Come Hell or High Water: Stories of women overcoming

Episode Summary: In this episode of Come Hell or High Water: Stories of Women Overcoming, host Jinah Parker sits down with dancer, educator, and friend Allyson Ross. Starting dance later than most, Allyson stepped into a field that often tells women it's "too late" — and yet, she chose to throw herself in, to learn, and to reimagine her dream again and again. Together, they talk about: Breaking th...

In this episode, host Jinah Parker sits down with Candace Thompson-Zachary — a multifaceted leader, arts administrator, cultural advocate, and lifelong dancer — for a powerful conversation about career evolution, burnout, and the wisdom that comes from knowing when to seek support. Candace shares her journey navigating multiple roles in leadership and creativity, and how moments of burnout became...

In this special Mother's Day edition of Come Hell or High Water, host Jinah Parker shares a deeply personal update—she's now a new mom!   With honesty and vulnerability, she invites listeners into this sacred chapter of her life—and why she almost skipped this month's episode.   While sharing parts of her own journey, she replays two of the most powerful motherhood-centered conversations from past...

This month on Come Hell or High Water: Stories of Women Overcoming, we meet Kadeesha Simpson—public speaking coach, educator, and founder of Simpson Speakers. Once ridiculed for her accent and afraid to speak in public, Kadeesha now empowers teens to find their voice—and in doing so, continues to find her own. In this episode: The power of storytelling and sharing struggles What Toastmasters taugh...

What's your money mindset? What's working for you financially—and what's not? This month, we're joined by Jeanette Lowry, a powerhouse entrepreneur who went from an accidental business owner to a mentor helping women break free from the 9-to-5 job cycle. Jeanette shares how she built financial independence, the biggest misconceptions about residual income, and why the key to success isn't about se...

What does it mean to transform—not just ourselves, but the spaces we move through? Leslie Alston has spent her life answering that question.   From navigating racism in higher education to redefining dance education over a 26-year career, Leslie discovered that teaching wasn't just about movement—it was about working with souls. Her journey led to the creation of The Angels of Transformation, a da...

Happy New Year, everyone! I missed you all in December, but I'm back with the first episode of the new year, and it's a multilayered rollercoaster of a conversation you won't want to miss!   In this episode, I sit down with Mambo Sandy, a Vodou Priestess, psychic medium, and healer who has overcome more than most could imagine. Raised by her great-grandmother, a natural witch, Sandy's journey is o...

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my close friend, Erin Pompa, to discuss her incredible journey of resilience, faith, and transformation. From overcoming unexpected health challenges to discovering her passion for motivational speaking, Erin shares how she turned life's hurdles into stepping stones toward personal and professional growth. Together, we explore: The power of speaking dream...

In this episode of Come Hell or High Water: Stories of Women Overcoming, I sit down with Meagan Robles, a corporate mom, strategist, and engineer, to discuss the realities of balancing a demanding career with motherhood. Meagan shares her journey of re-entering the workforce after having children, highlighting the challenges, the importance of flexible work arrangements, and the need for systemic...

In this episode, I sit down with Varuni Sinha, author of Golden Handcuffs: An Immigrant's Pursuit of Happiness. Varuni opens up about the challenges South Asian immigrant women face, revealing how U.S. immigration laws can strip away their agency, affecting both their careers and personal well-being. Through her story, we explore critical topics like women's rights, the impact of current policies,...

This is Part 2 of a special double feature episode with Heather Russell, CEO and Founder of Onward Endeavors. Heather shares her journey from a seemingly perfect life to making bold, transformative decisions. She opens up about confronting personal struggles, navigating significant life changes, and the impact of following one's passions even when others doubt you. Heather also discusses her exper...

Join us for Part 1 of a special double feature episode with Heather Russell, CEO and Founder of Onward Endeavors. Heather shares her journey from a seemingly perfect life to making bold, transformative decisions. She opens up about confronting personal struggles, navigating significant life changes, and the impact of following one's passions even when others doubt you. Heather also discusses her e...

