Resilient Voices - empowering women to transformation

In this episode of Resilient Voices, Kate Shifman shares her transformative journey from a successful advertising career in New York to a new life in Portugal. She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to seek deeper meaning and purpose, including a life-changing experience at a yoga ashram. Kate emphasises the importance of resilience, community, and self-discovery in navigating life's challenges. She also shares insights on creating a community-centric living space that fosters connection and creativity, while reflecting on the ongoing journey of personal growth and the need for clarity in a noisy world. "This is happening for me, not to me. ....Life is a gift, even when it's hard." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Resilience and Life Changes 01:15 The Catalyst for Change: A Journey to Self-Discovery 04:45T he Decision to Move: Leaving a Successful Career Behind 10:13 The Search for Purpose in a Changing World 12:58 The Ongoing Journey of Personal Growth 14:48 Defining Resilience: Purpose and Ownership 20:50 Creating a Community-Centric Living Space 27:32 Navigating Challenges as a Foreigner in Portugal 31:11 The Role of Resilience in Building a Project 36:01 The Importance of Connection and Community 42:29 Finding Clarity in a Noisy World 52:29 Final Thoughts on Resilience and Enjoying Life   Connect with Kate here:  https://www.instagram.com/katie.openworld/   Follow the podcast on Instagram:    https://www.instagram.com/resilient_voices_podcast/    

In this episode of Resilient Voices, Catarina Afonso shares her transformative journey from being a burnt-out teacher in the UK to becoming a nutrition coach in Portugal. She discusses the challenges of moving countries, the emotional toll of her husband's epilepsy, and the importance of self-care and setting boundaries. Kat emphasises the need for resilience in facing financial and emotional hurdles, the significance of support systems, and the power of mindfulness in managing anxiety. Through her experiences, she highlights the importance of prioritising oneself to be able to support others effectively.   It's a journey, not a quick fix. You have to be your priority." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Resilience and Change 02:59The Journey of Moving and Career Transition 05:51 Facing Financial and Emotional Challenges 09:09 The Importance of Self-Care and Boundaries 11:58 Coping with Anxiety and Panic Attacks 14:53 The Role of Support Systems 18:00 Finding Balance and Redefining Superhero 21:00 The Impact of Trauma on Daily Life 24:02 Learning and Growth Through Adversity 27:04 Strategies for Managing Fear and Anxiety 30:03The Power of Mindfulness and Conscious Choices 33:01 Resilience as a Journey of Self-Discovery 35:48 The Importance of Asking for Help 38:59 Transforming Challenges into Opportunities 41:57 Defining Resilience and Moving Forward   Connect with Catarina on Instagram:    https://www.instagram.com/catarinazevedo84/   Follow the podcast on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/resilient_voices_podcast/          

Summary In this episode, Monika Odzganova shares her transformative journey through resilience, focusing on the impact of childhood experiences on adult relationships. She discusses the patterns of loneliness and emotional immaturity that often plague romantic connections, emphasizing the importance of therapy and emotional maturity in fostering healthy relationships. The conversation explores the challenges of modern dating and the necessity of finding real connections, ultimately highlighting that healing is a relational process that requires commitment and self-awareness. "Healing is relational" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Resilience and Transformation 01:55 The Journey of Relationships and Personal Growth 05:53 Childhood Influences on Adult Relationships 11:47 Patterns of Loneliness in Relationships 17:43 The Role of Therapy in Healing 23:48 Emotional Maturity and Healthy Relationships 29:26 Resilience in Relationships and Life 35:00 The Impact of Modern Dating on Relationships 40:36 Finding Real Connections in Relationships 46:27 Conclusion: The Path to Healing and Resilience   Connect with Monika on Instagram: @monika_odzganova   Follow the podcast on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/resilient_voices_podcast/      

In this episode of Resilient Voices, host Jessica Schultz talks with Katie Bezou—mother of two, yoga practitioner, and community founder—about her powerful path to resilience and self-discovery. Katie shares how years of feeling mentally overwhelmed led to a gradual personal awakening. Through yoga, mindfulness, and intentional self-love, she learned to shift her inner dialogue and reconnect with her authentic self. In this episode: How Katie transformed her mindset over 7–8 years The role of yoga in emotional healing Practical tools for self-awareness and inner resilience What it means to rewrite your internal narrative A meaningful episode for anyone seeking mindfulness, personal growth, and emotional strength. You can connect with Katie on Instagram:  @intentinonallivingkatie Follow the podcast on Instagram: @resilient_voices_podcast    

