Ladies Who Leap

Trusting Her Body After a Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis | Bonnie Strati

In this powerful episode of the Ladies Who Leap Podcast, host Lisa Andria sits down with Bonnie Strati, holistic coach, wellness practitioner, and author of Finding the Calm in the Chaos of Cancer.
Bonnie shares her deeply personal journey navigating stage 4 esophageal cancer, while continuing to inspire others through her work in holistic health, emotional resilience, and mindset transformation. 
Rather than viewing cancer as something happening to her, Bonnie reframes the experience as something happening for her — an opportunity to slow down, realign with life’s purpose, and discover deeper peace.
Together, Lisa and Bonnie explore the mind-body connection, emotional healing, and the role of energy, mindset, and community support during serious illness. Bonnie also shares how she transformed her own cancer journey into a source of wisdom through writing and coaching.
This conversation is filled with inspiration for anyone facing adversity, navigating a health challenge, supporting a loved one through illness, or seeking a more mindful and resilient approach to life.
In this episode you’ll learn:
• How Bonnie reframed her cancer diagnosis into a journey of healing and growth• The power of energy, prayer, and community support during difficult times• Why mindset and language matter in healing• The importance of exercise, nutrition, and emotional processing during illness• How setting boundaries and asking for help can strengthen resilience• The inspiration behind Bonnie’s books on healing and adversity
Bonnie also shares the powerful insight:
"You don’t need discipline when you have alignment."
This episode is a reminder that even in life’s most difficult moments, there can still be calm, meaning, and transformation.
About Bonnie Strati
Bonnie Strati is a holistic coach, wellness practitioner, author, and cancer exercise specialist who helps people reconnect with their bodies and cultivate resilience through life’s most challenging experiences.
Her books include:
Built Stronger: The Art of Becoming Whole AgainCalm in Chaos: Finding Peace and Happiness with the Uncertainty of Cancer
Through her writing and coaching, Bonnie empowers others to find healing, emotional clarity, and inner strength during uncertainty.
Connect with Bonnie StratiWebsite:https://www.bonniestrati.comInstagram:@bonniestrati
Connect with Lisa Andria & Ladies Who LeapWebsite:https://www.ladieswholeap.comPodcast:https://ladieswholeap.podbean.com/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@ladieswholeap
Lisa Andria is an Emotional Transformation Coach who helps women release limiting beliefs, reconnect with their authentic selves, and leap into lives filled with purpose, confidence, and fulfillment.
Subscribe and join the movement of women choosing courage, growth, and transformation.

Your Style Is Your Identity: How Clothing Builds Confidence & Opportunity | Holly Chayes

What if the clothes in your closet could unlock confidence, opportunity, and self-expression?
In this inspiring episode of the Ladies Who Leap Podcast, host Lisa Andria speaks with personal stylist, author, and marketing consultant Holly Chayes about the powerful connection between style, identity, and confidence.
Holly specializes in helping people develop their everyday genuine style — the practical, day-to-day wardrobe decisions that influence how you show up in the world. From choosing what to wear for important meetings to feeling confident in your own body, Holly explains how personal style is about much more than fashion.
Before becoming a stylist and marketing strategist, Holly worked in theatrical costume design, where she learned that creating “magic” requires both creativity and structure. Today, she brings that same philosophy to helping clients build wardrobes that support their lives and businesses.
Lisa and Holly discuss how clothing can transform your mindset, shift limiting beliefs, and empower you to say YES to opportunities — whether that’s a spontaneous weekend trip, a speaking engagement, or stepping into a new phase of life.
Holly also shares insights into her work helping creative entrepreneurs build sustainable marketing systems, allowing artists and creatives to grow their businesses without burnout.
If you’ve ever struggled with what to wear, body confidence, or building a wardrobe that truly reflects who you are, this conversation will give you practical insights and inspiration.
In this episode you'll discover:
• How clothing influences confidence and self-perception• The connection between style and personal identity• Why everyday wardrobe decisions matter more than big fashion moments• How personal style can remove limiting beliefs about your body• The surprising lessons Holly learned from costume design• How creatives can simplify their marketing and avoid burnout• Why building supportive systems is key to long-term success
Holly is the author of several style guides including:
• Holly’s Tiny Book of Style• Holly’s Guide to Dressing Your Body Shape with Care and Confidence• Holly’s Guide to Building Your Next Capsule Wardrobe
The Shawl Geometry Series
She also created the Self-Made Wardrobe Project, where she wore only clothes she made herself for an entire year.
Connect with Holly Chayes
Style & Personal Stylinghttps://whowearswho.com
Business Consulting & Resourceshttps://hollychayes.com
Connect with Lisa Andria
Transformation Coach & Host of the Ladies Who Leap Podcast
🌐 https://www.ladieswholeap.com📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ladieswholeap

