TheFemiNinjaProject
The FemiNinja Project is about overcoming obstacles, personal empowerment, finding your voice, standing your ground, alternative health and healing, restoring human dignity one person at a time and helping YOU unleash your personal power. It is also about living well and looking good, at every stage of life.
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Episode #447: How to Save Yourself and Be Your Own Hero with Tracy Smaldino
09/15/2026
Episode #447: How to Save Yourself and Be Your Own Hero with Tracy Smaldino
Tracy Smaldino is a trauma recovery thriver whose own trauma has led her down a path that is very close to her heart and a passion project to create her podcast called Traum Rock Stars. She is the sole survivor of a horrific auto accident and at the age of 12, was severely burned over 70% of her body, sustained a major head injury and had to learn how to talk, read, write, and walk again over years of surgeries and rehab. But her trauma didn’t end there but continued 3 years later at the age of 15. Tracy’s healing journey began 5 years ago through meditation, serious reflection, journaling, and MDMA therapy. She shares her story with open honesty, and a heart of compassion for anyone who is experiencing trauma, along with valuable insights, encouragement, and a positive message for trauma survivors, explaining how it is possible to not only survive, but thrive after trauma. Just to share a bit of Tracy’s positive outlook and mindset, she likes to say that at least her trauma made her funny. Download this touching and powerful episode to hear her story and learn how we can all heal and thrive after trauma. Connect with Tracy: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here:
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Episode #446: Real Estate Warrior and Aging in Place with Sebastian Frey
09/08/2026
Episode #446: Real Estate Warrior and Aging in Place with Sebastian Frey
Sebastian Frey is well known in the San Francisco Bay area as Seb Frey the Real Estate Guy. He is a Seasoned Living Strategist, Senior Home Coach, Senior Real Estate Specialist, and the last realtor you’ll ever need. Seb is also the founder of Team Sixty Plus and the host of the Sixty Plus Uncensored Podcast. He shares his passion for helping people, particularly seniors, navigate a real estate market which can be volatile and challenging at best. He explains how and why he became active in helping the Sixty Plus community, guiding hundreds of homeowners through buying, selling, downsizing, relocating, aging-in-place planning, and complex multi-generational transitions in some of the most competitive markets in the country. He founded Team Sixty Plus to support older adults and their families as they make smart, confident decisions about housing later in life. His work blends deep real estate expertise with longevity planning, care navigation, estate considerations, and equity-based financial strategies, and in 2025, he was honored to receive the REALTOR® of the Year Award. Seb is also a member of the National Aging in Place Council and the Society of Certified Senior Advisors, and has spent thousands of hours studying how aging, housing, family dynamics, and wealth intersect for people in their 60s, 70s, and beyond. Seb shares great information, not only regarding real estate, but also including longevity, healthy aging, the importance of community, and so much more! Download this energetic, informative, and uplifting episode to hear Seb’s story along with his incredible energy and terrific sense of humor. Connect with Seb: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here:
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Episode #445: How to Reclaim Clarity, Purpose, and Emotional Freedom with Jon Symes
08/25/2026
Episode #445: How to Reclaim Clarity, Purpose, and Emotional Freedom with Jon Symes
Jon Symes is a mentor, speaker, author, and the founder of Whole & Free, a powerful pathway helping men in midlife break free from invisible stories that keep them stuck. Through his upcoming book “The Myth That Caged US and the Popular Mid-Life Reset Challenge,” Jon guides men to reclaim clarity, purpose, and emotional freedom in their life. He is also the author of the book titled “Your Planet Needs You,” and “Realigning for Change.” Jon shares powerful insights regarding personal growth and breaking free from the stories which have kept us from enjoying a fulfilling life and living up to our full potential. In his gentle way, he also describes how we can better take care of our planet, our society, and humanity in general. He explains the importance of realizing the value of dignity, respect, community, and communication, and how we can utilize these principles to heal ourselves, each other, and our society. This episode is full of great information as well as a positive message of hope, healing, and reclaiming our human dignity. Download it today to hear Jon’s story and discover how you can reclaim clarity, purpose, and emotional freedom in your life! Connect with Jon: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here:
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Episode #444: “Small Steps, Big Results: How Simple Habits Reverse Weight Gain and Chronic Disease” with Graham Hawley
08/18/2026
Episode #444: “Small Steps, Big Results: How Simple Habits Reverse Weight Gain and Chronic Disease” with Graham Hawley
Graham Hawley is a Certified Health and Wellness Coach and founder of Simply Health Conscious who guides people to sustainable weight loss, prevent and reverse lifestyle diseases, and reclaim their energy without crash diets, gimmicks, or counting calories. Graham’s mantra is Small Steps, Big Results, and his proven approach is based on what he refers to as the 5 pillars of health. He is the author of the book titled “Small Steps, Big Results: Simple Strategies for Sustainable Weight Loss, Lasting Energy, and Lifelong Health,” which illustrates how small daily habits lead to lasting weight loss and better metabolic health and wellbeing. Graham shares his personal experience of watching both his father and his brother struggle with chronic health issues along with devastating complications from lifestyle diseases. He describes how his father and brother both endured years of decline from type 2 diabetes and related conditions like heart disease, ulcers, and even gangrene. Rather than accept that same path for his own future, Graham dove deep into nutrition, fitness, and holistic wellness. What he discovered not only changed his life, it also became the foundation for Simply Health Conscious, his now-thriving health coaching practice. Graham shares many simple tips, insights, and valuable information on how we can all improve our health, wellness, fitness, longevity, and quality of life without the threat of weight gain, chronic disease, and disability hanging over us. And it is shockingly easy, affordable, and accessible to take small steps, reap big results and how simple habits reverse weight gain and chronic disease. Download this powerful, positive, and information packed episode to hear Graham’s story and his proven method to lasting weight loss and better health and wellbeing. Great information! Connect with Graham: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here:
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Episode #443: The Real Path to Recovery from Chronic Illness with Dr. Jess Armine
08/11/2026
Episode #443: The Real Path to Recovery from Chronic Illness with Dr. Jess Armine
Dr. Jess Armine is putting together the pieces of the healthcare puzzle. As a DC, RN, former EMT as well as a relentless researcher with over 50 years of clinical experience, he has made some amazing discoveries. He specializes in Long Covid, post-viral syndromes, and complex chronic illnesses. His work focuses on mitochondrial dysfunction, immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, and nervous system imbalances, helping patients recover when conventional approaches fall short. Dr. Jess explains how and why his work is so effective in helping people heal. It is not about treating symptoms. It’s about his ability to translate complex cellular biology into clear, practical insights. He connects the dots between genetics, metabolism, hormones, and the nervous system while he explains complicated physiological and biological processes into language that is easy to understand, as well as educating the listeners and giving them a deeper understanding of why they feel the way they do, and empowering them to what can actually be done about it. Download this fascinating and informative episode to hear Dr. Jess’s powerful and positive story as well as his marvelous sense of humor and message of hope and healing so we can all follow the real path to recovery from chronic illness and achieve optimal health, for life! Great episode! Connect with Dr. Jess: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here:
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Episode #442: How to Survive and Thrive with Courage, Resilience, and Determination with Kenneth Kunken
08/04/2026
Episode #442: How to Survive and Thrive with Courage, Resilience, and Determination with Kenneth Kunken
Ken Kunken has a truly remarkable and inspirational story of courage, resilience, determination, and strength of the human spirit. Ken broke his neck playing football for Cornell University in 1970, leaving him almost completely paralyzed from the shoulders down. After a long hospitalization, he returned to Cornell and completed his degree in engineering. He then earned a Master of Arts degree at Cornell in education, and a Master of Education degree at Columbia in psychology. He became a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor and worked for more than 2 years at Abilities, Inc., where he provided vocational and placement counseling for severely disabled individuals. Wanting to accomplish still more, Ken enrolled in Hofstra University’s school of Law and worked for more than 40 years as a Nassau County assistant district attorney, where he became a Deputy Bureau Chief. Ken’s memoir is titled “I Dream of Things That Never Were: The Ken Kunken Story,” and was published in October 2023. He and his lovely wife Anna are the proud parents of triplet boys. Ken shares his experience of trying to navigate his own healing as well as his new reality in an era where little was known about spinal cord injuries, and little to no hope of creating a productive life was presented by the medical community. He describes the many challenges of returning to Columbia in a time before the ADA was established and having navigate around a campus with was not wheelchair accessible. With the help and support of his friends, family, and his many caregivers, Ken managed to achieve what all of the medical “experts’ had deemed impossible. He shares many pearls of wisdom including how to make the most of a bad situation, that life is what happens to you when you are busy making other plans, just because it has not been done before, does not mean, you cannot do it now, maintaining high expectations for yourself as well as for others, and the importance of giving back and helping others. Download this powerful and inspiring episode to hear Ken’s story and discover the power of surviving and thriving with courage, resilience, and determination. Such a powerful story of inspiration against all odds! Connect with Ken: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here:
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Episode #441: How to Be the Hero of Your Own Story with Calvin Bagley
07/28/2026
Episode #441: How to Be the Hero of Your Own Story with Calvin Bagley
Calvin Bagley is a Healthcare Entrepreneur, Medicare Broker, Thought Leader Advocate, Speaker, and Amazon Best Selling Author who went from having no education as a child to earning a business degree at the age of 34. Today Calvin is the founder of several different businesses which have positively impacted the lives of tens of thousands of people. His book is a published memoir titled “Hiding from the School Bus,” which tells the story of growing up in poverty, isolation, religious extremism, and navigating an education system which wasn’t built for kids like him. Calvin’s powerful story is one of resilience, faith, and how to turn pain into purpose. He did not set foot in a classroom until he was 22 years old. He wasn’t homeschooled, he was “no-schooled.” Being kept close to home with no exposure to traditional education, his older sister taught him how to read. Incredibly, through hard work and profound stubbornness, he not only learned to read, but he learned how to speak Portuguese and Spanish when he went on his church mission at the age of 19. Calvin explains how learning Portuguese actually helped him read and write English and encouraged him to continue to pursue further education, eventually being accepted to a college and earning his business degree, which launched him on his remarkable and rewarding career. Calvin shares his story with grace and compassion as he talks about overcoming childhood adversity, resilience and faith after spiritual abuse, breaking cycles, how to build a life worth living when you started with nothing, how to love yourself with all your heart, and how to be the hero of your own story. Download this powerful and inspiring episode to hear Calvin’s story and learn how we can all change the script and become the hero of our story. Such an impactful episode of faith, hope, and healing which demonstrates the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Amazing story! Connect with Calvin: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here:
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Episode #440: Warrior for Human Infinite Possibilities with Kimberly Spencer
07/21/2026
Episode #440: Warrior for Human Infinite Possibilities with Kimberly Spencer
Kimberly Spencer has overcome multiple adversity in every area of life and business who learned from each challenge that ownership is essential, confidence is cultivated through cheering on your challenges, your language dictates your reality, and how to move forward with faith and vision, especially in the throes of fear. She is the founder of Crown Yourself, CEO of Communication Queens, a certified high performance coach and visibility strategist, international TEDx speaker, and author of the best-selling and multiple-award-winning book titled “Make Every Podcast Want You: How to Be So Radically Interesting You’ll Barely Keep From Interviewing Yourself,” which was named on the “Top Books to Change Your Life in 2024.” She is also the mom of three and the host of the Crown Yourself podcast. Kimberly shares her remarkable story of determination and persistence, regarding the circumstances, from growing up with an addict for a father, struggling (and overcoming) bulimia, abusive relationships, sexual abuse, debt, and more, to scaling 4 successful businesses and having 1 successful exit, 18+ years of entrepreneurship. As if this wasn’t enough, Kimberly has experienced 72 accumulative hours of natural childbirth 3 times, including free birthing her second child during lockdown in Australia, losing 3 family members and 2 family friends while being stuck in Australia during the pandemic, only to move twice in one year to end up manifesting her family’s dream homestead outside of Austin, TX, complete with a small farm of donkeys, goats, and chickens. Kimberly’s enthusiasm, positive energy, infectious optimism, and valuable insights and words of wisdom as she shares her story along with her trials and her success is inspiring and encouraging as well as a powerful testimonial to the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and a reminder that we are all warriors with infinite possibilities to help us create the life we want and deserve. Download this fascinating and uplifting episode to hear her story and release your inner warrior! Connect with Kimberly: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here:
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Episode #439: Elite Training for Ageless Strength with Timothy Ward
07/14/2026
Episode #439: Elite Training for Ageless Strength with Timothy Ward
Timothy Ward is an author, speaker, expert fitness and longevity coach who helps busy executives, and business owners, men and women 45-80 years old get fit, healthy, and strong in half the time with his trademarked systems. He is the author of the best-selling book titled “The GOAT WITHIN; Aging Healthy and Strong and How to Avoid Our Toxic World.” Tim shares his own personal story of growing up in chaos, being physically and emotionally abused, just trying to survive, but finding a way through youth sports. Sports were his escape, his safety, and eventually, his calling. Fitness saved his life. At 60 years old, Tim has a powerful message to share with the world, as well as a battle cry for anyone over 45 who refuses to fade into frailty, sickness and weakness. It’s a blueprint for living strong with power, vitality, and unstoppable momentum. Tim explains how his approach to health, wellness, and longevity is firmly based in the science of biology, physiology, kinesiology and biomechanics, and why many people give up on fitness before they even begin. He also describes how the “fitness industry” often gets it wrong, causing people to throw in the towel before they even begin. He is on a mission to change that, with his proven systems, coaching, training, and client education. Download this fascinating and information packed episode to hear Tim’s story and learn how we can develop ageless strength, mobility, flexibility, and longevity, at every stage of life! Connect with Tim: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here:
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Episode #438: Mindset, Nutrition, and Healthy Movement for a Life that Keeps Getting Better with Stanley Bronstein
07/07/2026
Episode #438: Mindset, Nutrition, and Healthy Movement for a Life that Keeps Getting Better with Stanley Bronstein
Stanley Bronstein is an attorney, CPA, life coach, and multi-book author who focuses on two big missions. Which are 1) helping people reach their maximum potential and 2) helping those who need it to lose weight permanently through healthy, sustainable, lifestyle change and without drugs or surgeries. He is the creator of The Way of Excellence, which is a structured personal development system centered on living excellence as a way of life. Stanley has his own remarkable and inspiring story of losing over 220 pounds and has maintained that transformation for many years. Stanley shares his powerful story along with his insights and delightful sense of humor as he describes how we all can begin to create permanent, positive change in our lives. He addresses the four barriers to change which include Willingness, Belief, Discipline, and Commitment. But that’s just the beginning of the vast amount of information he shares. Download this positive, upbeat, and fascinating, and empowering episode to hear Stanley’s remarkable story and learn how to align mindset, healthy eating, and healthy movement for a life that keeps getting better. Great information! Connect with Stanley: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here:
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Episode #437: How to Age Out Loud and Proud with Chris Moore
06/30/2026
Episode #437: How to Age Out Loud and Proud with Chris Moore