In this episode, Dana Manor-Zahavi shares her inspiring journey of resilience, discussing her experiences growing up in Israel, living in the US, and now in Portugal. She emphasises the importance of coping mechanisms, community support, and the power of knowledge in overcoming health challenges. The conversation explores the significance of vulnerability, making unreasonable requests, and the lessons learned from mistakes. Ultimately, Dana encourages listeners to choose their reality and embrace the uncertainty of life with courage and resilience. "Resilience is about how we get up after falling down" You can connect with Dana on Instagram:  @dandanzahavi Follow the podcast on Instagram: @resilient_voices_podcast   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Resilience 02:36 The Journey of Resilience 05:33 Coping Mechanisms and Mindset 08:36 Health Challenges and Empowerment 11:50 Navigating Professional Changes 14:41 Preventative Health Measures 17:15 Community and Support Systems 20:30 The Importance of Vulnerability 23:13 Choosing Your Reality 26:37 Unreasonable Requests and Courage 29:25 Lessons from Mistakes 32:23 Building Resilience Through Experience 35:21 Final Thoughts on Resilience  

In this episode of Resilient Voices, host Jessica Schultz engages with Hannah Mari Kirs, an entrepreneur and mother from Estonia, discussing the profound impact of storytelling on personal resilience and growth. "The narratives we tell ourselves shape our reality." Hannah shares her experiences with postpartum challenges, the influence of social media on parenting narratives, and the importance of curating the stories we tell ourselves. The conversation emphasises the power of narratives in shaping our reality and the necessity of mindfulness in recognising harmful stories. Through shared experiences, the episode highlights how storytelling can foster connection, empathy, and healing, ultimately empowering individuals to change their narratives and embrace resilience. You can connect with Hanna-Mari via her webpage:  https://heroesandguides.com/ Follow the podcast on Instagram: @resilient_voices_podcast        

In this episode of the Resilient Voices podcast, Evelina Roos shares her powerful journey of resilience and healing after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She discusses the emotional and physical challenges she faced, the lessons learned from adversity, and the importance of self-love and community support. Evelina emphasises the transformative power of love in healing and encourages listeners to embrace their own strength and resilience in the face of life's challenges.  Evelina's story is proof that self-love and acceptance are crucial in healing, and the message is "You are so much stronger than you think".  This is the link to the alternative practitioner that Evelina talks about: https://andreaskalcker.com/en/ Connect with Evelina here:  https://www.instagram.com/feminineenergycoach/   Follow the podcast on Instagram: @resilient_voices_podcast       

When life takes an unexpected turn, how do you transform fear into fuel? In this inspiring conversation of Resilient Voices, Beile Grünbaum—former financial journalist from Denmark—shares how she rebuilt her life after being fired while on maternity leave. From choosing single motherhood in her 40s, to navigating the shock of job loss, to creating financial freedom, Beile’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and self-leadership. Together, we explore: • Taking ownership of fertility decisions and embracing motherhood on your own terms • Shifting from the downward spiral of “Why me?” to empowering, solution-focused questions • Building financial independence through value investing and a wealth mindset • How continuous learning and investing in yourself becomes the ultimate compound interest Beile’s story is a reminder that even the most difficult detours can become the path to strength, freedom, and a life you consciously design. Connect with Beile here:  https://www.youtube.com/@moneyandfreedomwithstocks https://www.instagram.com/moneyandfreedomwithstocks/   Follow the podcast on Instagram: @resilient_voices_podcast

In this deeply moving episode of Resilient Voices, Jessica sits down with Olga Romanyuk, a Ukrainian economist, dreamer, and seeker who has walked through decades of pain, trauma, and health challenges—and emerged with profound wisdom and resilience. Olga opens her heart to share her journey of holding unprocessed pain for years, the breaking point when her body and health could no longer carry the weight, and the transformative practices that allowed her to reconnect with vulnerability, emotions, and ultimately, her own soul.   Olga’s story is one of courage, vulnerability, and the reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always an opportunity to choose again, to heal, and to create a life aligned with love and truth. This conversation is a powerful invitation to anyone holding on to old pain: to trust that healing is possible, to allow vulnerability as strength, and to step into the freedom of rewriting your story.   Connect with Olga: https://www.instagram.com/poromashkina/ Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilient_voices_podcast/

Resilient Voices – When Everything Falls Apart In this episode of Resilient Voices, Charlotte Noëlle shares the moment her life unraveled—and how that unraveling became a turning point. After building a successful business and reaching what looked like the peak, Charlotte was suddenly faced with the collapse of nearly everything she knew: her relationship, her work, and her sense of direction. What followed was a reckoning—an invitation to stop holding it all together and start listening inward. Charlotte takes us through the disorienting experience of losing control, and how that rupture opened a path toward self-trust, healing, and alignment. She reflects on the inner work it took to move through grief and burnout, and how embracing uncertainty allowed her to rebuild her life from a more honest place. Join us as Charlotte reveals what it means to surrender perfection, welcome the unknown, and allow a deeper version of yourself to lead. It’s a story of resilience not as bouncing back—but as becoming. Connect with Charlotte: https://www.instagram.com/charlottenoelofficial/   Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilient_voices_podcast/

