Starter Girlz Podcast

Jennifer Loehding

The Starter Girlz Podcast is your source for inspiration, growth, and bold beginnings. Here, “Girlz” isn’t about gender — it’s about grit. It represents the courage to start, the curiosity to grow, and the willingness to evolve. Each episode spotlights dreamers, builders, and difference-makers from all walks of life — entrepreneurs, creators, leaders, and visionaries who are shaping what’s possible through courage, creativity, and conviction. Whether you're looking to elevate your career, strengthen your financial foundation, build meaningful relationships, or enhance your overall well-being, this podcast is designed to spark curiosity and empower you to take aligned action. Because in order to live the extraordinary, you must start — and every start begins with a decision. Hosted by Jennifer Loehding.

  1. 11H AGO

    How a Neurodivergent OT Is Changing the Way We Think About Stress, Sensitivity, and Burnout | Nikki Smit

    Why do some people feel constantly overwhelmed, overstimulated, emotionally exhausted, or unable to slow their thoughts down? In this episode of the Starter Girlz Podcast, Jennifer Loehding sits down with neurodivergent occupational therapist Nikki Smit for a powerful conversation about overthinking, stress, emotional overwhelm, nervous system regulation, and what it really feels like to move through life with a mind that never fully slows down. For years, Nikki felt different. She experienced the world intensely, processed emotions deeply, and constantly tried to understand why her brain worked differently than everyone around her. But instead of continuing to fight those experiences, she began learning how to work with them—and eventually turned that understanding into her life’s work. This conversation explores the hidden exhaustion many high-functioning people carry, the emotional weight of constantly analyzing everything, and why sensitivity is often misunderstood in today’s fast-moving world. From nervous system regulation and emotional awareness to overstimulation, recovery, and self-understanding, Nikki shares a grounded and compassionate perspective on what it means to stop viewing yourself as broken—and start understanding how your mind and body actually work. Chapters00:00 Why Calm Is Failing Us00:53 Meet Nikki Smit01:52 Jennifer’s Mission Story04:19 Nikki’s Path to This Work06:51 Neurodivergent Gifts and Burnout11:19 Crash and Burn Recovery12:19 What Nikki Actually Does15:15 Feelings and Regulation Myths19:17 Panic Attacks and Riding the Wave22:59 Relationships Safety and Rejection25:07 Curiosity Over Judgment28:31 Breath Tool Physiological Sigh30:17 Long Exhale Reset31:11 Pause And Breathwork32:53 Authenticity Over Calm34:44 Pause Before Reacting38:04 Repair Builds Attachment41:51 Why Therapists Do This44:53 Entrepreneur Growing Pains48:02 Many Tabs Open53:22 Advice For Multitaskers55:46 Where To Follow Nikki57:02 Final Thanks And Sendoff About Nikki SmitNikki Smit is a neurodivergent occupational therapist, speaker, and educator who helps people better understand stress, overstimulation, emotional overwhelm, and nervous system regulation. Through both lived experience and professional work, Nikki has developed a compassionate and practical approach to helping individuals better understand how their minds and bodies respond to stress, emotion, and overstimulation. Her work focuses on helping people feel less overwhelmed, more self-aware, and better equipped to navigate life without constantly fighting themselves in the process. Connect with Nikki SmitInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkismittherapy/ Connect with Starter Girlzhttps://startergirlz.com Take the 2-Minute Success Block Quiz to discover what may be holding you back. Want to Be a Guest on Starter Girlz Podcasthttps://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17044863446695017c1879d7b

    58 min
  2. 5D AGO

    Told He'd Never Finish High School — Now He Has a Master's Degree and a Music Career | B. Able

