Athena's Listening Crew Podcast

In this episode of Athena’s Listening Crew, we sit down with Amy Jones, a Certified Functional Nutrition Practitioner, Certified ADHD Life Coach, and founder of Amy Jones Nutrition in Toronto, Canada, for an honest conversation about the winding road of entrepreneurship, neurodivergence, and building a business that still leaves room for real life.  Amy’s approach is unlike anything traditional nu...

In this episode of Athena’s Listening Crew, we sit down with Lisa C. Thompson, a licensed attorney, published author, educator, and entrepreneur, for a conversation about building a law practice on her own terms for over 30 years.  Lisa is the founder of Thompson Business Law Group in Tucson, Arizona, where she focuses on business law and consumer bankruptcy reorganizations. She is licensed in Ari...

Lina and Renee pour up their chasers and dive into a conversation that's equal parts celebratory and eye-opening. There's a real movement happening — women winemakers, bar owners, and distillers who are intentionally tearing down the gatekeeping and building spaces where everyone belongs. This week they spotlight Arizona women leading the charge in wine — from former teachers who traded cl...

Welcome back everyone to another episode of Athena’s Listening Crew where we hold space for women entrepreneurs, both personally and professionally.  Today, Renee and I will be sitting down with Eryn Branham, who is the founder of Transcend and a sound healer, Reiki practitioner, and embodiment guide focused on nervous system regulation, emotional integration, and deep rest. Drawing from her own t...

In this week’s episode, Lina & Renee sit down with their tasty chasers and discuss some goddesses in the podcast world. After doing some chit chat, we dive into the data behind women in podcasting, explore why audiences connect so strongly with female voices, and discuss how women are changing the landscape of media, leadership, and storytelling. Plus, we highlight some of the pioneers who pav...

On today’s episode of Athena’s Listening Crew, we have an amazing chat with another amazing woman entrepreneur.  So what do you get when you cross a former chubby kid and a former collegiate athlete with a lesbian, a fresh gen-y entrepreneur and an ass-kicking trainer? You get the Founder of The Queer Gym, Coach Lorena, of course! Since 2010, Lorena has shaped and evolved The Queer Gym --formerly...

In this episode of Athena’s Listening Crew, Lina and Renee chat with Nichoel Adams, founder and owner of Sagebrush / Saguaro. Nichoel discussed how her love of selling her crafts in outdoor markets in New York led to opening up an Urban Plant Shoppe and Gift Emporium Arizona. She talks about her journey of following her heart to San Diego and how she thrived in the outdoor market scene there, to f...

The ladies are back this week discussing Lucky 13 on Athena’s Listening Crew while celebrating not only the number 13, but life as well. This episode explores how superstition shapes the way we think, decide, and move through uncertainty—offering a sense of control that can calm anxiety and boost confidence, while also opening the door to irrational choices and ritualistic habits. From the Western...

Welcome back to Athena’s Listening Crew, where we highlight inspiring women entrepreneurs making an impact. In this episode, we feature Chef Alejandre “Chef Alex” Richards, the creator of The Tie Kitchen in Tucson, Arizona. A private chef, cookbook author, and founder of the Community Garden, Chef Alex brings people together through intimate dining experiences and pop-up events rooted in connectio...

In this episode of Athena’s Listening Crew, Lina and Renee break down why mantras aren’t soft affirmations—they’re sharp, truth-based operating principles that change how you think, act, and lead. Designed for women in business, these “badass mantras” cut through fear, imposter syndrome, and burnout, helping you move with clarity and authority when things get hard. You’ll learn how to create and u...

Today on Athena’s Listening Crew, we sat down with Lisa Swanson, founder of Body & Soul Coaching. A single mom turned successful entrepreneur, Lisa brings over 40 years of experience helping women navigate fitness and weight loss. After noticing a major gap in support for women over 50—especially post-menopause—Lisa shifted her focus to empowering this often-overlooked group. Through her three...

In this episode of Athena’s Listening Crew, Lina and Renee celebrate trailblazing women across history—beginning with the legendary Madame Clicquot Ponsardin, the visionary widow who transformed the champagne industry during the Napoleonic era. We then trace the powerful evolution of women entrepreneurs through history—from Madam C.J. Walker’s groundbreaking 1917 convention to today’s global confe...

On today’s episode, we interview Isabel Georgelos as the Deputy Director of the YWCA of Southern Arizona, where she leads programs advancing economic justice, health and well-being, and community advocacy for women. She joined the organization in 2021 as Director of the Women’s Business Center, one of the largest in the country, supporting over 1,500 entrepreneurs each year with training, counseli...

In this episode, Renee and Lina get real about burnout—how it shows up, why it happens, and what you can do to prevent it. They walk through the signs to watch for, simple ways to take care of yourself, and how to keep growing your business without sacrificing your well-being. We’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at athenaslisteningcrew@gmail.com if there are any topics you’d like us to exp...

On today’s episode, we welcome Rebecca Cutehands, a spiritual and intuitive guide who has devoted more than thirty years to walking a sacred path of learning, ceremony, and healing. Rebecca shares Indigenous teachings from many different cultures and traditions, carrying forward the wisdom generously entrusted to her by the many teachers and Elders she has sat with over the years. She hosts ceremo...

In this episode of Athena’s Listening Crew , Renee and Lina kick things off by spotlighting Lydia Estes Pinkham , a trailblazing entrepreneur whose bold approach to business and marketing helped shape the path for women in business today. From there, they dive into the practical side of entrepreneurship—breaking down what it actually takes to register your business. They share helpful resources, s...

On today’s episode, we interview Amanda Schneider who is living proof that our greatest challenges can become powerful catalysts for change. A domestic violence and cancer survivor, she transformed her healing journey into a mission of empowerment—helping others discover their strength, beauty and resilience. Today, Amanda is an internationally awarded esthetician and proud owner of Loving My Skin...

In this episode, Renee and Lina have an honest conversation about the resistance many women entrepreneurs face—both internal and external. They explore self-doubt, confidence gaps, fear of disappointing others, and the tendency to treat a business like a hobby, alongside real-world barriers such as limited funding, lack of support or networks, and the double burden of caregiving. Throughout the ep...

In Business 101: What’s in a Name , Lina and Renee explore the often-overlooked challenge of naming a business. They talk through the logistics, the emotional weight behind the decision, common pitfalls, and real-world naming mistakes—while sharing their own experiences along the way. We’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at athenaslisteningcrew@gmail.com if you have a story behind how you n...

Renee and Lina introduces themselves and discuss how ALC was created out of their desire to provide a supportive listening platform for women entrepreneurs and women who are in pursuit of becoming one, and the plans they have for ALC. We’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at athenaslisteningcrew@gmail.com if you have topics you’d like us to explore, or if you’re a woman business owner intere...