Pass the Mic Podcast

New Voices. Fresh Perspectives. Every Month. Welcome to Pass the Mic, produced by Resilient Voice Media. Your go to for launch & production of Top 10% or above podcasts. This podcast is where the spotlight shifts every month. Each month long series is hosted by a different dynamic guest host—leaders, storytellers, creatives, change-makers—who take the mic to share their voice, vision, and heart. This is your front-row seat to inspiring conversations, untold stories, and real talk from people you need to know. Whether they’re sparking transformation, challenging the status quo, or simply offering a fresh lens on life, each guest host brings their unique flavor and community along for the ride. Learn from them. Be inspired by them. Get connected through them. Pass the Mic is more than a podcast—it’s a platform for powerful voices and an evolving conversation that builds bridges, fuels curiosity, and champions connection. Hit subscribe and join us as we Pass The Mic—and the magic—every month.

Navigating Rejection in Business: How Childhood Trauma Shapes Our Professional Fear 06/26/2025

Navigating Rejection in Business: How Childhood Trauma Shapes Our Professional Fear In this deeply vulnerable June episode of "Pass the Mic," Tiffany Ball gets raw about the psychology of rejection in business and networking. Drawing from her painful childhood as the middle of five children in an impoverished, unstable household with a teenage mother, Tiffany reveals how early experiences of feeling "not worthy of love" created lasting trauma around rejection that still affects her business decisions today. Now 10 years sober, she shares how her recovery journey taught her to recognize these patterns while acknowledging she still struggles with asking for help, making sales calls, and putting herself out there professionally. Through honest storytelling about ghosting, avoidance, and the fear of hearing "no," Tiffany explores why rejection feels so personal in business and offers insights on reframing rejection as part of the human experience rather than a personal attack on our worth. Tiffany Ball is the founder of Grow Networking and a 10-year recovering alcoholic who has transformed childhood trauma into business wisdom. Growing up as the middle child of five in extreme poverty with a teenage mother who was estranged from her family, Tiffany experienced early rejection and abandonment that led to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. She got sober on April 6, 2015, at age 33, and spent the next decade healing and learning to recognize how her core beliefs of being "not enough" affected every area of her life. Through her recovery work, she developed insights into human behavior, communication, and the psychological barriers that prevent people from taking risks in business. Her approach to networking and business relationships is deeply informed by her understanding of trauma, rejection, and the universal human need to feel worthy and accepted. Key Topics Discussed: Childhood Trauma and Business Impact: How growing up feeling "not worthy of love" affects professional risk-taking and relationship building The Middle Child Experience: Feeling overlooked and rejected in a chaotic household with an overwhelmed teenage mother Addiction as Coping Mechanism: Using marijuana and alcohol to numb feelings of inadequacy and rejection Recovery and Self-Awareness: 10 years of sobriety work revealing core beliefs and behavioral patterns Fear of Rejection in Sales: How childhood wounds prevent asking for business, help, or support The Psychology of Ghosting: Why people avoid saying "no" directly and how it affects business relationships Reframing Business Rejection: Understanding that "no" is usually about money, value, or timing—not personal worth The 51st Yes Concept: If you knew success came after 50 rejections, how quickly would you get through them? Growth Through Discomfort: Why facing rejection and discomfort is essential for business and personal development Communication and Boundaries: Learning to have difficult conversations with kindness while protecting your emotional well-being Powerful Quotes from the Episode "I grew up with that. And it manifested in my teenage years in alcoholism... I used to tell people I went to I didn't go to high school. I went to school high." "I realized how absolutely fucked up I was mentally, emotionally, I was like emotionally the age of a 12 year old, maybe six." "I had to look at who I was... and I found out a lot of it came from just my underlining core belief that I was not enough. And that myself worth was dirt." "That fear of the feeling of rejection stops me from doing things like reaching out to people and asking them if they want parts of my program because I got to make money." "If there is a hesitation in their response, then I feel uncomfortable and I've never mind, never mind, I didn't need you because I don't want to put anybody out." "If you knew after 50 no's on your 51st, your 51st ask, you would get a yes and make a million dollars. How quickly would you get through those no's?" "We think that they're rejecting us as people... And you saying no means that you don't believe in me... And in actuality, all that's bullshit. That's not real." "Most of the time people say no because they ain't got the money. Or people say no because they don't feel the value in it... And that can be fixed." "It's part of being a human being guys... And if we can't get used to it and understand that there's something on the other side of it... Then we're going to stay stuck." Loved this episode? Tiffany's courage in sharing her story reminds us that our deepest wounds can become our greatest sources of wisdom and connection with others. If you struggle with rejection in business, know that you're not alone—and that healing is possible. Resources CONNECT WITH Tiffany Ball and Links Grow Networking: Tiffany's community for authentic business connections Recovery Support: Alcoholics Anonymous and other addiction recovery resources Childhood Trauma Therapy: Resources for understanding how early experiences affect adult behavior Sales Training: Programs focused on reframing rejection and building resilience Communication Skills: Training for difficult conversations and boundary setting Connect with the Show Pass the Mic Podcast: A unique monthly format featuring different experts in their zones of genius Resilient Voice Media: A global podcast network and production company amplifying great people who do great work Host: Gabi Garland, founder of Resilient Voice Media June Host: Tiffany Ball, founder of Grow Networking Mission: To amplify beautiful humans who deserve bigger platforms to share their work, heart, and expertise A Resilient Voice Media Production To work with us submit inquiry at Gabi Garland CEO of CONNECT WITH GABI: and FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Pass the Mic podcast on Podcasts and Pass the Mic Opportunities: Contact Resilient Voice Media for information about hosting your own month in 2026 /episode/index/show/2774ea41-f4a5-41f8-a2e6-c7134feaba48/id/36798660

