The Voice of Women Podcast Episodes: Women's Interesting and Inspiring Real Life Stories
Episode 197 - Morgana Lakatos-Hayward
Morgana Lakatos-Hayward is a bestselling author and founder of This Isn’t a Diet, helping high-achieving women in midlife master their hormones, metabolism, and energy. A former 2x world champion Latin dancer, Morgana’s own struggles with body scrutiny, disordered eating, and hormonal conditions inspired her mission to help women reclaim vitality. Through her signature Fat Burn Protocol™ and Hack Your Body Method™, she empowers women to turn midlife changes into their greatest advantage—proving that understanding your biology isn’t slowing down, it’s rising higher than ever.
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Episode 196 - Tracy DeTomasi
Tracy DeTomasi is the CEO of Callisto, a national nonprofit that uses technology to empower survivors of sexual violence. With over 25 years of experience in the gender-based violence field, she leads efforts that help survivors safely identify others harmed by the same person, reclaim control, and pursue accountability. Under her leadership, Callisto has supported millions of college students and continues to break down systemic barriers despite funding challenges and societal obstacles. Driven by resilience and hope, Tracy remains deeply committed to creating a safer world and transforming how institutions respond to survivors.
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Episode 195 - Katie Winchenbach
Katie Winchenbach is the reigning National United States Mrs. 2025, a Fortune 500 corporate attorney, fashion designer, and host of the Lead Fearlessly podcast. Her path from small-town Maine to negotiating multimillion-dollar contracts and standing on a national stage with a crown is anything but traditional. Guided by her “why not?” philosophy, Katie proves that courage and curiosity can open doors logic never would.
She has faced self-doubt, juggled multiple passions, and learned to set boundaries while protecting her well-being — lessons that shaped her resilience and leadership. As President of Women Standing Together, she leads initiatives that empower women across Maine, mentors young leaders, and was recognized with the Diamond Crowns Making an Impact Award for her dedication to service.
At her core, Katie is passionate about inspiring women to trust their intuition, embrace the pivots of life, and refuse to play small.
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Episode 194 - Justina Pembleton
Justina Lynn Pembleton is a Canadian author, former journalist, and survivor-advocate whose writing is defined by its raw honesty and emotional depth. A graduate of Sheridan College’s Journalism program, she spent years telling other people’s stories before turning to her own—a deeply personal journey shaped by her lived experience with sexual assault.
Her debut memoir, Shades of Shame: A Memoir of Survival, Healing, and Rising From the Darkness, explores the silence, shame, and resilience that so many survivors carry. Written like a novel but rooted in truth, the book gives voice to the unspoken realities of trauma while illuminating the strength it takes to heal and reclaim one’s voice.
Beyond the page, Justina is committed to breaking the silence around sexual assault and creating space for survivors to be seen, heard, and validated. When she isn’t writing or speaking, she finds grounding in the forests of Western Ontario, where she often hikes with her golden retriever, Piper.
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Episode 193 - Tanya Eklund
In this episode, Tanya Eklund shares her inspiring journey to becoming a published children’s book author with her debut story, I’m More Than Just a Warthog. Written from the heart, Tanya’s book explores the important themes of bullying, belonging, and the power of kindness. Through a heartfelt and relatable story, she encourages young readers to embrace who they are and to lead with compassion and courage—even in the face of adversity. I’m More Than Just a Warthog invites meaningful conversations between children, parents, and educators about empathy, inclusion, and standing up for what’s right. This project wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible partnership and guidance of Denise Summers, whose support helped bring Tanya’s vision to life in the most meaningful way. Tanya’s inspiring debut is available now on Amazon.
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Episode 192 - Ray Epstein
Ray Epstein is a survivor, student activist, and legislative advocate reshaping how institutions respond to sexual violence. After experiencing abuse at 13 and being silenced by her school, she turned her pain into purpose—founding Student Activists Against Sexual Assault (SAASA) at Temple University, now over 500 members strong. She co-authored Pennsylvania’s Every Voice Bill, written by student survivors for student survivors, and has secured nearly $400,000 to fund prevention initiatives, including a groundbreaking partnership with Uber Social Impact. Through testimony, keynote speeches, and national publications, Ray continues to ensure no survivor ever feels unheard, disbelieved, or alone.
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Episode 191 - Jewel Waara
Jewel Waara is a Calgary-based advocate and recent graduate in Addiction Studies, passionately using her voice to raise awareness about MRKH syndrome — a rare congenital condition she was diagnosed with at the age of 17. Born without a uterus, vaginal canal, and one kidney, Jewel has transformed her personal journey through grief, identity, and resilience into a mission of empowerment. Drawing from her lived experience and her work in community support, she is breaking the silence around invisible diagnoses, infertility, and mental health. Jewel's advocacy reminds others that they are not alone — and that their stories matter.
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Episode 190 - Jenn Harper
Jenn Harper is the founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty, an Indigenous-owned and sustainability-driven cosmetics brand that’s changing the face of beauty—literally. A proud Anishinaabe woman from Northwest Angle #33 First Nation, Jenn is known for weaving Indigenous wisdom, sustainability, and bold innovation into every aspect of her business. Since her groundbreaking appearance on CBC’s Dragon’s Den in 2019, she has become a powerful voice for Indigenous youth and representation in beauty. From launching the first Indigenous Innovation Lab to formulating clean products that honour both people and the planet, Jenn’s mission is clear: to inspire future generations by showing what’s possible when you lead with purpose and identity.
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Episode 189 - Violeta Rangel
Violeta Rangel is a resilient force of nature, a woman who’s turned adversity into purpose. From experiencing poverty and homelessness in Mexico as a child to rebuilding her life as a single mother across three countries, her journey is one of reinvention, courage, and unwavering determination. After leaving behind a life she built in Amsterdam, Violeta started over in Canada with her two-year-old and no safety net — just hope and grit. Today, she empowers women to rise above their circumstances, believe in their inner strength, and boldly rewrite their stories.
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Episode 188 - Vicki Tyler
Vicki Tyler is a fearless leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for bold living. Surviving two near-death experiences, she defied the odds—transforming from a backpacker to President of Flight Centre USA and later building a thriving real estate development company in LA. Drawing from corporate leadership, behavioral science, and her own resilience, she created the .045% Mindset, a powerful framework to help ambitious women break self-doubt and take fearless action. Passionate about impact, Vicki has led initiatives from building homes in Mexico to empowering women in surf communities. She believes life is short, connections matter, and bold goals are meant to be chased.
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