VIRGIN.BEAUTY.B!TCH

Episode VBB 344 features Certified Mental Health and Trauma Recovery Life Coach Teresa Ford. Her story samples her life journey as a child raised by emotionally immature and emotionally unavailable parents who left her unprepared to live an empowered life.  Ironically, it was the death of a parent — her mother — that triggered Teresa to explore the keys to healing from generational trauma. On her personal journey, Teresa learned to dismantle codependency, parentification, anxiety, depression, grief, loss, emotional abandonment, and debilitating people pleasing. Teresa now coaches women on taking an intentional stand against playing small, dimming their light, or waiting for permission to th...

Holly Shaw is a stand-up comedian and hypnotherapist, renowned as a performance anxiety expert. Before becoming a comedian, Holly was a TV host, film actor, professional dancer, and has since become a speaker and coach. Holly has authored and published three books, including her latest, Queen Lessons: What Stand-Up Comedy Taught Me About Dealing with Life's Hecklers and Finding Courage in Your Queen Years.  In it, she extracts wisdom from the wild world of stand-up comedy and turns it into lessons with captivating true-life stories for other women entering their “queen years”. To hear more, listen to the podcast. To find...

Entrepreneur, coach, and Amazon bestselling author, Kat Sterling, sets the stage by asking the questions that most people avoid: "Why am I not where I want to be in life? Or, Why am I not winning?" Kat reveals that these questions are reflections born out of self-assessment and hard life lessons. Constantly surrounded by success, Kat felt that despite her corporate efforts and personal achievements, she was falling behind in life. For her, the most significant shift came from being terminated from her corporate gig. It’s an event that most would view as a catastrophic setback, yet Kat transformed it...

With over 30 years of experience as a hairstylist and salon owner, listening to the life drama of her customers, Dianne Harris was well-positioned to become a successful Life and Relationship Coach, a role she has excelled at for the past five years. In her personal life drama, Dianne is a twice-divorced single mother of three sons, and a survivor of the insidious effects of emotional abuse. After spending years in a toxic marriage with someone she once believed was her forever, she made the brave decision to choose herself, walk away, and rebuild her life from the ground up. Her...

Deena Baikowitz, aka Fireball Deena, is a dynamic coach, trainer, facilitator, speaker, and comedian with a unique way of delivering serious business and career advice that’s infused with creativity, compassion, and, of course, humour.  Deena’s educational and career background spans social work, healthcare, marketing, events, and the arts, which have expanded into global networking, branding, marketing, and special events. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Deena’s motivated to encourage women to step into their power by embracing the spotlight. “I think that for women, taking the stage is about making a difference. It's about leading by example. It is definitel...

VIRGIN.BEAUTY.BITCH, are not words women choose. These words, historically, have been used to put and keep women in their place. V.B.B. Podcast acknowledges the harmful intent and history of these words: the Virgin as pure and obedient, a sexually repressed woman; Beauty being adored or objectified and disrespected, and the Bitch punished for expressing her autonomy and being herself. However, Christopher & Heather share how a conscious shift in perspective and attitude can show how these words can also hold tremendous potential for women’s personal growth and the evolution of womanhood.

Koya Bakare is a NY model featured in Essence, Vogue, and InStyle. She’s also an educator, author, and the National Beauty Pageant Winner of the Elite Ms. US United — 2024-25. However, for Koya, pageantry is much more than the crown and the glitz. For her, the discipline of modelling became the avenue that gave her the courage to dig deep within herself, confront a debilitating past, and find her voice. “My crown was always there,” I simply needed to find my voice and to remember to share it with heart and pride.”

Dr. Jody Carrington is a fearless champion for authentic human connection. Her energy and genuine approach are to help people solve the most complex human-centered problems. In a rapidly disconnected world that leaves so many overwhelmed, lonely, and burned out, Dr. Jody boldly believes that all humans have the capacity for good. However, because of isolation and burnout, we have lost access to our reservoir of good.