Networking Mistakes That Kill Connections: Tiffany Ball's Guide to Authentic Relationship Building 06/19/2025

Networking Mistakes That Kill Connections: Tiffany Ball's Guide to Authentic Relationship Building In this insightful June episode of "Pass the Mic," Tiffany Ball, founder of Grow Networking, takes over to share hard-earned wisdom about the networking mistakes that sabotage professional relationships before they even begin. Through personal stories and practical advice, Tiffany reveals the three critical errors most people make: judging others too quickly, forming exclusive cliques, and disrespecting others' time through poor scheduling habits. She introduces the powerful "croissant vs. donut" concept for inclusive networking and shares how a person she initially dismissed became one of her favorite clients and biggest supporters. This episode is packed with actionable strategies for creating meaningful connections, managing your schedule intentionally, and making every person you meet feel valued and included. Tiffany Ball is the founder of Grow Networking, a community focused on creating intentional connections where opportunities are meaningful and every person's presence matters. A self-described recovering people pleaser and empath, Tiffany discovered her natural ability to read people and make them feel comfortable, skills she now channels into building authentic professional relationships. Through Grow Networking, she creates spaces where connections happen organically and purposefully, moving beyond surface-level interactions to build lasting business relationships. Tiffany's approach to networking emphasizes the human element of business, believing that when people feel accepted, valued, and comfortable, true opportunities for collaboration and growth emerge. Key Topics Discussed: Never Judge a Book by Its Cover: The danger of writing off potential connections based on first impressions or communication styles The Clique Problem: How exclusive groups form at networking events and make newcomers feel unwelcome Croissant vs. Donut Theory: Creating open circles (croissants) instead of closed groups (donuts) to welcome new people Scheduling Respect: The importance of honoring commitments and not repeatedly rescheduling meetings Hostage Taker Syndrome: Recognizing when someone monopolizes conversations and how to gracefully exit Introvert vs. Extrovert Dynamics: Understanding different networking styles and helping introverts feel included The Power of Discomfort: Why stepping outside your comfort zone leads to the best networking opportunities Intentional Connection Building: Making every interaction count and treating people's time as valuable Bridge Building vs. Bridge Burning: How small actions can make or break professional relationships Creating Inclusive Spaces: The responsibility of experienced networkers to welcome newcomers Powerful Quotes from the Episode "You never know where your clients are going to come from... you just never know, he's one of my favorite people now... I had to give him an opportunity." "We are so complex, and we are so intricate, a lot of us are. And if we don't give each other the opportunity to show and showcase who we are as people, then how else are we ever going to know how those people can show up for us in our lives?" "Don't judge a book by its cover, because you never know what that person is going to be able to do for you in your career, or what connections that they can give you and bring to the table." "Croissants always have an opening, right? So if you're talking in a group of people, always move to the side to allow for more people to come in." "There is power in the discomfort guys. And until you get in that discomfort and get comfortable with that, do you move through it and find the power and the magic... on the other side of that." "When we end up rescheduling and rescheduling people multiple times... what we do is we say to them that they are not a priority in our schedule and in our lives and that we don't really need to talk to them." "People remember how you make them feel. And these are ways that you can make people feel separate, make them feel isolated, make them feel not good enough." "If you go through life and you try to cause the least amount of harm to others, I just believe that that's how your life is going to end up." Loved this episode? Tiffany's practical advice about authentic networking could transform how you approach professional relationships. Remember: every person you meet has potential value - the key is being open enough to discover it and respectful enough to nurture it. Resources CONNECT WITH Tiffany Ball and Links Grow Networking: Tiffany's community for intentional business connections Networking Events: Look for local networking opportunities in your area One-on-One Meetings: Schedule intentional follow-up conversations after networking events Connect with the Show Pass the Mic Podcast: A unique monthly format featuring different experts in their zones of genius Resilient Voice Media: A global podcast network and production company amplifying great people who do great work Host: Gabi Garland, founder of Resilient Voice Media June Host: Tiffany Ball, founder of Grow Networking Mission: To amplify beautiful humans who deserve bigger platforms to share their work, heart, and expertise A Resilient Voice Media Production To work with us submit inquiry at Gabi Garland CEO of CONNECT WITH GABI: and FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Pass the Mic podcast on Podcasts and Pass the Mic Opportunities: Contact Resilient Voice Media for information about hosting your own month in 2026 /episode/index/show/2774ea41-f4a5-41f8-a2e6-c7134feaba48/id/36798645

