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  • Building a Frozen Food Brand & Finding Purpose Through Unexpected Challenges | Ashley Cameron | Founder, Love and Cookies

    Building a Frozen Food Brand & Finding Purpose Through Unexpected Challenges | Ashley Cameron | Founder, Love and Cookies
    2026/08/05
    What happens when life completely rewrites your plans? Former labor and delivery nurse Ashley Cameron never expected to become the founder of a nationally distributed frozen cookie dough company, but after her son Charlie was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, baking together became a source of healing that unexpectedly grew into Love and Cookies. Ashley joins Kara Duffy to share the remarkable journey from home baker to landing on shelves at H-E-B, Sprouts, and Costco, navigating the complexities of the frozen food industry, and building a business rooted in purpose rather than profit alone. Together they discuss balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood, the importance of community and mentorship, leading with philanthropy, raising awareness for Kawasaki disease, and why powerful women raise powerful women. Ashley also shares how staying connected to your "why" can carry you through the hardest days of building a business. The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. INSTA: @getloveandcookies 00:00 Welcome & Meet Ashley Cameron 02:00 Breaking into Retail & H-E-B's Quest for Texas Best 05:20 From Labor & Delivery Nurse to Entrepreneur 06:30 Charlie's Kawasaki Disease Diagnosis 08:20 Growing Love and Cookies During COVID 08:50 Balancing Business, Family & Motherhood 10:50 Marriage, Partnership & Navigating Crisis 12:00 Understanding Kawasaki Disease 15:20 Charlie's Recovery Journey 17:35 Nursing Skills That Changed Parenting 20:15 Trusting Your Instincts as a Parent 21:20 Entrepreneurship, Triage & Priorities 22:25 Advice to Her Younger Entrepreneurial Self 23:45 What Makes Women Powerful 25:40 Strong Women Raise Strong Women 27:35 Austin's Entrepreneurial Community 30:25 Choosing Where to Build Your Life 33:00 Family Values & Leadership 35:15 Why Purpose Matters More Than Cookies 39:40 Costco, Storytelling & Customer Connection 42:40 Where to Find Love and Cookies 44:00 Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    47 分
  • Caregiving, Career Reinvention & Building a Creative Life | Anita Flores | Podcast Producer, Host & Storyteller

    Caregiving, Career Reinvention & Building a Creative Life | Anita Flores | Podcast Producer, Host & Storyteller
    2026/07/29
    How do you continue pursuing your dreams while caring for the people who once cared for you? Podcast producer, host, comedian, and storyteller Anita Flores joins Kara Duffy for an honest conversation about building a creative career while navigating the realities of caring for aging parents. From breaking into podcasting with a Frasier fan podcast to producing shows for major networks like SiriusXM, Earwolf, Marvel, Stitcher, and Latino USA, Anita shares the lessons she's learned about taking chances, surviving layoffs, and creating opportunities instead of waiting for them. Together they explore the hidden emotional and financial realities of caregiving, navigating dementia, advocating for loved ones, balancing ambition with burnout, the future of podcasting in the age of AI, and why community makes every difficult season a little less lonely. The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. INSTA: @anitajewtina / @doctorhorrorpod / @cartalkerspod 00:00 Introduction 01:35 Meet Anita Flores 03:00 Discovering Podcasting 05:20 Starting a Frasier Podcast 06:10 Breaking into Podcast Production 07:30 Career Advice & Learning on the Job 08:45 Salary Negotiation & Confidence 11:50 Using Your Workplace Benefits 14:10 Becoming a Caregiver 17:20 Caring for Her Father with Dementia 20:00 Conservatorship & Navigating the System 23:00 The Hidden Financial Cost of Caregiving 26:00 Funeral Planning & End-of-Life Costs 30:20 Cultural Differences Around Aging Parents 34:00 Balancing Caregiving with Your Own Life 36:30 Why We Need Better Support for Caregivers 40:20 The State of Podcasting & AI 42:00 Layoffs, Acquisitions & Career Reinvention 47:00 Freelancing vs Corporate Careers 49:10 Life After Layoffs 50:10 Finding Confidence in Your Voice 51:20 Where to Find Anita 52:20 Filling Your Own Cup 54:20 IVF & Holding Onto Hope 57:00 The Joy of Podcasting 59:00 Closing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 時間 1 分
  • Pop Excellence, Touring Life & Making Creativity Sustainable | Kerry Alexander | Musician, Songwriter & Bad Bad Hats Co-Founder

