Find Your Voice, Change Your Life Podcast

Today, 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.

Today, 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.

Today, 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.

Today 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.

Today, 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

Today 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 and introverted. 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.

Today, 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.

Today 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.

Today I interview my husband, Earl Downing, and we’ll explore the theme of finding one’s voice and expressing their essence. Earl recounts his experiences with sports and how they gave him a safe and therapeutic outlet to be loud and expressive.

Today, 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.