352: Escaping & Healing From a Violent Cult with Anna LeBaron & Ruth Wariner
Release Date: 04/22/2025
374: The Art of Encouragement with Roger Allmand
Voice of Influence
In this episode of The Voice of Influence podcast, host Andrea interviews Roger Allmand, former manager of Allmand Brothers, Inc, and current co-founder of Legacy Purpose LLC. Roger shares his journey from working on the metal lab floor in the early 1960s to managing a company that thrived on encouragement. After selling the family business in 2014, Roger and his wife Marlis founded Legacy Purpose LLC to support entrepreneurs, ministries, and individuals in realizing purposeful and valuable lives. They discuss the importance of encouragement, purpose, respecting relationships, and the impact...
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373: Visual Storytelling for Leaders with Lisa Rothstein
Voice of Influence
In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, Andrea introduces Lisa Rothstein, a New Yorker magazine cartoonist, consultant, and speaker. Lisa shares her journey from a Madison Avenue Creative Executive to teaching visual storytelling to leaders. They discuss the importance of visual communication, Lisa's new book 'Drawing Out Your Genius,' and the impact of simplified drawings in conveying complex ideas. Lisa explains her 'SKETCH' framework, providing listeners with tools to enhance meetings, presentations, and personal communication through visual thinking. The episode emphasizes the...
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372: Leading Creatives with Dustin Black
Voice of Influence
In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, host Andrea chats with Dustin Black, a seasoned creative professional with over 25 years of experience helping organizations of all sizes articulate their identity and implement result-driving strategies. Having worked with both Fortune 100 companies and scrappy startups, Dustin has learned that brand success doesn’t come down to budget—it’s built on alignment, clarity, and consistency. He believes every organization deserves a powerful brand, not just those with massive resources. Andrea and Dustin talk about his journey from growing up...
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371: The Power of CEO Peer Groups with Matt Allmand
Voice of Influence
In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, host Andrea welcomes Matt Allmand, Principal Chair at C12 Business Forums in Lincoln, Nebraska. Matt shares insights from his extensive career in manufacturing, including leading significant growth projects at the University of Nebraska and his family's manufacturing business, Allmand Brothers, Inc. He discusses the importance of strategic planning, lean manufacturing, and the impact of peer groups on leadership development. Find the show notes here: - This VOI guide and journal for mentors and mentees includes 12...
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370: Caring Leaders Foster Resilient Teams with Jennifer Romanowicz
Voice of Influence
In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, host Andrea welcomes back Jennifer Romanowicz for an enriching conversation on managing change and leadership. Drawing from Jennifer's extensive experience as a military spouse and professional, they explore the complexities of supporting high-level military leaders while building one's own career. The discussion navigates topics such as the stress leaders face, maintaining integrity, shifting mindset during transitions, and finding personal agency amidst uncontrollable changes. Their dialogue offers valuable perspectives for both leaders and...
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369: Gen X + Gen Z: Learn to Fly with Jennifer Romanowicz
Voice of Influence
Andrea welcomes Jennifer Romanowicz, owner and director of Fancy Pants Method, LLC, to the Voice of Influence podcast. Jennifer shares her insights on stress-free leadership, team effectiveness, and the concept of 'bird launching'—a positive approach to sending children into the world. They discuss the generational differences between Gen X and Gen Z, highlighting the importance of resilience, capacity building, and the role of mentorship in both personal and professional development. Jennifer emphasizes the need for leaders to foster open communication and innovation while allowing younger...
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368: Leading with Authentic Power with Ashley B. Stewart
Voice of Influence
In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, Andrea speaks with Ashley B. Stewart, founder and CEO of the Corian Group, a global consultancy specializing in leadership solutions. Ashley shares his journey from being a high school teacher to becoming an advisor to executives. He emphasizes the importance of inner transformation for effective leadership and discusses his work on racial consciousness and authentic power. He also shares insights on the significance of separating identity from roles and offers practical advice for individuals seeking to shape the future. Find the show notes...
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367: The Cure for Workplace Apathy with Kyle McDowell
Voice of Influence
In this episode of the Voice of Influence Podcast, Andrea hosts Kyle McDowell, a former Fortune 10 executive turned inspirational speaker, bestselling author, and leadership coach. They discuss Kyle's book, Begin with We, which offers a framework for addressing business dysfunction through a set of 10 principles that prioritize collective success ('We') over individual accolades ('I'). Kyle shares his personal journey from a focus on self-achievement to empowering others, resulting in transformative organizational change. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, the power of mentorship,...
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366: Growing Champions with John Gallagher
Voice of Influence
In this episode of the Voice of Influence Podcast, host Andrea interviews John Gallagher, founder and CEO of Growing Champions, a faith-based executive coaching and performance consulting company. John discusses his journey of integrating faith into his business, the importance of living out core values, and his personal health transformation. He also shares insights on managing change, the significance of self-development, and methodologies for fostering a productive yet balanced work environment. Key topics include the impact of AI on leadership, the role of mentors, and strategies for...
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365: True Curiosity in Leadership with Jon Bassford
Voice of Influence
In this episode of the Voice of Influence Podcast, host Andrea engages with Jon Bassford, a seasoned operations professional and entrepreneur known for his powerful curiosity. Jon discusses how his inquisitive nature has driven his success from law school to leading operations for venture-backed startups and global nonprofits. He details his journey in refining organizational processes and emphasizes the importance of curiosity in leadership, as explored in his book, The Curious Leader: Unlocking Innovation, Empowering Teams, and Driving Change. Jon shares insights on how curiosity can help...
info_outlineIn this special Remix episode of the Voice of Influence Podcast, we revisit and remix episodes 7 and 8 with Anna LeBaron and Ruth Warner, two cousins who escaped violent polygamous cults founded by their fathers. The episode delves into their harrowing experiences, the bond they formed upon discovering their connection, and the healing journey that followed. They discuss their impactful memoirs, The Polygamist Daughter and The Sound of Gravel, and reflect on the challenges and triumphs of telling their stories. Highlighting themes of courage, healing, and finding your voice, this episode aims to inspire and empower listeners to overcome their own struggles.
00:00 Introduction and Special Episode Announcement
00:09 Background of Anna and Ruth's Family
01:11 The Violent History of the Polygamous Cult
02:01 Anna and Ruth's Escape and Reconnection
02:54 The Impact of Their Memoirs
04:57 Revisiting the 2017 Interview
05:35 The 2017 Interview Begins
06:37 Anna and Ruth's Personal Stories
08:20 The Emotional First Meeting
16:35 Healing Through Connection
37:02 Challenges of Sharing Their Stories
45:57 A Desperate Escape
46:47 Crossing the Border
48:26 Life After the Escape
49:05 Family Resistance and Social Media
50:21 Questioning the Past
50:45 Impact of Community and Family Reactions
51:23 Struggles with Self-Worth
52:12 Intuition and Abuse
53:31 Mother's Influence and Writing the Book
54:57 Challenges of Sharing the Story
55:48 Emotional Manipulation and Silence
57:05 Reading the Book to Her Mother
58:43 Conflicting Feelings About Family
01:04:56 Therapy and Healing
01:10:16 Finding Freedom and Voice
01:17:25 Advice for Those Feeling Trapped
01:24:13 The Power of Stories and Books
01:25:25 Mission and Message
01:28:59 Closing Remarks and Contact Information