Finding Your Fierce
‘Finding Your FIERCE’ is the podcast for people wanting to take their life, relationships, and career to the next level. Each episode features inspiring stories of people who are living their most FIERCE life - despite facing massive obstacles and challenges. Hosted by best-selling author, acclaimed speaker, and philanthropist Carolyn Colleen; the ‘Finding Your FIERCE’ podcast will help you to overcome the adversity you’re facing in your life so you can transcend and evolve into your best self. Hit the “follow” button and get ready to unleash your most FIERCE self! Learn more at https://CarolynColleen.com
Your Body, Your Story—Reclaiming Health & Power with Patricia Nesler

What if chronic pain isn’t just physical? In this deeply personal and insightful episode, Patricia Nesler, a chronic pain specialist, shares her powerful journey of overcoming fear, trauma, and physical suffering to reclaim her life. From navigating a traumatic birth experience to discovering the mind-body connection in healing, Trish reveals the unexpected truths about pain, resilience, and the power of self-awareness. If you've ever felt stuck in a cycle of stress and symptoms, this episode will challenge what you think you know about healing and empower you to take control of your body and your future.
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The Nurse Who Fought the System: Advocacy, Ageism, and Healthcare Truths with Pam Dunwald

Carolyn sits down with Pam Dunwald, a veteran nurse turned fierce advocate for aging adults. With over 40 years in healthcare, Pam has seen it all—families lost in medical jargon, patients overlooked, and a system that often forgets its most vulnerable. She shares moments from challenges she faced standing up in a broken system, and how she found her voice as a nurse advocate. From confronting ageism to fighting for better patient care, Pam’s mission is clear: no one should navigate healthcare alone.
Chapters:
00:00:00 – Empathy: The Superpower We Don’t Talk About Enough00:00:39 – Kicking Off with Fierc...Entrepreneurial Awakening: Choosing Purpose Over Paychecks with Jan Dégallier

Carolyn sits down with Jan Dégallier, a strategic business coach and consultant who transitioned from a long corporate finance career to entrepreneurship. Jan shares how she stepped away from a secure, traditional path to build a business centered on helping entrepreneurs and small business owners understand their numbers and make evidence-based decisions. She explains the power of tools like scorecards and weekly metrics in driving clarity and growth. Carolyn and Jan discuss resilience, faith, and the importance of staying uncomfortable to keep growing. Jan’s story is a testament to taking bold action, embracing curiosity, and building a bus...
What Are You Running Toward? with Holly Hibbard

Holly Hibbard is an expert in emotional intelligence, relationships, mindfulness, and leadership, and she has a coaching and consulting practice. She is sharing her story about moving from survival mode to a forward-looking visionary mindset. Carolyn and Holly discuss how asking the right questions—not just of others but of yourself—can lead to profound breakthroughs. Holly shares her knowledge from her leadership training and life lessons, pointing out the importance of making sure you know what you’re running toward and how to trust yourself along the way. This conversation will teach you how to find strength, clarity, and co...
Regret is Louder Than Failure with Jeff Lindley

Jeff Lindley shares his remarkable journey from a 25-year career in construction to founding his own bookkeeping and CFO services business for tradespeople. Jeff opens up about the years he spent paralyzed by fear of failure, the pivotal moments that sparked his leap into entrepreneurship, and the unrelenting drive that keeps him moving forward. He delves into the power of clear processes, digital tools, and vision boards to empower small business owners. Jeff’s story is an inspiring reminder that regret often outweighs the risk of failure—and that freedom comes from taking charge of your own future.
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Why Women in Business Need to Break the Rules with Cathy Christen

Cathy Christen is an author, speaker, coach, and entrepreneur here to share her journey where she overcame challenges early on and began to thrive in business and life. She talks about the power of mentorship, community, and intentional living. She also explains how embracing collaboration shifted her approach to success. Cathy lets us in on the tools and strategies she’s used to get through difficult transitions, balance work and personal life, and empower others to find their own path.
Chapters
00:00:00 - A Spark of Growth: What Begins the Journey00:00:30 - Stepping Into Fear: The Start of...When the Universe Speaks: Choose Again and Lead from Within with Kylee Leota

