Women, Life and Science

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What does it truly mean to learn how to care for another human being? 

This Wednesday, we sit down with Dr. Allen Saxon, a retired general surgeon and now a medical educator and author of Training in Charity, for a conversation that goes beyond medicine and into the heart of what it means to become human through service. 

Loosely inspired by his own experiences in medical school, Training in Charity brings listeners into a time before technology and computers transformed healthcare. 

In this episode, we will explore:

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Have you ever experienced a life-changing moment that forced you to relearn what once came naturally?

There are moments when life shifts so suddenly that even the most familiar routines begin to feel unfamiliar. In those times, adapting to a new reality can feel overwhelming even making you feel helpless.

This is the reality of Mary Keating, whose life changed after an accident she met when she was 15 years old that left her unable to walk again. But instead of focusing on the tragedy and triumph, her story focused...

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Listen to this week’s Wednesday podcast brought to you by our special science cafe last 29th April 2026 with bestselling authors Judith L. Pearson and Cortney McDermott. 

Join us as we discover confidence-building insights from Give Yourself Permission and the remarkable story behind Radical Sisters and the women who transformed the breast cancer movement. 

Listen now!

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What can we do to reduce risk and prevent cancer? 

Everybody knows a friend or a family member who was diagnosed with cancer and it is difficult to navigate the disease alone. 

But did you know that nearly half of global adult cancer deaths are preventable, and research is revealing new risk factors every day?

The good news is that preventing cancer is more possible, and more imperative, than ever before by addressing its root causes!

Let’s listen to our timely conversation with Dr. Adam...

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She was born into wealth — and chose rebellion instead.

Meet Jessica Mitford: branded a “troublemaker” by her aristocratic family, yet fiercely undaunted in her fight against fascism and injustice.

In Troublemaker, author Carla Kaplan dives deep into Mitford’s archives, letters, and new interviews to reveal a woman who resisted power — and refused to grow grim and grey doing it.

Her story doesn’t just belong to history. It speaks powerfully to today.

🎧 Listen to our full conversation and discover why some troublemakers change the worl...

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Women, Life & Science welcomes Joelle Kaufman,  best-selling author of Crushing the Cancer Curveball, in today’s podcast Wednesday! 

Cancer changes everything but it doesn’t have to take away hope, joy, or your power.

In this episode, Joelle shares her family’s 40-year generational journey with cancer, along with practical, honest, and uplifting tools for anyone navigating the cancer experience whether as a patient, caregiver, loved one, or healthcare professional.

Whether you're facing cancer, supporting someone who is, or simply want deeper insights into compassionate care thi...

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If motivation worked the way the internet promises, burnout wouldn’t be so common.

We’ve all told ourselves to “just work harder” or “don’t give up”—and still felt stuck, exhausted, or discouraged.

The truth?
 Most motivation advice isn’t built to last.

So what if we looked at motivation through a scientific lens instead?
What truly drives human behavior?
What keeps us going when things get hard?
And how can we build sustainable strategies that actually work...

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We continue to share stories that speak to our listeners especially those who are navigating motherhood and their children’s mental health.

Our guest, Ellen Bassuk — psychiatrist, researcher, and clinician — brings a deeply personal perspective as she navigates psychiatry, advocacy, and motherhood through her son Daniel Schoonover’s lifelong struggle with serious mental illness, particularly schizophrenia.

In this episode, Ellen walks us through her memoir as she traces Daniel’s journey through a fractured health care system, an unprepared education system, and the relentless challenges of parenti...

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We’re opening the new year with a powerful story to launch our January podcast season.

Our first guest of 2026 is Anne Hand, author of Austrian Again: Reclaiming a Lost Legacy.

In her book, Anne reflects on a pivotal choice — to apply for Austrian citizenship. What begins as a legal decision transforms into a deeply personal journey. As she pieces together family stories and ancestral documents, she uncovers a missing link in her history — one that reveals her family’s hidden Holocaust past.

This episode invites us to explo...

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How can one truly lead sustainable innovation? 🌱

For Dr. North, it begins with a question — how can what we create bring good to both people and the planet?

Her work in technical industries has always been guided by this belief: innovation isn’t just about new ideas; it’s about meaningful impact.

In our latest Women, Life and Science podcast episode, Dr. North shares her insights on scaling up innovations responsibly, communicating your mission with clarity, and attracting investors who care about long-term change —...