The Mindset of Networking: Overcoming Discomfort to Build Authentic Connections 06/12/2025

The Mindset of Networking: Overcoming Discomfort to Build Authentic Connections In this deeply personal June episode of "Pass the Mic," Tiffany Ball, founder of Grow Networking, opens up about the mindset shifts that transformed her approach to networking. As a recovering alcoholic with 10 years of sobriety, Tiffany shares how the self-awareness gained through recovery helped her understand the psychological barriers that keep people from networking effectively. Through the story of her first terrifying networking experience at a country club—complete with an overly enthusiastic handshaker and an inappropriate booth visitor—she illustrates how our internal narratives of "not being enough" sabotage our success. Tiffany introduces her memorable (and admittedly inappropriate) "donut analogy" to explain why networking fails when we approach it with the wrong mindset, and shares how showing up authentically, rather than trying to be who we think others want us to be, is the key to building meaningful business relationships. Tiffany Ball is the founder of Grow Networking and a recovering alcoholic with 10 years of sobriety. Coming from a military family with a financially challenging background, Tiffany has spent much of her adult life learning to navigate spaces where she initially felt she didn't belong. Her journey through Alcoholics Anonymous taught her valuable lessons about self-awareness, authenticity, and changing automatic thought patterns—skills she now applies to helping others overcome networking anxiety and build genuine business connections. Tiffany describes herself as someone who "knows how to people" but had to learn how to be "more human and less chaotic." Her approach to networking emphasizes authenticity over performance, relationship-building over immediate sales, and the power of showing up as yourself in professional spaces. Key Topics Discussed: Recovery and Self-Awareness: How 10 years of sobriety and AA taught valuable lessons about mindset and authentic relationships Imposter Syndrome in Professional Settings: Feeling like you don't belong in upscale or professional environments Neural Pathways and Automatic Thinking: How our brains create automatic responses and why mindset work is necessary to change them The First Networking Experience: A detailed account of overcoming anxiety at a country club networking event Setting Manageable Goals: The power of committing to meet just three people to make networking less overwhelming Dealing with Uncomfortable Situations: Handling inappropriate behavior and awkward interactions while networking The "Donut Analogy": Why approaching networking with the wrong mindset leads to failure and discomfort Authenticity vs. Performance: The importance of being yourself rather than who you think others want you to be Networking as Seed Planting: Understanding that networking is about long-term relationship building, not immediate sales Building Your Advocate Network: Creating a tribe of people who will promote your business in spaces where you're not present Powerful Quotes from the Episode "I had to learn how to be more human and less chaotic." "Our brain wants to turn everything into automatic. So it doesn't have to think a lot about it... that's how habits are formed, even traumas and things like that." "My insides was like, you don't belong here. This is not a place that you belong in." "I am a superhero when it comes to moving through discomfort. And because the discomfort is always there for me, like it doesn't go away." "I'm that person that's in my head who has been there for 42 years saying, hey, you're probably not good enough... that bitch is still there. She's always there. But I know how to talk to her now." "I said, I hate people who wipe their ass with donuts... if you don't do it the right way... you are going to feel like you have glazed donut in your butt." "You don't have to be somebody else... You can be who you are and you're going to find your tribe and you're going to find the people who are passionate and believe in what it is that you're doing." "You're planting a seed when you're networking... The reason that you should show up to those events is to be yourself. And to enjoy it and make connections because in those connections your business will grow." Loved this episode? Tiffany's raw honesty about overcoming personal barriers to build authentic business relationships offers hope for anyone who has ever felt like they don't belong in professional networking spaces. Remember: the discomfort is where the magic happens. Resources CONNECT WITH Tiffany Ball and Links Grow Networking: Tiffany's community for authentic business connections Alcoholics Anonymous: Recovery support mentioned as foundational to Tiffany's personal growth Networking Events: Local chamber of commerce and professional networking opportunities Mindset Work: Resources for changing automatic thought patterns and building confidence Connect with the Show Pass the Mic Podcast: A unique monthly format featuring different experts in their zones of genius Resilient Voice Media: A global podcast network and production company amplifying great people who do great work Host: Gabi Garland, founder of Resilient Voice Media June Host: Tiffany Ball, founder of Grow Networking Mission: To amplify beautiful humans who deserve bigger platforms to share their work, heart, and expertise A Resilient Voice Media Production To work with us submit inquiry at Gabi Garland CEO of CONNECT WITH GABI: and FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Pass the Mic podcast on Podcasts and Pass the Mic Opportunities: Contact Resilient Voice Media for information about hosting your own month in 2026 /episode/index/show/2774ea41-f4a5-41f8-a2e6-c7134feaba48/id/36798635

The Art of Intentional Listening: Building Deeper Connections in Business 06/05/2025

