the HEART & GRIT show
What does it take to get up every morning and move through this journey we call life? A little bit of grit and a whole lot of heart. Life is hard. Life is messy. Life is challenging. Life is also an opportunity to make a difference, serve a purpose and wake up every morning excited to do what you do and go to bed every night feeling fulfilled. That is the vision I have for this world. I am Gina Ward, an entrepreneur, coach, teacher, mentor, writer, creator, and a painfully direct, call it like it is, optimist. This podcast will be a series of stories meant to inspire you, challenge you, connect you to others, make you curious and hopefully help you feel a little less alone.
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What's the Point?
08/08/2023
What's the Point?
Do you ever get so consumed with all the BS in your life that you wonder, "what's the point?" This episode is for you my friend, because there is a point, you just have to get clear on it. Interested in THE CLARITY PROJECT, learn more here:
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The Tale of 2 Leaders
07/31/2023
The Tale of 2 Leaders
How could you possibly know how to lead yourself if you are not clear on what makes a good leader? Not a list that you got from a book, or that another leader told you about, but your own list, based on your own experiences. In this episode I share my experiences of two leaders, and how they helped me get clear on who I want to be for myself. How I want to show up for myself. If you want to dive into your own leadership, join us in THE CLARITY PROJECT https://www.heartandgritcoaching.com/theclarityproject
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Without a list, it all sucks!
06/29/2023
Without a list, it all sucks!
You know what it is like to wander into a grocery store without a list, or maybe Wal-Mart or Target.....it kind of sucks, you forget things you want or need and you but things that caught your eye and distracted you from your purpose. Well, life is like that as well if you do not have your own personal ingredient list as well as being ready and practicing how to handle all the shit that is thrown your way. This episode takes you through the 3 things needed to be clear in your life so that life can be a little easier. Want more, join THE CLARITY PROJECT https://heartandgritcoaching.thrivecart.com/theclarityproject/
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"The Baseball" & obligation over choice
06/26/2023
"The Baseball" & obligation over choice
How much of your life is based in obligation? Are you strapped in as a passive passenger along for the ride or are you actively creating your life? Checking in with your daily "to do" list and asking yourself how much of it is based in obligation is a glimpse into the answer. You may think you are choosing, but are you really? THE CLARITY PROJECT: https://heartandgritcoaching.thrivecart.com/theclarityproject/
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Fried Chicken & Red Velvet Cake
06/23/2023
Fried Chicken & Red Velvet Cake
What do you truly want? Like deep down inside.....different from the expectations and how everyone else is doing it. For me, it was fried chicken and a night on the couch. The ability to listen to our intuition requires practice, and practice is a daily habit. If we cannot get clear on the little things that we want, then we will never get clear on the bigger picture of our life. THE CLARITY PROJECT: https://heartandgritcoaching.thrivecart.com/theclarityproject/
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46....to young to die
06/19/2023
46....to young to die
It's my birthday, and its a strange one. As I turn 46 I am painfully aware that this is the year my mom passed. It is a year of reflection for me. A year of learning lessons around misunderstanding someone you love, lessons on learning to be more compassionate and empathetic. It is also the year that this podcast makes a hard right turn, to where I don't know, I just know I have to get on here and share. Please enjoy and reach out if you [email protected]
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CLARITY: Get Back On the Horse
06/16/2023
CLARITY: Get Back On the Horse
At the end of the day, the only thing that will stop you is NOT failure, it is defeat. This is the final episode of a 5-part series dedicated to CLARITY. If you want to spend 30 days exploring what a life of clarity looks like, join THE CLARITY PROJECT: https://heartandgritcoaching.thrivecart.com/theclarityproject/
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CLARITY: Do What You Know!
06/15/2023
CLARITY: Do What You Know!
You have natural gifts, talents and skills and when you are honing those and doing what you love, you are living your life on purpose. When you let yourself get talked out of doing what you know, they you start doing what you "should" or are "supposed to" be doing. And you start doing what others know......which will feel really fucking hard. This is part 4 of a 5-part series dedicated to CLARITY. Get more over at THE CLARITY PROJECT: https://heartandgritcoaching.thrivecart.com/theclarityproject/
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CLARITY: Run from what you fear OR chase what you love.
