Powerful Ladies® Podcast

Kara Duffy : Powerful Ladies
  • 4.9 (78)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Since 2019 Kara Duffy’s Powerful Ladies Podcast spotlights inspiring women forging their own paths, shattering expectations, and redefining what it truly means to be powerful. From bold entrepreneurs and creatives to trailblazers making an impact, these conversations celebrate ambition, resilience, and everyday women embracing unapologetic authenticity to live their version of A Ridiculous & Extraordinary Life™.  New episodes every Wednesday. Join the movement @powerfulladies.

  1. 2d ago

    The Vulnerability of Music, Freedom of Comedy & Doing It Your Own Way | Jordan Duffy | Singer, Songwriter, Audio Engineer, & Performer

    What does it really take to build a creative career independently? Singer-songwriter, performer, and audio engineer Jordan Duffy joins Kara Duffy for a candid conversation about creating music on her own terms, producing her 2025 album Nights Like These, and navigating the realities of the modern music industry. Together they explore collaboration, creative control, vulnerability in songwriting, the emotional difference between music and comedy performance, and how Jordan built a trusted creative network that continues to expand her opportunities across music, acting, improv, and beyond. The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. INSTA: @JordanKDuffy WEBSITE: JordanDuffyMusic.com EMAIL: TheJordanDuffy@gmail.com EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 — Introduction 03:16 — Moving to Los Angeles & Becoming a Performer 06:22 — The Reality of Independent Music Careers 07:20 — Why Jordan Chose the Independent Route 10:01 — Music Industry Contracts & Financial Realities 12:45 — Building an Organic Audience as an Independent Artist 13:02 — The Joy of Recording Studios & Producing Music 16:02 — The Financial Investment Behind Making an Album 20:38 — Balancing Creativity, Scheduling & Business Logistics 21:34 — Waiting Six Months to Release the Album 22:58 — Finding the Right PR Team 25:00 — Jordan’s Vocal Style & Musical Influences 26:18 — Jordan’s Songwriting Process 29:49 — Writing Emotional Songs That Sound Upbeat 31:13 — Creating Cinematic Music Videos 34:11 — Learning Front-End & Back-End Creative Skills 35:18 — Acting, Improv & Comedy Opportunities 36:30 — Why Comedy Feels More Natural Than Music 38:18 — Separating Performance Personas & Personal Identity 39:09 — Reflecting on Achieving Childhood Dreams 39:50 — Stage Presence, Music & Emotional Energy 41:08 — Confidence, Creativity & Growth 42:07 — Where to Find Jordan’s Music & Work 43:00 — Closing Remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    46 min

  2. May 20

    Accessibility, Ambition & the Business of Being Funny | Danielle Perez | Comedian, Actor & Writer

    What does it mean to create a life that’s both deeply authentic and unapologetically ambitious? Comedian, actor, and writer Danielle Perez joins Kara Duffy to talk about building a career in entertainment while navigating disability, representation, and the realities of modern creative life. Together they explore the power of visibility, the importance of accessibility, and why success in creative industries requires far more than talent alone. Danielle shares candid stories about stand-up comedy, acting alongside Larry David on Curb Your Enthusiasm, surviving the chaos of LA entertainment culture, and the spreadsheets, systems, and resilience that keep her moving forward. ---------------------------------------------------------------- The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. INSTA: @divadelux 00:00 — Introduction to Danielle Perez 02:00 — The Accident That Changed Danielle’s Life 03:15 — Discovering Stand-Up Comedy 04:15 — Friendship, Support Systems & Madison Shepherd 04:50 — Disability Representation, DEI & Accessibility 07:20 — Why Representation in Media Matters 08:35 — The Weird Things People Say to Disabled People 13:00 — Accessibility, the ADA & Public Spaces 19:50 — Acting, Writing & Creative Vulnerability 23:20 — Success, Ambition & The Entertainment Industry 29:10 — The Business of Comedy & Creative Careers 33:20 — Goal Setting, Lists & Creative Discipline 36:00 — The Myth of the “Tortured Artist” 41:50 — Hustle Culture, MLMs & the Manosphere 44:30 — Advocacy, Identity & Public Expectations 47:10 — Accessible Fashion & Plus-Size Challenges 52:15 — Acting on Curb Your Enthusiasm 55:15 — Upcoming Projects & Returning to Ballard 56:10 — What Power Means to Danielle Perez 57:10 — Supporting Artists & Live Comedy 58:35 — Where to Follow Danielle Perez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 2m

  3. May 13

    Grief, Rituals & Raising Emotionally Literate Humans | Korie Leigh, PhD | Thanatologist & Childhood Bereavement Expert

