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Badassery Life

Badassery Life

By Kelly Young/Stevi Stoesz Kersh

Badassery Life is a podcast about ordinary women doing extraordinary things. Women willing to share their stories - whether they are filled with heartbreak or amazing accomplishments. These inspiring women include social activists, moms, entrepreneurs, athletes, survivors, mentors, and more. Each has a unique and beautiful story about how they are living out their Badassery Life!
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She's living her badassery life training dogs for the Iditarod (1,000 miles of dog sled racing in Alaska)

Badassery LifeMar 07, 2021

00:00
30:06
Mary Embry: A badass in merchandising and advocate for fair trade

Mary Embry: A badass in merchandising and advocate for fair trade

Episode 92

Mary's work on fair trade has taken her to the Dominican Republic, Uganda, Kenya, China, and Ecuador. She leads study abroad trips to Italy and Guatemala and with “fast fashion” production at an all-time high, Mary tells us how to be more conscious consumers, among many other things.  

Mary is a senior lecturer of merchandising in the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture and Design, focusing on sustainability, fair trade and product development. She won a Trustees Teaching Award in 2016, she’s a specialist in service learning, information literacy and integrative learning. She’s also the founding director of the Eskenazi School’s Center for Innovative Merchandising and a fair trade activist.

Her interest and expertise in sustainable fashion is badass.

Mar 25, 202430:51
Jody DeFord: a badass lawyer and fashionista

Jody DeFord: a badass lawyer and fashionista

Jody is artistic, adventurous, animated and no doubt the most stylish guest we’ve had on the podcast. She's a healthcare lawyer by day, but she's made a name for herself in the fashion world with her eccentric style. She’s turned a passion for fashion and personal style into a meaningful way to help others feel like badasses. There’s nothing more that she’d rather do than to help others overcome personal insecurities, develop their own personal style and interact in the world with confidence.


She's a shoe lover, party planner, world-traveler, advocate, fashionista, and a true badass!

Mar 04, 202431:35
Michelle Daniel Jones: the badass who went from prison to a Ph.D
Feb 19, 202429:52
Dianna Boyce: the badass VP of the NBA All-Star 2024

Dianna Boyce: the badass VP of the NBA All-Star 2024

Dianna Boyce admits to never being good at sports growing up, but she was really good on the sidelines. Today, she's leading an All-Star Team as the vice president of NBA All-Star 2024 - the biggest weekend in basketball - which will be held in Indianapolis in February 2024. She's an incredible team player working with 24 separate committees with more than 450 people across the state to pull it off - and she's their biggest cheerleader (similar to her days growing up).

In this episode, Dianna talks about the secret sauce that Indianapolis has when pulling off some of the largest sporting events - and she would know. Dianna served as a senior member of the staff for the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee.

But it's not all sports for this badass! She talks about challenging herself to learn something new every day. And when asked about where she gets her happiness, she responded with faith, family and friends.


Connect with Dianna Boyce on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dianna-l-boyce/

To learn more about the NBA All-Star 2024 visit nba.com/pacers/nba-all-star-2024-indianapolis

Jan 22, 202429:50
Brett Kramer: An athlete and badass advocate for mental health

Brett Kramer: An athlete and badass advocate for mental health

Episode 88

Brett is the Director of Kicking the Stigma at the Indianapolis Colts. She’s determined, passionate and weird (that’s how she describes herself) – others describe her as personable, loud (in voice, personality and bright colors) and ambitious. And after this interview I think you all will agree that Brett Kramer is a badass.

Brett told us that she's always struggled with high-functioning anxiety. While on the outside she may look like she has her shit together, she has an intense fear of failure and not living up to the expectations she has set for herself.

She believes sports has the power to change the world – and her role as the Director of Kicking The Stigma is a way she feels she can be part of that change.


To learn more about Kicking The Stigma visit: www.colts.com/community/kicking-the-stigma

Jan 08, 202431:31
Charlynda Scales: Badass entrepreneur, maker of Mutt Sauce, mom, author, veteran

Charlynda Scales: Badass entrepreneur, maker of Mutt Sauce, mom, author, veteran

Charlynda is a serial entrepreneur: She serves as founder and CEO of Mutt's Sauce LLC and OH Taste LLC; Executive Director of the OH Taste Foundation. She's the author of Rock Bottom Has a Trampoline, a sought-after speaker and coach for women's empowerment and small businesses, a TEDx speaker, a Veteran (11 years in the Air Force).

We loved hearing her story about growing up on a special, multi-use sauce that her grandfather Mutt made from his own secret recipe - and how he left the recipe to her when he passed away. This badass was talked so calmly about her Shark Tank experience and mentorship session with Daymond John.