The Art of Intentional Listening: Building Deeper Connections in Business In this compelling June episode of "Pass the Mic," Tiffany Ball dives deep into the art of intentional listening as the cornerstone of meaningful business connections. Through personal stories from relationship therapy and her childhood as a military brat who never felt like she belonged, Tiffany reveals why making others feel seen is the secret to building lasting professional relationships. She shares the pivotal moment when a roofing company owner introduced her not because she remembered what Tiffany did, but because she remembered who Tiffany was as a person. This episode breaks down the difference between listening to respond versus listening to understand, introduces the "quiz method" for better listening, and explores why our instinct to relate and one-up actually sabotages connection. Tiffany's vulnerable sharing about growing up as the middle child of five in an impoverished military family illuminates the core belief driving her work: ensuring no one feels alone or like they don't belong. About Tiffany Ball: Tiffany Ball is the founder of Grow Networking, a community focused on creating spaces where people feel comfortable, welcome, and truly seen. Growing up as a military brat and the middle child of five in an impoverished family, Tiffany moved every two years and learned to be a "chameleon" to fit in, though she never truly felt like she belonged anywhere. This childhood experience of feeling alone and disconnected drives her mission to ensure others never feel the same way. Through her work, Tiffany combines lessons learned from relationship therapy, personal development, and years of networking experience to help people build authentic connections that go beyond surface-level business transactions. She believes that bringing humanity back into business interactions is key to both professional success and personal fulfillment. Key Topics Discussed: The Power of Being Remembered as a Person: How being known for who you are, not just what you do, leads to better referrals and connections Intentional Listening Defined: Listening for context clues about who someone is as a person, not just waiting for your turn to talk The Quiz Method: Treating conversations like you'll be tested on the content to improve your listening skills Listening to Understand vs. Listening to Respond: Why most people listen only to formulate their next response The One-Up Trap: How our instinct to relate by sharing our own experiences actually turns conversations back to ourselves Context Clues and Follow-Up Questions: Learning to pick up on what excites people and asking deeper questions about their passions Making People Feel Seen: The profound impact of acknowledging someone's efforts and authentic self Military Brat Background: How constant moving and never feeling like she belonged shaped Tiffany's approach to connection The Chameleon Effect: Learning to adapt to fit in versus being authentic and helping others be authentic Core Beliefs Driving Business: How childhood experiences of feeling alone motivate her work in creating inclusive spaces Powerful Quotes from the Episode "It's not about what you do more than it is how you do it and how people feel when they're in your presence." "Intentional listening... means that while they're talking, you are searching for context clues into who they are as a person." "Act like you are going to have a quiz about what it is they're saying at the end of it." "The problem I find that some people do... is when we're in conversation, what we want to do is we want to relate to the person... When in actuality, what we're doing is turning it back on us." "They're going to remember how you made them feel... when you show interest... they're going to want to be reciprocal." "I want to be seen because I feel that's who I am as a person. And anytime somebody can let me know and acknowledge that they see the effort that I'm putting into being this human being... I am so appreciative." "I never felt like I fit in. I never felt like I belonged anywhere... I don't ever want anybody to feel that way, whether it be in business or in relationships or whatever it is." "I think that a lot of times in business professional environments, we're lacking in that... we're so sidetracked by the hustle and the business and the money and the sale and the marketing that we forget to actually dig deep and connect." Loved this episode? Tiffany's insights about intentional listening could transform how you approach every business conversation. Remember: the goal isn't to be the most interesting person in the room—it's to be the most interested. Next episode preview: What NOT to do in networking, including the dreaded "hostage takers." Resources CONNECT WITH Tiffany Ball and Links Grow Networking: Tiffany's community for authentic business connections and intentional networking Relationship Therapy Techniques: The "quiz method" for better listening in all relationships Military Family Support: Resources for military families dealing with frequent moves and belonging issues Intentional Listening Practice: Techniques for improving active listening skills in professional settings Connect with the Show Pass the Mic Podcast: A unique monthly format featuring different experts in their zones of genius Resilient Voice Media: A global podcast network and production company amplifying great people who do great work June Host: Tiffany Ball, founder of Grow Networking Mission: To amplify beautiful humans who deserve bigger platforms to share their work, heart, and expertise A Resilient Voice Media Production To work with us submit inquiry at Gabi Garland CEO of CONNECT WITH GABI: and FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Pass the Mic podcast on Podcasts and Pass the Mic Opportunities: Contact Resilient Voice Media for information about hosting your own month in 2026 /episode/index/show/2774ea41-f4a5-41f8-a2e6-c7134feaba48/id/36798625

