In this week’s Speaking of Phenomenal with host Amy Boyle, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Mary Schmich and marketing executive Melissa Harris share the story behind Division Street Revisited, their podcast inspired by Studs Terkel’s Division Street: America. Out of 71 original interviews, they revisited 7—including 4 remarkable women: Blanche Gates, Della Reuther, Mary Ward Wolkonsky and Myra Alexander. Their lives reflect resilience, complexity and quiet power. Mary and Melissa talk about memory, legacy and the courage it takes to reimagine history. Tune in to hear how honoring these stories brings us closer to understanding where we’ve been—and where we’re going.

MUSIC (used with permission)
WOMAN Performed by Tiffany Villarreal - Pod artwork by Amanda Eich

Additional audio clip: Will the Circle Be Unbroken performed by Chris Walz, Mary Schmich and guests at Old Town School of Folk Music Chicago, IL 3/21/25

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Every moment in life has the potential to be phenomenal. At Amy Boyle Photography, we specialize in capturing those moments, whether it's for your business, a milestone event, or a personal portrait. As the host of the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast, I know the power of storytelling—and I bring that same passion to my photography. Let’s create images that celebrate who you are and wh

If you're loving the stories and insights on the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or GoodPods. Each 5 star review is appreciated, thank you!

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In this episode of Speaking of Phenomenal, Dr. Anna Tess shares her journey from a profound hearing loss diagnosis to becoming a leader in deaf education. As FHSR's Education Coordinator, Anna offers vital insights for families navigating hearing loss, from IEP support to music therapy. Her story is a testament to resilience and advocacy. Listen to understand how inclusive education, early intervention, and empowered families create lifelong impact. A must-hear for parents, educators, and anyone who believes in possibility.

MUSIC (used with permission)
WOMAN Performed by Tiffany Villarreal - Pod artwork by Amanda Eich

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Every moment in life has the potential to be phenomenal. At Amy Boyle Photography, we specialize in capturing those moments, whether it's for your business, a milestone event, or a personal portrait. As the host of the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast, I know the power of storytelling—and I bring that same passion to my photography. Let’s create images that celebrate who you are and wh

If you're loving the stories and insights on the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or GoodPods. Each 5 star review is appreciated, thank you!

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on this episode of Speaking of Phenomenal.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review and share the podcast, and stay tuned for more inspiring conversations.

In Season 5, Episode 5 of the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, host Amy Boyle celebrates Women’s History Month with reflections from past guests Maryam Myika Day, Laura Jordan LeClair, Jeanne Sparrow, and Delores Morton. These powerful voices explore what it truly means to be phenomenal—centered on truth, purpose, and lifting others up. With heartfelt stories and bold perspectives, this episode invites YOU to show up fully and support the women around you. Ready to be inspired? Press play, share it with a friend, and keep the phenomenal ripple going. Because showing up for each other changes everything.

MUSIC (used with permission)
WOMAN Performed by Tiffany Villarreal - Pod artwork by Am

Send us a text

Every moment in life has the potential to be phenomenal. At Amy Boyle Photography, we specialize in capturing those moments, whether it's for your business, a milestone event, or a personal portrait. As the host of the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast, I know the power of storytelling—and I bring that same passion to my photography. Let’s create images that celebrate who you are and wh

If you're loving the stories and insights on the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or GoodPods. Each 5 star review is appreciated, thank you!

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on this episode of Speaking of Phenomenal.

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Jacqueline (Jack) Perez, founder of Kuel Life, returns to the podcast after first joining us in Season 1 of Speaking of Phenomenal. She’s on a mission to redefine midlife, creating space for women to embrace this chapter with confidence. In this episode, she shares how Kuel Life fosters community, self-acceptance, and personal growth, along with her unexpected journey into poetry as a tool for self-expression.

This conversation explores shifting perspectives on aging, navigating body image and mental health, and embracing change with a sense of possibility. If midlife feels like a transition, this episode offers encouragement, insight, and a reminder that progress—not perfection—matters most.

MUSIC (used with permission)
WOMAN Performed by Tiffany Villarreal - Pod artwork by Amanda Eich

Send us a text

Every moment in life has the potential to be phenomenal. At Amy Boyle Photography, we specialize in capturing those moments, whether it's for your business, a milestone event, or a personal portrait. As the host of the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast, I know the power of storytelling—and I bring that same passion to my photography. Let’s create images that celebrate who you are and wh

If you're loving the stories and insights on the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or GoodPods. Each 5 star review is appreciated, thank you!