We talked about her family, Mutt Sauce, challenges, successes, 6888 Kitchen at the Arcade, and more.


https://www.muttssauce.com/

https://www.charlyndajean.com/

https://www.charlyndajean.com/rockbottombook

Dec 18, 202330:54
Tamara Winfrey-Harris: Badass author, advocate, wife, and caregiver

Tamara Winfrey-Harris: Badass author, advocate, wife, and caregiver

We interviewed this badass woman back in 2020 - and 3 years later we had so much to talk about. She’s an author, she’s an advocate for women and girls, she’s a wife, a caregiver for her husband, and a friend to so many. She's also known for uplifting the experiences of real Black women and showing how they are pushing back and getting free.

Tamara has had incredible success with her books: The Sisters Are Alright: Changing the Broken Narrative of Black Women in America and Dear Black Girl: Letters From Your Sisters On Stepping Into Your Power – so much success and talk that also includes TV talk.

Tamara got personal and talked about being a caregiver to her husband and how she practices self-care.

She has a new job, new experiences, new connections and more. She's an amazing storyteller, entrepreneur, wife, caregiver, and more. She's also passionate, bold, smart, creative, kind and a BADASS!

Dec 12, 202332:18
Tina McIntosh: Badass author, Woman of the Year, cancer survivor

Tina McIntosh: Badass author, Woman of the Year, cancer survivor

Since interviewing Tina in 2020, she was named one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, and she published a book (the book she dreamed about and talked about in our first interview) -- oh, and she got drunk and bought a duck at Tractor Supply. You never know what you're going to get when you get real with one of the badasses on this show.

Tina’s first published book is titled "embrace the imbalance: things you need to know from people I wish you knew". The book is made up of lessons learned throughout her life. No matter your age, where you practice your faith, what street you grew up on, or how you identify, you will find at least one thing in this book that will change your life. 

More about Tina: she has faced a myriad of health issues (cancer 2x), raised three kids, started Joy’s House (an adult day care center), created/creating innovative family support and education programs, acted as a caregiver for her biological father, and so much more.

Nov 12, 202340:51
Badasses need self-care too!

Badasses need self-care too!

We sat down and had a conversation about the need for self-care and how most women don't make time for it. We shared stories, tips, ideas, and resources. We laughed, nearly cried, and realized that all badasses need self-care.

Part of being a badass is recognizing when you need help, when you need support, or when you need other badass people in your corner!

Oct 30, 202333:48
Felicia Grady: Badass entrepreneur, author and award-winning chef

Felicia Grady: Badass entrepreneur, author and award-winning chef

Felicia Grady is an Executive Chef, Business Owner, and Restaurant Consultant. After graduating from The Chef Academy in 2012, she started her own catering company, Plate it Up! Catering. In 2022, she was awarded chef of the year by the American Culinary Federation. She has a TV show on the network Pure Essense called "Cooking Something Up! With Chef Felicia" and is a guest chef on Life Style Live on Channel 8 CBS.

In this episode, we talked about her passions, her volunteer work, challenges she's faced as a business owner, feeling vulnerable, and being badass!

We may also be cooking up something with Chef Felicia Grady - and we talk about that too.

Oct 14, 202331:37
Karissa Hulse: A badass mom, advocate for safe streets and more!

Karissa Hulse: A badass mom, advocate for safe streets and more!

After her son's friend was knocked off his bike by a driver on their way to school, Karissa became a fierce advocate for safe streets in Indy’s school zones, where kids are walking and riding bikes on streets that are not safely built or managed for pedestrians. Karissa is an advocate on things we take for granted, she has unbridled passion for Indianapolis and for the urban experience, and she’s loyal to those she shares a passion. She someone who reminds us we need to care!

We talked about her advocacy and volunteer work, losing her mom to cancer at the age of 9 and then her dad to early onset Alzheimer's Disease earlier this year. She also opened up about infertility and pregnancy loss. And while Karissa has experienced great loss, she chooses to be grateful for the wealth of love in her life and the family and friends she has -- and we talked about that too.

Sep 24, 202330:25
Cassie Stockamp keeps living her Badassery Life (travel, love and so many cool experiences)

Cassie Stockamp keeps living her Badassery Life (travel, love and so many cool experiences)

We caught up with Cassie Stockamp a few months ago and loved our conversation. We didn't know where in the world she was then (turns out she was in Florida) and we don't know where in the world she is now (we think Canada) and that's what makes this badass woman so badass. The more she learns to say yes and let go, the more magic shows up. Every conversation with Cassie is incredible! She's a gem. She's empowering. She's living more open-hearted with no regrets. She's badass! Guarantee you'll love this episode!

Sep 11, 202331:41
Julie West: Advocating for AEDs after her son died on the football field

Julie West: Advocating for AEDs after her son died on the football field

This badass woman is compassionate, courageous, and thoughtful.