06/14/2023
CLARITY: Run from what you fear OR chase what you love.
You can make decisions based on avoiding your fears or in an attempt to do what you love. Let's face it, going after your dreams, living your purpose, chasing your passions are all a little scary. But if you are constantly trying to avoid scary, they by default you will also avoid the life you want to live. This is part 3 of a special 5-part series dedicated to CLARITY. If you want more, join Gina for THE CLARITY PROJECT: https://heartandgritcoaching.thrivecart.com/theclarityproject/
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CLARITY: Be Inspired, Not Influenced
06/13/2023
CLARITY: Be Inspired, Not Influenced
Are you making decisions because someone else is influencing your character, development or behavior? It is easy to get inspired and influenced confused, and clarity happens when you can see the difference and know when to say no or when to say yes based solely on what you want. This is part 2 of a 5-part series on clarity where I share with you how I made the very first business decision ever based on influence and not inspiration, so no wonder it did not turn out so well. If you want more of this, join me for THE CLARITY PROJECT here: https://heartandgritcoaching.thrivecart.com/theclarityproject/
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CLARITY: Lying is Hard Work
06/12/2023
CLARITY: Lying is Hard Work
When you are clear on what you want, you no longer have to fear what you don't want. Clarity starts with getting honest with yourself. And clarity is the access point to confidence, conviction and committment. Clarity is the access point to creating the life you want. This is episode one of a 5-part series dedicated to creating a life from a clear space. Knowing who you are, what you want and how to make it happen. Want more? Join Gina for THE CLARITY PROJECT. https://heartandgritcoaching.thrivecart.com/theclarityproject/
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Stop the counting madness & get back to the work you are meant to do.
03/26/2023
Stop the counting madness & get back to the work you are meant to do.
What are you counting right now? What are you measuring? What figure or number do you have in your head that you are using to calculate your value. Or maybe you are using it to compare yourself and your business to others. What would happen if you just stopped all the counting? In this episode I explore the definition of numbers and figures and call into question why we do all of the counting. And hopefully remind you that the numbers are not why you got into the work you are doing. My call to action is to STOP COUNTING and start getting back to the hear of what you love, to contributing to the world, to creating joy and meaning in your life.
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Sharing your flaws, overcoming comparison and listening to your soul with Michelle Whelan
03/21/2023
Sharing your flaws, overcoming comparison and listening to your soul with Michelle Whelan
When you wake up, decide to quit your high paying job, realize your not sure what comes next…..you go to yoga. At least that is what Michelle did, and one yoga class led to a yoga and reiki business. Michelle and I chat about the small pivotal moments that change our lives forever, how one person on the street or a ruined honeymoon can be the thing that puts you on the path to purpose. Michelle Whelan is the founder and CEO of Love & Reiki. She helps people connect with their soul’s deepest wisdom through yoga, Reiki and intuitive guidance. You can find her at and
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I just got a job!
03/06/2023
I just got a job!
Getting a job doesn't mean you are not an entrepreneur! This is what I had to tell myself when I decided to talk about taking on a part-time job while also owning a business and imposter syndrome set in big time. But this is what it looks like, messy and unpredictable.
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The "dark" side of running a business
02/28/2023
The "dark" side of running a business
Running a business is messy. Being an entrepreneur is challenging. And then there is the dark side of it all, the things that go on that business owners do not want to talk about expect behind closed doors and with others who get them. I am talking about the interactions you have with clients and customers that are nothing short of toxic. In this episode I confess many of the things that have happened over the years that have left me feeling hurt, upset, dehumanized and small as a human being. And I share some of the things I have put into place to create boundaries and debunk the myth that the "customer is always right."