    Pop Excellence, Touring Life & Making Creativity Sustainable | Kerry Alexander | Musician, Songwriter & Bad Bad Hats Co-Founder
    2026/07/22
    What does it really take to build a sustainable creative career in today's music industry? Singer, songwriter, and Bad Bad Hats co-founder Kerry Alexander joins Kara Duffy for an honest conversation about creating a life in music without chasing superstardom. From touring the country in a minivan for a decade to running a band like a small business, Kerry shares the realities behind being a successful independent musician. Together they explore creativity, entrepreneurship, saying yes before you're ready, the importance of community, building a career alongside your partner, concert culture, and why kindness may be the greatest legacy an artist can leave behind. The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. SUBSTACK: badbadhats.substack.com INSTA: @BadBadHats INSTA: @megasoundband 01:05 Color Theory, Album Artwork & Creative Inspiration 09:05 Meeting Chris & Starting Bad Bad Hats 13:25 Dreams vs. Reality of Being a Touring Musician 16:15 Song Placements, Streaming & Sync Licensing 23:05 Concert Culture & Audience Energy 31:20 The Reality of Making a Living in Music 40:05 Discovering Songwriting & Early Musical Influences 44:00 Running a Band Like a Business 47:20 Building Great Creative Partnerships 50:20 What Kerry Is Most Proud Of 52:50 Powerful Ladies & Female Leadership 55:05 Minneapolis, Community & Social Change 1:01:15 Where to Follow Kerry & What's Next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 時間 6 分
  • Building a Creative Life on Purpose | Tribble | Podcast Producer, Host, Comedian & Catfish

    Building a Creative Life on Purpose | Tribble | Podcast Producer, Host, Comedian & Catfish
    2026/07/15
    What happens when you stop waiting for permission and start building the creative life that's already calling you? Podcast producer, host, comedian, storyteller, and creative coach (& Catfish) Tribble joins Kara Duffy for an inspiring conversation about designing a life rooted in purpose instead of expectation. Together they explore building an authentic creative career, why podcasting is so much more than hitting record, embracing intuition over perfection, and how courage, curiosity, and community can create opportunities that traditional career paths never could. The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. WEBSITE: https://www.tribbzthecool.com/ INSTA: @tribbzthecool | @asktribbel 00:00 Welcome to Tribble 02:15 The Story Behind the Name "Tribble" 05:30 Identity, Queerness & Owning Every Part of Yourself 10:00 Building a Career in Podcasting 13:00 The State of Podcasting Today 18:10 What Most People Don't Understand About Producing Podcasts 22:00 Great Conversations Require Great Preparation 24:00 Finding the Right Podcast Length 26:15 Designing a Life Around Creativity & Joy 31:00 Following Your Natural Gifts 34:00 Alignment, Intuition & Building an Authentic Business 36:00 Therapy, Values & Choosing Fun 38:00 Trusting Yourself as a Creative 40:00 The "Catfish" Philosophy 46:00 Claiming Your Identity Before You're Paid For It 50:00 Rapid Fire Questions 53:00 Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    57 分
  • Building Better Dating Through Human Connection | Brittnee Barnes | CEO & Co-Founder of Vybes

    Building Better Dating Through Human Connection | Brittnee Barnes | CEO & Co-Founder of Vybes
    2026/07/08
    What if the biggest problem with modern dating isn't finding people—it's finding genuine connection? Brittnee Barnes, CEO and Co-Founder of Vybes, joins Kara Duffy to discuss why today's dating apps leave so many people feeling exhausted and disconnected, and how she's building a platform that prioritizes chemistry, authenticity, and real human interaction over endless swiping. They explore Brittnee's leap from a successful career in consumer brands into tech entrepreneurship, why trusting your intuition is one of the greatest leadership skills you can develop, and how building a company has transformed the way she approaches dating, success, and fulfillment. The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. WEBSITE: https://vybes.co INSTA: @brittnee.barnes 00:00 Introduction to Brittnee Barnes & Vybes 01:00 Leaving Brand Building to Reinvent Dating 04:00 Why Modern Dating Apps Create Burnout 05:50 The Vibe Check Feature & Faster Chemistry 09:15 Building a Startup Without a Technical Background 12:00 Why Vybes Isn't Just for Gen Z 14:00 Curating a Better Dating Community 17:00 The Membership & Approval Process 19:00 How Building Vybes Changed Brittnee's Dating Life 20:30 Entrepreneurship, Fulfillment & Founder Reality 24:00 Trusting Your Intuition as a Founder 27:00 Advice to Her Younger Self 29:00 What Powerful Ladies Means to Brittnee 31:00 Daily Rituals & Avoiding Burnout 32:30 Growing Vybes & What's Next 35:00 Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    38 分
  • Parental Leave, Workplace Culture & Becoming Your Own Advocate | Emily Mueller-Lennox | Founder of 29 Weeks