    Why are we so uncomfortable talking about death, and what is that avoidance costing us? In this episode, Kara Duffy sits down with grief educator and thanatologist Korie Leigh to unpack how Western culture became disconnected from death, ritual, and communal grieving. From childhood development and emotional regulation to collective trauma and meaning-making, this conversation offers practical tools for navigating grief at every age. Korie shares insights from her work with children and families, explains why euphemisms around death can create confusion for kids, and opens up about the personal loss that reshaped her understanding of grief, resilience, and community care. The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. INSTA: @drkorieleigh WEBSITE: korieleighphd.com TIK TOK: @drkorieleigh LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/korie-leigh-phd-ccls-ft-99a5073a/ 00:00 Introduction to Korie Leigh & Thanatology 02:20 What Thanatology Actually Means 03:30 Western Culture’s Fear of Death & Grief 05:10 The History of Rituals, Wakes & Collective Mourning 07:30 Why Millennials Are More Disconnected From Death 08:15 The Tasks of Grief & Accepting Loss 10:05 How Children Understand Death at Different Ages 13:10 Magical Thinking, Child Development & Emotional Language 16:00 Why Euphemisms Around Death Confuse Kids 17:40 Writing Books About Childhood Grief & Bereavement 21:00 Supporting Tweens & Teens Through Grief 22:20 Talking to Kids About Heaven, Souls & Death 24:10 Continuing Bonds Theory & Staying Connected After Loss 27:10 Parenting, Identity & Grief After Pregnancy Loss 31:00 A Full-Circle Moment With a Bereaved Mother 33:00 What Puffy Paints Taught Korie About Emotional Expression 35:00 Emotional Literacy, Parenting & Honest Communication 37:00 Inside Out, Core Memories & Emotional Development 39:00 The Grief-Tastic Book Fair & Humor in Grief Work 41:20 Music, Joy, Play & Staying Present 42:15 Rituals, Meaning-Making & Collective Healing 45:20 Becoming a Parent & Designing Intentional Family Rituals 48:00 Trying New Things, Playfulness & Identity Evolution 49:20 Community Care, Politics & Showing Up For Others 51:30 Collective Grief, Stability & Rebuilding Community 53:45 Where to Find Korie Leigh & Her Work Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    58 min

  4. May 6

    Family Law, Judicial Ethics & the Human Side of Justice | Ami Sagel | Orange County Superior Court Judge

    Family court impacts some of the most personal and emotional moments in people’s lives, but most of us know very little about how it actually works. In this episode, Orange County Superior Court Judge Ami Sagel pulls back the curtain on the realities of being a judge, the moral responsibility of making life-altering decisions, and the human stories behind divorce, custody, and domestic violence cases. Kara and Ami explore how judges balance fairness with discretion, the growing mental health crisis affecting families, and why compassion and accountability are essential inside the justice system. The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Website: JudgeAmiSagel.com Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Judge Ami Sagel & Family Law 02:00 The power and limitations of being a judge 04:00 Judicial ethics, morality & life outside the courtroom 07:00 Jury trials vs. bench trials explained 09:00 Family law, custody disputes & judicial discretion 11:30 Humanizing judges & the emotional weight of courtrooms 13:00 Cases involving children, abuse & emotional burnout 16:00 Ami’s journey from corporate law to federal prosecutor 18:00 Sex trafficking cases & witnessing society’s “underbelly” 20:00 Adoption law, parental rights & emotionally difficult work 22:00 Divorce as “the great equalizer” across socioeconomic lines 24:00 Mental health, financial stress & family court realities 27:00 How family law has evolved beyond traditional gender roles 30:00 Co-parenting, custody dynamics & children navigating divorce 33:00 Building community, civic engagement & trust in the law 35:00 The frustration of legal limitations & following precedent 38:00 Self-represented litigants & navigating the court system 41:00 Why civics education and legal literacy matter 43:00 Supporting families through conflict, compromise & healing 46:00 How judges are appointed and elected in California 48:00 Ami’s reelection campaign & challenges as a woman of color 51:00 Diversity on the bench & representation in the legal system 53:00 Final reflections on justice, empathy & public service Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    56 min

  5. Apr 29

    Designing for Peace, Nervous System Wellness & the Power of Home | Anita Yokota | Interior Designer & Author of “Grounded Living”