Chris Moore is an author, remodeling contractor, and a man with a message that everyone needs to hear. Which is that the current cultural narrative that we reach our peak at the age of 40 or 50 and it’s all downhill from there is choking the life out of an entire generation. Fortunately, there is a groundswell of seniors who are busting the myths of aging and choosing to age out loud and proud instead of fading quietly into the sunset, with Chris leading the way. He is the author of the book titled “Age Out Loud,” where he speaks from his life experience working with seniors as a remodeling contractor and to show the way how we can all make the rest of our lives the best of our lives. He is also the host of the “Aging in Place is a Team Sport” podcast. Chris shares his remarkable story along with his valuable insights and positive, uplifting perspective on aging, including that we get to choose every aspect of our life experiences and how we respond to them, the importance of intergenerational relationships, how the smallest of gestures can have a tremendous positive effect on others, that we are only as limited as we believe we are, and so much more! Download this episode and share it with your friends and family to discover how we can all age out loud and proud. Great stuff! Quote: “You are only as limited as you believe you are.” ~Chris Moore Connect with Chris: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here:
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Episode #436: Listen to Your Inner Compass and Reclaim Your Personal Authority with Toni La Matta
06/23/2026
Episode #436: Listen to Your Inner Compass and Reclaim Your Personal Authority with Toni La Matta
Toni LaMatta is a highly regarded spiritual coach, dynamic master teacher, internationally acclaimed speaker, accredited International Enneagram professional and Master Quantum living coach who served as a Catholic nun and pastoral associate for 16 years before discovering New Thought and becoming a minister over 30 years ago. Toni shares her fascinating journey and her diverse education driven by her passion for lifelong learning and self-discovery. She specializes in helping people move from fear to faith, how to trust themselves, listen to their body, follow their heart, and to break free from chronic self-doubt, fear-based overthinking, and the exhausting habit of seeking external reassurance. She explains why we stop trusting ourselves along with valuable insights and tips how we can all reclaim our inner authority by listening to our inner compass, including how to reconnect with ourselves by following a simple daily presence practice, how to listen to the voice of the spirit, how to live a life of joy, and not to take life so seriously. Download this wonderful, positive, uplifting, and informative episode to hear Toni’s story and discover how you can listen to your inner compass and reclaim your personal authority. Fantastic information! Connect with Toni: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here:
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Episode #435: Creating Balance to Achieve Inner Peace with Herman Petrick
06/16/2026
Episode #435: Creating Balance to Achieve Inner Peace with Herman Petrick
Herman Petrick is an Energy Healer and Spiritual Guide whose mission is to help people connect to who they really are through energy clearing and spiritual healing. He has over a decade of experience in holistic wellness and transformation. Honing his unique abilities in energy healing while residing in New Zealand, Herman developed techniques for clearing negative energies, closing dark portals, and challenging healing frequencies to promote harmony and positivity. He specializes in remote energy clearings to help clients reset and connect with their true selves. Herman shares his remarkable story of discovering the healing power of identifying and clearing negative energy and working with a variety of clients, addressing issues like sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and intentional negative energy placements to help clients reset and reconnect with their true selves. Herman explains how energy can get “stuck” in the body, resulting in a plethora of health issues, how the body has an incredible ability to heal itself, and how eliminating negative energy can lead to healing, balance in the body, and help people achieve inner peace. Download this fascinating, positive, and informative episode to discover how we can all create balance in our body and our lives and achieve inner peace. Fascinating information! Connect with Herman: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here:
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Episode #434: Swords of Illumination and Samurai Success with David C. Olcott
06/09/2026
Episode #434: Swords of Illumination and Samurai Success with David C. Olcott
David C. Olcott is the president of Samurai Success, Inc, a seasoned executive coach, NLP master, martial artist, and best-selling author renowned for helping people and businesses be successful and fulfill their destiny. David is the author of the Amazon best-selling book “Swords of Illumination,” which helps readers get back the feeling of destiny so they can take charge of it and begin living the life they were meant to live. He is also an accomplished motorcycle racer and holds a second-degree black belt in Aikido. David shares his remarkable and inspirational journey of being in service to others which began at the age of just 9 years old, when he heard an important life-altering message from his pastor. That lead him to a life of learning, studying, exploring new activities, and challenging himself to live a life of providing service to help others find their own path to personal growth, awareness, and success. He shares his story and his powerful message with the skill of a gifted storyteller including how (and why) he began motorcycle racing, learned how to play hockey even though he never ice skated in his entire life, started training in Aikido, and so much more! Download the inspiring, high energy, entertaining, and information packed episode to hear David’s story and discover how the power of Swords of Illumination can lead you to discover your Samurai Success! Connect with David: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here:
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Episode #433: Helping Empty Nesters Transition from Adversity to Adventure with Jay Ramsden
06/02/2026
Episode #433: Helping Empty Nesters Transition from Adversity to Adventure with Jay Ramsden
