What if slowing down was the key to unlocking your next level of success? In this transformative episode of Femme Force, Rachael sits down with Karen Bartholomew, creator of The Pause Method and coach for high-achieving women ready to break free from fear, burnout, and old conditioning. After rebuilding her life post-divorce, Karen discovered that true growth comes not from doing more, but from daring to pause.Together, they unpack how subconscious beliefs shape ambition, why fear is the biggest block to fulfillment, and how slowing down can become the most powerful strategy for both business and life. Karen also shares her vision for empowering 1,000 women through retreats, coaching, and community.If you’ve ever felt stuck despite your success, this episode will remind you that rest isn’t weakness, it’s where real transformation begins.

What if learning to ask could change everything, your career, your confidence, and your community? In this inspiring episode of Femme Force, Rachael sits down with Alison Hoffer, fundraiser, board member, and advocate for women in healthcare and education, to explore how the art of asking fuels connection and growth. Alison shares how a single college course led to a lifelong passion for fundraising and why she believes asking for money is a lot like dating, it’s all about trust, authenticity, and courage. Together, they dive into how volunteering and board service open unexpected doors, why women should see fundraising as empowerment, and how giving back can transform both your purpose and your path.Whether you’re leading, giving, or learning to find your voice, this episode will remind you: the ask isn’t just about money, it’s about impact.

What if your second act could be the most powerful chapter of your life? In this deeply moving episode of Femme Force, Rachael sits down with Marysol James, bestselling romance author, relationship educator, and advocate for women healing from narcissistic abuse. After leaving an abusive relationship at 51, Marysol rebuilt her life and career from the ground up, rediscovering her voice through storytelling and creating the 90-Day Goddess Workshop to help women move from surviving to thriving. Together, they explore the realities of narcissistic relationships, the courage it takes to start over, and the importance of redefining love on your own terms. Marysol also shares her mission to bring awareness of coercive control to law enforcement and empower women everywhere to reclaim their power and peace.

What if understanding animals could unlock the secret to human happiness? In this fascinating episode of Femme Force, Rachael sits down with Dr. Loretta G. Breuning, founder of the Inner Mammal Institute, psychology professor, and author of Habits of a Happy Brain, to explore what our inner mammal can teach us about emotion, motivation, and joy. Together, they break down the neuroscience of happiness from dopamine to oxytocin and reveal how our ancient wiring influences the way we think, feel, and connect.Dr. Breuning explains why happiness is meant to come in bursts (not permanence), how instant gratification rewires our reward system, and practical ways to retrain your brain for lasting balance and fulfillment.If you’ve ever wondered why joy feels fleeting or how to get out of a mental rut, this episode offers a scientific and surprisingly relatable look at the pursuit of happiness.

What if hard work isn’t enough and connection is the real key to success? In this powerful episode of Femme Force, Rachael sits down with Gisele Marcus, corporate leader, educator, TEDx speaker, and DEI advocate, to explore how networking, sponsorship, and inclusive leadership transform careers. From her early lessons as a New Yorker raised to “just work hard” to her awakening that who you know matters just as much as what you do, Gisele shares real-world strategies for building authentic relationships that open doors. Together, they dive into why women and minorities often hesitate to network, the crucial difference between mentorship and sponsorship, and how true leaders bridge differences to create workplaces where everyone thrives.

What if “busy” isn’t a badge of honor but a barrier to joy? In this empowering episode of Femme Force, Rachael sits down with Peggy Sullivan, TEDx speaker, author, and founder of a nonprofit dedicated to helping women redefine success beyond hustle culture. Peggy shares her personal journey from burnout to balance, exploring how “time poverty” quietly drains our happiness and what it really takes to reclaim time, purpose, and peace. Together, they unpack why society glamorizes busyness, how to shift from constant doing to intentional being, and why self-care isn’t selfish, it’s a success strategy.

What does it look like to start over and fall in love with yourself in midlife? In this inspiring episode of Femme Force, Rachael sits down with Kim Rogne, a high-performance coach, real estate professional, and founder of For the Love of Self, a movement dedicated to helping women rediscover purpose and confidence at any age. After 25 years in real estate, Kim took a bold leap at 50 to reinvent her life, write her first journal, and launch a business rooted in authenticity and empowerment. Together, they dive into the mindset shifts, courage, and self-trust it takes to start again from overcoming imposter syndrome to leading life with intention.

What if leadership wasn’t just about logic—but energy, alignment, and intention? In this episode of Femme Force, Rachael sits down with Jen Cohen, an intuitive consultant, channeler, and former entertainment executive who helps individuals and organizations lead with authenticity and flow. Jen shares her journey from corporate success to spiritual calling, redefining what it means to lead from within. Together, they explore how intuition, emotional intelligence, and energetic awareness can elevate decision-making, resolve conflict, and foster more balanced leadership across genders and generations. From discovering core values to staying in energetic alignment, this conversation offers powerful tools for professionals ready to evolve beyond the traditional playbook and lead with purpose, presence, and heart.