Former WA State Senator Mona Das: Women of Color in Leadership, Politics & Big Impact

What does it take to dream big, raise your voice, and step into women’s leadership—even when you’ve never seen someone like you represented in power?
In this inspiring episode of the Ladies Who Leap Podcast, host Lisa Andria sits down with Mona Das—Speaker, Filmmaker, Entrepreneur, Changemaker, and former Washington State Senator (2018–2023)—for a conversation about representation, courage, fundraising, women in politics, and creating lasting impact.
Mona shares the unforgettable moment that sparked her political leap (yes… it started in the shower), the powerful truth behind why representation matters, and how her background in sales and business development became a superpower for campaign fundraising.
She also talks about her award-winning film “Badass Women Doing Kick Ass Sh*t”—highlighting eight women of color running for office and what the film reveals about women challenging the patriarchy in every arena, not just politics.
You’ll also hear Mona’s bold new mission: raising $1 BILLION to fund women entrepreneurs creating real-world impact—and building the kind of supportive community women need to grow, lead, and thrive.
In this episode, we cover:
 🌟 Women in leadership + why visibility changes everything
 🫵 How to run for office (and where women can learn to do it)
💵  The truth about fundraising and why it matters in politics
🛍️  Mona’s legislative wins (including fighting single-use plastics)
❤️ Why “good politicians” exist—and why we need more
 
The power of community, coaching, and accountability
Mona’s mantras: Dream Big. Believe in Yourself. Keep Going.
How Mona lives as a digital nomad while building global impact
 
🎬 Watch Mona’s film + learn more: monadas.org
💡 Grant info: monadas.org/grant
 
If this episode moved you…
✅ Like, subscribe, and share
✅ Comment your biggest dream (your “BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal”) and one step you’ll take this week
✅ Tag a woman who needs this message
 
Connect with Mona Das:
Website + Film + Grant: monadas.org
 
Connect with Lisa Andria (Host, Ladies Who Leap):
Email: lisa@ladieswholeap.com
Website: ladieswholeap.com

From Refugee to Chief Equity Officer: Thymai Dong-Sheehan on Identity, Faith & Courageous Leaps

In this powerful episode of the Ladies Who Leap Podcast, host Lisa Andria sits down with author, educator, and consultant Thymai Dong-Sheehan to explore a life shaped by courage, faith, identity, and transformation.
Thymai’s memoir, The Beauties of My So-Called Asian Life, tells the story of fleeing Saigon as a Vietnamese refugee in 1975, growing up as an Asian American navigating belonging, rising to become a Chief Equity Officer in public education, and ultimately stepping away from her executive role to prioritize family and faith.  And then leaping back into her consulting business.
In this deeply honest conversation, we explore:
✨ What it means to live “in the hyphen” as a Vietnamese-American✨ Overcoming discrimination and reclaiming identity✨ Faith, spirituality, and leadership in public education✨ Navigating DEI work in today’s climate✨ Caregiving, resilience, and redefining purpose✨ The healing power of vulnerability and memoir writing✨ Why forgiving yourself is often the hardest leap of all
Thymai shares how leaving a prestigious leadership role became her greatest leap of faith — choosing family over title, purpose over prestige, and inner transformation over external validation.
We also discuss her consulting company, Innervate 2 Educate, and why real transformation in education begins from the inside out.
If you care about:
Immigrant stories
Asian American identity
Diversity, equity & inclusion
Faith and spirituality
Personal growth and resilience
Caregiving and family transitions
Writing a memoir
Leadership with heart
This episode is for you.
👉 Be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to support courageous stories that inspire women to leap.
 