Julie is dedicated to the prevention of sudden cardiac arrest in youth and is a fierce advocate and champion for raising money and awareness around the importance of AEDs. She founded the Play for Jake’s Foundation after her son collapsed and died on a football field in 2013. Her hope is to save lives and help prevent this tragedy from happening to other families. The Play For Jake Foundation partners with schools to provide heart screenings for its students, as well as to raise funds and awareness around the importance of AEDs.

"I will never overcome the loss of my son but I have learned what works best for me in dealing with my grief.  I live with this mantra,  “What would Jake want me to do"? - Julie West

Aug 14, 202332:03
Cristina Fontana: Living a badassery life as a transplant advocate, organ donor

Cristina Fontana: Living a badassery life as a transplant advocate, organ donor

Cristina was a kid when she tried to donate her kidney to her parents to save their lives (her dad was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma, her mom became ill several years later and was on dialysis for months). She was told no because of her young age. She remained committed to saving a life through organ donation, knowing that the opportunity would present itself…someday. That day came a few years ago when she was matched with a stranger.

This badass woman is proving that donating an organ doesn't limit anyone's abilities. Last year she trained and hiked the summit of Africa's highest peak - Mount Kilimanjaro - to bring attention to living kidney donation. She did it to prove that she could and to prove that people can resume not only normal lives, but extraordinary lives post organ donation.

Cristina Fontana is not only an advocate, she's a radiation therapist, oncology nurse, and a yogi, to boot.

Jun 25, 202331:49
Carol Howard: the Badass behind Rev, Zoobilation and more

Carol Howard: the Badass behind Rev, Zoobilation and more

Carol knows how to throw a badass party! And her parties raise millions for Indianapolis nonprofit organizations. In this episode, we talked about her career - including working at Motorola executing their sponsorships of Vans Warped Tour, X Games and their motorsports sponsorship of Michael Andretti. In 2018, she directed the Universal Studios UK Movie Premiere “Born Racer” held at Indianapolis State Museum. She directed the Premiere and coordinated the pre-event cocktail reception, red carpet, media, and photo opportunities with Universal Studios. One year later, she planned and managed a press conference and trailer premiere for the “Ford vs. Ferrari” movie, attended by Academy Award-winning actors Matt Damon and Christian Bale, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. She has an amazing career, but her favorite job is being a mother to three strong and resilient girls. She opened up about a difficult pregnancy with her twins - if she delivered full term, all three of them would've died due to a very dangerous infection in Carol's placenta. She credits IU Health to saving their lives and providing her the best care the weeks and months ahead of her delivery. For that, Rev has become her labor of love and her way of giving back to the hospital.

We talked about feeling vulnerable, finding joy, the things that really matter to her, and what has led to her success. Tune in to hear about Carol's friend Ashley Judd and the "crappy" ending for her first pair of designer sunglasses.

Learn more about Rev: https://revindy.org/

May 01, 202331:20
Jess Stone: a badass dog mom on an epic adventure (on her motorcycle) raising money for girls

Jess Stone: a badass dog mom on an epic adventure (on her motorcycle) raising money for girls

This badass woman has been traveling the world on a motorcycle with her husband and their 75-pound German Shepherd, Moxie. Unfortunately, since the time that we interviewed her, tragedy has struck. Her husband was in a terrible accident (he survived) and their beloved dog died following complications resulting from an ordinary knee surgery. As you can imagine, Jess is gutted and heartbroken.

After much consideration, we decided to move forward with posting this episode, as scheduled, because Jess Stone is an incredible woman and we want to celebrate her, while honoring Moxie!

Jess is an adventurer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, wife, dog mom, content creator, and so much more. Originally from Canada, Jess talks with us about growing up, meeting her now husband in Africa where they were both aid workers, learning to ride a motorcycle on the side streets of Liberia, and more. She's traveled across nearly 90 countries, including an eight-month long trip on her motorcycle from North to South America. Her latest adventure includes traveling the world and raising $100,000 for Girl Up - a girl-centered leadership development initiative. She talks with us about the GoRUFFLY Around the World adventure and moving to Guatemala and supporting a women’s microfinance nonprofit.

While our hearts our broken for the loss of Moxie, we're inspired by Jess and her beautiful spirit.

They are streaming live on Instagram on Wednesday, April 19 at 9pm Eastern / 6pm Pacific, where they will share more about Greg’s motorcycle accident with a chicken bus, the injury that proceeded Moxie’s surgery, and the unfortunate complications that resulted in her death.