    What happens when the world tells you who you are before you ever get the chance to decide for yourself? In this episode of the Starter Girlz Podcast, Jennifer Loehding sits down with recording artist, songwriter, and autism advocate B Able for a conversation about identity, resilience, creativity, and rewriting the narrative others place on you. After being told by a neurologist that he would never attend a regular school, finish high school, go to college, or live a normal life, B Able spent years navigating bullying, misunderstanding, financial hardship, and periods of instability. But through music, self-expression, and an unwavering belief in his purpose, he began building something far bigger than a career. His message became the foundation of his mission: “See the able, not the label.” This conversation explores the connection between creativity and healing, the hidden strengths that can exist inside neurodivergence, and what it looks like to pursue a dream while still figuring yourself out in real time. From mental health and music to discipline, growth, and self-belief, this episode is a reminder that transformation rarely happens in a straight line. 📌 Chapters00:00 See Beyond Labels01:08 Meet B Able02:22 Nerves And Stage Fright04:31 Autism Journey Through Music06:38 ADHD As A Superpower11:53 Origin Of B Able13:05 Music Style And Message14:44 Songwriting Process19:23 Funding And Day Job Reality22:43 Industry Lessons And Networking26:02 Work In Progress27:00 Evolving As Creators28:03 Inspiring Through Music29:10 Upcoming Releases30:46 Big Vision Big Dreams31:53 Making Opportunities Happen34:55 Advice For Artists37:35 Fun Rapid Fire41:51 Self Improvement Habits44:33 Books And Reading45:48 Where To Follow46:19 Final Thanks And Outro ⭐ What You’ll Hear in This Episode• Why the labels placed on people early in life often become the hardest thing to unlearn• How creativity can become a lifeline when the world feels isolating or misunderstood• The surprising strengths that can come from thinking differently than everyone else• Why many creators secretly struggle between survival and pursuing what they love• How waiting for the “perfect time” quietly keeps people stuck• Why meaningful relationships and support systems can completely change someone’s trajectory• The difference between proving people wrong and truly believing in yourself• Why growth often begins when people stop seeing themselves as “finished”• How purpose is often built one small decision at a time — not all at once 🎙️ About B AbleB Able is a recording artist, songwriter, actor, and saxophonist whose work blends hip hop, R&B, soul, jazz, and storytelling into music centered around authenticity, awareness, and inclusion. Living with autism and ADHD, he uses his platform to challenge limiting labels while inspiring others to pursue their goals regardless of obstacles or expectations placed on them. Through his music, performances, advocacy work, and community events, B Able is helping create conversations around mental health, neurodiversity, resilience, and purpose — while encouraging others to “See the able, not the label.” 📌 Connect with B AbleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.ableofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@b.ableofficial 💬 Connect with Starter Girlzhttps://startergirlz.com Want to go deeper than the podcast? Join the Starter Girlz Insider community for deeper conversations, workshops, tools, and support designed to help you apply what you’re learning in real life. You can also explore the 2-Minute Success Block Quiz to discover what may be holding you back. 📌 Want to Be a Guest on Starter Girlz?https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17044863446695017c1879d7b

    47 min
  3. MAY 10

    Jail. Rehab. His Mom’s Floor. $4 Million | Justin Lund

    What happens when the business you worked so hard to build becomes the very thing keeping you trapped? In this episode of the Starter Girlz Podcast, Jennifer Loehding sits down with entrepreneur and business strategist Justin Lund for a powerful conversation about business growth, delegation, leadership, and the mindset shifts required to truly scale. But Justin’s story didn’t begin with success. Before making millions, Justin found himself battling addiction, facing jail and rehab, and sleeping on his mother’s floor while trying to rebuild his life and support his family. What followed was a complete transformation — not just financially, but mentally and emotionally. Through hard lessons, mentorship, and learning how to stop being the bottleneck inside his own business, Justin discovered that many entrepreneurs don’t fail because they lack drive — they fail because they never learn how to step out of the way and build systems that scale. This conversation explores the hidden patterns that keep business owners stuck, the importance of staying in your lane, and why sustainable growth often begins with letting go of control. Chapters 00:00 Is Your Business Trapping You01:08 Podcast Welcome and Setup01:54 Sponsor and Community Plug03:20 Meet Justin Lund04:29 Why Owners Get Stuck07:08 Delegation and Control10:56 Justin’s Mentor Wake Up Call13:38 The Right Hiring Sequence18:20 Leverage Time Like a Pro20:02 Founder to Leader Shift27:53 Justin’s Origin Story31:49 Know Your Value33:10 Stay In Your Lane34:49 Millionaire Momentum37:08 Yin Yang of Control38:45 Quarterly CPA System41:16 Learning Through Conversations42:59 Who Coaching Works For47:46 Free Playbooks and Purpose51:05 Advice to Younger Self52:51 Blueprint and Where to Find Him54:42 Life Outside Business56:21 Final Thanks and Wrap Up About Justin Lund Justin Lund is an entrepreneur, business strategist, and mentor who helps trades and service-based business owners build companies that scale without trapping them in the process. After overcoming addiction, jail, and rehab early in life, Justin went on to build and exit multiple businesses while helping entrepreneurs rethink leadership, delegation, systems, and sustainable growth. His work focuses on helping founders identify the patterns keeping them stuck so they can create businesses — and lives — with greater freedom, clarity, and leverage. Connect with Justin Lund Instagram: @itsjustinlundYouTube: @itsjustinlund Connect with Starter Girlz https://startergirlz.com Take the 2-Minute Success Block Quiz to discover what may be holding you back. Want to Be a Guest on Starter Girlz Podcast https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17044863446695017c1879d7b