In this episode, Sandra Wigren shares her raw and courageous journey of healing, transformation, and reclaiming inner strength. A survivor of the 2004 tsunami in Thailand, Sandra’s life was forever shaped by the trauma she experienced that day, igniting a path through shame and profound personal reckoning. Sandra is the founder of SoulFitness, a heart-led guide in self-leadership and emotional recovery. Rising from the depths of fear and chaos, she now supports others in finding their way back to wholeness by daring to tell the truth, face their past, and rebuild from within. Her story is a powerful reminder that even our darkest moments can become the soil for deep transformation when we meet them with compassion and courage. Tune in to hear how Sandra moved beyond survival to soul-led living and how her work today helps others do the same. Connect with Sandra: https://wigrensandra.wixsite.com/soulfitness https://www.instagram.com/soulfitness_sandra/ Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilient_voices_podcast/  

In this episode of Resilient Voices, Michelle France shares the powerful moments that shaped her resilience—from her early years navigating identity during apartheid-era South Africa, to rebuilding a life across continents, and facing the life-altering challenge of open-heart surgery in her 30s. Michelle reflects on how moving through unexpected adversity—from social backlash in her youth to a life-threatening diagnosis—taught her where true support comes from, and how staying curious and open-hearted helped her find strength she didn’t know she had. This deeply human conversation invites us to consider what resilience really looks like when control slips away—and how courage can emerge in both the choices we make and the circumstances we never asked for. Connect with Michelle: @michellebfrance Follow the podcast on Instagram: @resilient_voices_podcast

Resilient Voices – Special Episode (Part Two): Building Resilience Beyond the Moment This special episode of @ResilientVoices – The Podcast is the second in a two-part series featuring MaryAnn Voli and Jessica Schultz in an honest and thought-provoking conversation about resilience—what it really means, how we build it, and why it matters. In this second and final part of our special series, Mary Ann Voli and Jessica Schultz continue their deep and meaningful conversation about resilience—this time focusing on what happens after the moment of crisis. The ongoing work of resilience: the quiet, powerful steps of reflection, recovery, and renewal. They discuss the importance of self-awareness, support systems, and how we can intentionally strengthen our capacity to meet future challenges with greater clarity and confidence. When the immediate stress subsides, what comes next? How do we process what we’ve been through, rebuild from it, and integrate the lessons into our lives moving forward? Building on their earlier discussion of fear—whether we Forget Everything And Run, or Face Everything And Rise—they now turn to how we can make peace with our responses and grow from them. Because resilience isn’t just about how we act in the moment—it’s about how we heal and evolve afterward. Sometimes, it’s about facing the “shit” life throws at us and realising we’re stronger than we think. Women, in particular, are often asked to carry more—but we also have the power to rise, adapt, and evolve. This episode offers encouragement, practical insight, and a reminder that resilience is not a trait you either have or don’t—it's a practice. One that we all can cultivate, with care and intention. ✨ And throughout it all, there’s space for gratitude—for the small moments of grace, for what we already have, and even for the challenges that come our way. Because every difficulty carries the potential to teach us something essential, and every experience adds depth to who we are becoming. Whether you’re in the midst of a personal challenge or looking to deepen your emotional strength, this episode is a grounding, inspiring reminder that resilience is within reach—and it’s a practice worth choosing every day. MaryAnn Voli—a true citizen of the world. Half American, half Italian, and half Spanish, she has studied, lived, and worked across three continents. From her beginnings as a corporate professional to her success as an entrepreneur in coaching and mental-emotional wellbeing, MaryAnn now co-owns a retreat center in Portugal, where she has lived for the past five years. You can connect with Mary Ann on LinkedIn or Instagram https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannvoli/ https://www.instagram.com/maryann.voli_mindfulnesscoach/ Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilient_voices_podcast/  

Resilient Voices – Special Episode: Facing Fear and Finding Strength This special episode of Resilient Voices is the first in a two-part series featuring Mary Ann Voli and Jessica Schultz in an honest, thought-provoking conversation about resilience. How do we respond when life throws us into moments of stress, uncertainty, or adversity? What can we do in the moment to stay grounded? How can we build our resilience over time—and how do we make sense of our experiences once the storm has passed? Mary Ann and Jessica explore these questions with depth and compassion, offering both personal insights and practical tools for navigating life’s challenges. At the core of their discussion lies the concept of FEAR—and the idea that it can take many forms:   Forget Everything And Run, or Face Everything And Rise.   Rather than framing it as a right-or-wrong choice, they reflect on how both responses can be valid depending on the situation. Sometimes self-preservation calls for retreat; other times, growth demands that we lean in. The key is learning to recognise what’s needed—and how to respond with intention.   This episode is a powerful exploration of what it means to be human in the face of fear, and how resilience can help us move forward—no matter the path we choose. You can connect with Mary Ann on LinkedIn or Instagram https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannvoli/ https://www.instagram.com/maryann.voli_mindfulnesscoach/ Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn or Instagram https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaschultzcoaching/ https://www.instagram.com/jessicaschultz_leadership/ Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilient_voices_podcast/    