Welcome to June: Tiffany Ball's Service-First Approach to Networking 06/04/2025

Welcome to June: Tiffany Ball's Service-First Approach to Networking In this introductory episode for June's "Pass the Mic" takeover, Tiffany Ball welcomes listeners into her world of authentic, relationship-based networking. Drawing from her 20-year career managing Hilton and Marriott hotels across the United States, Tiffany shares how she learned to "people for a living" and discovered her gift for networking while working for someone else's business. Frustrated by the transactional nature of most networking groups where people felt like numbers rather than humans, she founded Grow Networking to create a space where connections are intentional, opportunities are meaningful, and everyone's presence matters. Tiffany sets expectations for her month of hosting, promising vulnerability, honesty, and yes, some F-bombs, while introducing her core philosophy that the journey from A to B should feel good, even if the destination (making money) is the same for everyone. Tiffany Ball is an entrepreneur and founder of Grow Networking, bringing two decades of hospitality management experience to the world of authentic business relationships. Having managed Hilton and Marriott hotels across the United States, she developed expertise in "peopling for a living" - understanding how to make relationships, manage teams, and lead through service. Her transition into networking began when working for someone else's business, where she discovered her natural talent for connection-building. Frustrated by transactional networking environments that made people feel like numbers or industries rather than humans, Tiffany created Grow Networking as a community focused on vulnerability, humility, honesty, and kindness as the foundations of business relationships. She proudly embraces being "a mess" and believes in sharing authenticity over perfection, using service-minded approaches to make the business journey feel good while still achieving financial success. Key Topics Discussed: Hospitality Career Foundation: How 20 years of managing hotels taught essential people skills and relationship management Discovery of Networking Talent: Realizing her gift for networking while working for someone else's business Problems with Traditional Networking: Why most networking groups feel transactional and competitive rather than collaborative Service-First Philosophy: Leading with "How can I show up for you?" before making any business asks The Journey vs. Destination Concept: Why the path from A to B should feel good, even if everyone's end goal is making money Authenticity Over Perfection: Embracing messiness and vulnerability as strengths in business relationships Grow Networking Community: Creating intentional connections where opportunities are meaningful and presence matters Vulnerability, Humility, Honesty, and Kindness: The four foundational pillars of relationship-based business Making Business Feel Good: The importance of waking up wanting to do what you do Setting Expectations: Warning about F-bombs while promising heartfelt, caring, and kind messages Powerful Quotes from the Episode "I people for a living I was people and I know how to people. I know how to make relationships. I know how to manage. I know how to lead. I've done it mostly because I failed a lot." "It's one of those things that you don't recognize you're really good at until you realize how bad other people are at it." "I found that there was a lot of transactional things happening within these networking groups, where it was you felt more like a number, you felt like an industry, you felt constantly in competition." "I am always trying to focus my life on service and being of service to other people. How can I show up for you? How can I do for you? What can I do for you first before I even go in for an ask in business?" "Feeling good about business is why we get into it. Some of us, some of it's money, but money comes." "The end result is not different. It's the same. Everybody needs to make money... Now the difference is in the journey. Step A to B is going to be different. It's going to feel different." "Vulnerability, humility, honesty, and kindness are the foundations of how we do business." "I am one of those individuals that likes to share her mess. I am a mess, I am not perfect, and that is beautiful." "You're going to hear a lot of F-bombs. Gonna go ahead and let you know that. That's just who the fuck I am." Ready for June with Tiffany? Expect authentic, heartfelt conversations about networking, relationships, and making business feel good. Fair warning: there will be F-bombs, but they come wrapped in genuine care and hard-earned wisdom from someone who truly knows how to "people for a living." Resources CONNECT WITH Tiffany Ball and Links Grow Networking: Tiffany's community for authentic, relationship-based business connections Hospitality Industry: Background context for understanding people management and service excellence Networking Events: Local and regional opportunities for authentic connection building Service-Minded Business Practices: Resources for leading with service before sales Connect with the Show Pass the Mic Podcast: A unique monthly format featuring different experts in their zones of genius Resilient Voice Media: A global podcast network and production company amplifying great people who do great work June Host: Tiffany Ball, founder of Grow Networking Mission: To amplify beautiful humans who deserve bigger platforms to share their work, heart, and expertise A Resilient Voice Media Production To work with us submit inquiry at Gabi Garland CEO of CONNECT WITH GABI: and FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Pass the Mic podcast on Podcasts and Pass the Mic Opportunities: Contact Resilient Voice Media for information about hosting your own month in 2026 /episode/index/show/2774ea41-f4a5-41f8-a2e6-c7134feaba48/id/36768045

Recognizing Red Flags: Personal Safety and Empowerment with Gabi Garland 05/22/2025