    57 min
  4. MAY 5

    What a Former Tesla Performance Trainer Learned About High Performance | Jay Abassi

    What does it actually take to perform at a high level—without burning yourself out in the process? In this episode of the Starter Girlz Podcast, Jennifer Loehding sits down with a former Tesla performance trainer turned keynote speaker and coach for a powerful conversation about stress, resilience, and what high performance really looks like. After working inside one of the most fast-paced, high-demand environments, he saw firsthand how traditional ideas of success—pushing harder, doing more, and never slowing down—can lead to burnout rather than sustainable growth. But his perspective didn’t come from theory—it came from experience. Through personal challenges, self-reflection, and years of studying human behavior, mindfulness, and performance, he began to question everything he thought he knew about success. What emerged wasn’t a rejection of high performance—but a redefinition of it. This conversation explores the difference between pushing through and truly being resilient, the role of stress in growth, and how small shifts in awareness can completely change how we show up in our work and lives. From learning how to pause and listen to your internal signals to understanding why stress isn’t the enemy, this episode offers a grounded and practical perspective on what it means to perform at your best—without sacrificing yourself in the process. Chapters00:00 High Performance Without Burnout01:03 Podcast Welcome And Mission01:56 Sponsor And Community Plug03:21 Meet Jay Abassi04:54 From Tesla To Coaching Mission08:39 Loss That Changed Everything10:48 Learning To Pause And Listen13:51 Three Burnout Myths16:58 Stress As A Growth Signal19:28 Self Talk Like A Loved One22:32 Keynotes Workshops And Coaching24:51 Adaptability In A Changing World26:32 Purpose Service And The Sun29:24 Find Your Genius30:06 Leaving Corporate Safely30:47 Mentors Money Discomfort33:24 Nest Versus Jungle35:21 Stories That Stick38:22 Mindfulness Rewires Brain41:28 Redefining Success43:32 Impact You Never See46:54 TEDx Prep And Practice50:58 Authentic Speaking Style53:26 Where To Find Jay54:12 Final Thanks And Outro About Jay AbassiJay Abassi is a global keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, and performance coach who helps individuals and organizations thrive under pressure without burning out. During his time at Tesla, Jay designed and led national training programs impacting over 1,000 employees, giving him a unique perspective on what it takes to perform in high-demand environments. His work today focuses on helping high performers develop resilience, adaptability, and sustainable strategies for success—so they can operate at their best without sacrificing their well-being. Connect with Jay Abassi⁠https://jabassi.me⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabassi⁠ Connect with Starter Girlz⁠https://startergirlz.com⁠Take the 2-Minute Success Block Quiz to discover what may be holding you back. Want to Be a Guest on Starter Girlz Podcast⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17044863446695017c1879d7b⁠

