badass women 135 years ago and still going strong.We talk about:The power of legacy and honoring women who came before usWhat it really means to show up with intention (even when things fall apart)Building community, chasing curiosity, and why “no body died and no body cried” is her life mantraWhat makes her happy (spoiler: horses and hype songs)Chelsea reminds us that success isn’t about a straight path — it’s about showing up, staying open, and leaving every space (and person) better than you found it.

Season 6 | Episode 8In this episode, we sit down with Jenny Boyts, President of Forty5 and the creative force behind some of Indy’s most electric music experiences (The Vogue, Rock the Ruins, Turntable, Made Rock & Roll). From growing up knowing she was gay at six in a deeply evangelical family, to leading massive events and making space for voices that don’t always get heard, Jenny shares how she’s learned to lead loudly — and unapologetically.We talked about:-Why making people feel seen drives everything she does-What it means to stay true to yourself in a male-dominated industry-And why her story is about so much more than musichttps://www.forty5.com/

Season 6 | Episode 7In this episode of Badassery Life, host Kelly Young sits down with Rosetta Clay—an equity advocate, social impact strategist, and fierce champion for women and girls. Rosetta shares how her personal journey shaped her professional calling, why true inclusion is about more than just workplace initiatives, and what it really means to lead with purpose, passion, and unapologetic truth.Tune in for a conversation that’s honest, inspiring, and full of badass energy —from conversations about justice and systems change to reflections on self-care, sisterhood, and standing in your power.Whether you're doing the work or just starting to lean into the conversation, this episode is for you.

Claire is hilarious, talented, and unforgettable . She's an actor, improviser, and member of Indianapolis' badass arts community. At the time of taping this interview, she is starring in Indiana Repertory Theatre's production of "The Play That Goes Wrong," where she brings her signature wit and bold presence to the stage. She describes herself as a happy combination of artist, teacher, and activist. She has acted on professional stages for over 20 years and is an improviser at heart, always ready to say yes to a new creative adventure.We talked about being funny, fat, and road tripping across the US in an RV- among so many other great things, including her pre-show rituals and comfort food.You can learn more about Claire at https://www.clairewilcher.com/Get your tickets to the IRT at https://www.irtlive.com/

Season 6 | Episode 4In this episode of Badassery Life, we sit down with the brilliantly creative and delightfully spooky author, Paige Lavoie, who writes stories about misfits, monsters, and falling in love. Paige shares her journey from growing up in a haunted house to becoming a writer of quirky, heartfelt novels like I'm in Love with Mothman. We dive into her love for blending the spooky with the sweet, her transition from webcomics to novels, and how she balances storytelling with motherhood.At the time of the recording, Paige is in the final stages of a Kickstarter campaign to bring her "Mothman in Love" trilogy to life in a special collector's edition! This exclusive set features hardcover editions of: I'm in Love with Mothman I'm Engaged to Mothman I'm Getting Married to MothmanEach book is beautifully designed, capturing the enchanting blend of romance and mystery that Paige is known for. Tune in as Paige discusses the inspiration behind the trilogy, the creative process of crafting this collector's edition, and how you can be part of making it happen. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the world of a badass author.#BadasseryLife #Podcast #PaigeLavoie #MothmanInLove #WomenWhoWrite #KickstarterCampaignhttps://paigelavoie.com/To support Paige and her kickstarter visit: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/4horsemenpubs/mothman-in-love-triology-the-collectors-edition

Jeronna Bolden is a powerhouse leader who’s transforming lives through her work at Dress for Success Indianapolis. She’s resilient, empowering, and authentic—a true badass in every sense of the word. She has turned obstacles into stepping stones - whether it’s battling imposter syndrome, juggling family and career, or facing challenges head-on, Jeronna has learned to embrace the chaos and grow stronger through it all. And yes, she's learned how to walk in heels on both figurative and literal tightropes! In this episode, Jeronna talks about finding her voice by leaning into her faith and resilience. As a leader, she has faced racism and microaggressions, often having to prove her worth in rooms that weren’t ready for her. She has overcome these challenges by showing up unapologetically and building a community that celebrates diversity and inclusion. Here Jeronna's story!