    What if your home could actively support your mental health, relationships, and nervous system? Therapist turned interior designer Anita Yokota joins Kara Duffy to explore how our spaces impact the way we feel, function, and connect with ourselves and others. Together they dive into clutter and cognitive load, designing for multiple personalities under one roof, nature-inspired interiors, and why “perfect homes” often disconnect us from authenticity. Anita also shares her personal journey from private practice therapist to interior designer, the emotional process of redefining power and identity, and how creating a grounded home can help us create a grounded life. The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. INSTA: @anitayokota WEBSITE: anitayokota.com 00:00 Introduction to Anita Yokota & Grounded Living 02:10 Can maximalist homes still feel calming? 05:00 Nature, clutter & nervous system regulation 07:00 Organizing intentional “zones” within the home 08:15 Designing for multiple personalities under one roof 11:20 Boundaries, empathy & family communication through design 14:00 How interior design reveals relationship dynamics 16:00 Mental health, ADHD & the post-COVID shift 19:00 Nature-inspired interiors & biophilic design 20:00 The four landscapes: ocean, mountain, meadow & desert 22:15 Creating grounded spaces on any budget 24:30 Flow, functionality & rethinking traditional spaces 27:00 Murphy beds, multipurpose rooms & creative living 30:00 Evolution, imperfection & changing with the seasons of life 32:30 Anita’s transition from therapist to interior designer 35:00 Entrepreneurship, creativity & serving people differently 38:00 Defining what it means to be a “powerful lady” 41:00 Transformation, loss & reclaiming personal power 43:00 Women choosing themselves & redefining success 45:00 Boundaries, motherhood & modeling self-worth for daughters 47:00 Designing homes around feeling, connection & conversation 48:00 Anita’s TEDx talk, book launch & final reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    51 min

  6. Apr 22

    Choosing Yourself, Telling the Truth & Redefining Marriage | Kerry Docherty | Co-Founder of Faherty & Author of Selfish

    What if being “selfish” is actually the key to living a more honest, aligned life? Kerry Docherty, co-founder of Faherty and author of Selfish: Unlearning, Reclaiming, and Telling the Truth, joins Kara Duffy to challenge everything we’ve been taught about putting others first. They explore the conditioning women face around giving, the courage it takes to tell the truth in relationships, and how redefining marriage as a choice - not a contract - can transform connection. Kerry shares the deeply personal journey behind her memoir, the realities of running a family business, and what it means to finally listen to yourself. The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. INSTA: @kerrydocherty  WEBSITE: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/775631/selfish-by-kerry-docherty/ 00:00 Introduction to Kerry Docherty & her book Selfish 01:00 Kerry’s background, early creativity & career path 03:30 Writing the book & what she’s most proud of 05:00 Why she chose the word “selfish” 06:30 Conditioning, people-pleasing & identifying your needs 08:00 Redefining selfishness & finding balance 09:30 Marriage evolution & choosing your partner 12:30 Hard conversations, conflict & truth-telling 14:30 Leadership & communication in business 15:30 Parenting, modeling conflict & raising kids 16:30 Indigenous partnerships & impact through Faherty 18:30 Conscious capitalism & brand values 21:00 Being seen vs. being liked :23:30 Community, retreats & connection 25:30 Building your circle & finding your people 27:00 Rule-breaking & personal freedom 28:30 Parenting in today’s cultural climate 31:00 Practices for joy, sanity & grounding 32:30 Power, womanhood & identity 33:00 Releasing the book & handling reactions 34:30 Selfishness, responsibility & healing others 36:00 Realities of entrepreneurship & family business 38:30 What Kerry needs & hopes for readers 40:00 Inspiration & everyday humanity 42:00 Letting go, presence & self-awareness 43:30 Reconnecting to the body & mindfulness 45:00 Closing thoughts & where to find Kerry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    49 min

  7. Apr 15

    Saying Yes Before You’re Ready, Building Creative Power & Changing Comedy | Lynn Harris | Journalist & Founder of Gold Comedy

    What if the only thing standing between you and your next big creative leap is simply saying yes? Producer, journalist, and founder of Gold Comedy Lynn Harris joins Kara Duffy to explore what it really takes to build something from nothing - even when you don’t feel “ready.” From co-creating the cult phenomenon Breakup Girl to launching a comedy platform for women and non-binary creators, Lynn shares how following curiosity, not certainty, can lead to powerful impact. They dive into why comedy is a vehicle for social change, how to stop waiting for permission, and why making the thing matters more than feeling confident. This episode is a call to create, collaborate, and take up space exactly as you are. The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/lynnharris/ WEBSITE: https://goldcomedy.com/about/our-team/ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Lynn Harris 01:00 – Gold Comedy & Building Creative Communities 03:00 – Breakup Girl & Early Internet Success 06:00 – Persist Con, Activism & Community Building 08:00 – Saying Yes Before You’re Ready 10:00 – Learning Business on the Fly 12:00 – Why Women Are Ready for Comedy Now 14:00 – Creating Without Bro Culture 16:00 – Making Things vs. Just Talking About Them 18:00 – Teaching People How to Pitch & Build Ideas 21:00 – Why Life Experience Makes Better Stories 23:00 – Don’t Start the Deck Yet: Creative Development 24:30 – Massachusetts, Comedy & Cultural Influence 27:00 – Growing Up, Feminism & Finding Your Voice 31:00 – Activism, Power & Public Discourse 33:00 – Creating vs. Supporting Creativity 35:00 – Inside Gold Comedy: Membership & Model 39:00 – Building Sustainable Creative Communities 42:00 – Platforms, Tech & Scaling Community 43:30 – What “Powerful Ladies” Really Means 46:00 – How to Get Involved with Gold Comedy 47:00 – Final Thoughts: Just Start Creating Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    51 min