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More than exercise, it is about creating community w/ Kim Goodman
02/21/2023
More than exercise, it is about creating community w/ Kim Goodman
In this episode, Gina is joined by Kim Goodman, owner of UpCycle Fitness. Kim is no stranger to taking risks, taking the leap and going for it……and she is not stranger to adversity, challenge, and hard times. In this episode she shares with us how her drive and passion for community and connection helped keep her afloat while running a cycling studio during then pandemic. Kim is an inspiration for anyone who has a passion for people who is wanting to start a business rooted in purpose and service. You can find Kim at
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Being a woman in the world of expectations & comparison w/ Melody Andrews
02/06/2023
Being a woman in the world of expectations & comparison w/ Melody Andrews
Vulnerability, expectations, denial, body image, worthiness, being a mom.....all the fun things women across the world struggle with. In this episode, Gina is joined by Melody Andrews and bares all in hopes of connecting with women around the world to let them know.... YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Melody shares about her journey into fitness as it turns into a journey of a lifetime that led to entrepreneurship. Melody shows us just how important our stories are and how they can help anchor us to our purpose and our mission in life. You can find Melody at Grab her free 30 Day Self Love Guide here
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There are no short cuts w/ Kristen O'Neal
01/30/2023
There are no short cuts w/ Kristen O'Neal
Yep, it takes time, a lot of work and a lot of patience to get a business started. And more importantly it takes consistency and commitment, and you have to show up every day. And while you are doing this, the stories in your head may pile up, driving you crazy. In this episode, Gina is joined by Kristen O'Neal and she tells her story of how she got started in her business. She shares generously on the fear of failure, the fear of letting her husband down, perfectionism and her daily routine of "dress rehearsing tragedy," before anything actually happened. This is an amazing story of what really happens behind the scenes, versus the highlight reels of success. You can find Kristen at Grab your feee download here
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Rolling with the unexpected.....
01/23/2023
Rolling with the unexpected.....
When we set expectations, for ourselves and the outside world, and then those expectations are not met......what we do in that moment is the true test of who we are. In this episode I share a little story, an everyday occurance if you are an entrepreneur, and all the little unexpected and delightful surprises that came along with it The new HEART & GRIT blog can be found here: https://www.heartandgritcoaching.com/blog
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Doing the things that scare you w/ Rhett Miller
01/17/2023
Doing the things that scare you w/ Rhett Miller
No matter who we are, we all experience the same fear, challenegs, and struggles and having the courage to move through them is part of life. In this episode, my very special guest, Rhett Miller, joins me and shares with us his experience and insight on perfectionism, the inner critic inside our heads, the fear and shame of not being "good enough," and the beauty we get to create from all of it. Rhett Miller is from Dallas Texas and is the frontman and lead singer of the Old 97's. He also records and performs as a solo musician, and has been published as a writer of both fiction and non-fiction.
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Jumping off the shame train
01/09/2023
Jumping off the shame train
Shame comes up, it happens, expereincing shame is nothing to feel shameful about. And there are ways to jump off the shame train when you want to. In this episide I share about the 4 things that helped me get off the couch, take a shower, put some clothes on and get back to the work and the business that I love. If you want to explore the 4 areas of Whole-Hearted Entrepreneurship with me, join me for 30 Days of Heart: https://www.heartandgritcoaching.com/30-days-heart
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Feeling SHAME in your business.
01/04/2023
Feeling SHAME in your business.
What happens when you loose sight of WHY you got started in the first place? What happens when you wake-up and what once made you happy, excited and ready to go now leaves you anxious, overwhelmed and extremely frustrated? In the Season Three opener, I take you through the journey I have lived over the past few months. The journey of feeling lost, hopeless and in a state of despair…….and where it has landed me. Back on PURPOSE! This episode sets the stage for the revamp of his podcast, the revamp of my business and the revamp of my calling as I remember why I got stated and why I am here on this earth. And if you want to join me in this journey of purpose and heart, you are invited to join me for 30 Days of Heart...
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NEXT LEVEL: HEART!!!!
12/09/2022
NEXT LEVEL: HEART!!!!
When things don't turn out the way you expected, when everthing seems to be going wrong, when you sit down and ask yourself, "how the f💥ck did I get here,"........it is time to return to your heart. As I wrap up this season and this year with this final episode for 2022, I am faced with the heart of the matter, and the truth that where I am today in no way looks like I thought it would look. And that is ok. Lessons have been learned and it is exactly where I needed to be to get me clear and back on purpose!