Carol knows how to throw a badass party! And her parties raise millions for Indianapolis nonprofit organizations. In this episode, we talked about her career - including working at Motorola executing their sponsorships of Vans Warped Tour, X Games and their motorsports sponsorship of Michael Andretti. In 2018, she directed the Universal Studios UK Movie Premiere “Born Racer” held at Indianapolis State Museum. She directed the Premiere and coordinated the pre-event cocktail reception, red carpet, media, and photo opportunities with Universal Studios. One year later, she planned and managed a press conference and trailer premiere for the “Ford vs. Ferrari” movie, attended by Academy Award-winning actors Matt Damon and Christian Bale, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. She has an amazing career, but her favorite job is being a mother to three strong and resilient girls. She opened up about a difficult pregnancy with her twins - if she delivered full term, all three of them would've died due to a very dangerous infection in Carol's placenta. She credits IU Health to saving their lives and providing her the best care the weeks and months ahead of her delivery. For that, Rev has become her labor of love and her way of giving back to the hospital. We talked about feeling vulnerable, finding joy, the things that really matter to her, and what has led to her success. Tune in to hear about Carol's friend Ashley Judd and the "crappy" ending for her first pair of designer sunglasses. Learn more about Rev: https://revindy.org/

This badass woman has been traveling the world on a motorcycle with her husband and their 75-pound German Shepherd, Moxie. Unfortunately, since the time that we interviewed her, tragedy has struck. Her husband was in a terrible accident (he survived) and their beloved dog died following complications resulting from an ordinary knee surgery. As you can imagine, Jess is gutted and heartbroken. After much consideration, we decided to move forward with posting this episode, as scheduled, because Jess Stone is an incredible woman and we want to celebrate her, while honoring Moxie! Jess is an adventurer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, wife, dog mom, content creator, and so much more. Originally from Canada, Jess talks with us about growing up, meeting her now husband in Africa where they were both aid workers, learning to ride a motorcycle on the side streets of Liberia, and more. She's traveled across nearly 90 countries, including an eight-month long trip on her motorcycle from North to South America. Her latest adventure includes traveling the world and raising $100,000 for Girl Up - a girl-centered leadership development initiative. She talks with us about the GoRUFFLY Around the World adventure and moving to Guatemala and supporting a women’s microfinance nonprofit. While our hearts our broken for the loss of Moxie, we're inspired by Jess and her beautiful spirit. They are streaming live on Instagram on Wednesday, April 19 at 9pm Eastern / 6pm Pacific, where they will share more about Greg’s motorcycle accident with a chicken bus, the injury that proceeded Moxie’s surgery, and the unfortunate complications that resulted in her death.

Fletcher has fully transitioned from female to gender nonconforming and talks about that journey in this episode. Although they are still learning about who they are, therapy and the undying love of their chosen family has helped them find their purpose and grow into the person they are today. It wasn't easy. Fletcher grew up stifled in a very religious family and never felt safe at home to talk and explore their thoughts and feelings. It wasn't until the pandemic gave them time to explore who they were that Fletcher made some life-altering changes. Today, with two Master's Degrees in hand, Fletcher has found purpose in helping young people choose their path - not the path chosen for them. Fletcher works as the Young Transgender Persons HIV Prevention Program Manager for the Damien Center (the largest Aids Serving Organization in the state of Indiana – a nonprofit that provides services to more than 25% of all individuals living with HIV in the state). They have also found great love with their girlfriend and is living their authentic badass life. Fletcher took us through a rainbow of emotions in this episode. Find out how Fletcher found the support to grow, love and to be loved. Hear about their greatest challenges through this journey. And join us love on Fletcher who went from never feeling worthy to now being a servant leader and everyone's biggest cheerleader.

These two badass women are bound by wine, a sense of adventure, a strong community, and their interest in helping women get out and enjoy the outdoors! They're event planners who both love the outdoors and being active. They started a new company during COVID when they found a gap in the market for a service they new they could provide. Staying true to themselves and committed to growing Trail & Vine, they are drawn by the excitement of the unknown and the adventures ahead.  Badasses Lisa Almert and Kirsten Peterson join us to talk about how and why they created Trail and Vine, their challenges and successes, and what the future holds for their new adventure company. They talk about the event side of their business and how they're building a community of like-minded individuals who enjoy a good hike and a great glass of wine.  Watch for upcoming events and episodes with Trail & Vine at @trailandvine (IG) and @trailvine (FB)! Find out more information on their website: www.trailandvine.com