Be Bold, Be Brave, Be You!

In this week's random riff, Colleen talks about something we learned as kids that still works as grown-ups...the power of visualization. When combined with action, visualization can serve as the motivation to help us get what we want out of life. Even if that means becoming a rock star!

This week Colleen interviews Peggy Dolan, Founder and Chief Storyteller of the Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund. Over the past 40 years, the non-profit she started after the loss of her daughter has helped over 27,000 families caring for children with serious illness, injuries and disabilities. Peggy shares her personal experiences and perspective, showing us that even the most devastating setbacks can be turned into journeys of goodness and fulfillment. 

In this week's random riff, Colleen talks about the KISS principle, which she slightly modified and uses in several areas of her life to keep moving forward and not get hung up.  

This week Colleen interviews Chris Ulmer, creator of the blog and Facebook page Special Books by Special Kids. A young man with an impressive following, Chris travels the world interviewing children with various diagnoses and posts videos and speaks publicly about the gifts they have to offer and how we can learn to relate to them better. In the conversation, Chris tells Colleen how he started his mission, how he overcame his fear of public speaking and why he thinks he's been able to attract nearly a million followers. The key? Just start, and be true to yourself.

In her first "random riff" of 2017, Colleen talks about opportunities for new beginnings coming any time of the year and declares her "word of the year". What's your word?

In Colleen's first podcast of the new year she interviews Adina Silberstein, founder and CEO of pet care business Queenie's Pets. Adina talks about how she took the leap from her "corporate job" to being an entrepreneur, as well as challenges she's faced as a strong, successful, independent woman. She also shares her tips on how to stay on track and why it's important to give yourself credit for all the good things you do.

In this week's interview episode, Colleen speaks with Elyse Lupin, President of Elysium Marketing Group and founder of the WoMo Network for working moms. Elyse shares how she made the leap from her corporate career to entrepreneurship, how WoMo helps working moms help each other, and talks small business marketing. The common theme throughout? Figure out what you want and go after it!

In this week's random riff, Colleen discusses the power of laughter and reminds us that it's better to laugh than to cry. Tune in as she shares a few random stories that crack her up, if no one else (though even Brad had to laugh about the mattress - after he was done crying). 

In this week's random riff, Colleen talks about the power of gratitude. She shares some of her gratitude practices and many of the things for which she's thankful. Reflecting on the blessings in your life, and learning to look for them, really can improve your health and happiness.

In this week's interview episode, Colleen speaks with Dana Linn Greenhalgh, a wife and mom of three who lost her first husband to cancer. Dana talks about handling some of the challenges she's faced and how she keeps moving forward and evolving as her life continues to unfold in unpredictable ways. Listen in as her warm spirit is sure to inspire you. 

In this week's random riff, Colleen talks about knowing when to cut yourself some slack and when to dig deep and push beyond your limits. Sometimes you need to take it easy, but often you're capable of so much more than you think.

This week's interview episode features a chat between Colleen and Liz Small, mom of two and founder of Small Steps. Liz's big and fun personality shines through as she talks about topics ranging from finding spirituality to avoiding mom-guilt to living intentionally. Each of us needs to find our space to breath easy and be ourselves. 

In this week's interview, Colleen speaks with Jody Romano, Director of Advancement at Mount Saint Joseph Academy and President of her local Toastmasters club. Jody shares her journey of self-discovery, which includes lessons learned from her experience with being bullied as a child, her subsequent weight loss and lots of other challenges she's overcome. 

In this week's solo episode, Colleen talks about the "Principle of Detachment". Letting go of outcomes and instead learning to just trust and enjoy the journey can make all the difference.

This week's interview features three of the founders of S.W.I.F.T. (Strong Women in Fitness Together), a Philadelphia-based running group. Colleen talks to Kara, Amy and Dana about why they started the group, what running means to them and—most importantly—why women supporting women is central to their mission. Whether running is your thing or you're looking for the inspiration to find your own tribe, listen in as Colleen and these great ladies share their great perspective.

In this week's interview episode, Colleen chats with Caitlin Domanico, a woman of many talents and perspective beyond her years. Caitlin shares what she's learned through the highs of success, the lows of loss, and changing things up when it just doesn't feel right. With her wise soul and bubbly personality, Caitlin's story is sure to inspire anyone looking to take a step forward but just not sure where to begin.

In this week's solo episode, Colleen discusses life lessons learned during an early morning trip to the hospital with her daughter Molly, including the importance of taking that first step in making things happen.   

This week's episode features an interview with Ceil DiGuglielmo, Colleen's podcast accountability partner and owner of a custom sewing business called Sew Much More. Ceil shares great perspective as a wife, mom, business owner and so much more, having learned lessons through multiple life challenges. She talks with Colleen about overcoming her fears and creating a life of service on her terms.

In this week's quick random riff, Colleen discusses the power of patience and persistence in getting what you want, and talks about a recent breakthrough with her daughter Ellie. Sometimes just plugging away is the best way, and often the reward ends up being a nice surprise.

In this week's interview episode Colleen speaks with Alicia Marie, a remarkable woman with a wealth of perspective and knowledge. Alicia Marie shares wisdom gained from her extraordinary experiences and shares a ton of tips and lessons she uses as a personal and business coach for her company, People Biz Inc. Listen in, and be prepared to get inspired and kick it into another gear! Here is the video that Alicia's son, Winston, put together for her grandson's memorial.  It is truly incredible and powerful.  To learn more about Alicia and People Biz, Inc, click here Full show notes and images on this episode with Alicia Marie can be found here on Colleen's website, colleenmook.com .