Carolyn sits down with Kylee Leota to discuss the life-changing results of self-leadership. Kylee shares her journey from overcoming adversity to building a life rooted in alignment and intentional choices. She talks about how recognizing unconscious patterns, taking small but meaningful steps, and embracing personal and professional harmony can lead to profound change. Kylee also points out the importance of nurturing an ecosystem that supports growth and stepping into opportunities, even when they feel uncertain. This conversation is a reminder of the strength that comes from choosing again and leading from within.
Chapters
00:00:00 - The Beginning...Hidden Influences: Are Your Health Choices Really Yours? with Mike Vera

Carolyn sits down with Mike Vera to discuss how values shape our health choices, often without us realizing. Mike wants you to question what you think you know about health and explore how unseen influences, from societal norms to corporate messaging, can steer your decisions. Together, they talk about the importance of self-advocacy, why it’s crucial to develop a healthy sense of skepticism, and how aligning choices with core values can lead to genuine empowerment. This conversation goes beyond surface-level advice, inviting you to ask harder questions, take ownership, and navigate your health journey with purpose.
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Nurturing Fierceness and Wellness in Every Moment with EmmyLou Houston

Carolyn sits down with EmmyLou Houston, a woman whose journey from chronic illness to vibrant health and purpose inspires a new approach to fierce living. EmmyLou shares the pivotal moments that pushed her to break free from a life of "checking boxes" and step into a life filled with faith, health, and intentional growth. They talk about the importance of community, the power of nourishing the body and soul, and the steps EmmyLou took to transform her mindset and her health. She will give you a brand-new outlook on finding strength in adversity and choosing to live with abundance...
Living Behind Closed Doors with a Covert Narcissist with Mia J. Hanks

Mia J. Hanks shares her powerful journey of surviving 29 years of marriage to a covert narcissist. She discusses how covert narcissism differs from the more overt type, explaining the silent manipulation and emotional control she endured. Mia reveals the turning point that led her to leave the relationship, the challenges of escaping such a deeply controlling environment, and how she rebuilt her life after the trauma. Through her story, you’ll gain insight into the complexities of narcissistic abuse, the healing process, and the importance of recognizing the signs early.
Chapters
00:00:00 - Unveiling Narcissism’s True Face...How to Build Wealth through Options Trading with Jaime Swartz

Jaime Swartz, founder of Options Trading Goddess, breaks down the essentials of options trading. From her engineering background to her passion for financial freedom, Jaime shares how options trading can empower individuals to take control of their financial futures. She explains the mechanics behind options trading, offers strategies for beginners, and dispels common fears. Whether you’re new to the stock market or an experienced investor, Jaime’s insights offer a practical and engaging introduction to making smarter financial decisions. Tune in for a deep dive into the flexibility and freedom that options trading can bring to your portfolio.
The Silent Power of Breath: Integrating Meditation into Cancer Treatment with Madhavi Parikh

Madhavi Parikh is here to share how she went from growing up in India to becoming a physician assistant in the U.S., where she integrates meditation and medicine to help cancer patients. She talks about how her meditation practice transformed her view of healing and how it empowers patients to face their diagnosis with a new mindset. Madhavi explains the importance of balancing traditional treatments with emotional and spiritual care, offering insights into how breath awareness and self-discovery can play a vital role in the healing process. She sheds light on the connection between the body and mind...
Travel the World, Earn from Anywhere: Location Freedom with Adrienne Green

Adrienne Green shares how she went from a 9-to-5 job in teaching to building a life of financial and location freedom through real estate investing. She breaks down what she’s been through on her journey, including the important decisions that led to her success and how leveraging virtual assistants allowed her to scale her business quickly. Adrienne also gives tips on how to get started with real estate, use systems to build freedom, and why delegating tasks is the key to staying focused on what really matters. If you're looking to break free from the daily grind, this ep...
Surviving Domestic Violence and Breaking Generational Curses with Jacquiline Cox

