Courageously Speaking

Las Vegas was never built on playing it safe but on vision, risk, and the audacity to dream bigger than anyone thought possible. But what happens when the city that invented betting big starts thinking small? In this episode, I sit down with Minja Yan, TEDxLas Vegas alum , commercial real estate agent, former adjunct faculty at UNLV's Lee Business School, and community leader for a conversatio...

Wh at happens when music becomes a bridge in a divided world? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Tianxi Wen, founder of UNLV's World Music Chamber Ensemble, to explore how the East and the West can meet in harmony through sound . Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless truth—“ W here words fail, music speaks”—she shares why music remains one of the most powerful ways to unit...

Before Joana Nwamerue became the first Bulgarian female professional boxer with a 7-0 record, she was a woman obsessed with a question: What do we do with the fire inside us? In this episode of the Courageously Speaking Podcast, we didn’t play nice. We went deep into the "Sweet Science" of boxing to show how raw, dangerous aggression can be transformed into elite discipline and mental cl...

In a world that equates pursuing music to becoming a "starving artist," this episode of Courageously Speaking challenges that notion with multifaceted musician and entrepreneur, Patrick Worley. From his time as a backing musician in Nashville to building a thriving business in Las Vegas, Patrick proves two main things: 1) You can thrive as an artist if you do it right (luck is good but s...

In this episode of Courageously Speaking, host Maria Soriano sits down with beauty industry founders Savannah Harmon and Alexis Chapman to explore what it really takes to step to leave your comfort zone to step into the unknown. From leaving behind full client rosters to chasing purpose across state lines, these women prove that courage isn’t loud—it’s intentional. Drawing from faith, psychology,...

What does it take to transform self-doubt into self-belief? In this episode of Courageously Speaking, we sit down with Maria Cabande—Senior Manager of Raiderettes The Studio , global cheer ambassador, and cultural advocate—to explore how embracing your identity, learning through failure, and leaning into community can unlock a powerful sense of purpose. From once hiding her Filipino American roots...

In this episode of Courageously Speaking, we ask a bold question: Are you too ambitious? Maria Soriano and FinTech executive Willayna Banner dive into the realities of ambition — how it shapes our careers, identities, and personal lives . We explore the fine line between striving for success and the pressure to prove your worth , especially in high-pressure industries. Through our honest conversat...

In this episode, Leanne Duong-Ma opens up about her inspiring journey from corporate professional to founder of Direct Source Procurement. She shares how she built a successful business from the ground up, all while balancing the demands of family life.  Get her expert advice on managing time, staying grounded, and building a sustainable business, embodying the Mompreneur values we can all learn f...

Reina Manuel, owner of Afterlife Boba & Tea Room , shares the story of how she turned her tough childhood around, opening the most community-oriented boba-shop in Las Vegas! In this episode, Reina opens up about how she was stripped of her voice as a foster child in homes she never really considered home and how she was stuck in an abusive relationship that she thought was better than not havi...

Sharon Tanyag, an international singer/recording artist, vocal coach, and CEO of Born Famous Productions , shares the story of how she turned her bullies into fandom members back in her homeland, the Philippines. In this episode, Sharon opens up about how dejecting it is to be talented but poor that even awards she initially received would be taken away from her as she’s competing with well-connec...

Patranya Bhoolsuwan, a 3x Emmy Award Winning Journalist, shares the story of how she turned her humble beginnings as an international student from Thailand into a successful career in journalism, and why she left that to pursue new dreams as a solopreneur. In this episode, Patranya opens up about her public speaking anxiety and her personal antidote to fear, which she overcomes by shifting her foc...

In this gripping episode, we speak with a brave former journalist, Tina Petrilla , who, following the untimely death of a close friend who was killed in the line of duty, made the painful decision to give up her successful career .  Amidst her struggles, Tina reflects on navigating a failed marriage where she was dependent on her husband for everything, including putting gas into her car, to findi...

Join Courageously Speaking host, Maria Soriano , as she interviews Dr. Shellie Keller, Director of Academic Success at the College of Southern Nevada and counselor at Keller Counseling Services . In this riveting premier episode, Maria and Dr. Keller delve into a heartfelt discussion on overcoming life's toughest challenges and the importance of mental health . Dr. Keller shares her inspiring...