What does it truly mean to feel worthy? In this deeply moving episode, Diane Lang—therapist, educator, and author—opens up about her personal healing journey and how she helps others rediscover their value. From navigating loss and emotional struggles to embracing the power of self-worth and positive affirmations, Diane offers heartfelt insights and practical tools for those on the path to healing. We explore how language, mindset, and self-compassion can shape our inner dialogue and our future. Whether you're feeling stuck, seeking motivation, or ready to rewrite your story, this episode is a reminder that your worth is not tied to productivity, perfection, or pain. You are enough—right now, as you are.

In this powerful episode, holistic success activator and intuitive healer Shuang Min Chang shares her journey from luxury fashion executive to spiritual guide. With roots in Taiwan and a career that spanned Milan, Mumbai, and Shanghai, Shuang reveals how burnout became her initiation into a new kind of success—one led by alignment, not exhaustion. Together, we explore Universal Love, intuitive leadership, and what it really means to thrive in a world obsessed with hustle. If you’re ready to redefine success on your own terms, this conversation is for you.

What does it really mean to live in sexual integrity? In this episode, Rachael sits down with Jocelyn Silva, sexual integrity coach and digital nomad, to explore the journey from shame to liberation. Raised in a conservative, Catholic household, Jocelyn shares how she transformed her relationship with sex, truth, and self-worth. Tune in to hear how pleasure, honesty, and healing can powerfully reshape our lives and relationships.

What does it mean to truly stand up for yourself? In this powerful episode, attorney and author Alreen Haeggquist shares her personal story of surviving childhood abuse, finding her voice, and building a law firm dedicated to helping women fight back against workplace harassment. From silence to strength, Alreen’s journey is one of courage, healing, and justice. We explore the emotional toll of trauma, the importance of speaking out, and how the legal system can be both a tool and a barrier. If you’ve ever felt voiceless or afraid to advocate for yourself, this conversation is your reminder that you’re not alone and your voice matters.

What happens when a PhD engineer and data consultant pivots into the world of sound healing? Ada Barlatt shares her powerful journey from corporate analytics to creating personalized affirmation music. In this episode, she opens up about how motherhood, world events, and a deep desire to help others led her to build HappyMindset.app. We explore how affirmation music works, why hearing your own voice can unlock deep transformation, and how to start using these tools in daily life. Tune in to hear how Ada empowers others to shift energy, embrace authenticity, and lead with intention.

What does it take to build a brand that lasts a lifetime? In this inspiring episode of Femme Force, Rachael sits down with branding experts Rachel Allen and Solveig Petch, the powerhouse duo behind Triple Diamond. They share their journey as introverted entrepreneurs, the story behind launching their agency, and how they’ve crafted their signature 360-degree legacy branding approach. From debunking branding myths to future-proofing your message, this episode is packed with insights for founders, creatives, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity. Whether you're launching a new brand or refreshing an existing one, you'll walk away with tangible strategies and a renewed sense of purpose.

Sue Willoughby joins the Femme Force Podcast to share her journey from a difficult childhood to a life of healing, adventure, and self-discovery. Through her work as an Equus Coach, Sue helps women over 40 reconnect with themselves, find new purpose, and transform their lives in partnership with horses. Tune in to hear how courage, curiosity, and healing can open the door to a life worth living, no matter where you begin. Retreat Code for $200 off! VIP2025

In this empowering episode of Femme Force, we welcome Monica Curtis—speaker, mentor, and founder of BADE: Be Anything, Do Everything. Monica shares her personal awakening after losing herself in the roles of wife and mother, and how she reclaimed her identity, voice, and dreams. We talk about guilt, reinvention, and why women are conditioned to choose either family or ambition—when we deserve both. This is your invitation to take up space, wake up, and lead your life fully.

In this episode, I sit down with Brooke, the powerhouse founder behind Impact1000 Cleveland, a women-led giving circle transforming the way philanthropy works at the local level. From sparking an idea to building a community of changemakers, Brooke shares how collective giving empowers women and drives meaningful impact. Tune in for insights on leadership, grassroots change, and why every woman has the power to be a philanthropist.

In this episode of Femme Force, author Liana shares her journey of publishing her debut short story collection, Whirl of Birds. She opens up about facing rejection, battling imposter syndrome, and navigating the literary world as an outsider. Through stories of motherhood, identity, and healing, Liana found her voice and her strength. We dive into the challenges of creative jealousy, health struggles, and the triumph of staying true to your story. This is a raw and inspiring look at what it really means to write and rise on your own terms.

In this episode of Femme Force, we sit down with Olivia—a Brooklyn-based filmmaker, producer, and casting director—who shares her journey from child actor to indie filmmaker. Olivia opens up about her transition behind the camera, her passion for authentic storytelling, and the challenges of casting young talent. From Slamdance recognition to directing deeply personal short films, Olivia’s story is a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and evolving with purpose.

In this episode of Femme Force, we sit down with Oksana Maria—intuitive business coach, EFT practitioner, and hypnosis guide—to explore how fear holds women back and how intuition can lead the way forward. From leaving the corporate world to healing childhood trauma, Oksana shares powerful tools for overcoming emotional blocks, recognizing misalignment, and embracing your inner voice to create a purpose-driven life and business.