Jacquiline Cox shares her powerful journey of overcoming adversity, from surviving domestic violence and homelessness to becoming a bestselling author and advocate. She talks about the strength she found in faith, the importance of telling your story, and how she’s using her platform to help others break generational curses and rise above life’s challenges. Jacquiline opens up about the struggles she faced and the lessons she learned along the way, showing how vulnerability and resilience can lead to personal and communal transformation.
Chapters
00:00:00 – Introduction: Embracing Your Calling00:00:49 – Welcome to Finding Your Fierce00:01:35 – Meet Jacqueline Cox: A Sto...Dr. Carolyn Colleen on the Practicing Positivity Podcast: How to Turn Fear into Fierce Action

Today we’re sharing an episode from Dr. Nicole Bossard’s podcast, Practicing Positivity, where she interviewed your host, Dr. Carolyn Colleen. Dr. Carolyn shares how to confront fear and use it as fuel for fierce, positive action. She introduces her BFF method—Breathe, Focus, Fierce Action—designed to help you build resilience, one five-minute step at a time. Dr. Carolyn covers the realities of overcoming adversity, redefining personal goals, and using emotions to propel yourself forward. Whether you're facing hardships or trying to reignite your drive, this episode offers strategies and inspiration that resonate deeply with anyone looking to turn...
Positivity as a Survival Tool: How to MacGyver Your Life with Dr. Nicole Bossard

Dr. Nicole Bossard shares insights on the intersection of purpose, positivity, and authentic leadership. Dr. Nicole urges you to rethink what it means to live with purpose and how a positive mindset can be a game-changer, even in the face of adversity. She also touches on the real impact of imposter syndrome and how embracing it can lead to personal and professional growth. You’re going to gain strategies for aligning your mission with your work, creating an environment that thrives on genuine positivity.
Chapters
00:00:00 - Unleashing Purpose: The Power of Positivity00:01:00 - Dr. Nicole Bossard’s Jo...Choosing Theology Over the Limelight with Zoe de Boer

In this episode, Zoe de Boer shares her journey from aspiring Broadway star to becoming a passionate advocate for body positivity and faith. She reveals the challenges she faced in the performing arts world and how a life-altering decision led her to pursue theology. Zoe opens up about the pressures of body image, the importance of daily routines, and her newfound purpose in public speaking. This conversation offers an inspiring look at how one woman reclaimed her voice and found a deeper sense of fulfillment by redefining her path.
Chapters
00:00:00 | A Journey of Faith and Purpose...The Value of Community: How Women Can Achieve Financial Freedom Together with Jessica Belmontes

Jessica Belmontes is here sharing her journey from the banking industry to becoming a mortgage loan originator, and the pivotal experiences that shaped her career. Jessica recounts the eye-opening moments at the Women's Summit, where she was moved by the stories of women fighting for financial equality worldwide. She’s passionate about creating a women's world digital bank and discusses the need for financial education and community support to empower women globally. Tune in to hear Jessica's vision for a more inclusive financial future if you’re interested in women's empowerment and financial independence!
Chapters
00:00:00 - Empowe...The Surprising Power of Scent in Emotional Regulation with Georgia Vanderville

Georgia Vanderville shares her inspirational journey from adventurous traveler to successful entrepreneur. Georgia opens up about her initial reluctance towards candle making and how a simple gift ignited a passion that would lead to the founding of Shortie's Candle Company. She discusses the challenges she faced, including memory loss, and how these experiences changed her approach to business and life. Georgia introduces the concept of "fragrance flipping," explaining how scents can shift emotions and improve mental well-being. Tune in to hear how Georgia turned adversity into a thriving business and learn about the role of scents in our daily...
Unlocking Human Potential with Hypnotherapy and Breathwork with Denise Keenan

