The Brave Files

Monique Pettaway’s story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. As a newlywed, her husband was sentenced to life in prison for a murder he did not commit. Through years of appeals and prison visits, Monique found herself battling a deep depression. She was broken and detached from the world around her. Eventually, she began to piece herself back together. Tune into this powerful episode of The Brave...

After being misdiagnosed with leukemia at the age of 25, Lyn Delmastro-Thomson, learned the value in listening to her body above all else. Tune in to this episode of The Brave Files to hear Lyn’s story and learn about the ways in which you can use your body’s intuitive wisdom to heal yourself from the inside out.   Detailed Show Notes Here.

Sarah Bachelder experienced every parent’s worst nightmare. At just two-and-a-half years old, her son was diagnosed with a Cancer. Through the trauma, anxiety, and fear of her son’s diagnosis and treatment, Sarah learned to dig deep and embrace who she really was as a woman and mother. Tune in to this episode of The Brave Files to learn about Sarah’s journey to find herself through the eye-opening...

Diane Lang’s suffers from an unusual and debilitating illness. But she doesn’t let this illness keep her down. In this episode, Diane teaches us how to live with more empathy, kindness, and compassion no matter what you are experiencing in life. Tune in now!   Detailed show notes here.

Rhodes Perry is a fierce, out entrepreneur. His journey, however, was not always an easy one. After experiencing gender dysphoria at a young age, Rhodes eventually identified as transgender and stepped confidently into the world. Tune in to hear Rhodes’ story and learn about the importance of creating a culture of belonging and working towards equity for everyone.   Detailed Show Notes Here.

Elaine Rau believes in the impact of connection. After spending years in a toxic work environment, she took charge of her own life and built a business from the ground up. Elaine’s company, LadyBossBlogger, focuses on uplifting and encouraging women to build the life they deserve. Through sharing resources, inspiration, and a platform to be heard, Elaine is using her influence to change the face o...

Welcome to Season Four of The Brave Files Podcast! We are grateful to have you listening and sharing our extraordinary stories with your friends and loved ones. We have an exciting new season ahead. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss a moment! Learn more about the show here .  Order your copy of Gratitude Journal: Shift Your Focus here .  Order your Choose Bravely or Brave is > Fearless t-s...

Nicole Zenner is a joyful, hard-working small business owner and activist. She is committed to fighting for gun reform and systematic racism in our country. As a young adult, however, Nicole was a victim of a violent crime that threatened to seal up her loving heart. Tune in to this episode to hear Nicole’s story and learn how she decided to turn terror and hatred into love and community activism....

Amanda Yu Dieterich is a small business owner, local school council representative, mom, wife, volunteer, and immigrant. She is also running for the 35th Ward alderman in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. Amanda dedicates her life to serving her community and dreams of a future where all people are heard. She plans to use her position as Alderwoman to uplift all community members and truly make...

Chris Szabo’s journey is one of self-discovery and courage. She spent much of her adult life struggling with her sexual identity and searching for true validation outside of herself. Through quite a bit of self-reflection, Chris came to the realization that she should leave her marriage of 18 years and explore a relationship with her close female friend. Tune in as Chris tells her story of bravery...

Can you imagine walking into one of the deadliest blocks in Chicago and asking the neighbors if they were interested in taking back their streets? Well, this week’s guest Robbin Carrol , did just that. Robbin created I Grow Chicago , an organization which works to integrate the practices of restorative justice, artistic expression, and mindful movement to create a new model of social change. This...

There is an element of bravery in compassion and this week’s guest, Gregory Perrine’s, tells us how these elements changed his life and help him help others. After almost a decade in catering sales, Gregory took a leap and stepped into opportunity. Through all the twists and turns of following his passion in the technology field, Gregory’s journey teaches us to follow your heart, find your why, an...

After her own personal experience with an intense, high-risk pregnancy, Parijat Deshpande, began her work to help pregnant women understand they have a say in how their medical treatment goes. As a leading high-risk pregnancy wellness expert, Parijat uses her calming energy to guide women to manage their physical, emotional, and mental stress so they can have a healthy pregnancy and give their bab...