Recognizing Red Flags: Personal Safety and Empowerment with Gabi Garland In this powerful kickoff episode of the Pass the Mic podcast, host Kimberly Taylor Judy interviews Gabi Garland, founder of Resilient Voice Media and domestic violence survivor. With candid vulnerability, Gabi shares her personal journey through domestic violence, the red flags she missed, and how that experience shaped her approach to personal safety and raising her children. Together, they discuss the importance of recognizing warning signs in relationships, trusting your instincts, and teaching children age-appropriate awareness skills. This conversation offers valuable insights for anyone who has experienced abuse or wants to protect themselves and their loved ones in an increasingly unpredictable world. Gabi Garland is the founder of Resilient Voice Media, a global podcast network and production company dedicated to amplifying the voices of extraordinary people. As a survivor of domestic violence and single mother for over 15 years, Gabi brings personal experience to her work empowering others to share their stories. Through her company, she created the Pass the Mic podcast, which features a new expert each month sharing their zone of genius and the "why" behind their work. Gabi's mission is to help people shine in the lane built to share their story and magic, particularly uplifting those who have overcome significant challenges. Her own journey from domestic violence survivor to successful entrepreneur and advocate informs her passionate approach to personal safety and empowerment. Key Topics Discussed: Recognizing Red Flags in Relationships: How Gabi missed warning signs and what she learned from that experience The Isolation Pattern of Abuse: How abusers systematically cut victims off from support networks The Addiction Cycle of Abuse: Why leaving abusive relationships is difficult and how our bodies become conditioned to volatility Trust Issues After Abuse: Gabi's perspective on how abuse survivors often find safety uncomfortable Raising Children with Safety Awareness: How Gabi taught her daughter to protect herself Personal Safety Practices: Practical approaches to situational awareness and self-defense Finding Safe People and Places: The importance of having escape plans and trusted confidants From Survivor to Advocate: How Gabi's experiences informed her mission to help others Key Topics Discussed: Recognizing Red Flags in Relationships: How Gabi missed warning signs and what she learned from that experience The Isolation Pattern of Abuse: How abusers systematically cut victims off from support networks The Addiction Cycle of Abuse: Why leaving abusive relationships is difficult and how our bodies become conditioned to volatility Trust Issues After Abuse: Gabi's perspective on how abuse survivors often find safety uncomfortable Raising Children with Safety Awareness: How Gabi taught her daughter to protect herself Personal Safety Practices: Practical approaches to situational awareness and self-defense Finding Safe People and Places: The importance of having escape plans and trusted confidants From Survivor to Advocate: How Gabi's experiences informed her mission to help others Powerful Quotes from the Episode "I think too often, especially if you've been through any sort of trauma or life circumstances, you don't always naturally trust yourself as much as you should or don't lean into it as much as you should. And I think that intuition is what will save your life." "I talked about it on my episode about my domestic violence story... all those moments that I missed, whereas, you know, the isolation and the 'oh, don't go hang out over there because I miss you.' And so you start moving away from or getting out of those social circles that you're accustomed to." "That is like a red flag for me that I feel like that's one of the earliest ones because it's the love bomb of like, 'I love you so much. I just want you to talk to me all the time.' And then what? And then now I've started to isolate you from the people that could help you in this environment." "It wasn't that I didn't meet other good guys after I had been out of a domestic marriage relationship. It's just good guys didn't feel safe because I had spent so many years being abused emotionally, physically, sexually, all of the things." "If you were safe, I was like, that was a red flag for me. And that is weird, and I don't think that we talk about that enough because we don't necessarily know to trust, one, to trust ourselves, but to trust our nervous system in safe spaces." "I think playing small does nobody any favors. And you need to be safe and protect yourself so that you don't have to worry when things happen." "I got in one fist fight in fourth grade and that was it over a peanut butter sandwich. I didn't realize not everybody got in fights all the time. I was that." "I love that you do this work. I think it's really powerful. I think it's really important." Resources CONNECT WITH Kimberly Taylor Judy KIMBERLY'S BUSINESS: Move With Purpose Firearms and Defense Training - For those interested in personal safety training and Links A Resilient Voice Media Production To work with us submit inquiry at Gabi Garland CEO of CONNECT WITH GABI: and FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Pass the Mic podcast on Podcasts and Loved this episode? Follow Gabi for more insights on resilience, overcoming trauma, and building a purpose-driven life. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple and Spotify! /episode/index/show/2774ea41-f4a5-41f8-a2e6-c7134feaba48/id/36373990