Understanding how we got disconnected, what is needed to put the pieces back together, and how collectively we can find our way back home is Dr. Jody's passion. With a rare...

In 2024, a contest was created to promote the most beautiful women the world has ever seen.  The competition is the brainchild of the World AI Creators Awards (WAICAS).  As the name suggests, real women need not apply, as all contestants are AI-generated personalities admired for their pixelated perfection. 

We - Christopher & Heather - were curious, so we discussed where this idea would push already unrealistic standards and ideals set for beauty that women have been burdened to meet or at least keep up with in exchange for social status, attention, or affection. 

To justify some of the...

Tori Jenae has lived through a personal hell that has included childhood trauma, family dysfunction, betrayal, abandonment, divorce, plus the kind of grief that can crack a person’s soul wide open. Remarkably, she not only survived, she transformed. As a trauma-informed confidence and relationship coach with over 13 years of experience, Tori now helps women heal, starting at their emotional, psychological, and spiritual roots. Tori supports women in rebuilding their self-worth, breaking unconscious or sabotaging patterns, and creating healthy, aligned relationships. Her work effectively focuses on guiding women through debilitating life changes, including divorce, breakups, and personal loss, to a pl...

Bunny Ambrosia is a true modern-day Wonder Woman whose life story reads like a wild country song full of resilience, grit, and a rebellious spirit. From a deeply challenging upbringing in the conservative South, through motherhood and widowhood at sixteen and surviving homelessness as a single mother, Bunny has transformed every adversity into fuel for her growth. She shares how her daughter became her greatest motivator, and how, step by step, she fought her way to stability, entrepreneurship, and a deeply-rooted mission to help others thrive.

Laura Jane Layton’s journey is a testament to resilience. Like everyone else, she’s faced her share of difficult challenges that, in the moment, felt overwhelming. Looking back, though, she recognizes those tough times as the moments she grew the most—her strongest ones. Through self-reflection, Laura shares how adversity shaped her into a better person and inspired her to do remarkable things. Sharing lessons from her upbringing about fitting in and seeking love, Laura recalls how she learned to embrace her experiences and uses these lessons as her signature approach to coaching: becoming your own “best friend forever” (BFF). Inst...

Dr. Kelly Barron is a powerhouse advocate for women's health and host of The KellFire Show, a podcast breaking taboos by empowering and supporting women through their menopausal journey. With her unique perspective as a doctor and a woman blazing through her own menopause, or as she calls it, her "wild woman phase." Dr. Barron is stripping away stereotypes and taboos about menopause as only a medical transition when it can be so much more — a true rebirth and an untapped chapter for women's self-discovery. Her conversation shatters outdated stereotypes, covers the emotional and physical shifts women experience during menopause, an...

Dr. Alessandra Wall - Challenging Fem Boss = Bitch Pretext!!  Dr. Alessandra Wall is an executive coach, speaker, author, psychologist, and business founder with over 20 years of experience specializing in guiding senior executive women in high-stakes, male-dominated industries to lead authentically and powerfully without sacrificing career fulfillment or their quality of life.  Dr. Wall combines science, strategy, and purpose to challenge the boss = bitch standards that often intimidate or cage strong, ambitious women leaders who’s desire is to make a lasting impact and thrive in their professional and personal lives without guilt, or shame.

Walker Kimberly Brandt is not only a personable and engaging woman; she's also a remarkable actress who has shared Hollywood movie screens with legends like Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton in "Dante's Peak" and Billy Crystal in "City Slickers." Her TV appearances include a memorable role in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" alongside Patrick Stewart. Walker is also a model, an international Best-selling author, and a coach whose transformative journey is deeply inspiring. Walker's candidness and vulnerability are compelling as she shares her upbringing in a toxic household steeped in challenges that nearly led to her suicide.  She recalls her p...

"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" is an original German fairy tale published by The Brothers Grimm in 1812. Apparently, social values and gender roles had not changed much in 1937 when Walt Disney turned Snow White into an animated film that's become a beloved classic. Fast forward to 2025, when even the idea of gender is a hot-button topic, and Snow White could be the poster child for moribund gender stereotypes. She's the traditional feminine, a delicate princess who happens to be the fairest of them all; she's kind and submissive, a domesticated girl who cooks and cleans up for men and dr...