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We are bringing you Science Cafe to our podcast Wednesday! 

Do you want to create an influence that matters to you and others?

Join us as we explore a powerful personality framework called Enneagram and how it will enhance self-awareness and develop practical strategies to navigate diverse communication styles to expand our leadership influence!

Listen to our podcast now!

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For many professionals, becoming a parent comes with the fear of putting their career on hold. But what if parenthood is actually the turning point that shapes better, more empathetic leaders? And companies play a vital role in unlocking that potential. 

In today’s episode, we sit down with Mason Donovan and Mark Kaplan, author of the book The Parenthood Advantage, to talk about reframing talent development for the modern workforce — one that sees parenthood as an asset, not a detour.

Listen now!

A...

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From actress to advocate for epilepsy, Kelly’s journey reflects the many transitions women experience. As women, we often lose ourselves along the way — moving through the seasons of womanhood, motherhood, and everything in between. Kelly’s story is a testament that amid transitions, grief, and even resentment, we can eventually find clarity and purpose and create something beautiful out of it.

As Kelly beautifully says, “I don’t believe that everything happens for a reason, but I do believe that we can make reason out of the things that happen to us.”

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 So, what really caused the dinosaurs to become extinct? In our podcast The Last Extinction, Dr. Gerta Keller challenges the asteroid-only theory and uncovers new insights into one of Earth’s greatest mysteries.

Dr. Gerta Keller, a Princeton paleontologist, has spent decades studying mass extinctions. Her groundbreaking research challenges the asteroid-only theory and offers a new perspective on what really wiped out the dinosaurs.

Tune in now to The Last Extinction and discover the story behind the science!

 #TheLastExtinction  #ScienceUncovered #WednesdayPodcast

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In today’s episode, we’re honored to be joined once again by best-selling, award-winning author Judith L. Pearson.

In our first conversation with Judy, we explored her book Mary Lasker and Her Crusade—a powerful biography of philanthropist Mary Lasker, whose relentless advocacy transformed medical research and led to groundbreaking advancements in the fight against cancer.

This time, Judy continues to shine a light on remarkable women who helped shape the women’s health movement. Together with my co-host, Lilia Holmes, we’ll celebrate the release of Judy’s latest boo...

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We’re thrilled to welcome Stacy Glass to the podcast! 🌟

 As the driving force behind ChemFORWARD, Stacy is on a mission to make chemistry safer, transparent, and accessible—empowering brands and innovators to choose better for people and the planet.

Listen to our podcast now!

#ChemFORWARD

#SaferIngredients

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Animals have an extraordinary ability to comfort, protect, and heal. For Jackie Ducci, that healing began with horses. 

As a child struggling with social anxiety and feeling invisible in a world that praised extroversion, she found acceptance not in people, but in the quiet, steady presence of animals.

In this episode, our guest, Jackie Ducci, shares a deeply personal story about how her horses helped her rediscover her worth, transform her mental health, and reshape the narrative she once believed about herself. 

This isn’t just about anim...

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Missed the Women, Life, and Science Conference last May 16? We’ve got you covered!

One of the highlights of every conference is the inspiring talks from our incredible speakers. Today, we’re sharing one of those moments with you with Scott Hicks on her talk “Leading with Your Why”.

Why you should listen:
-Discover the essence of who you really are
-Learn to differentiate between your goals (what you do) and your purpose (why you do it)

Listen now!

#WednesdayPodcast
#WomenLif...

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Have you heard the incredible story of Muriel White Seherr-Thoss?
An American aristocrat with deep European roots, Muriel risked everything to help her Jewish friends escape the horrors of Nazi extermination during World War II.

Her quiet yet courageous acts of resistance make her one of the most remarkable and overlooked figures of that era.

Thanks to recent research and the gripping biography The Countess and the Nazis by Richard Jay Hutto, her legacy is finally being brought to light. We’re honored to welcome Mr. Hutto himself to...

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In a game long dominated by men, Susan Polgar shattered the mold and proved that chess knows no gender. At just 21, she made history as the first woman to earn the Men's Grandmaster title, the highest honor in chess.

In today’s podcast episode, Susan shares how she rewrote the narrative in this ultimate game of strategy and intellect. More than just a sport, she sees chess as a tool to spark curiosity, critical thinking, and resilience—especially among young women.

Tune in as she reflects on breaking barriers, navi...

