Root to Rising

Balancing Lab Coats & Crowns: Olivia Pura Zbihley, PHD on Curiosity, Pageantry, and Redefining ‘Perfect’ A first-generation American and biochemist who became Miss Illinois shares how to push your bubble, fail on purpose, and build confidence one intentional step at a time. Episode Summary In this candid conversation, Christine sits down with Olivia Pura Zbihley—first-gen American, PhD in bioc...

Episode Summary Christine sits down with Jennifer Seyler to trace a winding path from AP Physics and pre-med to nutrition research, PR, and ultimately organizational leadership. They unpack confidence as a practice (not a feeling), why “work-life balance” is a myth, how to network when you hate small talk, and what today’s grads should do this week to get unstuck. Jennifer shares vivid stories—fro...

Christine Hummel sits down with Andressa—editor, mom of three, wife, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) clinician—to unpack self-reinvention, faith transitions, and the courage to take up space. They trace Andressa’s journey from a mission in Belgium/Netherlands to early marriage, career pivots, discovering TMS, leaving the LDS Church, and reclaiming creativity through writing and communi...

On this episode of Root to Rising, host Christine Hummel talks with Katherine (University of Kentucky) and MacKenna (Ole Miss) about making bold college choices, building real confidence, and sustaining long-distance relationships. They unpack the pressure of prestige and acceptance rates, why “fit over prestige” wins, how competitive dance shaped discipline, and practical strategies for communica...

Purpose Over Pressure — How A Clemson Senior Found Her Why 💫 Episode Summary In this week’s inspiring episode, host Christine Hummel sits down with Elle Thomas , a 20-year-old senior at Clemson University studying Biomedical Engineering. Elle’s story is a masterclass in courage, pivoting, and finding purpose — from graduating high school early to changing her entire career path after a powerful p...

🎙️ Episode Overview In this inspiring conversation, Christine sits down with Phyllis , a pharmacist, mother, grandmother, and lifelong learner who has redefined success through every season of life. From growing up during an era that told women “you can’t,” to leading in corporate healthcare and mentoring others, Phyllis’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and courage. They discus...

In this energizing conversation, host Christine Hummel and guest Melanie Hart (Director, Market Access & Health Economics in biotech) unpack the real work of confidence: seeking mentors, taking imperfect action, and navigating cultural expectations without losing yourself. They get candid about turning down “dream” jobs, mom-guilt, male-dominated rooms, and the myth of balance — replacing it w...

Root to Rising Podcast G raduating, Moving, Courage, and Thriving – Ellie & Alex’s Post-College Journey Hosted by: Christine Hummel 🎙️ Episode Overview What does it really feel like to graduate college, pack up your life, and start fresh in a brand-new city? In this episode, Christine sits down with two recent University of Alabama graduates — Alex (originally from California) and Ellie (from...

Root to Rising with Christine Hummel Ep. 3 — “Confidence Isn’t Magic: Ream Qato on Owning Your Voice, Career Pivots, and Motherhood” Episode snapshot Christine sits down with Ream Qato —Chicago-born Palestinian American, pharmacist (PharmD), Booth MBA, market-access leader, and mom of three—about building confidence the unglamorous way (reps, not magic), career pivots from chemistry to pharmacy to...

What do you do when someone tells you “you’re not ready” or “you can’t do it” ? For Kristina Sullivan , those words became fuel. In this episode, host Christine Hummel sits down with Kristina—her longtime friend, colleague, and mentor—to unpack the real, messy, and powerful truth about building a career as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Together, they cover: 🎯 Why you don’t need a perfect...

Episode Summary: In the very first episode of Root to Rising , Christine Hummel sits down with her daughter, Ellie Ternes, and Ellie’s best friend, Megan Hutson, for a raw and empowering conversation about confidence, choices, and finding your path after college. From “fake it till you make it” to the floating rock mentality , they share unfiltered insights on navigating uncertainty, breaking free...