Jay Ramsden is an Empty Nest Transformation Coach, Personal and Executive Coach, Motivational and Keynote Speaker, and host of This Empty Nest Life podcast. As the founder of “The Empty Nest Coach” and “This Empty Nest Life,” Jay has turned his personal journey of overcoming significant life challenges into a beacon of light and hope for countless individuals who are seeking purpose and direction. He has his own experience of transitioning from Adversity to Adventure, and now he empowers Empty Nesters and Entrepreneurs to climb their own mountains. Jay’s story is one of remarkable resilience and courage, losing his home to a fire in 2007, a devastating event which tested his family’s strength and adaptability, dealing with the trials of the pandemic as an educator, and finally deciding to reinvent himself after a 30-year career in education. Jay's journey of transformation reached new heights when he decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro as an empty nester. This wasn't just a physical challenge; it was a statement about what's possible when we say "YES" to life's opportunities. Jay's ascent of Kilimanjaro taught him a crucial lesson that now underpins his coaching philosophy: sometimes, you need to go slow to go fast. This insight translates powerfully to both the empty nest journey and entrepreneurial pursuits, where rushing through challenges can hinder true growth and innovation. But Jay didn't stop there. He embarked on the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage that further shaped his approach to life and coaching. On this journey, Jay discovered the joy of missing out (JOMO) – a concept that resonates deeply with empty nesters struggling with the fear of missing out (FOMO) on their children's lives, and with entrepreneurs learning to prioritize effectively. These experiences cemented Jay's belief that every step in life can and should be intentional, filled with purpose. Download this information-packed and inspirational episode to hear Jay’s remarkable journey and discover how we can all transform our lives, say “YES” to life’s opportunities, transform ourselves from Adversity to Adventure, and climb our own mountains. Such a positive message! QUOTE: “Every step has purpose.” ~Jay Ramsden Connect with Jay: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1620842117560x116520069523704300
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Episode #432: Trauma, Identity, Forgiveness, and Healing with Avonley Lightstone
05/26/2026
Episode #432: Trauma, Identity, Forgiveness, and Healing with Avonley Lightstone
Avonley Lightstone is a survivor and storyteller with a purpose, whose journey began with unimaginable trauma when, at just 3 years old, she tried to save her mother from a house fire. Her mother did not survive and her father, overcome with addiction, gave Avonley up for adoption. What followed was years of emotional, physical, and mental abuse where love was conditional, if it ever consisted at all. She is the author of the book titled “Strength of Scars,” where she shares how she transformed from a voiceless victim into a resilient, faith driven woman who empowers others to rise from their own scars while opening the door for real conversations around trauma, identity, forgiveness, and God’s grace. Avonley shares her powerful and impactful story with honest clarity, grace, compassion, forgiveness, and understanding as she takes the listeners from the day of the fire, going through the process of transition from an orphanage to her adoptive home and family, with a narcissistic adoptive parent, who was less than supportive. She shares a positive message of the power of forgiveness, and the strength of healing in spite of our scars, through the Grace of God. Download this episode to hear Avonley’s powerful and positive message of trauma, identity, forgiveness, and healing. Connect with Avonley: Contribute to Avonley’s GoFundMe to help bring her movie to fruition: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1620842117560x116520069523704300
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Episode #431: Natural Integrative Functional Medicine & Girls That Wanna Have Fun with Dr. Aimee Duffy
05/19/2026
Episode #431: Natural Integrative Functional Medicine & Girls That Wanna Have Fun with Dr. Aimee Duffy
Dr. Aimee Duffy is the Founder and Medical Director of Carolina Integrative Medicine and Clemson IV Bar. She is also the Founder and CEO of Functional Medicine Collaborator; whose career path led her from practicing conventional medicine to creating her own practice in the realm of Functional Integrative Medicine. She is a physician, Lifestyle Coach, Mentor, and #1 Best Selling Author of “Normal Doesn’t Have Side Effects,” and “Why Can’t She See Me?” Dr. Duffy is also the mom of 4 girls, a tennis player and business coach who helps successful women transform themselves into “Girls That Wanna Have Fun!” Dr. Duffy shares her fascinating and inspiring story of realizing the limitations of traditional medicine after several years or working in the field and enjoying a rewarding career of working with women and delivering babies, including delivering one of her own. She shares valuable information regarding the truth about hormones, menopause, life balance, natural health and healing, and helping her patients enjoy the life of vibrant health, naturally! Download this uplifting, energetic, and informative episode and share it with all of the women in your life to learn more about Natural Integrative Functional Medicine, and how she helps turn her patients into girls that wanna have fun. Great episode! Connect with Dr. Aimee: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1620842117560x116520069523704300
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Episode #430: Why Midlife Isn’t a Crisis: It’s a Call to Adventure with Kimberly Peek
05/12/2026
Episode #430: Why Midlife Isn’t a Crisis: It’s a Call to Adventure with Kimberly Peek
Kimberly Peek is a speaker, coach, storyteller, and the creator of the Yes Life Project who helps people step out of running on autopilot and design lives that actually feel good and not just look good on paper. After navigating reinvention, loss, and major life plot twists, Kim built her work around one simple truth, which is that fulfillment doesn’t come from doing more, it comes from making different choices. She helps people rediscover what lights them up, to trust their inner signals, and to say YES to a life which feels alive, aligned, and unmistakenly (and inexcusably) their own. Kim is also an avid runner, cyclist, and endurance kayaker who uses the outdoors as a classroom as well as a catalyst for growth. She shares her own journey of turning midlife into her own personal playground, reinventing herself, challenging herself, meeting new people, and finding her tribe. Download this upbeat, energetic, and inspiring episode to discover how you can turn your midlife into adventures you never knew possible! Connect with Kim: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1620842117560x116520069523704300
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Episode #429: Mindfulness, Intuition, and Neuroscience: What Modern Psychology Reveals About Human Potential with Dr. Rochelle Vogt
05/05/2026
Episode #429: Mindfulness, Intuition, and Neuroscience: What Modern Psychology Reveals About Human Potential with Dr. Rochelle Vogt