Apr 17, 202333:46
Fletcher: Living their badassery life after transitioning to gender nonconforming (and what it took to get there)

Fletcher: Living their badassery life after transitioning to gender nonconforming (and what it took to get there)

Fletcher has fully transitioned from female to gender nonconforming and talks about that journey in this episode. Although they are still learning about who they are, therapy and the undying love of their chosen family has helped them find their purpose and grow into the person they are today. It wasn't easy. Fletcher grew up stifled in a very religious family and never felt safe at home to talk and explore their thoughts and feelings. It wasn't until the pandemic gave them time to explore who they were that Fletcher made some life-altering changes.

Today, with two Master's Degrees in hand, Fletcher has found purpose in helping young people choose their path - not the path chosen for them. Fletcher works as the Young Transgender Persons HIV Prevention Program Manager for the Damien Center (the largest Aids Serving Organization in the state of Indiana – a nonprofit that provides services to more than 25% of all individuals living with HIV in the state). They have also found great love with their girlfriend and is living their authentic badass life.

Fletcher took us through a rainbow of emotions in this episode. Find out how Fletcher found the support to grow, love and to be loved. Hear about their greatest challenges through this journey. And join us love on Fletcher who went from never feeling worthy to now being a servant leader and everyone's biggest cheerleader.

Mar 26, 202334:42
The Owners of Trail and Vine are Living their Badassery Lives (drinking and hiking)

The Owners of Trail and Vine are Living their Badassery Lives (drinking and hiking)

These two badass women are bound by wine, a sense of adventure, a strong community, and their interest in helping women get out and enjoy the outdoors! They're event planners who both love the outdoors and being active. They started a new company during COVID when they found a gap in the market for a service they new they could provide. Staying true to themselves and committed to growing Trail & Vine, they are drawn by the excitement of the unknown and the adventures ahead. 

Badasses Lisa Almert and Kirsten Peterson join us to talk about how and why they created Trail and Vine, their challenges and successes, and what the future holds for their new adventure company. They talk about the event side of their business and how they're building a community of like-minded individuals who enjoy a good hike and a great glass of wine. 

Watch for upcoming events and episodes with Trail & Vine at @trailandvine (IG) and @trailvine (FB)! Find out more information on their website: www.trailandvine.com


Mar 06, 202333:29
Stephanie Miller: Living a badassery life free from addiction
Feb 20, 202330:57
Allie Missler: Badass advocate and foster parent (she's fostered more than 80 children)

Allie Missler: Badass advocate and foster parent (she's fostered more than 80 children)

She's an established Patient Voice Advocate with 20 years+ biotechnology experience (a woman with a badass career) ... a wife, mom of two adult kids, foster mom to more than 80 children in emergency situations, and an advocate for important causes. Last year she testified before both the House and Senate opposing Senate Bill 2 (in her words: "a half-assed attempt to placate the public after stripping women of bodily autonomy"). The Senate bills aimed to address expected rise in unwanted pregnancies. Allie spends much of her time and energy advocating for children and their families who are in the state’s care. She has submitted proposals for conferences and was selected to present at the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) Congress in Muscat, Oman. She told us she will never let what she cannot do stop her from doing what she can.

When she started volunteering her home for emergency short-term foster care in 2017, she and her husband had hoped to just provide temporary shelter for children in central Indiana who needed help. She has answered calls to host a child at 3 AM “because their only other alternative is to sleep on the DCS office floor.” She has loved and cared for a malnourished 1-year-old who only weighed 11 pounds, a spunky preteen (and her doll, Malachi), 3 infants who were surrendered at “safe haven” locations, where no questions are asked, a young boy with cancer, and so many more. In total, Allie and her husband have housed 79 kids for anywhere from one night to several months.

She talks about her advocacy work, being a foster parent, feeling vulnerable, and so much more in this episode.  She also encourages listeners to get involved (a message we thought was important to share here):  "We must create space for people to contribute in unique ways that connect to their strengths. I often say that not every home is set up to host a child, but EVERYONE can do something. Send a foster family a meal, pass along outgrown winter coats and boots. $21/day does not begin to cover the cost of raising a child. I fancy myself an “aggregator of goodwill.” I seek to match needs and resources. We all have connections, and all can contribute to the solution." 

Feb 05, 202330:55
Emily Crews: a Badass anchor who left TV to sail the world
Jan 15, 202333:05
Jennifer Parker: A badass advocate for people with disabilities who has suffered heartbreak and devastation
Dec 05, 202229:42
Regina Mehallick: a culinary badass and former owner of R Bistro and R2GO

Regina Mehallick: a culinary badass and former owner of R Bistro and R2GO

Regina is a badass culinary trailblazer. She’s a five-time James Beard Foundation Award Semifinalist and a true pioneer in the farm-to-table movement in the Midwest. She's a world-cuisine connoisseur and a culinary gem in Indianapolis. She's the former owner of R Bistro and R2GO. Indianapolis was heartbroken when she shut down her restaurants, but she's still living in the city and we caught up with her. In this episode, Regina talks with us about her career, the travels that influenced her culinary style and tastes, her challenges and successes, what brings her happiness, and so much more. She also shared advice for young chefs. 

