Episodes

  • Beyond Awareness: Prioritizing Pediatric Cancer with Robyn Spoon
    Nov 5 2024

    Join us as Robyn Spoon, a dynamic entrepreneur and founder of the nonprofit Elevate, shares her deeply personal journey that began when her son was unexpectedly diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma. This life-altering event propelled her into the world of pediatric cancer advocacy, unveiling the stark realities and urgent need for reform in research funding and treatment. Robin’s story is both a heartfelt reminder of the challenges families face and a call to action for improved awareness and resources in the fight against childhood cancer.

    Pediatric cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in children, yet it is disturbingly underfunded. The obstacles families encounter, from outdated treatments to the lack of comprehensive support, reveal a critical gap in our medical system. Our conversation with Robin underscores the importance of empowering families with the right tools and information, while emphasizing the community’s role in driving systemic change. We share personal experiences, highlighting the need for new perspectives and enhanced advocacy to transform pediatric cancer care.

    My hope is to build a coalition with others with a similar desire to change the story for those who follow us…and to do it fast! And while we pursue this mission, we will arm patients and caregivers with the most current information possible so that their families are able to make critical decisions on behalf of their child.

    She shares how the loss of her son to pediatric cancer has ignited a movement of others who want to change how pediatric cancer is treated. They're ready for change and they're getting a movement of others involved - this inspiring story will leave you ready to jump in and join the movement!

    Check out: https://elevatechildhoodcancer.org/ to get involved!

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    24 mins
  • Transforming Lives: Ronda Zillner on Personal and Professional Growth
    Oct 21 2024

    As a candid, supportive, and insightful coach, Ronda draws from her personal experiences with trauma and navigating challenging life transitions to guide others. She empowers them to courageously tap into their strengths, gain clarity on their goals, and take the steps needed to move forward.

    Ronda was the visionary founder and CEO of Zillner Marketing Communications in Kansas City, a trailblazer in the upscale senior living sector. During a time when it was uncommon, she fostered a culture where working parents, including herself, could balance hands-on parenting with thriving careers. After nearly 25 successful years, Ronda sold her company to a private equity firm and shifted her focus to coaching, mentoring, and pursuing other passions.

    A member of the Kansas City Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business, Ronda has also served on the Advisory Board of Workplace Healing and as an advisor to the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA). She is the founder of The Crowded Table, a prototype supper club that demonstrates how sharing a meal with strangers can lead to non-judgmental insights, open hearts, and deeper connections.

    Additionally, Ronda is a published writer, speaker, workshop facilitator, coach, and entrepreneur. Her extensive background in mentoring leaders and navigating life informs her work. She has written curricula and taught classes through Compassion Fix, a community founded by Ginger Rothhaas that helps people open their hearts to the pain of others and themselves, allowing for greater connection, love, peace, and joy.

    An avid reader and podcast enthusiast, Ronda is a curious, adventurous spirit who loves learning from the fascinating people she encounters. She marvels at the diverse ways people interpret God's intentions for their lives and finds beauty in the fact that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

    Proud mother of two adult children who continue to inspire her, Ronda is passionate about personal growth—even, and especially, during times when it's difficult. She provides a confidential, safe space for clients to reflect, share, dream, and grow. Through her coaching, she helps others become positive agents of change in their own lives.

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    39 mins
  • Giant Killers: Overcoming Life's Giants with Angi Jeffcoat
    Oct 14 2024

    In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Angi Jeffcoat, a former musician turned pastor with over 20 years of experience helping people heal from the pain of their past. Angi shares her powerful journey of overcoming childhood trauma, including growing up with a verbally abusive father and the emotional scars that lingered. With vulnerability, she opens up about how these experiences inspired her to write her transformative new book, Giant Killers.

    Together, we dive into the themes of faith, resilience, and emotional health, exploring the role of self-awareness, forgiveness, and divine guidance in healing. This episode also touches on the challenges many face with anxiety, low self-esteem, and the pressures of raising confident children in today’s world. Angi’s story is one of triumph over adversity, and her insights offer hope and healing for anyone looking to slay the giants in their own life. Plus, don’t miss the personal testimony of how faith saved a life in an unexpected way. Listen in for inspiration, community strength, and a reminder that no giant is too big to conquer.

    Find Angi's book, Giant Killers, here: Giant Killers on Amazon.