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NEXT LEVEL: Trusting yourself to make decisions
11/30/2022
NEXT LEVEL: Trusting yourself to make decisions
Having a coach and/or mentor can be the most impactful decision you make for your business....AND, knowing when to walk away, switch or take a break is also just as important. The biggest thing is trusting yourself with the decision. To know when you have what you need, knowing when you need to attain something else and then knowing when you need help implementing what you have are all very different sceneios to work out. At the end of the day, you must decide.
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NEXT LEVEL: Metor-Mentee Relationships w/ Taylor Slango
11/22/2022
NEXT LEVEL: Metor-Mentee Relationships w/ Taylor Slango
I used to think the coach had something I didn't, or the mentor knew better than me. I also used to think I had to solve all of my clients problems, keep up walls, establish unbreakable boundaries and be oh so professional. The truth is, the coach-client / mentor-mentee relationship is soooooo much more dynamic, personal, intimate and fun than that. Join me as I chat with my mentor Taylor about our evolving relationship, friendship and how we learn and grow from each other. Taylor Slango is the founder of Aligned and Ambitious. You can find her at https://www.instagram.com/taylorslango/
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NEXT LEVEL: Handling the Seasons of Challenge
11/15/2022
NEXT LEVEL: Handling the Seasons of Challenge
This are great when they are great. But it isn't always great and the test of entrepreneurship happens when you can create and innovate during times of challenge. In this episode I give you a dowload of everything I have been trying, give you a few tips and share the behind the scenes around what it really looks like when you do in fact have to hustle. Check out Brilliant Bucks Bash
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BONUS: The Elephant In The Room
11/10/2022
BONUS: The Elephant In The Room
I had so much fun with this IG Live that I just had to share it with you. I let it rip around what is happening in the online business world right now: crazt buyer behavior, ridiculous engagement, boring and repetitive content and much more. Join me for Provoke Your Brilliance Nov 15th (or grab the recording) here 👇🏽
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NEXT LEVEL: Building a Brand & Enterprise w/ Afia Yunus
11/08/2022
NEXT LEVEL: Building a Brand & Enterprise w/ Afia Yunus
This week Afia Yunus from Yunus Law joins Gina and she shares her journey from being fired, to starting her own law firm, having to move and re-create it 3 times to building a branded enterprise. Some of the big take aways: Be unapologetic, replace "what if" with "this is what it," and purpose trumps everything. This is an amazing conversation around belief, trust and faith as well as wanting more and being hungry for growth and expansion. You too can build an enterprise! Afia Yunus is a visibly Muslim woman raised in a traditional Pakistani home in rural Florida. She honors her tradition while also breaking down barriers for Muslim women on a daily basis. You can find her at
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NEXT LEVEL: Brilliance
11/02/2022
NEXT LEVEL: Brilliance
And just like that you can wake up and have a brand new business, the next iteration, the business that truly expresses all of your BRILLIANCE. Yep, that is what happened to me this week and I am sharing all the details. This is for all of you powerhouse women who have been playing by the rules, stifling your creativity and doing the good little entrepreneur routine. Welcome to a NEW YEAR and a NEW YOU and we are starting it early. YES....I declare 2023 is happening now, no waiting, no hesitating. Join me for Provoke Your Brilliance here: https://www.heartandgritcoaching.com/provoke-your-brilliance Check out all the new offers here: https://www.heartandgritcoaching.com/
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NEXT LEVEL: commitment w/ Hayley David
10/25/2022
NEXT LEVEL: commitment w/ Hayley David
Hayley David joins Gina on this episode and we talk about all things commitment and passion. And that the truth around where you start is NOT where you will end up. Entrepreneruship is a jounrey, one that is highly unpredicable, yet so worth it. Hayley David is a business coach and founder of Money Rebel, an online business development company that helps women grow their bank accounts and build a business they love. Connect with Hayley: Instagram: @themoneyrebel () Website:
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