Regina said she's living her badassery life because she's teaching and sharing her knowledge of Culinary Arts with young students at the beginning of their life in food. Not only was it a thrill to talk with her, but afterwards she shared her cherished Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe with us (probably because Kelly couldn't stop talking about it during the interview). 

Nov 21, 202229:42
Sarah Boutwell: a badass photographer, art advocate, nonprofit executive, and survivor of childhood trauma
Oct 24, 202231:04
Polina Osherov: The badass co-founder of Pattern Magazine, an entrepreneur, mom, and more

Polina Osherov: The badass co-founder of Pattern Magazine, an entrepreneur, mom, and more

Polina Osherov is Co-Founder and Executive Director of PATTERN. She is also a commercial photographer. She credits her success to persistence, hard work, and knowing how to pick her battles. She describes herself as direct, driven, and solution-oriented. We describe her as a creative badass!

From the Soviet Union to Australia - a life that led her to Indianapolis. A dad who was a cinematographer and photographer - her introduction to photography. A career that included being a small business owner, an entrepreneur, a photographer, co-founder and executive director of Patter - a creative person with a passion for fashion. She talked about all of that and so much more.

Some say she's intimdating, but she wears a pair of cat ears that have become part of her brand (which she tells us about). And although she says her gift is tough love and she's faced many challenges, she's forged ahead and is kicking ass. 

We introduce you to this creative badass woman in this episdoe. 

Oct 17, 202231:26
Jennifer Cvar: A badass cyclist, competitor, and Momentum Indy Founder
Sep 26, 202229:12
Janet Allen: A badass artist, advocate, and co-CEO of the IRT
Sep 11, 202232:50
Mary Stumpp: a Badass advocate and recycler who is known as the "Can Lady"
Aug 29, 202231:35
Deb Gardner: A badass cyclist, marathoner, Pickleball player

Deb Gardner: A badass cyclist, marathoner, Pickleball player

In 2017, Deb completed a 50 by 60 challenge with her husband – where they ran a marathon in all 50 states before they turned 60 (they’ve actually completed over 60 marathons AND a 100 mile race). In 2018, they crossed off their bucket list a bike ride across the country (literally from coast to coast). And as if that isn’t enough, a month after they finished their coast-to-coast ride, they started planning a ride along the Continental Divide.

When she's not running or cycling, she's busy with her seven adult children, five grandsons and two granddaughters. She cooks a “healthyish” scratch meal for her extended family of 21 once a week. Deb is retired, which according to her means working on her bucket list: volunteering, spending time with her family, and lots of self-directed learning. In addition to learning to play Pickleball and solving Wordles, Deb is teaching herself Spanish and French so she can better communicate with the Spanish and French speaking neighbors in the food pantry where she volunteers weekly.

She talks about all this and more in this episode of Badassery Life.

Aug 15, 202227:07
Cara Berg Raunick: A badass advocate for women's and sexual health, abortion, and more

Cara Berg Raunick: A badass advocate for women's and sexual health, abortion, and more

In this episode we talked with Cara about her career, her fight for women and women's sexual health, and her persepctive on Roe v Wade and abortion. Listen to this episode and learn why she's passionate about vulva vaginal disease and about her purpose of bringing light to dark places. Cara talks about things people don't like to talk about and finds a way to normalize them. She's using her voice and her voice needs to be heard.

Cara Berg Raunick is a doctorally-prepared women’s health nurse practitioner and a lifelong advocate for women’s and sexual health. She’s involved with an organization called PATH4YOU, a diverse team of healthcare providers and individuals passionate about quality reproductive care for all AND she’s serving as concert co-producer of SPRING AWAKENING, benefiting All-Options Hoosier Abortion Fund taking place at the Cabaret in Indianapolis on August 13. (visit riverbendproduction.com/springawakening for tickets)  


Aug 01, 202226:26
Lindsey Rabinowitch: a badass, proud mom of a transgender daughter

Lindsey Rabinowitch: a badass, proud mom of a transgender daughter

Lindsey is a wife, mother of two, volunteer, co-founder of an annual memory run/walk in memory of her mom, and an active member of her church. She's also on a journey being a parent of a transgender daughter. She's learning how to support her child who is gender diverse, doesn't fit the norms and struggles with anxiety, ADHD and depression. Lindsey is supporting her child with beauty, grace and in such a badass way that inspires others. 