Dr. Kerry Kerr McAvoy was already 20 years into her career as a psychologist with an academic education in narcissistic behaviors and counseling sessions with countless couples trying to navigate relationships through toxic narcissism. Still, her true education in narcissism didn't happen until she married a man with a God complex — a narcissist. "I definitely saw narcissists in my practice, and I'm sure I saw narcissistically abusive relationships, but I just didn't know what I was seeing at the time because that's not something they talk about in graduate school. They don't talk about the consequences of living with a toxic in...

Alisa Gracheva believes that human health is holistic. As a result, she has transformed her career in modern medicine into a mission as a life coach specializing in helping clients restore the connection between their emotional and physical bodies while enhancing awareness through the practice of mindfulness, the embodiment of inner power, and the release of traumas, old dysfunctional habits, and beliefs. Alisa helps develop personalized plans that incorporate Western and Eastern Wellness modalities.  Having studied and embraced alternative healing modalities for years and used them as healing support in her personal life struggles, which have included domestic abuse, violence, a...

Felicity Nicole is a two-time international best-selling author, creator, speaker, intuitive mentor, and CEO of  She Is You — an online community and a brand designed to inspire midlife women seeking support on their healing journey. "She Is You" is a brand forged from Felicity's personal journey of transformation and healing and is 100% proof that we do not have to become what we were groomed to be. At age ten, Felicity witnessed her father attempting to kill her mother, one example of commonplace traumatic events in a wild and dysfunctional family. Instead of allowing her traumas to dictate her life choices, Fel...

International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on 8 March, commemorating women's fight for equality and liberation. Women's History Month brings focus to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. But how many of us know the history behind these two calendar events, and have you heard about Laura X?  Join Christopher & Heather in conversation about why these dates matter to women and men.

Keri Looijen could be the poster child for women who nurture vibrant and colorful communities. She is co-founder and editor-in-chief of True North Pin Up Magazine, a publication created to celebrate vintage beauty, diversity, and the art of storytelling through retro-inspired photography. Behind the retro fashion and red lipstick, Keri is also a mother of two and a former victim of domestic abuse. However, when Keri needed a safe space for herself and her children, she discovered that the local shelters had a waiting list.  Not one to take a closed door as an answer, Keri co-founded a car show t...

Mary Crocker Cook, Ph.D, has over 40 years of experience as a therapist. Her latest book is Bad Taste, Self-Care, and Financial Planning for Women with Bad Taste in Men. In its own way, it's a love letter to people like her who, along the way, do not always choose wisely when it comes to men.  It's for women who are working through early life experiences to create a richer, more joyous life in the present. I know there is a community of women out there who are struggling to create "upgrades" in their selection process, and along the way, w...

There was a time in human history when women were not allowed to participate in the arts - can you imagine? In 2024, Taylor Swift launched her record-breaking 149-date Eras Tour, Charli XCX produced the soundtrack to the summer with her culture-defining album Brat, and pop returned in a big way with artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan making waves in the industry. Not surprisingly, women were at the forefront of a record-breaking year in music sales as female artists claimed six of the top 10 spots on the bestselling albums chart. Women dominated the 2025 Grammy Awards, but today's female artists...

The "poop whisperer" commit. Her name is Melissa Hall Klepacki. Her formal title is Functional Gut Health Expert. She helps women and men relieve themselves of constipation by understanding eight root causes and how to heal from them. Melissa didn't grow up dreaming of becoming a poop specialist. It was only after she was diagnosed with Lyme Disease in her 40s and after seeing 12 different doctors with no answers that her path to healing began to take shape with her discovery of comprehensive detoxification. Melissa's personal journey back to health convinced her that gut health is the cornerstone of overall...