Dr. Rochelle Vogt is a Superconscious Development Coach, mindfulness researcher and trauma-resolution specialist who helps high-achieving mid-life women break free from anxiety, pain, and chronic illness using neuroscience, mindfulness, and advanced trauma resolution tools. As a researcher and the creator of the Midlife Alchemy Method, Rochelle shows women that they are not broken; they are powerful creators capable of profound healing and transformation. She assists clients dissolve subconscious blocks without reliving trauma by combining neuroscience, mindfulness, and somatic awareness to help clients reclaim vitality and master the skills to create a life they love with ease and grace. Rochelle shares her own journey of chronic pain after injuries sustained from a car accident. After going through the traditional treatment modalities, she discovered that there was another, more powerful, and long-lasting path to health and healing. This discovery changed the trajectory of her life, leaving her corporate career to become a therapist, continuing her education in a variety of neuroscience-based healing techniques and modalities. Rochelle explains the fascinating complexity of neuroscience and neurology, including how our conscious, subconscious, super conscious, and somatic movement work together in a beautiful synergy to help us create a life of ease, grace, and empowerment. She shares this information in a very clear, concise way, educating the listeners as she also delivers a positive message of hope and healing. Connect with Dr. Rochelle: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1620842117560x116520069523704300
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Episode #428: Creating a Culture of Conscious Communication and Love with Jem Fuller
04/28/2026
Episode #428: Creating a Culture of Conscious Communication and Love with Jem Fuller
Jem Fuller is a Conscious Communication Coach who is on a mission to help people create habitual perspectives and practices that bring ease, flow, and success into their lives. Jem has lived a colorful global life-from barefoot backpacker to corporate leader, fire-dancer and traditional tattooist, kindergarten teacher to motorcycle courier, masseuse and reflexology to laborer and travel consultant. Now his time is spent as a partner and father, coach, facilitator and retreat leader. He is the author of the book titled “The Art of Conscious Communication for Thoughtful Men,” is the host of The Unknown Path Podcast, and he can be seen delivering his TEDx talks on YouTube. Jem shares his fascinating story and like’s journey, including what drove him to pursue a variety of career choices, how his love of travel fueled his passion, how his corporate life helped him realize that the key to success, health, a gratifying life, and even global awareness, love, and compassion for humanity is through conscious communication. Download this powerful episode to hear Jem’s story and discover how conscious communication can change the world. Powerful and uplifting message of hope for the future! Connect with Jem: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1620842117560x116520069523704300
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Episode #427: Trauma, Resilience, and Healing with Stacy Schaffer
04/21/2026
Episode #427: Trauma, Resilience, and Healing with Stacy Schaffer
Stacy Schaffer is a Child and Adolescent Therapist, Author, founder and director of Strong Hearts Counseling who specializes in both grief therapy and Synergetic Play Therapy. She is also a survivor of childhood trauma and a Licensed Professional Counselor with over twenty years’ experience in the field of mental health, and the author of the book titled “With Love from a Children’s Therapist,” which explores the lasting impact of childhood trauma, practical healing approaches, and the power of breaking silence though storytelling. There is one question which drives much of her work: What if the childhood you never talked about shaped everything you are today? Stacy shares her own personal story of childhood trauma as she tried to navigate through the many layers of trauma which eventually drove her to pursue a career in helping others heal and recover from theirs as well. Download this powerful episode to hear Stacy’s story and learn important information about trauma, resilience, and mental health. And please do share this episode with everyone who may be struggling with trauma. Connect with Stacy:
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Episode #426: How to Make Fear Your Friend with Bernice McDonald
04/14/2026
Episode #426: How to Make Fear Your Friend with Bernice McDonald
Bernice McDonald is a life strategist for hard things, who helps her clients find their courage when life doesn’t go according to plan. She helps people navigate the hard stuff; loss, fear, change, disappointment, and discover the courage to rebuild through her “Tiny Brave Steps” Method. Bernice shares her own personal story of having the rug pulled out from under her when she got divorced. As she tried to navigate her new reality, she really wanted to find the love of her life and eventually get married again. However, that meant she had to start dating again, but her fear was holding her back. She explains how she finally faced her fear, eventually overcame it by taking tiny brave steps to achieve her goal. She did find the love of her life, is happily married, and is now devoted to help women and men overcome their fears and have the life they truly deserve. Bernice is also the author of the “Little Books of Courage” series. She blends storytelling, neuroscience, and soulful reflection to help others recognize their strength, befriend their fear, and move forward with hope. Download this positive, uplifting, and entertaining episode to hear Bernice’s story, and how you can move forward in your life by making fear your friend! Connect with Bernice: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1620842117560x116520069523704300
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Episode #425: How to Thrive with Purpose and Energy in the 5th Stage of Life with Michael Dorfman
04/07/2026
Episode #425: How to Thrive with Purpose and Energy in the 5th Stage of Life with Michael Dorfman