Carolyn welcomes Denise Keenan, founder of Keenan Wellness. Denise shares her inspiring journey from a timid, sickly child to a transformative wellness expert. She discusses the importance of finding inner strength, the impact of early life experiences, and the powerful role of breathwork and hypnotherapy in achieving personal growth. Denise's blend of spiritual exploration and practical techniques offers you strategies for overcoming obstacles and enhancing well-being. Tune in for a conversation that encourages a deeper connection to oneself and the world around us!
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Finding Your Fierce Podcast00:01:00 - Meet Denise Keenan: A...Hidden Challenges of the Yachting World with Alene Keenan

In this episode, Alene Keenan shares her remarkable journey from small-town Iowa to the luxurious world of yachting. Alene recounts her unexpected career shifts, from dental school to fine dining, and eventually to operating heavy machinery in Wyoming before finding her calling on the high seas. Through opening up about her harrowing experience during 9/11, Alene shows the resilience, adaptability, and inner strength required to thrive in diverse and challenging environments. Her story offers insights into overcoming adversity, mastering the art of service, and the importance of meditation and emotional intelligence in achieving personal and professional growth. Tune in to...
Why Strength and Vulnerability Go Hand in Hand with Ashley Nowak

Carolyn has a heartfelt conversation with Ashley Nowak, founder of Ever Growing, an organization dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. Ashley shares her insights on personal growth and identity. As well as the continuous journey of self-discovery and the significance of understanding one's values and strengths. Through tools like the identity circles exercise, Ashley encourages you to reflect deeply on your identity markers and how these influence their interactions and decisions. Ashley also discusses the importance of connection, cultural humility, and accepting help from others. Tune in and be inspired!
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Identity...When Climbing the Ladder Leads to the Wrong Building with Asmâa Methqal

Carolyn welcomes back global consultant and strategic leadership facilitator Asmâa Methqal. Together, they talk about the ongoing journey of personal and professional growth. Asmâa shares her insights on the importance of re-evaluating one's passions and the courage it takes to pivot in life and career. She discusses her shift from a successful career in marketing to her true calling in leadership development. Plus, the necessity of authenticity and alignment with one's inner values. This conversation will show you the power of self-discovery and the impact of true leadership on personal fulfillment and professional success!
Chapters:
...Embracing Help: How Vulnerability Leads to Strength with Jessica Smith Dos Santos

CEO of Badass Love Coaching, ER nurse, author, coach, and speaker Jessica Smith Dos Santos is here to share her personal journey about how she challenged the conventional markers of success. Despite having a career, a family, and a home that seemed ideal from the outside, Jessica confronted the difference between societal expectations and her inner turmoil. She talks about how accepting support and confronting her vulnerabilities led to profound personal growth and a complete life overhaul. This episode invites you to think about the true meaning of happiness and success, and how critical periods of struggle can lead...
Why Divorce Doesn’t Have to Be a Disaster with Kim Korven

Kim Korven shares her approach to managing divorce with dignity and empowerment. With Kim’s personal and professional journey in law and mediation, she talks about how adopting a mindset of mutual welfare can completely alter the divorce process, making it more respectful and constructive for everyone involved. She shares how changing the narrative around divorce can lead to more positive outcomes. Also why understanding and respect in these challenging situations are important. Listen to this episode to gain a new perspective on handling life's tough transitions with grace and empathy.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction: An Unexpected Men...Breaking Free from People Pleasing with Maggie Bjorkquist

Maggie Bjorkquist is here to have a deep discussion about the intersections of life coaching, personal growth, and spirituality. Maggie shares her journey from feeling grounded during the pandemic to redefining her life's purpose through coaching and spiritual leadership. She talks about her evolution from people-pleasing behaviors to empowering others to find their internal answers, offering a look into the challenges and rewards of mentoring and self-discovery. This conversation makes clear the significance of listening to one's inner voice and the power of saying 'no' to create more fulfilling personal and professional lives.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Road...Overcoming Trauma: Empowering Yourself after Abuse