Lindsey told us she's "a mom trying to love, support my children and create equity, inclusion and belonging in the world (through my motherhood and work)". She's loyal, authentic, kind and devoted to her family and values, loyal. She has incredible grit.

In this epsiode, Lindsey talks about her challenges, feeling vulnerable and the support network helping her walk this beautiful and tough transgender journey.  

Apr 25, 202230:21
Suzi Dent: living her badassery life as a #metoo movement warrior for other women

Suzi Dent: living her badassery life as a #metoo movement warrior for other women

Suzi is considered to be one of the women at the beginning of the #metoo movement. She was a key witness on a harassment trial against a popular celebrity in her home country of Australia. In 2014, she found herself in a London Court room, getting her inner warrior on in support of all women who have been victimized, by sharing her story to the world as a bad character witness in the child sexual assault trial of an international British star. We talked about that and more.

Her past has been filled with challenges: self-esteem issues, she almost went bankrupt, had a dysfunctional family on both sides that involved drug and alcohol addiction and suicide. But today, Suzi is a multi-award winning film and television hair and makeup artist and an international award-winning motivational speaker. She’s also the author of the upcoming book series Bare Naked and Beautiful, a live audience talk show host and MC, an educator, a facilitator, a mother, an ex-wife, a Holistic Confidence Coach, a model, and Mrs Earth Australia 2017.

Apr 10, 202229:43
Shelly Snider: A badass advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and trans youth

Shelly Snider: A badass advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and trans youth

Shelly is a mother, wife, musician, lesbian, Christian, hippie, helper, leader, and listener. She’s also the new (and first female) Executive Director of Indy Pride – an Indianapolis-based nonprofit that produces events that educate, honor our history, and celebrate the diversity of the Indianapolis Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community.

In this episode we talked with Shelly about her challenges (personally and professionally), feeling vulnerable, what makes her happy, what's led to her success, and the incredible work she's doing for the LGBTQ+ community and her advocacy work on behalf of trans youth.

Shelly shared that she's living her badassery life bcause she has "the great opportunity to represent a whole community and provide opportunities for them to connect with each other." 

Mar 21, 202230:47
Susan Baughman: a badass woman leading Indy's biggest sporting events

Susan Baughman: a badass woman leading Indy's biggest sporting events

For the past two decades, Susan Baughman has played a major role in Indy's biggest sporting events. Most recently, she served as the president of the 2022 College Football Playoff Host Committee - a female sports executive leading that event for the first time in Indianapolis. She's a long-time leader in the Indianapolis sports movement who likes creating positive connections with people. She describes herself as positive, tenacious and friendly - we describe her as a true badass! 

In this episode she talks about growing up on a farm, her challenges in the business world, what really matters to her, and more. Find out how she was able to build a pool in the then "Conseco Fieldhouse" for the 2024 World Swimming Championships, how she likes to keep in touch with people for years to see them progress in life, and what the playbook looks like for her future. 

Mar 07, 202232:33
Britnee King is living her badassery life as a bold, beautiful boudoir influencer

Britnee King is living her badassery life as a bold, beautiful boudoir influencer

Britnee talks about one of the biggest challenges of her life (an unexpected divorce) and how she turned it into opportunities for personal growth, advocacy (body positivity, mental health awareness, self-care, self-love, embracing strength as a woman), and creativity. After her divorce, she signed up for a year-long influencer program with Bethany Quinn Stuidos – an Indy-based photographer who exclusively shoots black-and-white boudoir. 

After her first shoot, Britnee saw in the pictures a woman who was not defined by her brokenness. She was a woman picking up her broken pieces and putting herself back together however she saw fit, answering to no one. She was liberated.

In this episode, Britnee talks about feeling vulnerable, finding self-love and strength, and the incredible power of a boudoir photo shoot.

Feb 14, 202232:17
Jennifer Buchanan: Beautifully Curvy, Confident, Chaotic, and Badass
Jan 31, 202231:28
Lauren Bavis: an investigative reporter, co-host of Sick podcast, a badass
Jan 17, 202228:25
Jen Edds: a badass woman with her own company, podcast ... and a ukulele

Jen Edds: a badass woman with her own company, podcast ... and a ukulele

Jen is a full-time podcaster, podcasting editor, and consultant for local business owners. She also has a daily motivational podcast called The UkuDaily Dispatch where she delivers daily inspirational ditties AND she released her first album. Her mission is "to help the do-gooders of the world make a profound impact by putting them in the ears, heads, and hearts of new audiences with podcasts and other audio content." She describes herself as Curious, Loving, and Happy. We describe her as a badass and someone we should all know! 