Michael Dorfman is a Health and Nutrition Life Coach, Investigative Author and Longevity Advocate whose mission is to help people discover how food, mindset, and daily habits can radically transform health at any age, including the 5th stage of life, from 80-100+. At the age of 84, Michael isn’t just talking about vibrant aging, he is living it. He is the author of the book titled “The Thriving Vegan” published in 2019, “The Longevity Wellness Revolution,” “The Longevity Wellness Revolution - A Bold New Blueprint for the 5th Stage of Life” published in 2026," and his latest book titled “Information Warfare-The Battle for Truth and Freedom” which is based on his 3 year long in-depth research and investigations which expose how information manipulation on several of today’s existential issues have dramatically changed our lives since the pandemic began in 2020. Michael explains how (and why) he has been on this journey for nearly 50 years, having shifted to a vegetarian diet in 1976 and adopting a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle in 2008. He earned his Plant-Based Nutrition Certification from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies through Cornell University in 2019, and his Certification as a Life Coach in Health and Nutrition in 2025. Drawing on research from the world’s Blue Zones and his own practices—such as breathwork, intermittent fasting, hot and cold therapy, and stress management protocols, Michael shares practical, science-based insights that demonstrate it’s never too late to thrive. Download this information packed, positive, practical, and uplifting episode to learn practical, uplifting health strategies for any age as well as a fresh perspective on aging, vitality, and longevity. So inspiring! Inspiring proof that the best years can be after 80. Connect with Michael: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1620842117560x116520069523704300
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Episode #424: How to Thrive After 65 with Ande Lyons
03/31/2026
Episode #424: How to Thrive After 65 with Ande Lyons
Ande Lyons is a Pro Aging Advocate who is shattering ageism through her podcast called “Don’t Be Caged by Your Age.” Where she helps people thrive after 65. Ande firmly believes that pastures are for horses, not humans, and at the vibrant age of 69, she is making it her mission to represent that life isn’t over until you’re dead. She helps people disseminate the internalized ageist beliefs so that they can fuel their passion, purpose, and pocketbook after 65. Ande describes her “Andelicious" conversations with individuals who have defied societal norms, shattered age-related expectations, and forged new and unexpected pathways that left them feeling enlivened, engaged, and visible, she helps listeners reimagine and repurpose their lived experiences for a vibrant life at any age. She credits her passion for fostering intergenerational relationships and community along with her love of podcasting, Ande launched the New England Podcasters Group in early 2024. Beginning with a monthly in-person event where podcasters of all ages connect, collaborate, learn from each other, and grow together, today it’s a lively, welcoming community that keeps expanding with new voices and fresh ideas... and includes a vibrant online Community Pod Garden, where folks from around the world can enjoy the New England Podcasters Group Experience. Download this positive, informative, and inspirational episode to hear Ande’s story and her words of wisdom how we can all thrive over 65! Connect with Ande: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1620842117560x116520069523704300
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Episode #423: Turn Snowflakes Into Diamonds and Pressure Into Power with Michael Dugan
03/24/2026
Episode #423: Turn Snowflakes Into Diamonds and Pressure Into Power with Michael Dugan
Michael Dugan is the author of the book titled “Turning Snowflakes Into Diamonds: Turn Pressure Into Power in the Age of AI,” and the creator of Becoming Diamond Framework. With over 20.000 hours of experience as a professional trainer from the world’s largest automotive group, Michael teaches individuals how to transform pressure into power, master emotional intelligence, and thrive in an era defined by AI and constant change. His mission is to help others stay calm, confident, and unshakable under pressure. Michael shares his own personal story and journey of self-awareness, personal growth, and endless possibilities when he began meditating, exploring human behavior, and learning to master his emotions. Using the understanding of neuroplasticity, he learned how to embrace pressure and use it as a tool for personal growth and development. Michael also shares many important insights, tips, and tools to turn your pressure into power including how to accept frustration, how to listen to your heart, how to let your intuition be your guide, and most of all, that you are more powerful than you could ever imagine, and you matter. He is a true spiritual warrior for energy and love. Download this informative, energetic, and entertaining episode to hear Michael’s many words or wisdom and learn how you can turn snowflakes into diamonds and pressure into power. Such a great message that we all need to hear! Connect with Michael: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1620842117560x116520069523704300
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Episode #422: The Body’s Remarkable Power to Heal with Dr. Aaron Hartman
03/17/2026
Episode #422: The Body’s Remarkable Power to Heal with Dr. Aaron Hartman
Dr. Aaron Hartman is a triple board-certified physician and the founder and owner of Richmond Integrative Medicine, whose path in medicine has never been typical. It began when he and his wife adopted their daughter Anna, who was born with cerebral palsy along with countless dietary issues. He and his wife were told that their child would never walk, talk, or see. After consulting with multiple specialists, he realized that our current healthcare system does not have all the answers. His wife refused to give up hope, and she ultimately pointed him to functional medicine. After years of traditional family practice, he felt called to make a dramatic shift. As a result, his daughter and other two kids began to thrive. His daughter is now 19 and thriving. Dr. Hartman now helps patients identify leverage points in key areas of their lifestyle and health that harness their body's remarkable power to heal and begin living the vibrant life they deserve. He has become the go-to doctor for difficult cases in central Virginia. Connect with Dr. Hartman: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1620842117560x116520069523704300
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Episode #421: You’re Not Broken, You’re Growing with Glen Lubbert
03/10/2026
Episode #421: You’re Not Broken, You’re Growing with Glen Lubbert