Connect with Thymai Dong-Sheehan📘 Book: The Beauties of My So-Called Asian Life🌐 Innervate to Educate Consulting: innervate2educate.com
Connect with Lisa Andria (Host | Ladies Who Leap)🌐 Website & offerings: ladieswholeap.com📩 Email: lisa@ladieswholeap.com🎧 Listen to the podcast: ladieswholeap.podbean.com▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@ladieswholeap

Coming Out at 61: RV Life, Trans Visibility & the Power of Allyship | Michaela Avis

In this deeply moving episode of the Ladies Who Leap Podcast, host Lisa Andria sits down with Michaela Avis, founder of CISTER (CIS-TER) (CISTER.COMMUNITY-Web site)— a nonprofit dedicated to empowering cisgender allies to visibly support the transgender community through branded merchandise.
Michaela shares her extraordinary journey of coming out as transgender at age 61, navigating decades of masking, raising four children, working in corporate tech sales, and ultimately stepping into her authentic self.
Today, she lives life on the road in her RV, traveling across the United States to connect with LGBTQ+ leaders, allies, and communities — building bridges through visibility, compassion, and courage.
Together, Lisa and Michaela explore:
What it’s like to transition later in life
The emotional cost of hiding your true self
RV life as a path to freedom and self-discovery
Why visible allyship matters now more than ever
How CISTER creates a “circle of protection” for trans individuals
The powerful link between giftedness, creativity, and LGBTQ+ identity
A surprising grocery store moment that restored faith in humanity
Self-acceptance, belonging, and living your “third act” with purpose
This episode is a masterclass in self-love, identity, courage, and community, and a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand how we can show up — loudly and lovingly — as allies.
✨ “True belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world.” — Brené Brown
🔗 Learn more & support Michaela's mission:👉 https://www.cister.community
Visit www.ladieswholeap.com to get in touch with Lisa Andria - Emotional Transformation Coach.
Click the Let's Connect button to set up a call.
 
💬 Join the conversation & share this episode

From Nurse to Joy: Moyra Gorski on Wellness, Menopause & Healing

What happens when life forces you to slow down… and you finally choose yourself?
In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the Ladies Who Leap Podcast, host Lisa Andria sits down with Moyra Gorski—retired RN, wellness expert, podcaster, entrepreneur, and breast cancer survivor—who has dedicated her life to helping women live healthier, more joyful, and more purposeful lives.
Moyra shares her deeply human journey, including:
How her early curiosity for science and helping others led her into nursing
The life-changing experience of supporting her son’s health through holistic wellness
Navigating her daughter’s long battle with an eating disorder—and the importance of boundaries and self-care
Her own breast cancer diagnosis and the emotional, spiritual, and lifestyle shifts that followed
Why the mind-body connection matters and how unprocessed emotions can affect physical health
The role of forgiveness, letting go, and slowing down in true healing
How ballroom dancing became an unexpected path to joy, trust, and feminine expression
The powerful truth that changed everything: “Nobody’s coming.”
Moyra also introduces her supportive menopause community, where women can learn natural tools, create sustainable habits, and feel less alone during midlife transitions.
This episode is a must-listen for women who are caregivers, leaders, helpers, and high-achievers—especially those who are ready to stop putting themselves last.
🎧 Listen now, and if this conversation resonates, share it with a woman who needs the reminder that she matters too.
Topics covered in this episode:
Women’s wellness & sustainable healthy habits
Emotional healing & the body-mind connection
Breast cancer healing mindset
Forgiveness, resentment & letting go
Boundaries, burnout & caregiver stress
Menopause & perimenopause support
Self-care rituals, morning routines & nervous system regulation
Joy practices, movement & ballroom dancing
Connect with Moyra Gorski
Website: moyragorski.com
Find Moyra on Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn (search: Moyra Gorski)
Ask about her Joyful M Circle – a supportive menopause community for women
Connect with Lisa Andria (Host)
Email: lisa@ladieswholeap.com
Website: LadiesWhoLeap.com
Podcast: Ladies Who Leap Podcast
👉 Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT with your biggest takeaway.If you have your own leap story, Lisa would love to hear it.

