The Voice of Women Podcast Episodes: Women's Interesting and Inspiring Real Life Stories
Episode 178 - Lola Reid Allin
Lola Reid Allin is a trailblazing commercial pilot, author, and advocate for women in aviation. Her journey from a bullied wife to soaring the skies is a testament to resilience and self-empowerment. Breaking free from an abusive marriage, Lola pursued her passion for flying in the 1980s, a time when women made up only 4% of commercial pilots. Defying societal norms, she became a symbol of courage and determination in a male-dominated industry. Through her memoir, HIGHWAY to the SKY, and her work with organizations like the Northern Lights Aero Foundation and the Ninety-Nines, Lola inspires women to challenge barriers, embrace their potential, and navigate life’s turbulence with confidence. Her story is not just about flying but about rising above adversity and leading others to their own skies.
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Episode 177 - Cait Alexander
Today, we’re honoured to share the incredible story of Cait Alexander. Cait’s journey is one of resilience and transformation after surviving a life-threatening attack by her ex-partner in 2021. Despite the legal system’s failure to bring her attacker to justice, Cait channelled her pain into purpose, founding End Violence Everywhere (EVE) to advocate for survivors of intimate partner violence. Cait opens up about how her relationship spiralled into danger, the gaps in the system that left her vulnerable, and how she’s now leading initiatives to foster healing and change. From rebuilding her life to launching impactful programs, Cait’s story is a testament to the power of strength and advocacy. Join us as we explore her journey, her mission, and the steps we can all take to support survivors and create a safer world.
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Episode 176 - Dr. Fidaa Wishah
Dr. Fidaa Wishah’s journey from a refugee camp in Gaza to a pediatric radiologist at Stanford’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital is a testament to resilience and hope. A top medical student at Jordan University of Science and Technology, she now blends cutting-edge expertise with deep empathy, shaped by her experiences in war-torn Gaza. A proud wife, mother of two, and marathon runner, Dr. Wishah finds strength in every step—whether in life, work or on the track. Her story inspires others to persevere, dream boldly, and heal through the union of science and humanity.
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Episode 175 - Di Katz Shachar
Di Katz Shachar is a Master Fitness Trainer, entrepreneur, author, and speaker with nearly 20 years of experience transforming lives through holistic wellness. As the founder of Bodyholic and author of Rip It Up. For Good: Your Guide to the Best Shape of Your Life... Minus the Stress, she inspires individuals to achieve their fitness goals while finding balance and peace. Living in Israel, Di balances life as a CEO, mother, and wife amidst the challenges of a turbulent region, drawing strength from community and resilience. Her journey is a testament to overcoming adversity, spreading a message of wellness for the mind, body, and soul, and finding light even in dark times.
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Episode 174 - Karina Gould
Karina Gould is redefining leadership in Canada. As the first cabinet minister to give birth while in office, she broke barriers, setting a powerful example for women balancing careers and motherhood. Serving as the Member of Parliament for Burlington, Ontario, Karina has championed affordable childcare, gender equality, and inclusive communities, creating transformative opportunities for families across Canada. A mother, trailblazer, and advocate, Karina’s journey reflects resilience and a deep commitment to building a future where everyone has the chance to thrive.
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Episode 173 - Dr. Tamara Beckford
Dr. Tamara Beckford is a board-certified emergency medicine physician, author, speaker, and the CEO of UR Caring Docs, where she helps high-achieving women overcome burnout and reclaim joy and purpose. Having personally faced the challenges of burnout, Dr. Beckford combines her clinical expertise with a deep understanding of self-care, resilience, and mental health. She hosts The Dr. Tamara Beckford Show, a podcast spotlighting physician stories around wellness, and she actively mentors future doctors, speaks on burnout prevention, and engages in community health outreach. Driven by a passion for well-being, she empowers women to thrive without sacrificing their peace or well-being.
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Episode 172 - Dietrich Desmarais
Unlocking Emotional Wealth in 2025: A Conversation with Dietrich Desmarais
In today's extraordinary episode, we’re stepping into a realm that will revolutionize how you view your financial goals and emotional well-being. While money often takes center stage in New Year’s resolutions, how we talk about it with our partners can hold the key to more than just financial success—it can reshape our emotional wealth.
Join visionary leader Dietrich Desmarais, founder of Emotional Wealth Management Inc., as he dives deep into the intersection of emotional intelligence, neuroscience, and the money conversations that define our relationships. Known as a “neuro space engineer” and a “surgeon of the soul,” Dietrich will guide us through actionable strategies to rewire our emotional responses, build trust, and foster clarity in those tough financial discussions.
Based in Calgary, Alberta, Dietrich’s 40+ years of transformative coaching have empowered countless families and individuals to turn crisis into connection. This episode is not just about money—it’s about the emotional richness we cultivate in ourselves and our relationships.
Don't miss this empowering start to 2025. Discover how to align your financial goals with emotional clarity and learn to approach money talks with intention and understanding.
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Episode 171 - Masesi Masilela
Masesi Masilela is an immigrant, former stay-at-home mom, and passionate advocate for education and community empowerment. From fostering family literacy to instilling leadership as a civilian instructor for the air cadets, Masesi has dedicated her life to helping others grow. As a school administrator and minister, she combines spiritual guidance with a commitment to creating inclusive learning environments. Through her diverse experiences, Masesi empowers women to embrace their potential and leads with purpose, resilience, and heart.
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Episode 170 - Christie Skiftun
Christie Skiftun is a devoted mother of four who has overcome bullying, financial hardships, divorce, and the challenges of single parenting. After leaving her marital home with few possessions, she rebuilt her life from the ground up, navigating both personal and professional setbacks. Having moved from Canada to the U.S., Christie faced the challenge of starting over in a new country while raising her children. Now, as her kids transition to university, she embraces a new chapter of personal growth. Christie is a passionate advocate for wellness, empowerment, and self-love, using her journey of resilience to help others build their own strength and potential. She actively contributes to her communities in Calgary (Bragg Creek) and San Antonio, believing in the power of giving and personal transformation.
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Episode 169 - Claire Masikewich
Claire Masikewich is a devoted mother and Director of Marketing who faced an unimaginable challenge when her 5-year-old daughter was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in May. Taking a step back from her career while her daughter is in treatment, Claire has dedicated herself to advocating for childhood cancer research. Throughout her life, Claire has struggled with anxiety, but this experience has revealed a strength she didn’t know she had. Instead of being overwhelmed, she’s navigated this difficult journey with resilience and grace, proving that we are not defined by our fears but by how we rise above them. Claire is passionate about sharing her story to inspire other women, showing that even in the darkest moments, we can find the courage to persevere.
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