Glen Lubbert is the co-founder and CEO of Stamina Lab, the behavior-change platform for health, wellness, and performance where science-backed solution-focused coaching meets sustainable behavior change. He is a former Division 1 athlete, Boston qualified marathoner, certified performance coach, solution-focused expert and lifelong entrepreneur whose radically different approach to behavior change doesn’t start with fixing a problem: it starts with the future you want to create. Most people are trying to change their health by starting with what’s wrong. Glen starts with what’s already working and capitalizes on it. He explains that his method focuses on making small but powerful changes by targeting the plasticity of the nervous system to make small, achievable goals to build a foundation that his clients can then build upon, creating lifelong habits and changes in a fun and joyful way. He shares important and valuable information that each and every one of us can begin implementing today to help create the health, wellness, performance, fitness, and life they desire beginning with the basic premise that you’re not broken. You’re growing. Download this fascinating and insightful episode to hear Glen’s story and message to discover why you’re not broken. Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1620842117560x116520069523704300
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Episode #420: YOU Are in Charge with Deb Krier
03/03/2026
Episode #420: YOU Are in Charge with Deb Krier
Deb Krier is a seasoned entrepreneur, cancer advocate, and the visionary force behind tryingnottodie.LIVE. She combines her business acumen, lived experience, and certification as an Integrative Cancer Coach to support high-performing professionals through one of life’s most disruptive challenges. With more than two decades of experience in communications, marketing, and public relations, Deb has guided large corporations, small businesses, and nonprofits through impactful storytelling and strategic branding. But her most powerful work began after life threw her a curveball—or three. Following diagnoses of Stage 4 triple-positive breast cancer in 2015, basal cell carcinoma in 2021, and thyroid cancer in 2023, Deb transformed her personal journey into a mission to help others thrive. In 2022, she launched tryingnottodie.LIVE, a platform dedicated to empowering those impacted by cancer with community, resources, and real talk. Today, Deb serves as a strategic advisor to business owners and executives facing cancer, offering guidance to help them stay strong, lead effectively, and maintain clarity in both life and work during treatment and recovery. She speaks, writes, and works with unflinching honesty and a healthy dose of humor, proving every day that even when the diagnosis is serious, your life and leadership don’t have to be on pause. Her story is powerful, uplifting, and full of great information for navigating life’s bumps in the road. Download this episode to hear Deb’s story, her message, and her incredible sense of humor as she clearly explains that YOU are in charge, not only regarding your medical care, but in every single aspect of your life! Connect with Deb: Website: Podcast: LinkedIn: Facebook: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1620842117560x116520069523704300
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Episode #419: Listen to Your Body and Heal Your Pain with Leigh Brandon
02/24/2026
Episode #419: Listen to Your Body and Heal Your Pain with Leigh Brandon
Leigh Brandon is a Functional Medicine Practitioner, CHEK Practitioner, CHEK Faculty Instructor, Manual Therapist, Energy Worker, author and podcast host. His extensive training and years of clinical experience has given Leigh the ability to provide a truly holistic approach to helping his clients overcome pain over the years, which they have found very effective often times after other approaches hadn’t helped. Leigh's mission: "To help as many people as possible lead healthy, productive, fulfilling and happy life". In this fascinating episode, Leigh shares important and valuable information on how to listen to the signals and messages your body is sending you, why pain is actually a gift and an opportunity to heal, and so much more! Terrific conversation and insights on pain, health, and healing! Connect with Leigh: You can find Leigh @: Beyond The Pain 14-Day Programme - Pain-Free Plate Free Guide - Consult with Leigh - Leigh's courses: StickAbility - Mastering Client Transformation (professional course) - Previous guest appearance on The FemiNinja Project: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1620842117560x116520069523704300
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Episode #418: “Non-Invasive Regeneration: The Next Frontier in Longevity and Biohacking” with Dr. Tommy Rhee
02/17/2026
Episode #418: “Non-Invasive Regeneration: The Next Frontier in Longevity and Biohacking” with Dr. Tommy Rhee
Dr. Tommy Rhee is a nationally featured sports chiropractor, regenerative medicine innovator, author and speaker. He is known for challenging conventional healthcare while introducing non-invasive, needle-free solutions for healing and performance. Dr. Rhee is the founder and CEO of Rhee-Gen, a patent pending cell-free regenerative platform focused on topical biological signaling rather than injections. His work sits on the intersection of sports medicine, biotechnology, and the future of human performance. He is the author of the book titled “The Future of Regenerative Medicine: Unlocking the Potential of Topical Stem Cell Therapy” as well as a United States Navy Aircrew Veteran. Dr. Rhee has been in clinical practice since 2006 and has spent over 20 years in the regenerative medicine field, where he is widely regarded as an expert in topical regenerative therapies. With a background spanning elite sports medicine, clinical innovation, and service as a U.S. Navy aviator, Dr. Rhee offers a rare perspective on performance, recovery, and the future of regenerative care. Dr. Rhee shares his experience and expertise along with his extensive research that went in to creating a product which can be applied topically by the patient to promote natural healing and recovery for people of all ages, from elite professional athletes to the senior weekend warrior without the risk of potential side effects of injections. He explains complex science and biology in clear, concise terms which is easy to understand and apply to practical applications for the listeners, as he gives hope to anyone who would love to experience the healing power of topical stem cell therapy. Download this uplifting and positive episode which is full of great information for anyone who would like to enjoy the benefits of stem cell therapy without the risk, the cost, and time spent in an office receiving injections. Such a fascinating conversation! Connect with Dr. Tommy: Want to be a guest on TheFemiNinjaProject? Send Cheryl Ilov a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1620842117560x116520069523704300
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