Build Aligned Offers Without Burnout: AI, Authenticity & Visibility with Lori Young

In this deeply inspiring episode of the Ladies Who Leap Podcast, host Lisa Andria sits down with Lori Young, creator of Offer Mojo Studio and the visionary behind the AI-powered Offer Mojo Squad.
With over 20 years of experience crafting and launching offers, Lori blends intuition, strategy, and soul to help heart-led coaches, healers, and transformational leaders build aligned offer ecosystems that scale — without burnout.
Lori opens up about her leap to her authentic self with coming out later in life and how that transformed her to a place of joy, clarity and happiness.
In this episode, Lori shares:
How her early career in branding and marketing shaped her genius in offer creation
Why most coaches struggle to sell — and what they should be selling instead
The truth about offers: you’re not selling coaching, you’re selling transformation
Her powerful personal leap — coming out later in life and fully embracing her authentic self
How AI can support (not replace) your humanity, voice, and creativity
The evolution from generalist to specialist — and why clarity is the new currency
How AI-powered tools can dramatically increase visibility, confidence, and scalability
Lori’s story is a masterclass in self-trust, courage, reinvention, and aligned business growth. Whether you’re a coach, healer, entrepreneur, or creative thought leader, this conversation will challenge you to step into your brilliance, clarify your message, and shine unapologetically.
✨ “Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” — Maya Angelou
🎧 Listen now and discover how to build offers that feel good, sell with ease, and truly reflect who you are.
🔗 Connect with Our Guest – Lori Young
🌐 Website: https://www.onamissionbrands.com🤖 Free AI Offer Confidence Toolkit: Available on Lori’s homepage🎙 Podcast: The Offer Mojo Show💼 LinkedIn: On a Mission Brands📸 Instagram: @offer_magician
🎧 Connect with the Host – Lisa Andria
🌐 Website: https://www.ladieswholeap.com🎙 Podcast: Ladies Who Leap Podcast📸 Instagram : @LadiesWhoLeap
 💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaandria/📩 Email: lisa@ladieswholeap.com
 

Food Freedom After 40: Healing Body Shame, Diet Culture & Self-Love with Angela Yender

What if food freedom, self-love, and lasting wellness had nothing to do with dieting?
In this deeply honest and inspiring episode of the Ladies Who Leap Podcast, Lisa Andria sits down with Angela Yender, a midlife wellness and weight-shift coach who transformed a 40-year battle with dieting, body shame, and bulimia into a revolutionary approach to health—one rooted in self-acceptance, identity shifts, and mindset healing.
Angela shares her powerful journey:
Putting herself on her first diet in third grade
Navigating decades of diet culture, emotional eating, and body control
Leaving a high-stress corporate career that was draining her health
Choosing self-care when it was unpopular
Breaking generational cycles for her daughters
Discovering deep healing through the teachings of Louise Hay and Wayne Dyer
Experiencing a profound mindset shift around self-love, healing, and health
Together, Lisa and Angela explore:✨ Why diets fail—but identity shifts work✨ How childhood beliefs shape lifelong body struggles✨ The connection between self-talk, health, and healing✨ What “crowding out” means (and why restriction backfires)✨ Why self-care is NOT selfish—especially in midlife✨ How to become the healthy version of yourself before the weight shifts
This conversation is for women who are tired of starting over, tired of shame, and ready to come home to themselves.
🎧 Listen now and discover how to shift your weight, your mindset, and your relationship with your body—without another restrictive diet.
🔗 Connect with Angela:Website: https://angelayender.comInstagram / Facebook / LinkedIn: @AngelaYenderTikTok: @AngelaYenderCoaching
🔗 Connect with Lisa Andria:
Website: https://ladieswholeap.com
TikTok: @LisaACoach
✨ If this episode resonated, please like, subscribe, share, and leave a review—it helps more women find their leap.