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on this episode of Speaking of Phenomenal.

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Jillian Melero, journalist and founder of Connect Puerto Rico, joins Speaking of Phenomenal to discuss her journey into journalism, inspired by Anthony Bourdain. She shares how Connect Puerto Rico bridges gaps between policymakers, investors, and community leaders to drive real change in renewable energy. Jillian also highlights her work on a Chicago immigration resource guide, emphasizing solution-driven reporting to create lasting impact.

MUSIC (used with permission)
WOMAN Performed by Tiffany Villarreal - Pod artwork by Amanda Eich

Send us a text

Every moment in life has the potential to be phenomenal. At Amy Boyle Photography, we specialize in capturing those moments, whether it's for your business, a milestone event, or a personal portrait. As the host of the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast, I know the power of storytelling—and I bring that same passion to my photography. Let’s create images that celebrate who you are and wh

If you're loving the stories and insights on the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or GoodPods. Each 5 star review is appreciated, thank you!

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on this episode of Speaking of Phenomenal.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review and share the podcast, and stay tuned for more inspiring conversations.

In this episode of Speaking of Phenomenal, host Amy Boyle sits down with Laura Jordan LeClair, program director for Chicago Innovation, to unpack the power of mentorship and community in shaping careers and sparking innovation. If you're navigating career transitions, battling imposter syndrome, or seeking meaningful professional connections, this conversation is for you.

Laura shares actionable insights on identifying personal values, leveraging mentorship opportunities, and creating support systems. You'll walk away with strategies to build authentic relationships, break through self-doubt, and embrace innovation at any stage of life.

MUSIC (used with permission)
WOMAN Performed by Tiffany Villarreal - Pod artwork by Amanda Eich

Send us a text

Every moment in life has the potential to be phenomenal. At Amy Boyle Photography, we specialize in capturing those moments, whether it's for your business, a milestone event, or a personal portrait. As the host of the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast, I know the power of storytelling—and I bring that same passion to my photography. Let’s create images that celebrate who you are and wh

If you're loving the stories and insights on the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or GoodPods. Each 5 star review is appreciated, thank you!

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on this episode of Speaking of Phenomenal.

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Broadway performer turned actor, writer and producer Maryam Myika Day joins host, Amy Boyle on Speaking of Phenomenal to share how storytelling has shaped her journey through grief, motherhood, and reinvention. She opens up about losing her husband, navigating Hollywood, and why amplifying marginalized voices matters. Plus, hear about her initiative North of 40—a space for navigating life’s transitions. If you're looking for inspiration, resilience, and real talk on balancing creativity with business, this episode is for you!

MUSIC (used with permission)
WOMAN Performed by Tiffany Villarreal - Pod artwork by Amanda Eich

Send us a text

Every moment in life has the potential to be phenomenal. At Amy Boyle Photography, we specialize in capturing those moments, whether it's for your business, a milestone event, or a personal portrait. As the host of the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast, I know the power of storytelling—and I bring that same passion to my photography. Let’s create images that celebrate who you are and wh

If you're loving the stories and insights on the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or GoodPods. Each 5 star review is appreciated, thank you!

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on this episode of Speaking of Phenomenal.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review and share the podcast, and stay tuned for more inspiring conversations.

In the season finale of Speaking of Phenomenal, host Amy Boyle chats with Delores Morton, CEO of Step Up, as she shares her inspiring journey and leadership in empowering girls and young women ages 18-29. Learn how Step Up’s innovative flash mentoring model and expanded programs help participants become confident, connected, and career-focused. Delores discusses navigating challenges, securing federal funding, and creating lasting change. Discover how YOU can help Step Up build a bigger table for the next generation of leaders.

Send us a text

Every moment in life has the potential to be phenomenal. At Amy Boyle Photography, we specialize in capturing those moments, whether it's for your business, a milestone event, or a personal portrait. As the host of the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast, I know the power of storytelling—and I bring that same passion to my photography. Let’s create images that celebrate who you are and wh

If you're loving the stories and insights on the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or GoodPods. Each 5 star review is appreciated, thank you!

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on this episode of Speaking of Phenomenal.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review and share the podcast, and stay tuned for more inspiring conversations.