In this episode we talked with Jen about her career, her music and her ukulele, her challenges and successes, and even things like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 

instagram.com/brassybroadjen

Jan 03, 202227:43
Andrea Homoya is living her badassery life as the Founder of Ash & Elm

Andrea Homoya is living her badassery life as the Founder of Ash & Elm

Cheers to this badass woman! Andrea Homoya is the Founder & CEO of Ash & Elm Cider Co. in Indianapolis. She opened the company with her husband, Aaron in 2016, and just 5 years later they have not 1, but 2 locations; ciders AND food, and they’re leading the way in building Indiana into a cider state.

She grew up all over the world, spending her youth in Tanzania, California, and Singapore before settling in Indianapolis. Her career path is just as interesting – from an internship coordinator at a local high school to a community health worker project coordinator to a research assistant and a wellness advocate before becoming the founder and CEO of Ash & Elm Cider Company.

In this episode, we talk about everything from her past to what she has planned for the future; her challenges and her successes; and why she's fine with just being ‘good enough’ instead of being obsessed with perfection.

Learn more about Andrea, Ash & Elm, and become an "In-cider" by visiting ashandelmcider.com

Join other badass women on our first Badassery Life field trip in 2022. We're heading to Ash & Elm. Sign up here: www.facebook.com/events/2726924167611893/?ref=newsfeed


Dec 20, 202127:10
Nicole Kearney is living her badassery life as the Black Vintner and Founder of Sip & Share Wines

Nicole Kearney is living her badassery life as the Black Vintner and Founder of Sip & Share Wines

Cheers! This badass woman took her hobby and love of wine and became the Vintner and Founder of Sip & Share Wines - a boutique winery that’s passionate about creating community with wine for underrepresented wine lovers! Nicole is a writer turned winemaker with a Master of Fine Arts in Dramatic Writing. When she’s not creating vegan wines, she’s writing for stage or web. We talked about her career, her biggest challenges of being a black woman winemaker (she's part of just 1% of Black winemakers and .01% of Black women winemakers), being vulnerable, and becoming successful. ALL WHILE TASTING HER FABULOUS WINES!!

Listen to the full episode to learn how she envisions the energy of each of her wines, her interest in creating more wine brand ambassadors and tips for first-time home winemakers - although after tasting her wines during the podcast, we say skip making it at home and buy from Nicole's selection at Sip & Share Wines. 

https://sipandsharewines.com/ 

Dec 06, 202132:31
Ashley F---ing Metro is living her badassery life as an artist and advocate

Ashley F---ing Metro is living her badassery life as an artist and advocate

Ashley Metro is a 21-year-old artist based in LA and Austin. She does body art and styling, murals, canvas work, and photography, and drawn comparisons to Keith Haring. Just a few days before her 20th birthday she was personally selected by Gabbie Carter to style and body paint the performer for the 2019 Pornhub Awards. You'll have to listen to the episode to know why she uses Ashley F---ing Metro. 

She has an unrelenting focus to achieve her dreams and take full advantage of any opportunity made available to her. Ashley talks about being a voice for positive change, her artistic influence, challenges she faces as a young artist, and more. Oh, did we mention that she created art for Dave Navarro?

While her artwork speaks for itself in regard to its ability to change lives, she is also actively pursuing several charity opportunities where she can help people in need directly.

Nov 15, 202134:46
Brittany Conrad is living her badassery life in the pool after losing her leg

Brittany Conrad is living her badassery life in the pool after losing her leg

Brittany hasn't let anything stop her from doing what she wants to do - including a lawnmower accident at the age of 4 that left her with a prosthetic leg. Today, at the age of 11, she has swam her way into multiple National competitions and has broken 5 National records. We talked with Brittany about the accident, how she faces daily challenges as an amputee, her success in the pool, and more. We also talked with her mom about the accident, how they survived some of their worst days and how Brittany is excelling in the pool and in life. 

Brittany has a goal to someday swim in the Paralympics - we look forward to that! This young badass girl is definitely someone to watch!

Nov 01, 202128:23
Dr. LaWanda Jobe is living her badassery life as an urban children’s book author
Oct 18, 202131:42
Aleanya Moore left the projects lives a badassery life as a mentor, speaker and Founder of Ladies Under Construction

Aleanya Moore left the projects lives a badassery life as a mentor, speaker and Founder of Ladies Under Construction

Aleanya grew up living in low-income housing, had a no-show father and a schizophrenic mother who was addicted to both drugs & alcohol. Growing up in the projects witnessing drugs, violence & poverty, left Aleanya feeling unsure of what life had to offer, along with not understanding or valuing her worth. A high school basketball coach recognized her potential and pushed her into a more positive direction in life. Aleanya decided she would be the first in her family to go to college and pursue a degree. Today, she’s the Founder/CEO of Ladies Under Construction – a mentor outreach program for girls in the Indianapolis area. 

She's incredibly inpsiring and gives the BEST advice. 