Mind-Body Mastery & Reinvention: Suzy Prudden on Healing, Hypnosis & Your Next Chapter - Part Two

Your body is not betraying you.It’s communicating with you.
In Part 2 of this deeply transformative conversation on the Ladies Who Leap Podcast, Lisa Andria and Suzy Prudden explore the profound mind-body connection, the role of hypnosis in personal growth, and how listening to your body can unlock clarity, healing, and reinvention.
Suzy shares her work with Louise Hay, the creation of Meta Fitness, and how understanding the body as a “message machine” can completely change how you approach health, stress, and success.
We also dive into Suzy’s current passion project—Itty Bitty Publishing—and how short, powerful books can help entrepreneurs, coaches, and speakers amplify their message and authority without overwhelm.
In Part 2, you’ll learn:
Why physical symptoms often reflect emotional patterns
How hypnosis supports healing, clarity, and confidence
The mind-body principles Suzy taught alongside Louise Hay
What “Meta Fitness” really means
How to reinvent yourself after burnout, hardship, or loss
Why “How you do anything is how you do everything” is a life-changing truth
How publishing a short book can grow your business and impact
This episode is an invitation to slow down, listen inward, and trust that your body—and your life—are always guiding you toward what’s next.
✨ If Part 1 sparked your courage…✨ Part 2 will deepen your transformation.
📌 Connect with Suzy / Learn about publishing: Website: IttyBittyPublishing.com 
Email: Suzy@IttyBittyPublishing.com  or SuzyPrudden@gmail.com
Tell her that you heard about her from this show.
Connect with host Lisa Andria, Emotional Transformation Coach at www.ladieswholeap.com

The Power of YES: Suzy Prudden on Reinvention, Courage & Creating Success at Any Age - Part One

What if the only thing standing between you and your next chapter…was your willingness to say YES?
In Part 1 of this powerful two-part conversation on the Ladies Who Leap Podcast, Lisa Andria sits down with legendary pioneer Suzy Prudden to explore reinvention, courage, mindset, and what it truly takes to create success—again and again—at any age.
Suzy shares her extraordinary life journey, from teaching fitness to toddlers, to hosting national TV shows, to building multiple businesses by trusting her instincts and taking bold leaps before she ever felt “ready.”
This episode is about identity shifts, trusting your inner knowing, and understanding that reinvention is not a one-time event—it’s a lifelong skill.
In Part 1, you’ll hear:
 🌟 How Suzy learned early that “obstacles don’t exist”
 🌟 The moment she realized saying YES could change everything
 🌟 Why waiting to feel “ready” keeps people stuck
 🌟 How she built success by trusting intuition over fear
 🌟 Reinvention as a mindset—not a midlife crisis
 🌟 Why age is never the problem (and never has been)
This episode will challenge the stories you tell yourself about timing, age, and possibility—and remind you that your next leap is always available.
🎧 Watch Part 2 next, where we dive into mind-body mastery, hypnosis, healing, and publishing your message.
📌 Connect with Suzy / Learn about publishing:Website: IttyBittyPublishing.com Email: Suzy@IttyBittyPublishing.com or SuzyPrudden@gmail.com
Connect with host Lisa Andria, Emotional Transformation Coach at www.ladieswholeap.com
If you’re ready to stop waiting, start trusting your ideas, and leap into the next chapter of your life, this episode is for you.