    55 min
  5. APR 28

    She Was Stuck in Survival Mode… Until She Learned to Feel Again | Shannon Grace

    What happens when you’ve spent your entire life in survival mode—and don’t even realize it? In this episode of the Starter Girlz Podcast, Jennifer Loehding sits down with Shannon Grace, founder of The Graceful Healer, for a deeply honest conversation about emotional suppression, nervous system patterns, and what it really looks like to reconnect with yourself. Shannon shares her journey from corporate success and entrepreneurship to repeated layoffs that forced her to question everything she thought she was supposed to be doing. What followed wasn’t a quick pivot—but a gradual unraveling. Through her own experience with anxiety, disconnection, and living in a constant fight-or-flight state, Shannon began exploring different healing modalities—eventually discovering the power of somatic work and emotional release. But this conversation goes beyond one experience. It explores what it means to move through life in a constant state of survival, and how that impacts the way we think, feel, and show up. Shannon shares her perspective on emotional suppression, reconnecting with the body, and the deeper awareness required to shift long-standing patterns. From navigating hypervigilance and people-pleasing to learning how to set boundaries and trust your internal signals, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what it means to move from survival into self-connection. Chapters00:00 Somatic Healing Hook00:35 Podcast Welcome01:26 Sponsor Spotlight02:11 Starter Girls Updates02:55 Meet Shannon Grace04:13 Corporate to Entrepreneur05:52 Layoffs and Searching07:01 Finding Energy Modalities08:45 Somatic Energy Breakthrough10:49 How Trauma Lives in Body13:09 Tools to Release Emotions17:23 Host Health Journey22:21 Breaking Panic Loops25:59 Letting Feelings Be30:03 Nervous System Mastery33:12 Hypervigilance and Boundaries35:02 Boundaries Build Confidence36:42 Hypervigilance As A Gift38:36 You Cant Heal Everyone39:55 People Pleasing To Self Respect42:18 How To Say No Cleanly45:05 Leaving Corporate For Healing Work49:49 Everyone Is A Healer52:50 Pets As Emotional Mirrors58:38 Daily Rituals Qigong And Tea01:01:49 Where To Find Shannon01:02:48 Podcast Mission And Farewell About Shannon GraceShannon Grace is the founder of The Graceful Healer, where she works with individuals on emotional healing, somatic energy work, and nervous system regulation. After years in the corporate world and entrepreneurship, Shannon’s personal journey through anxiety, trauma, and emotional suppression led her into the healing space. Today, her work focuses on helping others reconnect with their bodies, process stored emotions, and create a deeper sense of internal safety. Her approach blends multiple modalities—including somatic energy healing, reiki, sound healing, and breathwork—guided by her own lived experience and ongoing study. Connect with Shannon Gracehttps://thegracefulhealer.comhttps://www.instagram.com/thegraceful_healer Connect with Starter Girlzhttps://startergirlz.comTake the 2-Minute Success Block Quiz to discover what may be holding you back. Want to Be a Guest on Starter Girlz Podcasthttps://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17044863446695017c1879d7b

    1h 5m
  6. APR 25

    Misdiagnosed and Lost — One Musician Rebuilt His Life and Found Purpose | Dylan Garcia