In this episode, Christopher and Heather dive into a topic that's often a lightning rod for controversy: whether women deserve to be censored for what they wear and how women's fashion choices are subject to societal judgment and double standards. The discussion takes a close look at WNBA superstar Angel Reese, who recently made headlines with her bold New Year's Eve fashion choice and faced backlash for her provocative outfit. This lively dialogue peels back the layers of social double standards, societal expectations, and the broader implications for female agency and self-expression.  Join us as we explore how women can r...

Dr. Heather Brown is a seasoned psychotherapist of 27 years specializing in helping couples communicate through grief, loss, and spirituality while transforming their lives into expressions of beauty and joy. Dr. Brown is known in her circles as the “Reframe Queen.” She instructs clients on reframing sticky thought processes to see the other side of challenging situations. Her first book, Speaking With the Heart, is the recipient of the best selling International Impact Book Award for relationships. It addresses all facets of communication with a highly unique methodology that makes it a go-to resource for couples moving beyond confusion, chaos, and conflict...

Lisa Van Ahn is a retired athlete who fought for the US National Kickboxing team internationally. She won a North American Kickboxing title and meddled at the PanAm games in Brazil. Lisa also competed on the popular NBC show American Ninja Warrior. Lisa found her way into combative sports at age 19 after being exploited as a child, believing she was unworthy, and living in fear as a victim.  She shares how she transformed her trauma of being abused and suicidal into a mission to empower young girls. Lisa founded the I AM Initiative, a dynamic and adventurous curriculum for young w...

It's that time of year when we all have one foot in the past and one foot stepping into the future, a time to glance in the rearview but with eyes fixed on the horizon.  This episode reflects on some global challenges that captured the world's attention over the past 12 months. At this time of year, it's always fascinating to compare notes on how we interpret and respond to events that we can't control the outcome. We reflect on events that have made the year memorable or one you might want to shred along with last year's calendar. We also h...

Bitch being used as an inspiration sounds counterintuitive, very contrary to how people have been conditioned to apply a word, which for centuries has been used as an insult keeping women in a subservient place in society. Jamie Louise Madigan became very familiar with the word Bitch after finding herself being used and abused in her intimate relationship. Jamie admits her good-girl, people-pleaser personality contributed to her being treated like a doormat by an abusive partner. Healing from her relationship introduced Jamie to poetry as a healing platform and Bitch as a healing companion. In our conversation, Jamie shares anecdotes...

This is episode #One of the VBB Bitch Series. It begins with our conversation with Teacher, Life Coach, Speaker, and International bestselling Author of W.O.M.A.N.: A New Definition For Reclaiming The Feminine, Gina Cloud. Whether you like the word or not, Bitch is ubiquitous, timeless, and female-centric. For centuries to the present day, Bitch has been used to dehumanize women on the one hand, while on the other, Bitch has been an idolized symbol of woman’s emancipation.  Gina helps us unravel the contemporary and historical use of a word meant to marginalize women and how the...

A Journey From Fear To Freedom. Lauren Wellbank is a courageous survivor who has successfully turned her harrowing near-death experience at the hands of a violent partner into a mission of hope and empowerment for others. After escaping her abusive relationship, Lauren realized the importance of sharing her story, knowing that 1 out of 4 women face similar situations, and many either don't survive or struggle to break free. Lauren openly discusses her frightening journey with the aim of inspiring and giving hope to women who haven't broken free and still feel trapped.  Her message illustrates that there is life beyond current c...

Sandy Phillips Kirkham shares her harrowing yet inspiring journey of overcoming abuse in a religious setting. Her book, "Let Me Prey Upon You: Breaking Free From A Minister's Sexual Abuse," sheds light on the devastating impact of clergy abuse and serves as a resource for education and support for others. Sandy's journey is a poignant testament to the often-downplayed reality that women and girls within the church can be easy prey for sexual predators disguised as priests. Her compelling story highlights the egregious abuse of power by church leaders and the victim-blaming that often follows. Sandy recounts her personal experience...