  • Dream big. Don’t give up. Remember why you got started. Be tenacious. 
  • Do it anyway. You’re already feeling the feeling, so continue on.
  • Get a tribe of people that will push you on the days you can’t even push yourself.

Her thoughts about her nonprofit About Ladies Under Construction ... I think about construction. I think about foundation. I think about something being built. You think of yourself as a woman. You think about these young girls. What is the foundation that needs to be laid and how many layers need to be put on top of each other to help build her to be that woman she needs to be.

Tune in. Subscribe. Share.

To learn about her nonprofit, Ladies Under Construction: https://www.ladiesunderconstruction.org/

Oct 04, 202130:19
Eilise Lane is living a badassery life as the CEO & Head Brewer of Scarlet Lane

Eilise Lane is living a badassery life as the CEO & Head Brewer of Scarlet Lane

Eilise is one of the few female brewmasters in Indiana, she's the CEO of Scarlet Lane Brewing Company, where 85% of her leadership team is female, and she's on a mission to inspire other women brewers. Those are just a few of the reasons she's a badass! She's from Coatsville, IN and a graduate of Butler University. She completed her brewing degree at the American Brewers Guild in Vermont and trained with Ninkasi Brewing and Fort George Brewing in Oregon. She opened Scarlet Lane in 2014 - one of Indiana’s first female owned and brewed production breweries. Although successful, she's had some haters and harsh criticism along the way. Eilise talks about her successes and challenges, embracing the strange and unusual side of the company, and what the future holds for Scarlet Lane. Grab a beer (one from Scarlet Lane, of course!) and tune in!

Sep 20, 202130:12
Pamela Bliss is living a badassery life creating outdoor and indoor murals
Sep 06, 202127:51
Living a Badassery Life: From Being Shot and Left for Dead to Serving Celebrities and Opening Her Own Restaurant

Living a Badassery Life: From Being Shot and Left for Dead to Serving Celebrities and Opening Her Own Restaurant

Jasmine West is the owner of Muva’s Kitchen – soul food, down home cooking. She opened her restaurant in 2020, amidst the pandemic. The date of her opening is significant and very personal. It falls on the anniversary of the day she was shot at 11 times and left for dead. Her friends were shot and killed. She was 21. When she recovered, she turned to sex, drugs, and partying to take away the pain. She ended up getting pregnant and that changed her life. Her parents were addicts and she wanted a better life for her child. That’s when she got clean and got into culinary school. Today, she owns her own restaurant. But before she ventured out on her own, she spent several years making meals and feeding celebrity athletes, including players from the Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Colts, many who remain her friends.

In this episode, she talks about growing up, the shooting that nearly claimed her life, how her life spiraled out of control during recovery, and how she turned her life around to become a successful chef and restaurateur. 

Aug 16, 202130:34
Living a Badassery Life: From Swimmer to Singer/Songwriter
Aug 02, 202131:24
Pat Carlini is living her badassery life reinventing herself after decades in the spotlight

Pat Carlini is living her badassery life reinventing herself after decades in the spotlight

This badass woman was the long-time anchor of Channel 13 Eyewitness News’s Sunrise and Noon programs, the side-kick on the Bob and Tom Show, an Indy-based, nationally-syndicated radio show, and a popular emcee for (more than we can count) community events. She dishes the dirt on her career, celebrities, and how she's reinventing herself after decades in the spotlight. Today, she's learning to adjust to being an empty-nester, finding her tribe, and building a career as a writer, speaker, voice and on-camera talent for a variety of groups/businesses. She gets real about challenges in her personal and professional life and what she's doing now to live a badassery life.

Jun 28, 202128:59
Lucy Riles is living her badassery life as the founder of Life of Mom

Lucy Riles is living her badassery life as the founder of Life of Mom

Lucy talks about life growing up, challenges and successes, love and loss, and so much more. During her first 5 years of motherhood, Lucy was raising a medically fragile child with special needs as well as suffered the loss of her mom to breast cancer and her stillborn son. Her story is one of hope after loss, love after heartbreak, and having an inner mother warrior strength during life’s most difficult times.

Lucy is a mother of four, wife, dog mom, youngest of 12 kids from the South Side of Chicago, content creator, storyteller, and founder of Life of Mom, a "virtual village" and safe space for moms worldwide. She's a two-time published author of MOM vs DAD: The Not-So-​Serious Guide to the Stuff We're All Fighting About co-written with her husband, Tom. As well as From Belly to Baby: A Journal for Pregnancy and Baby's First Year. As if that's not enough, she's also a Season 1 contestant alongside her Black Lab, Duchess on Amazon Prime Video’s new hit series, THE PACK! (think Amazing Race but with your dog)

Jun 14, 202133:39