This week’s guest knows firsthand about the bravery of sharing joy and love. The reason why is truly magical; He is Santa Claus! Danny Jones is a true, kind-hearted spirit and it shines through when describes his love for filling such an important role. He willingly brings joy and happiness to the world through celebrating the magic of Christmas.   Detailed Show Notes Here.

Alua Arthur is a woman with incredible energy. As a death doula supporting people through end-of-life planning, Alua emphasizes the importance of a circle of support. Her fierce love of life stems from her respect, acceptance, and reverence towards death. Alua aims to change the way we view death and the dying process. Tune in to learn how death can teach us how to live more meaningful lives.   Ch...

Paula Creed-Smith’s childhood was anything but easy. Even though the extreme hardships of abuse, neglect, and bouncing home to home in the foster care system, she learned to overcome. Paula discovered, firsthand, a gap in the system and subsequently used this knowledge to advocate for children aging out of the foster care system. Tune in to hear how Paula pulled through and now lives a joyous life...

Tom Mitchell is a man of astounding commitment. After losing his teenage daughter, Shalya, to Hodgkin’s lymphoma, he has dedicated his life to supporting other children and families fighting the daily battle of pediatric cancer through his non-profit Stillbrave. Tom’s story teaches us what it truly means to be brave and that beauty can be found even in the worst of situations.   Detailed Show Note...

Being grateful is more than simply saying "thank you" and being polite. Expression of gratitude is the beginning of all good things - - Generosity, courteousness, and showing concern and appreciation for others. Deeply feeling and expressing gratitude is an effective way to positively influence behavior and attitude within ourselves and others. This special gratitude episode features many of our l...

Kisa Marx is a mother fighting against racism and harassment. After her son experienced extreme harassment at the hands of school administrators and police officers, Kisa realized something must be done. Tune in to this episode as Kisa teaches us how we can use our voices and privilege to make a difference and why vigilance matters especially when it comes to our kids.   Detailed Show Notes Here.

Dana Pharant’s business is one-of-a-kind. She pushes women out of their comfort zone, challenges their preconceived notions, and encourages them to fully embrace their inner . As a survivor of sexual abuse, Dana discovered the healing comfort in taking control. In this episode of The Brave Files, we learn there is real power in embracing all of yourself – no matter what others say.   Detailed Show...

After experiencing the devastating effects of Hurricane Michael, the people of the Florida Panhandle need our help. Along with Crowdsource Rescue, Anne Hinze travels door to door providing resources – food, water, shelter, gas – to those stranded due to the destruction. Anne implores us all to help in any way we can and to direct monetary donations to local relief organizations.   Detailed Show No...

Alyssa Hogan is a domestic abuse survivor. After standing trial for her husband’s murder, she was acquitted based on “Stand Your Ground.” Alyssa’s experienced a newfound awakening that transformed her life. Through personal healing and growth, Alyssa now empowers women to experience total transformation throughout their personal and professional lives.   Detailed Show Notes Here .

Jazzmin Jackson’s story is one of patience, wisdom, courage, and dedication. After her young son’s adverse reaction to a routine vaccination, she was called to take on the role of medical advocate for her child. The path eventually led to effective alternative medication that fit her child’s needs. Standing in the face of fear, Jazzmin’s story teaches us to never back down and to fight for what we...

Linda Smith is a champion for the success of all women. She is truly a voice for the voiceless. As one of the top five female litigators in the United States, Linda has used her experience to empower women to take their rightful place in the world of business leadership. Linda proudly owns the title “The Meanest Woman Alive” and her story teaches us that true grit is the key to success. Detailed S...

Donnie Boivin’s life has had its fair share of twists and turns. After 40 years of “living someone else’s life”, Donnie took a leap of faith and ventured into the unknown world of business ownership. Now, as the host of Donnie’s Success Champions Podcast, he inspires listeners and empowers guests through telling their stories and voicing their individual truths. In this episode of The Brave Files,...