Jamie Louise Madigan's book, "Lipstick Stains and Coffee Cups," is more than a collection of heart-wrenching poetry; it helped her exorcise painful memories of abuse and brings hope to women still lost or entangled in abusive relationships.  For Jamie, writing was the transformative process that allowed her to confront the stark realities of being abused, which, paradoxically, led to her nurturing a powerful sense of self-awareness and empowerment. Jamie's wish for her poems is they serve as both inspiration and a beacon of hope for women overwhelmed and trapped in abusive circumstances. Her journey illustrates how recognizing and articulating one's s...

As part of our annual commitment in support of the UN’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, VBB continues to share personal stories that reveal the harsh realities of abuse but also the strength that comes from survivors. This week, we hear the inspiring and sobering narrative of special guest Sophia Diaz. Sophia is an indomitable spirit with a multifaceted global career, and also a woman who once faced a harrowing experience of betrayal, violence, and near death at the hands of the man sworn to love her and a judicial system that failed to protect her. Sophia's story is...

Lois Hollis is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist known for her work in the field of shame and guilt counseling. She specializes in helping individuals overcome the debilitating effects of shame and guilt, which often stem from childhood experiences, trauma, or societal expectations. Hollis’s approach to counseling emphasizes the importance of understanding the root causes of shame and guilt, as well as developing strategies for emotional healing and self-acceptance. Lois believes shame and guilt are pervasive energies that impact every aspect of a person’s life, from their relationships to their sense of self-worth. Through her counseling prac...

Rissa Miller is a fearless advocate for the term 'witch' and the longstanding stigma and fear around the word. We get into what qualifies a woman as a witch, and even though perceptions of a witch have evolved from the days when the Church condemned women for communing with devils to present-day pop culture where witches like Melisandre from "Game of Thrones, Wanda Maximoff as Marvel's Scarlet Witch, and Netflix Teenage Witch Sabrina are beautiful and powerful women.  While some people still hold onto outdated beliefs, Rissa believes society is catching up and evolving its understanding of what it means w...

Is Self-Care Just Women Being Selfish?  Christina Marlett, BKin, BMT, believes you have the power to change the world, but first, you must address the fact that you need to take charge of your own life, starting with self-care that goes beyond bubble baths, chocolate, and wine. Christina is an International Speaker who has shared the stage with Michael Beckwith, Marci Shimoff, Lynne Twist, Ocean Robbins, and Jean Houston. She is also a #1 International Best-Selling Author, a Master Facilitator, a Certified Embodiment Coach, and the Founder of Courageous Self-Care. Christina teaches high-achieving leaders that self-care is not simply about luxurious acts of...

We learn very young about beauty as a commodity, how beauty has become women’s gilded cage in society, how beauty is a weapon women use to compete with one another for economic or professional status, and how young women feel pushed to manipulate beauty to win love or affection. We learn how beauty is fleeting and cruel, especially to women, and the inevitability of aging only makes women more vulnerable and desperate to invest eternally in cosmetics, surgeries, weight programs, or anything that promises to preserve Beauty. In this episode, Christopher and Heather take a step back to ask th...

I Felt Like An Alien! Beth Hildbrand is a US Army veteran, cancer survivor, and founder of Resilient Stars Marketing. Beth's passion is to share her personal journey to help others. An important chapter in her journey includes recovering her identity as a woman after the loss of her hair to chemotherapy. Through her YouTube channel, "BethHildbrandTalks," Beth chronicles the event that made her question her own identity as a woman.  Making the decision to have her partner shave her head and the narrative of her emotional state is a testament to beauty and what makes a person beautiful.

Barbara McBean knows, she once competed in the glamorous Miss Universe Pageant. She did not win that crown, but today, Barbara is the founder and president of Eternal Beauty Institutes Clinical Esthetics Colleges, which features multiple schools and beauty brands across North America. Barbara's passion for all things beauty, once combined with her first love of teaching, became the foundation on which Eternal Beauty is founded. Her brand is built on the principle that education should be accessible to everyone with the spirit to learn and grow. Barbara shares a personal journey that exemplifies resilience and highlights the unique obstacles...