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"You’re not a person." That was the chilling message Alia Dastagir received after publishing a story on the abuse women journalists face online.

As a former USA Today journalist, Alia had reported on countless difficult topics but nothing prepared her for becoming part of the story.

Nearly 66% of women journalists have experienced online harassment. About 40% say it’s caused them to avoid reporting certain stories altogether.

Alia’s experience sparked a deeper investigation into the psychological toll of online abuse—effects that can be even mor...

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The American foster care system was built to protect and uplift. But for too many kids, it fails to deliver.

➡️ Fewer than 5% of foster youth who age out at 18 earn a college degree.
➡️ Nearly half drop out of high school.
➡️ Many are funneled into locked cells
instead of onto life-building paths.

In this powerful episode, we speak with Claudia Rowe, a member of the editorial board at The Seattle Times and author of Wards of the State: The Long Shadow of American Foster Care. We dig into how and...

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You get the job done. You receive the recognition. But deep down… something still feels off. Unfulfilling. Like a part of you is missing.

Is it normal to question your career path—especially after you’ve worked so hard for so long? Absolutely. And Caroline Sangal, a scientist-turned-career-strategist, believes it’s not a crisis—it’s an invitation. An invitation to grow, to realign, and to redefine success in a way that actually feels good.

So if you’re in that space right now wondering what’s next, it’s time to pause an...

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What does a world-class chef have in common with an autopsist?

Precision. Obsession. And a willingness to cut deep.

In our latest podcast episode, we go behind the scenes of The Death and Life of August Sweeney with its author, Samuel Ashworth—a debut novelist whose story blends culinary brilliance with the eerie intimacy of an autopsy.

 A legendary chef dies in the middle of service—and from beyond the grave, insists on directing the terms of his own dissection. What unfolds is a haunting exploration of legac...

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Every woman’s health journey is unique—shaped by our biology, life experiences, and the many roles we take on. And who better to advocate for our well-being than we, ourselves?

In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Lara Briden—a respected Naturopathic Doctor and bestselling author of 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘥 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘢𝘭, 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘢𝘭, and 𝘔𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯. Lara brings decades of clinical experience and deep insight into how women’s bodies work—and more importantly, how we can support them naturally and effectively through every life stage.

Your period is powerful—and so is your metabolism. Learn how to support both by listening to our podcast!

#WomensHormones
#PeriodRevolutionary
#WomensHealth

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For Helen Sheehy, women's stories are often overlooked—especially those of ordinary women. Yet, it’s often these women who lead the most extraordinary lives.

Just Willa is a novel inspired by Helen’s own mother. After three years of research and a return to her hometown, Helen pieced together her mother’s story through the memories of the Oklahomans who stayed behind. Spanning seven decades, this powerful novel follows a woman of indomitable spirit who anchors her family with unwavering love, quiet strength, and fearless bravery.

It’s a heartfel...

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Meet Bremod & Lisa, the visionary duo behind Quite Literally Books — a publishing house on a mission to revive forgotten literary gems, especially those written by women.

Join us for a captivating conversation about how their shared passion for storytelling sparked a journey to breathe new life into overlooked books. Through stunning design and powerful narratives, they’re not just reissuing books — they’re reconnecting with a rich literary heritage and inspiring others to do the same.

Download and listen!

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Women's Month may be over, but our celebration of women's brilliance and leadership continues! In today’s episode, we are honored to be joined by a remarkable leader who bridges policy and nonprofit advocacy—Sarah Crawford.

As the CEO of TLC, a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to providing innovative care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Sarah is making a lasting impact. Beyond her role at TLC, she also serves as a North Carolina Representative, championing policies that uplift underserved communities—especially women caregivers.

Sarah isn’t just p...

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In today’s podcast, we explore a topic that we rarely discussed but increasingly relevant—Cyber Warfare. 

From AI-driven cyber attacks to the rising threat of nation-state conflicts in the digital space, how close are we to witnessing cyber tensions escalate into real-world destruction? 

Joining us is Dr. Chase Cunningham, a retired Navy Chief Cryptologist with over 20 years of experience in Cyber Warfare. With a career spanning operations in cyber forensics, analytics, and both offensive and defensive cyber strategies within the NSA, FBI, and other government agencies, Dr. Cunningham brings...