  8. Apr 8

    Turning Trauma into Power, Purpose & Profit | LeiLani Quiray | Founder of Be The Change HR, Wild Free and Me, & Trauma-Informed Coach

    From rock bottom to mountain summits - literally. LeiLani Quiray is proof that you can break every statistic stacked against you. LeiLani joins Kara Duffy to share how after surviving addiction, trafficking, and a near-death spiral, she rebuilt her life step by step, eventually launching a successful HR company and a coaching business dedicated to helping women transform their trauma into purpose. In this episode, she shares how healing, self-awareness, and resilience can become your greatest superpowers, and why high-performing women are uniquely positioned to change the world once they do the inner work. The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. SUPPORT OUR GUEST: CTA’s for the Guest: @iamwildfreeandme @bethechangeHR bethechangehr.com wildfreeandme.com 00:00 – Introduction to LeiLani E. Quiray 01:00 – LeiLani’s Mission & Current Work 02:00 – Building Be The Change HR & Wild Free and Me 03:00 – Childhood & Family Background 04:00 – Addiction, Mental Health & Suicide Attempt 05:00 – Trafficking Experience & Rock Bottom 06:00 – Beginning the Healing Journey 07:00 – Volunteering & Helping Survivors 08:00 – Trauma, Memory & Suppression 09:00 – Understanding Trafficking & Its Nuances 10:30 – Realizing Her Own Trafficking Experience 12:00 – Coercion vs. Force Explained 13:30 – Non-Sexual Trafficking Examples 15:00 – Why Trafficking Is Often Misunderstood 16:30 – Building a Business While Healing 18:00 – Resilience & Relentlessness 19:30 – Endurance Sports & Mental Strength 21:00 – Breaking Statistics & Choosing Change 22:00 – Motherhood & Life-or-Death Turning Point 23:30 – Addiction Recovery & Leaving the Past Behind 25:00 – Trauma, Addiction & Escapism 26:30 – Turning Pain into Purpose 27:30 – Helping Others & Life Philosophy 28:30 – Sharing Her Story Publicly 30:00 – Overcoming Shame & Finding Her Voice 31:30 – Speaking Truth & Personal Power 33:00 – Mind-Body Healing & Physical Transformation 34:30 – Trauma Stored in the Body 36:00 – Fear of Being Fully Seen 37:00 – HR Career & Human-Centered Work 38:00 – Coaching High-Performing Women 39:30 – Turning Healing Into Impact 41:00 – Performance vs. Listening to Your Body 42:30 – Redefining Strength & Letting Go of Comparison 43:30 – What It Means to Be a Powerful Woman 44:30 – Ideal Client & Coaching Approach 45:30 – Creating Balance & Life Design 46:30 – Childhood Dreams & Purpose 47:30 – What She’s Most Proud Of 48:30 – Slowing Down & Enjoying Life 49:30 – Moving to New York & Finding Alignment 50:30 – NYC Energy, Diversity & Inspiration 51:30 – Scaling a 7-Figure Business 52:30 – Business as a Platform for Impact 53:30 – Financial Freedom & Women in Business 54:30 – Starting With Nothing & Building Wealth 55:30 – Entrepreneurship vs. Traditional Work 56:30 – Expansion, Freedom & Designing Your Life 57:30 – Where to Find LeiLani & Final Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 1m
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4.9
out of 5
78 Ratings

About

Since 2019 Kara Duffy’s Powerful Ladies Podcast spotlights inspiring women forging their own paths, shattering expectations, and redefining what it truly means to be powerful. From bold entrepreneurs and creatives to trailblazers making an impact, these conversations celebrate ambition, resilience, and everyday women embracing unapologetic authenticity to live their version of A Ridiculous & Extraordinary Life™.  New episodes every Wednesday. Join the movement @powerfulladies.

Information

  • Creator
    Kara Duffy : Powerful Ladies
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    368
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved Powerful Ladies LLC.
  • Show Website
    Powerful Ladies® Podcast

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