Single Parenting Perspectives: Kimberly Taylor Judy and Her Daughters 05/15/2025

Single Parenting Perspectives: Kimberly Taylor Judy and Her Daughters In this heartfelt episode of the Pass the Mic podcast, host Kimberly Taylor Judy sits down with two of her three daughters, Kristen and Callie, to discuss their experiences growing up in a single-parent household. With remarkable candor and vulnerability, they explore the challenges, unexpected blessings, and unique dynamics of their family journey. From navigating social perceptions in Christian circles to developing independence at young ages, the conversation offers valuable insights for single parents and their children. What emerges is a beautiful testament to resilience, faith, and the deep bond this family has forged through difficult circumstances, showing how challenges can ultimately strengthen family connections and personal growth. Kimberly Taylor Judy is a former federal police officer, national speaker, defense trainer, and founder of Move With Purpose Firearms and Defense Training. As a single mother to three daughters, Kimberly has balanced her professional career with raising her girls in a Christian home in Virginia. Her daughters Kristen (the oldest) and Callie (the youngest) join her for this conversation, offering their perspectives on growing up in a single-parent household. All three women share a deep faith and commitment to using their experiences to help others, demonstrating how their challenges have shaped them into accomplished, gracious young women who support each other through life's difficulties. Key Topics Discussed: Growing Up in a Single-Parent Home: The daughters' perspectives on what felt natural versus unnatural in their upbringing Navigating Christian Circles: Dealing with stigma and misconceptions about divorce in faith-based environments Early Independence: How necessity fostered responsibility, life skills, and maturity at young ages Family Bonds: How their circumstances created a uniquely close relationship between all four women Transparency in Parenting: The value of honest communication during difficult seasons Cherished Memories: Simple moments that became meaningful because of their circumstances Societal Expectations: Dealing with assumptions and misconceptions about single-parent families Faith Journey: How their Christian foundation helped them find blessings within challenges Supporting Each Other: The ways they've learned to be each other's "battle buddies" through difficult times Powerful Quotes from the Episode "I feel like for what we've had we've made a lot of good out of it and one thing that I kind of love is that we do have all the girls in our home so that definitely makes it fun." "I didn't necessarily ever feel like we were in general lacking something... I think it becomes normal a lot quicker than you think." "I think in some ways I'm grateful for that because the reality of life is that you're not necessarily always going to have someone with you constantly, and so it kind of allowed for some independence." "You would think that people would maybe give some grace and expect the work of one person but for some reason... everybody else kind of looked at it and said it's one parent but she needs to be two." "The three of us was who we had and so we learned even on the days where we really annoyed each other like it's still very much a blessing to have a sibling." "I think kind of again just like the relationship and emotional parts of life is the things that I learned earlier which was helpful." "If you're just as much present as you can be... you three are amazingly accomplished young women who are as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside." "Let everything that could seem like an inconvenience be a blessing because God is really faithful and that he does put a blessing in everything, even if it is really hard in the moment." Loved this episode? Follow Kimberly for more insights on personal safety, single parenting, and living with purpose. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review for the Pass the Mic podcast on and ! Resources CONNECT WITH Kimberly Taylor Judy and Links A Resilient Voice Media Production To work with us submit inquiry at Gabi Garland CEO of CONNECT WITH GABI: and FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Pass the Mic podcast on Podcasts and /episode/index/show/2774ea41-f4a5-41f8-a2e6-c7134feaba48/id/36514710

Personal Safety and Self-Defense: A Conversation with Jonathan Maynard 05/08/2025

Personal Safety and Self-Defense: A Conversation with Jonathan Maynard In this insightful episode of Pass the Mic podcast, host Kimberly Taylor Judy talks with Jonathan Maynard, a former law enforcement officer and father, about personal safety, self-defense, and empowering individuals—particularly women and children—to protect themselves. They discuss the importance of building confidence through proper training, situational awareness as the foundation of personal safety, and responsible firearms ownership. Jonathan shares his perspective as a father of daughters on empowering women through self-defense education, while both explore the misconceptions and challenges in personal safety training. Jonathan Maynard is a serial entrepreneur, former law enforcement officer, and father of three. During his five-year career in Southern Maryland as a patrol officer, he also handled cyber crime duties through his IT expertise. His law enforcement training has shaped his approach to personal safety, which he applies to his family life and business endeavors. With 28 years of marriage and experience raising children, Jonathan brings a valuable perspective on family safety and empowerment. Kimberly is a former federal police officer and proud single mom living in Virginia. She's the founder of Move with Purpose and Arms and Defense Training, where she empowers everyday people with practical, easy-to-understand defense skills. Kimberly is a national speaker, defense trainer, and Christian woman with a deep passion for protecting and uplifting others. Her mission is to make personal safety accessible to all, no matter their experience level. Key Topics Discussed: Building Confidence Through Training: How proper self-defense training provides the confidence to handle threatening situations (5:00) The Importance of Situational Awareness: Why keeping your head up and being aware of your surroundings is crucial for personal safety (22:00) Women in Self-Defense: The unique challenges women face and how confidence plays a critical role (6:20) Male vs. Female Instructors: Benefits of women learning from women while appreciating diverse perspectives (11:50) De-escalation Techniques: Using command voice and confident body language as powerful deterrents (24:40) Responsible Firearms Ownership: The need for comprehensive training beyond basic safety requirements (32:20) Non-Lethal Self-Defense Options: The effectiveness of tools like stun guns and pepper spray as deterrents (47:40) Advice for Those in Abusive Situations: Creating distance and finding resources for help (56:40) Powerful Quotes from the Episode: "I find that that's my responsibility as a dad, especially for my daughter, making sure that she has all the tools, that she's equipped, that she's trained." (3:40) "It's better to not live in fear, but to live in awareness. And that awareness is that sometimes bad things happen, but the more you are prepared for it, the less you will see it happening." (54:40) Additional Quote Options: "The fear comes in when you start looking at, if that situation happened, what would I do? How could I handle myself? And a lot of people think, man, I don't know if I'd be able to handle that." (5:10) "I can't always be there. So I have a responsibility as a husband and a father to protect the safety and wellbeing of my family. However, part of that protection is making sure that when I am gone, they know what to do." (7:20) "When the rubber meets the road, you are who you've got. And somebody may step in, but there are going to be times when you are not with anybody else. So the responsibility is 100% yours." (53:20) "I believe that it's important for women to get trained by women because you experience things different than men. Your bodies function physiologically different." (11:50) "If you are a lady that is just walking down the street and you're constantly looking around, they're going to go, 'ah, now that's not an easy target.'" (25:40) "Any woman or child in an abusive situation should know: you're not the problem. This isn't because of you. This is because that person is broken and they need help." (1:02:35) Loved this episode? Follow Kimberly on Instagram or visit for more insights on personal safety, self-defense training for women, and situational awareness education. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple and Spotify! CONNECT WITH Kimberly Taylor Judy and Links CONNECT WITH Jonathan Maynard and Links RESOURCES: A Resilient Voice Media Production To work with us submit inquiry at Gabi Garland CEO of CONNECT WITH GABI: and FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Pass the Mic podcast on Podcasts and /episode/index/show/2774ea41-f4a5-41f8-a2e6-c7134feaba48/id/36373125