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In 2005, Kim Crespi had what she later described as “the perfect life.” She and her husband, David—a gentle giant of a man, devoutly religious, a loving father, and a proven star in the world of finance—had five healthy, happy children. No one, least of all Kim, ever suspected that the life the Crespis had lovingly woven together could be destroyed in less than forty minutes.

In Medication, Mental Illness, and Murder, Edward L. Jones III chronicles David Crespi’s struggles with insomnia and depression, the role SSRI antidepres...

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 From blues music to sharing his faith — John Lee Hooker Jr., son of the famous John Lee Hooker, went from performing with his father to struggling with addiction and prison. But his story didn’t end there. Now, he’s a minister who sings and speaks about hope and faith in churches and prisons across the U.S. and Germany. A true story of turning his life around. 

Be inspired and listen to his transformative story now!

About the Guest

Reverend JOHN LEE HOOKER JR. is the s...

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From practicing law to embracing life as a stay-at-home mom — all while stepping into the unpredictable world of writing — Amber Willingham’s story is one of courage and transformation.

Becoming a writer wasn’t easy — from facing countless rejections to navigating the challenges of publishing — but Amber’s resilience kept her moving forward, embracing the reality of being a writer in progress.

Today, we are thrilled to welcome Amber Willingham to our show, author of Bliss Creek — a captivating tale of self-discovery and suspense set in the tranquil haven o...

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🌱 Farming is Sexy—And Women Are Leading the Charge! 🌍

What happens when women take the lead in fighting climate change—one crop, one meal, and one bold idea at a time?

Join us as we welcome Stephanie Anderson, acclaimed author and social justice journalist, to today’s podcast. With a powerful blend of storytelling and research, Stephanie shines a light on the women revolutionizing our food system. From innovative farming practices to groundbreaking food policies, she shares the triumphs, challenges, and bold visions shaping a regenerative future.

Get ready fo...

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Why do we always feel tired and how do we overcome it? 

Does this happen to you often, like even when you sleep all day but you still feel exhausted? That’s because rest and sleep are two different things. While getting quality sleep is essential for overall well-being, rest goes beyond just the hours you spend asleep. True rest nourishes your entire being, not just your body. 

In our conversation, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith shares the 7 types of rest, how to fix rest deficits, and the different restorative practices to o...

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What if everything material possesses a spark of individual consciousness?

From plants and cells to atoms, the idea challenges the long-held belief that consciousness requires a complex brain, like those of humans or mammals. Recent research suggests that basic forms of awareness or cognition might emerge even in simple organisms—or systems without brains at all.

But what about artificial systems, like large language models? Could consciousness arise in machines? 

Join me and our guest, Dr. Francisco Aboitiz, as we delve into this fascinating theory and...

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When Diane was just 16, her world turned upside down—her mother left her and her father. But not in the way you’d expect. She didn’t move far… she moved next door.  

In this intriguing yet heartfelt conversation, Diane Simmons opens up about her incredible journey—from conquering the corporate world as an international executive by the age of 27, embracing the joys and challenges of motherhood, to navigating her way to co-parenting. 

In this podcast, we will learn how Diane's upbringing molded her into the woman she is today. 
...

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A desperate need for change - How about travel The Great Loop, a six-thousand-mile adventure down inland rivers, around the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, and across the Great Lakes? 

Sounds like a transformative journey, isn’t it?

Let’s hear from our guest herself, Maggie Tate as she shares her nine month nautical journey to the Great Loop with his husband, Bruce and how they returned energized and optimistic. 

This podcast introduces Maggie and Bruce's adventure, the community of Loopers they met, and the lessons they learned from t...

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What if I told you that YOU already possess everything you need for transformation and fulfillment? Imagine being deeply self-aware and recognizing the immense power you hold to shape the life you've always dreamed of.

It's that time of the year again – a time to reflect on how we’ve treated ourselves, our growth, and our accomplishments throughout the year.  Join us for a special year-end episode of Giving Yourself Permission with Cortney McDermott, where we dive deep into self-reflection, celebrate our wins, and set empowering intentions for t...

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This holiday season, it's all about celebration and reuniting with friends and loved ones! It's also a time to reflect on how the year has both challenged and blessed us. With only a few days left until we enter 2025, are you ready to embrace the opportunities the new year has to offer?

Here's a special holiday message from our founder, Cecilia. Let's take this moment to create an inventory of the lessons we've gained this year as we prepare for 2025 with clear intentions.

To our amazing listeners, we are...

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