Libsyn Directory

Embracing Authenticity Over Insecurity with Riley Dunlavy

Release Date: 05/22/2024

From Challenges to Champion: Karlie Kisha’s Inspiring Leadership Journey

Courageous Conversations

What does it take to overcome life’s toughest challenges while chasing your dreams? Imagine balancing Olympic-level training with a devastating cancer diagnosis–or spending years on the sidelines, told you’ll never make the team, yet refusing to give up. Karlie Kisha did all of this and more. In this week’s episode, Amy sits down with Karlie Kisha–Olympic field hockey player, cancer survivor, and passionate mentor for young women. From her small-town roots in Pennsylvania to the global stage, Karlie shares how she turned setbacks into stepping stones and why...

Navigating Toxic Friendships & Finding Your People with Jillian Spaeder

Courageous Conversations

Have you ever felt like you’d found “your people,” only to realize they weren’t the right fit after all? Or struggled to recover after being iced out by a group of friends? In this week’s episode, Amy and Jillian Spaeder–an actress, singer, writer, and director–explore the ups and downs of friendships, the signs of healthy versus toxic relationships, and the importance of maintaining your independence. Jillian offers a behind-the-scenes look at her artistic journey, the lessons she’s learned about connecting with others, and tips for finding “your people” in...

Redefining Success: Lessons on Passion, Priorities, and Perseverance with Kaelyn Grace Apple

Courageous Conversations

What happens when your dream path takes you to unexpected destinations? In this week’s episode, Amy connects with Kaelyn Grace Apple–a Yale PhD candidate, content creator, and former professional equestrian–to explore the art of finding your path. Kaelyn shares her inspiring story of transitioning from the world of competitive horseback riding to academia, revealing how resilience, grit, and adaptability shaped her journey. Designed for young women striving to lead authentic and balanced lives, this conversation is filled with practical advice on discovering your passions,...

Thriving Through Change: Embracing Strength and Confidence with Damini Parkhi

Courageous Conversations

Have you ever been standing at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take, yet knowing deep down that the way forward is through courage and self-discovery? In this week’s episode, Amy is joined by Damini Parkhi, exploring the transformative power of vulnerability, acceptance, and self-awareness. Damini shares her personal journey as an adoptee, recounting her experiences of navigating identity and cultural differences while building emotional resilience. Together, they unravel the complexities of identity, belonging, and relationships, offering practical tools for young girls who...

Navigating Independence & Leading by Example with Raena Worley

Courageous Conversations

How do you balance independence with guidance and find resilience in every challenge? In this week’s episode, Amy talks with Raena Worley, a University of Kentucky gymnast, about navigating these questions on her journey to becoming a young female leader. Growing up with a strong role model in her mother, Raena reflects on the impact of homeschooling, learning from family dynamics, and the importance of developing her own style of quiet yet effective leadership. Key Takeaways: Embrace the process of balancing independence with guidance, recognizing the value of support...

Navigating Your Future: Career Goals, Confidence, and Financial Smarts with Leah Leverich

Courageous Conversations

As a young adult, balancing society’s expectations while feeling the weight of your future resting on the decisions you’re making right now can feel overwhelming. In this week’s episode, Amy sits down with Leah Leverich to dive into what it truly means to prepare for the future with confidence. Leah, a recent high school graduate and social media manager, shares her journey of exploring career paths, gaining financial literacy, and building confidence in her unique path, a journey she hopes will inspire other young women navigating their own choices. Key Topics...

Breaking the Mental Health Stigma in Athletics with Maddie Williams

Courageous Conversations

In a world where female athletes are often expected to “push through” the pain and stress, Maddie Williams challenges young women to embrace mental health as a crucial part of their journey. In this week’s episode, Amy sits down with Maddie, a dedicated D1 gymnast and mental health advocate, to uncover the hidden challenges that female athletes face. From struggling with performance anxiety in middle school to finding strength in therapy during college, Maddie shares her journey of resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of mental wellness in sports. This heartfelt...

From Thrifting to Thriving: How Elle Nicole Built a Business From Her Passion For Fashion

Courageous Conversations

A $500 budget, a love for thrifting, and a lot of heart. That’s all Elle Nicole had when she first started flipping vintage finds on Instagram as a high schooler, building what would become a vibrant brand, Elle Nicole. In this week’s episode, Amy and Elle dive into the journey from humble beginnings to a thriving business, sharing how she embraced change, expanded her product lines, and turned passion into purpose. Through trial and error and creative determination, Elle evolved her brand into a vibrant, retro-inspired business. She opens up about starting with a small budget,...

Navigating Chronic Illness, Creativity, and Advocacy with Maddie Marie

Courageous Conversations

Life as a teenager already has its challenges, but imagine being a teenager, battling chronic illness, and still finding the strength to run a thriving business. For Maddie Marie, that was her reality. In this week’s episode, Amy welcomes teen entrepreneur Maddie Marie, who shares her courageous journey through chronic illness while building her creative business, Maddie Marie Designs. Maddie Reveals her experience at a pain treatment facility, the disconnect between promises and reality, and how finding the right doctor brought her pain levels from debilitating to manageable. She...

Building Unshakable Confidence, Courage, and Hard Work with Aiko Jones

Courageous Conversations

Imagine standing on stage, about to give a speech, but feeling like you don’t belong–like an imposter in your own success. That’s exactly where Aiko Jones found herself, a professional athlete known for her volleyball prowess, now stepping into uncharted territory. Instead of letting self-doubt win, Aiko embraced her fear and turned it into fuel for growth. In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Amy sits down with Aiko Jones, a professional volleyball player and aspiring filmmaker, to discuss her journey from battling self-doubt to building unshakable confidence....

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Your life story does NOT have to be written by your insecurities.

Welcome back to another Courageous Conversation! Today, Amy is joined by Riley Dunlavy, who shares her personal experiences with insecurity and building confidence.

Riley is majoring in Psychology & Economics at the University of Illinois, where she is involved with various leadership roles on campus, including a social sorority and working as a custom merchandiser.

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