In this episode of Finding Your Fierce, Carolyn Colleen discusses the concept of "fierce action" and how it can help us overcome challenges and achieve our goals. She outlines three steps to achieving focus: identifying one goal, staying focused, and taking fierce action. Fierce action means using obstacles and challenges as fuel to propel us forward, taking small, manageable steps to build resilience and accomplish our goals. By eliminating distractions, staying present, and taking fierce action, we can turn obstacles into opportunities and achieve success in all areas of our lives.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
00:00:00...From Podcasting to Entrepreneurship: Discovering Joy and Identity with Joanne Bolt

On this episode of Finding Your Fierce, host Carolyn chats with the inspirational Joanne Bolt about the value of staying true to oneself on the path to business success. In a conversation filled with wisdom and insight, they delve into the power of embracing opportunities, overcoming fear and loneliness, and choosing your own unique identity. Together, they explore the journey of finding joy in podcasting and the importance of encouraging and empowering others in subscription box entrepreneurship. Joanne also shares her thoughts on the transformative power of reading for fun and accessing new worlds. Tune in for an uplifting...
How Close Calls with Bee Stings and Choking Sparked a Life Evaluation with Jennifer Monsos

In this empowering episode of Finding Your Fierce, host Carolyn Colleen speaks with Jennifer Monsos about her journey of resilience and perseverance through challenging times. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of taking small steps towards progress, even if it's just for five minutes at a time. She shares personal stories of overcoming adversity, including a tragic hospital visit that led to a drinking problem, close calls with bee stings and choking, and reevaluating life priorities. Jennifer's journey highlights the power of breathing, focusing, and taking action in small moments to overcome difficult situations. This episode serves as a reminder that...
FIERCE Method: Identifying Goals And Overcoming Barriers

In this episode of Finding Your Fierce, Carolyn Colleen discusses the importance of identifying and overcoming the barriers that prevent us from achieving our goals. She introduces the FIERCE acronym to guide listeners through the process of achieving their goals, with each letter representing a step towards success. Carolyn emphasizes the need to identify our emotions and use them to move forward in a way that serves us rather than self-sabotaging. She encourages listeners to choose one goal and name three things they need to do to achieve it while examining any barriers that may be preventing them from...
Overcoming Addiction: Breaking Generational Curses and Finding Self-Love with Amber Miller

In this episode of Finding Your Fierce Podcast, host Carolyn Colleen sits down with Amber Miller to discuss her journey of love and self-discovery. Amber shares her message of unconditional love and zero judgment, which she hopes to spread to others. She talks about how she emerged as Sister Berta and how she is on a journey to teach self-love, guide on love, and create a new definition of love within oneself and the world. The conversation also touches on facing fears and anxiety, breaking generational curses, and healing from trauma. Sister Berta shares her personal experiences of making...
Harnessing the Power of Adversity to Build Your Dream Business

Carolyn Colleen shares her story of overcoming an abusive childhood in this podcast episode. She discusses the positive lessons she learned from her experiences, such as adaptability, resourcefulness, and resilience. Carolyn emphasizes the importance of investing in oneself and rearranging the cards when faced with difficult situations. She encourages listeners to keep getting back up and trying again, acknowledging that failure is a part of the process. This episode offers practical advice for building resilience and finding strength in adversity.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
00:00:00 Motherhood And Entrepreneurship: Navigating Both With Grace00:04:00 Weathering The Storm: How...From Chaos to Clarity: Navigating Change with Self-Discovery with Stephanie Ross

Welcome to the Finding Your Fierce podcast, where we explore the power of fear and how it can be used to elevate our lives. In this episode, Carolyn Colleen speaks with Stephanie Ross about her journey of redefining success and taking a leap of faith in her business. Stephanie shares how she navigated through the chaos and found mentors to help guide her. She also talks about making the hard decision to pivot her business during Covid-19 and how it has changed her life for the better. Additionally, they discuss what she would recommend if someone needs to make...
Creating Boundaries And Communicating Expectations with Niki Bergler