Resilient Voices – Choosing Alignment Over Perfection In this episode of Resilient Voices, Theresa “Reese” Riehm candidly recounts the moment she let go of her “perfect” job—and with it, the self‑doubt and fear she’d carried for years. Reese takes us inside that pivotal crossroads where hard‑earned success no longer brought fulfillment. She unpacks the internal conversation that emerges when your carefully planned path stops feeling like your own—and the leap of faith required to ask the tougher questions: “Is this really for me?” and “What would make my work feel meaningful?” Join us as Reese reveals the tools she used to move beyond expectation and embrace a more authentic, purpose‑driven life. It’s a powerful reminder that true resilience often begins when we choose what aligns with our values over what looks perfect on paper. Connect with Reese: https://www.instagram.com/goodlifewithreese/   Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilient_voices_podcast/  

In this episode, Julie Lewis shares her powerful story of resilience, courage, and transformation. Julie is a spirited adventurer, an award-winning speaker, and an expert in strength-based leadership. Having climbed some of the world's highest peaks, overcome personal loss, and founded the first female expedition company in the Middle East, she has mastered the art of turning adversity into growth. Julie’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing challenges, connecting with nature, and unlocking untapped potential. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and discover how resilience can help you rise beyond limits. Connect with Julie: https://www.instagram.com/juliemileslewis/ https://julie-lewis.com/   Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilient_voices_podcast/  

In this episode, Jessica Schultz shares her story about challenges, big life changes, growth, and courage.  "Resilience takes courage. Saying yes to growth, to change, to the unknown—it’s not always the easy path, but it’s the one that shapes us the most."  Jessica is a Transformational Breath Coach, 9D Facilitator, Holistic Leadership Trainer, and Podcast Host. With a background in human resources, NLP, yoga, and conscious leadership, she empowers individuals to break through limitations and step into their full potential. Through her work, Jessica combines breathwork, neuroscience, and mindset coaching to help people cultivate resilience, clarity, and confidence. She is also the "mother" and host of this podcast that explores personal growth, resilience, leadership, and the power of breath in creating lasting change. Connect with Jessica: https://www.instagram.com/jessicaschultz_breathe_lead/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaschultzleadership/   Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilient_voices_podcast/  

In this episode, Jamila von Carnarp shares her story of resilience. Jamila is a conscious creator, a projector mentor, a human design ambassador and a soul reader.  Jamila shares openly how her life used to be exhausting, heavy and inauthentic. It was like she lived in a cage, and her life did not make sense to her. She made major changes in her life and since 2020 she is guided by presence and a higher force that lead her in the direction of the people and situations meant for her.  Listen to her amazing story of resilience and how she openly shares her journey of transformation.  Connect with Jamila on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jamilavoncarnap/ Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilient_voices_podcast/

In this episode, Tania Timkova shares her story of resilience. Tania is an ICF Certified Life Coach, Happiness Trainer, and Positive Psychology Practitioner. With experience in three international moves and multiple career transitions, Tania understands firsthand the challenges of embracing change and designing a purposeful life. This journey, combined with a deep love for people and a passion for happiness advocacy, naturally led to a career in coaching. Listen to her amazing story of resilience and how she openly shares her journey of transformation.  Connect with Tania on LinkedIn or Instagram  https://www.linkedin.com/in/creator-tania-timkova/ https://www.instagram.com/tania_timk?igsh=MjQ0eGtsZ2Q5Y29y&utm_source=qr Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilient_voices_podcast/

In this episode we meet Kalpana Rao, a dedicated educator who worked in low income, urban communities serving black and brown students and families in the US for almost 20 years. She had always worked long hours and given all of herself to the impact for the communities she served, and it didn't burn her out because she felt a great sense of efficacy in her work. When she took on her first principalship, though, the whole game changed.   There were signs -  physical as well as observations by loved ones. Eventually, the universe really had to bang her over the head with some serious pain to really wake her up. The most pivotal of her personal and professional development to lead her to the secure and satisfying place she is now. Listen to her amazing story of resilience and how it became the catalyst for a new life.  Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilient_voices_podcast/