    Parental Leave, Workplace Culture & Becoming Your Own Advocate | Emily Mueller-Lennox | Founder of 29 Weeks
    2026/07/01
    What if taking back your power at work starts with knowing what you’re actually entitled to? Emily Mueller-Lennox, founder of 29 Weeks, joins Kara Duffy to unpack the complicated world of parental leave, workplace culture, and advocating for yourself through major life transitions. Together they explore why California’s parental leave benefits can be so difficult to navigate, how employees can become their own advocates, and what the US can learn from European approaches to work, rest, and humanity. Emily shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship and how becoming a parent reshaped the way she thinks about boundaries, leadership, and building a life that works around us - not against us. The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. WEBSITE: 29weeks.com 00:00 Introduction + Meet Emily Mueller-Lennox 02:00 Emily’s Career Journey + Creating 29 Weeks 05:00 Understanding California Parental Leave Benefits 07:00 Comparing Parental Leave in the US vs Europe 10:00 Workplace Culture, Humanity & Employee Expectations 17:00 Building Systems That Support Everyone 21:00 The Reality of Middle Class & Economic Pressure 25:00 Why Americans Feel Less Free Than They Think 28:00 How 29 Weeks Helps Parents Navigate Leave 31:00 Postpartum Mental Health + Advocating for Support 36:00 Employee Rights During Pregnancy & Leave 42:00 Learning to Advocate for Yourself 47:00 Work-Life Integration vs Separation 52:00 Building Human-Centered Teams 56:00 Parental Leave for Non-Birthing Parents 59:00 Why Businesses Need Sustainable Capacity 01:02:00 Losing Jobs, Finding Clarity & Building Something New 01:05:00 Redefining Career Paths & Success 01:09:00 Where to Find Emily + 29 Weeks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 時間 13 分
  • Turning a Diagnosis Into a Movement: Scoliosis Awareness, Advocacy & the Power of Mother-Daughter Resilience |Marta Eliza Miller & Corrina Clover Miller | Founders of the Marta Eliza Miller Foundation

    Turning a Diagnosis Into a Movement: Scoliosis Awareness, Advocacy & the Power of Mother-Daughter Resilience |Marta Eliza Miller & Corrina Clover Miller | Founders of the Marta Eliza Miller Foundation
    2026/06/24
    What happens when a life-changing diagnosis becomes the beginning of a greater mission? Mother-daughter duo Corrina Clover Miller and Marta Eliza Miller join Kara Duffy to share their journey from figure skating and entertainment to founding the Marta Eliza Miller Foundation, an organization dedicated to scoliosis awareness, research, and supporting young athletes. Together they discuss turning fear into action, building a nonprofit from a difficult moment, homeschooling on the road, chasing creative dreams, and what it means to create a life outside traditional expectations. Marta and Corinna share how resilience, curiosity, and community have shaped their mission to help others stand tall, be strong, and dream big. The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. WEBSITE: https://martaelizamillerfoundation.org/ INSTAS: @martaelizamiller @m.e.m.foundation 00:00:00 — Welcome & Introduction 00:01:00 — Living a Bicoastal Life & Growing Up on the Road 00:03:00 — Marta’s Scoliosis Diagnosis & Beginning the Foundation 00:06:00 — Navigating Fear, Surgery Concerns & Finding Purpose 00:10:00 — Building the Marta Eliza Miller Foundation 00:12:00 — Marta’s Accelerated Education & Musical Theater Journey 00:15:00 — Corinna’s Career in Music Management & Entertainment 00:18:00 — Choosing an Unconventional Path & Pushing Forward 00:21:00 — Expanding the Foundation Nationwide 00:24:00 — Understanding Scoliosis & Advocacy Through Awareness 00:32:00 — The Mission: Helping Young Athletes Stand Tall 00:35:00 — Self-Care, Fitness & Managing Scoliosis 00:38:00 — How to Support the Foundation 00:41:00 — Final Thoughts & Closing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    44 分
  • Motherhood, Ministry & The Radical Act of Loving Your Neighbor | Rev. Jes Kast | Writer, Pastor, & Community Advocate

    Motherhood, Ministry & The Radical Act of Loving Your Neighbor | Rev. Jes Kast | Writer, Pastor, & Community Advocate
    2026/06/17
    What if rebuilding our communities starts with something as simple as becoming better neighbors? Reverend Jes Kast joins Kara Duffy to explore faith, motherhood, service, and what it means to create the kind of world we actually want to live in. Together they discuss reclaiming religion in a time when faith is often weaponized, the power of receiving support from our communities, and why true leadership comes from connection rather than control. Jes shares her journey through motherhood, the NICU experience, spirituality, and her belief that small acts of care can become powerful movements of hope. --------------- The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. INSTA: @RevJesKast 00:00 — Welcome to Powerful Ladies Podcast & Introducing Rev. Jes Kast 02:00 — Jes’ Calling, Ministry & Becoming a Mother 05:00 — IVF, NICU, & The Transformative Experience of Motherhood 08:00 — Motherhood, Spirituality & Understanding God Through Love 13:00 — The Loneliness Epidemic & Why We Need Each Other 16:00 — Power With vs. Power Over: Community as Leadership 19:00 — Becoming a Better Villager & Choosing Service 22:00 — Rebuilding Connection in a Digital World 27:00 — Parenting, Generational Change & Bringing Back Community 31:00 — From Skyscrapers to Root Systems: Redefining Success 36:00 — Finding Enchantment, Wonder & Magic in Everyday Life 42:00 — Gardening, Viriditas & Reconnecting With Life 50:00 — Moving From Despair Into Hope & Action 55:00 — Reclaiming Christianity, Faith & Humble Leadership 59:00 — Supporting Your Community & Creating Change Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 時間 4 分