On Finding Your Fierce Podcast, host and guest Nicky Burglar discuss how to confront your fears and set boundaries in order to create the life and business you deserve. They explore vulnerability, difficult conversations, and the importance of being unapologetic for who you are. Nicky shares her own story of confronting her abuser, as well as her journey of healing through nutrition and psychology. They also offer advice on saying no and creating a plan for difficult conversations. Tune in to learn how to find your fierce and conquer your fears.
Bio:
Niki Bergler is...
Unleash Your Inner Artist: Overcoming Fears to Reveal Your Gifts with Miriam Cavanaugh

Tune in to discover how Miriam was able to turn her passion for art into a successful business, and the valuable lessons she learned along the way. From finding inspiration in unexpected places, to facing her fears and pushing past her comfort zone, Miriam will share how she was able to find her fierce and unleash her creativity. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or just someone looking to tap into their creative side, this episode is sure to inspire and motivate you. So grab your pencils and paintbrushes, and join us for an inspiring conversation with Miriam Cavanaugh on...
Unleashing Your Inner Warrior: Gaining Strength Through Self-Reflection with Julie Reisler

In this episode of Finding Your Fierce, a group of women discuss the importance of being fierce and fearless in their lives. They talk about taking risks and making bold moves, such as leaving a job to start a business, or taking on debt to make changes in their lives. The conversation also touches on the importance of understanding one's own values and identity. The women share their stories of making changes and taking bold action, and commit to doing something fierce between now and their next call. This episode highlights the power of being brave enough to stand...
Financial Trauma: The Impact, Common Forms, and Solutions for Recovery with Majel Hein

In this episode of the Finding Your Fierce podcast, Majel Hein, the director of Financial Education for the Marine Credit Union Foundation, delves into the topic of taking control of your finances and putting yourself in a position to buy a home. She emphasizes the importance of having an empathetic and nonjudgmental approach when discussing finances, recognizing that everyone's financial journey is unique.
Hein explains that there are four types of financial trauma: past trauma, present trauma, inherited trauma, and systemic trauma. She notes that understanding these types of trauma and how they impact an individual's financial...
The Ultimate Blueprint for Confidence, Generosity, and Financial Freedom with Mandy McCasllister

In this episode of Finding Your Fierce Podcast, join Mandy as she shares her inspiring story and wisdom on creating the life and business of your dreams. Mandy, an expert in real estate investing, explains how specificity is key when it comes to securing the right investment opportunities.
She also delves into the topic of fear and how it can hold us back from taking the necessary steps towards growth. Mandy encourages listeners to trust in themselves and to recognize patterns in order to overcome fear.
Mandy's expertise in financial freedom is evident as she...
Transcend Limitations with Inner Resilience and Positive Affirmations with Brianna Greenspan

Welcome to Finding Your Fierce, where host Carolyn Colleen sits down with trailblazers who embody fierce determination and a passion for making the world a better place. On today's episode, we're joined by the radiant Brianna, who shares her empowering journey of overcoming negative beliefs and harnessing the power of affirmations to lead a more fulfilling life. Brianna also shares her experience with Miracle Morning and how it transformed her productivity. And, she offers valuable insights on how to use affirmations to tackle areas of improvement, such as vitality. Don't miss this powerful episode as we uncover the secrets...
Fierce Leadership: Discovering Your True Essence Through Breathe, Focus, And Fierce Action with Asmaa Methqal

In this conversation, we delve into the transformative power of feminine energy and how to harness it to live a purposeful and fulfilling life. We discuss how we can get caught up in the "do do do" mentality and how to have faith in something that is constantly changing. We explore the concept of fierce, which means standing up for your beliefs with integrity and grace. We also touch on positive intelligence and how cultivating our own P.Q. can help us identify opportunities for growth, confront our fears, and take powerful action from a place of love and...