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    33 mins
  • The RISE Team Story with Katrena Meyers, Brittany Androchuk, and Nikki Hagmann
    Sep 10 2024

    SEASON 2 is up! Meet the powerhouse women of KW Elevate Luxury in Naples, FL. Katrena Meyers, Brittany Androchuk, and Nikki Hagmann, also known as the RISE Team. Last year, they closed $45 million in volume and continue to make waves in the SWFL real estate market. In this episode, we dive into their mindset hacks, their unique perspectives on failure, and how they're all committed to raising confident, hard-working children. Be inspired by their journey to build a massive real estate business while balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship.

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    33 mins
  • Unfiltered Conversations with Brittany Antonijevic: From Women's Business Consulting to Creating a Space for Authenticity
    Jun 18 2024

    In this episode of "Obstacles to Opportunities" we're thrilled to welcome the dynamic Brittany Antonijevic to the studio! Jess finally manages to get her in for a chat, and believe us, it's worth the wait. From women's business consulting to hosting the popular podcast "Wine About Business," Brittany is a force to be reckoned with.

    Join us as Brittany dishes on everything she's involved in, including her passion for creating spaces where women can truly be seen and heard. Known for her fearlessness in facing conflict and her knack for authenticity, Brittany brings a refreshing honesty to every conversation.

    You'll want to tune in as Brittany gives us a sneak peek into her latest big project happening in Naples—trust us, you won't want to miss it!

    So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and prepare for plenty of laughs, insightful conversations, and insider info on Brittany's journey and the exciting things she has in store. This episode is not to be missed!

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    37 mins
  • Jennifer Johnson of True Fashionista: From Trials to Business Triumphs
    Jun 11 2024

    Welcome to Obstacles to Opportunites Podcast! Join us as we pull up a chair for a candid conversation with Naples' favorite female entrepreneur, podcaster, and business coach - the one and only Jennifer Johnson.

    In this episode, Jennifer shares her remarkable journey, from her initial dream of opening a resale shop to becoming a multifaceted entrepreneur deeply embedded in her community. She opens up about the challenges she faced, including pivotal moments where she could have thrown in the towel, but chose perseverance instead.

    Through her ventures like True Fashionistas, Florida’s largest lifestyle resale store, CooiesCookies, Pink Farmhouse, and Confident Entrepreneur, Jennifer has not only achieved success but has also become an inspiration for women entrepreneurs everywhere. Her podcast, blog, motivational speaking, and coaching business all serve as platforms to empower women to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

    Tune in as Jennifer offers sage advice, shares her experiences, and provides invaluable insights for anyone in need of inspiration or direction. Her story is a testament to the fact that success in business is achievable while making a positive impact and giving back to the community.

    Join us as we delve into the world of entrepreneurship with Jennifer Johnson, a true beacon of confidence, resilience, and empowerment.

    Listen to her podcast "The Confident Entrepreneur": https://www.buzzsprout.com/1970765

    Visit her re-sale shop Fashionista: https://truefashionistas.com/pages/meet-the-owner

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    34 mins
  • Christine Harrison's Leap: Embracing the Dance of Life and Change
    May 14 2024

    Christine Harrison joins us to share her incredible story of leaving everything behind in Canada for the U.S. in order to advocate for her child's healthcare options. Beyond this recent life change - life has taken many turns as a serial entrepreneur and we talk about it all during this episode.

    Jess met Christine on the sidelines of our kids' soccer games and was quickly amazed by her journey from a national-level synchronized swimmer to a world champion hip-hop dancer! Jess knew, she HAD to get her on the podcast.

    Get ready for Christine to open up her next venture here in SWFL as she opens up her dance studio to students (and hopefully adults). Follow along for all of the fun!

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    35 mins
  • Nurturing Young Girls' Ambitions Rachelle's Passionate Mission
    Apr 30 2024

    Join Jess Powell on "Obstacles to Opportunities" as she sits down with author Rachelle Tiringo Halterman for a candid conversation about Rachelle's life journey. Born in a small Ethiopian village with limited opportunities for girls, Rachelle shares her heartfelt story of overcoming challenges and finding empowerment. From her own experiences, Rachelle has discovered the importance of empowering young girls worldwide. Tune in as Jess and Rachelle discuss adoption, empowerment, and Rachelle's mission to inspire confidence in girls everywhere. This episode promises to open your eyes to the transformative power of empowerment and the boundless potential of girls around the world.

    Be sure to get your copy of her book: “Girls Can Be Anything.”
    https://amzn.to/4d3SHBf

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    23 mins