Welcome back to Come Hell or High Water: Stories of Women Overcoming. In this second episode of the month, we continue exploring empowering resources for everyday life.   This week, I sit down with Elyse Blythe, a Registered Nurse who transitioned from conventional medicine to integrative care and holistic practices. Elyse shares her inspiring journey, not from a place of negativity, but from a hi...

In this episode, host Jinah Parker sits down with Stacie Cannon, a dancer, choreographer, and creative force, who shares her inspiring story of navigating life with, through, and out of fibroids. Stacie opens up about the immense challenges, discomfort, and variations in medical care she faced while dealing with these non-cancerous growths. Her journey highlights the physical and emotional toll of...

In this second episode of the month, we're diving deep into building our toolbox with accessible resources for navigating everyday life. I speak with Kathy Lucas, we delve into the profound intersection of movement, grief, and community building. Join us as we explore how Kathy Lucas, a specialized movement coach, uses her journey with grief to reshape lives through movement and healing. Show High...

In this episode of "Come Hell or High Water," host Jinah Parker interviews the remarkable Darlene Ceglia, known for her roles as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and businesswoman. Despite facing life-altering challenges, Darlene's story serves as a beacon of strength and inspiration. Darlene shares insights into the value of life's diverse paths and recounts a harrowing accident that led her to...

In the second episode of the month, where we gather tools to thrive through everyday life, I am joined by Christina Simmons. Christina is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in trauma and integrative mental health care. In this episode, we delve into the fusion of traditional healing practices with modern healthcare and explore the profound influence of early attachment figures on emoti...

In this Mother's Day edition of "Come Hell or High Water," I delve into the profound journey of motherhood with my guest, Heather Stewart, a Holistic Anxiety Coach and mother. Through heartfelt reflections and personal anecdotes, Heather shares her experience of navigating the complexities of motherhood, including the challenges of reconnecting with her body post-childbirth and finding peace amids...

Welcome to my monthly resource-gathering episode, which focuses on tools for everyday life. In this episode, I'm joined by Cat Bradley, a healing artist and poet who shares insights on authenticity and expression. Join us as we explore resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of storytelling. Main Topics: Authentic Expression: Cat shares the power of raw honesty in poetry, aiming for c...

Welcome to Come Hell or High Water: Stories of Women Overcoming, where we dive into empowering narratives of resilience and triumph. In today's episode, I'm honored to have a powerful conversation with Stacy McLean, also known as Yogisha, a beacon of knowledge, hope, and advocacy for autism awareness. Discover how her personal experience as a mother to Joshua, a thriving young man with autism, has...

Welcome to "Come Hell or High Water: Stories of Women Overcoming!" In this second episode of the month, we're diving deep into building our toolbox with accessible resources for navigating everyday life. Join me as we speak with the inspiring Laura Rubin, the visionary behind AllSwell. She's changing the narrative around journaling and empowering individuals through analog creativity.   With over...

Welcome back to Come Hell or High Water: Stories of Women Overcoming! After a thrilling nearly three-year hiatus, I'm back with a bang, diving straight into captivating narratives of resilience and empowerment.   In this much-anticipated return, I sit down with the remarkable Justine, whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. Brace yourself for an episode packed with riveting themes: from survi...

Raise your hand…. If you have ever felt like you are not good enough. If you have ever felt like you have failed. If you have ever felt like you had to prove yourself over and over again. My hand went up for ALL THREE! In this episode, guest Nya Bowman gives an incredibly honest account of her challenges with racism and self-esteem while guiding us through her unique pathway to healing and persona...

Have you ever felt like everything is crumbling around you? One day BAM, everything seems to hit you at the same time and life goes from "okay, things are cool" to "OMG, I can't handle this!"  Fellow Podcaster and Online Business Coach, Erin Pride and I are back together for a creative and uplifting discussion on what to do when your life and/or business is in chaos…The same rules apply. If you li...

Be honest, are you a people pleaser? Do you find yourself becoming overwhelmed, anxious, or maybe even depressed simply from saying "yes" or simply going over and beyond to please others? "Yes, I will take on that project (even though it's unaligned with my goals)." "Yes, I will do this, yes I will do that." Being a "YESER" can feel like an exhausting hamster wheel. In Episode 7 Online Business Co...