From Law Enforcement to Empowerment: Kimberly Taylor Judy's Journey 05/01/2025

From Law Enforcement to Empowerment: Kimberly Taylor Judy's Journey In this powerful and vulnerable episode of Pass the Mic podcast, Kimberly Taylor Judy shares her personal journey from federal law enforcement officer to single mom entrepreneur and founder of Move With Purpose, a firearms and defense training company. With raw honesty, Kimberly reveals how her experiences with toxic relationships, divorce, and personal loss led her to create a business empowering others through safety education. She discusses recognizing abuse patterns, the importance of creating peace in your life, and how finding your authentic voice can lead to healing. Kimberly's story demonstrates how personal challenges can transform into purpose, especially for single parents seeking to protect themselves and their children. Kimberly Taylor Judy is a former federal police officer, personal safety expert, and proud single mother of three daughters. After 9/11, she joined federal law enforcement before transitioning to contract security. Following two divorces and navigating the challenges of single parenthood, Kimberly founded Move With Purpose, a firearms and defense training company approaching its 10th anniversary. Her faith-driven approach combines practical defense skills with emotional resilience training. With clients ranging from domestic violence survivors to parents wanting to protect their families, Kimberly's authentic and direct teaching style has created a thriving community of empowered individuals. Her background in law enforcement, personal experiences with toxic relationships, and journey as a single parent inform her unique perspective on personal safety and healing. Key Topics Discussed: The Journey to Entrepreneurship: How Kimberly transitioned from federal law enforcement to founding her defense training company (8:15) Recognizing Abuse Patterns: Understanding the progression from verbal indicators to physical violence (18:20) Different Types of Abuse: Breaking down financial, spiritual, emotional, and physical abuse (25:40) Navigating Single Parenthood: Finding strength and resourcefulness while raising children alone (10:30) Creating Safe Spaces for Healing: The importance of allowing yourself room to process trauma (33:15) Red Flags in Relationships: Identifying patterns of behavior that indicate potential danger (17:25) Moving Forward After Divorce: Finding peace and setting boundaries with former partners (31:40) Teaching Children Safety Skills: Age-appropriate ways to build confidence and awareness (13:20) Powerful Quotes from the Episode: "I remind you that you're allowed to have the space that you need in order to heal. That may sometimes look like you have to leave one of my classes, or it may look like we sit down and talk about something that had nothing to do with what caused a problem between you and your ex." (1:00) "The pattern is what tells all. It's that simple. You could have a really bad night, but the pattern of the behavior that goes with that is what is the concerning part." (28:30) Additional Quote Options: "No is a complete sentence. You do not need to explain it. You do not need to justify it." (32:15) "If you're a single parent, oh my goodness, you're part of my tribe. We're the warriors of the bunch. And if we're good parents, we're friggin amazing." (35:40) "Move with purpose and intentionality. Anything that you do, try to do it with confidence. And everything that you do, try to do it with love." (36:40) "Your feelings are valid. Always. Now, are they 100% accurate and correct? That's a different story. But you can't have that story with someone that's not healthy." (30:50) "If peace in your home is gone, take a step back, take stock and understand why. If it is because there are safety concerns or patterns of indicated behaviors that toxicity exists, reach out to someone who can help you." (35:20) "I tell my clients the same thing. 100%. If you're healthy, you can give 100%. But if you're not healthy, sometimes 100% is like 20%. So the most you've got is 20%. That's still your 100%." (37:15) "We live in a world when abuse starts entering and toxicity starts entering and red flags start popping up... that a lot of people go, 'Oh, I can fix it.' This is not a fix-it situation." (23:40) "I think as single mothers, you just become resourceful. I think single parents, men or women, we are without a doubt some of the most resourceful, creative, when we let ourselves be empowered, people you will ever know." (11:30) Loved this episode? Follow Kimberly for more insights on personal safety, emotional resilience, and empowerment for single parents. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple and Spotify! CONNECT WITH Kimberly Taylor Judy: and Links RESOURCES: A Resilient Voice Media Production To work with us submit inquiry at Gabi Garland CEO of CONNECT WITH GABI: and FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Pass the Mic podcast on Podcasts and /episode/index/show/2774ea41-f4a5-41f8-a2e6-c7134feaba48/id/36372655

Pass the Mic: A Platform for Powerful Voices 04/30/2025

Pass the Mic Podcast

TOPICS