    What does it look like to lose your sense of direction—and slowly find your way back? In this episode of the Starter Girlz Podcast, Jennifer Loehding sits down with recording artist Dylan Garcia for a real conversation about identity, mental health, and what it takes to rebuild when life doesn’t go as planned. Dylan opens up about being misdiagnosed and navigating years of confusion, internal struggle, and unhealthy coping patterns—all while trying to make sense of who he was and where he was going. Through it all, music remained a constant—eventually becoming the outlet that helped him reconnect with himself. But this conversation goes beyond one experience. It explores what it means to evolve as a creator in a world driven by metrics, where followers and numbers can easily take priority over meaning. Dylan shares his perspective on staying grounded in authenticity, resisting the pressure to chase validation, and committing to the long game—even when progress feels slow. From sobriety and songwriting to creative discipline and trusting your instincts, this episode offers a thoughtful look at rebuilding your life in a way that actually feels aligned. Chapters 00:00 – Music Over Degrees00:32 – Podcast Welcome01:20 – Guest Spotlight Dylan02:05 – Sponsor And Links03:31 – Settling In Banter05:11 – Evolving In Music07:27 – Social Media Numbers11:01 – Streaming Pay Reality14:44 – Origins And Family16:11 – College Heartbreak Guitar19:01 – Myths Of Overnight Success21:51 – Grit And Long Game23:13 – Podcast Growth Lessons27:49 – New Song Sobriety Story32:40 – Viral Clips Breakthrough35:38 – Creative Flow Overthinking37:07 – Caption Template Breakthrough37:51 – Stay In Your Creative Lane39:11 – Content Overwhelm And Focus40:12 – Lessons From Industry Legends42:47 – Drive The Car Yourself44:32 – Standards Trust And Delegation48:33 – Power Of No And Boundaries52:14 – Lifelong Music Journey54:45 – Dream Collaboration El Chicano58:06 – Advice Play The Long Game01:03:04 – Flow State Writing And Performing01:07:04 – Wrap Up Links And Farewell About Dylan Garcia Dylan Garcia is a musician and creative focused on building a sustainable path in the modern music industry. Through his work, he shares insights into the realities of creative discipline, long-term growth, and navigating the balance between artistry and the evolving demands of digital platforms. Connect with Dylan Garcia https://www.instagram.com/dylangarciamusichttps://open.spotify.com/artist/ (insert exact profile if needed) Connect with Starter Girlz https://startergirlz.comTake the 2-Minute Success Block Quiz to discover what may be holding you back. Want to Be a Guest on Starter Girlz Podcast https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17044863446695017c1879d7b

    1h 9m
  7. APR 25

    The System He Built When Nothing Else Worked | What Is The Becoming Seven (B7) | David Fullmer

    What happens when nothing you’ve tried seems to create lasting change—and you keep finding yourself stuck in the same cycles? In this episode of the Starter Girlz Podcast, Jennifer Loehding sits down with David Fullmer, entrepreneur and creator of Becoming Seven (B7), to explore what it actually takes to move from chaos to consistency—and why so many people stay stuck longer than they need to. His story is anything but linear. From a childhood marked by constant moving, instability, and getting locked up, to rebuilding his life and scaling a multi-state roofing business, his journey is rooted in lived experience—not theory. But even after finding success, something still didn’t fully click. That’s what led him to create Becoming Seven (B7)—a framework built not from instruction, but from necessity. A way to bring structure, rhythm, and awareness into everyday life when nothing else seemed to stick. This conversation goes beyond routines or productivity. It dives into the deeper shifts that happen when you stop relying on motivation and start understanding how alignment, perspective, and daily rhythm shape the way you think, feel, and show up. From forgiveness and gratitude to intuition and discipline, this episode is a grounded look at what it really means to build a life that works—without forcing it. If you’ve ever felt inconsistent, overwhelmed, or stuck in cycles that don’t change, this conversation offers a different lens to look through. Chapters:00:00 – Negative Thought Loop00:18 – Podcast Welcome Setup00:55 – Cadence Over Hustle01:57 – Sponsor And Community Plug03:26 – Meet David Fullmer03:55 – Hawaii Storm Roofing Life06:33 – Origin Story Becoming Seven (B7)07:02 – Childhood Moves And Lockups09:05 – Divorce Forgiveness Turning Point10:36 – Rebuilding Businesses And New Ventures11:37 – Inspiration Behind The Framework12:45 – Superhuman Rhythm Explained19:30 – Motivation Monday20:33 – Tracking Tuesday22:43 – Whisper Wednesday23:47 – Thankful Thursday Intro24:09 – Gratitude Perspective Shift25:15 – Forgiveness Friday Framework26:46 – Why Systems Stick29:27 – Satisfaction Saturday Moments30:29 – Supplication Sunday Humility32:11 – Arm Injury Perspective Story38:54 – Stories Silver Linings41:53 – Rapid Fire Advice Habits44:28 – Where To Find The Book46:01 – Final Thanks And Farewell About David Fullmer:David Fullmer is an entrepreneur, business owner, and the creator of Becoming 7 (B7)—a rhythm-based system designed to help individuals create consistency, clarity, and sustainable growth. Through his own lived experience, David developed a practical approach to breaking cycles of chaos and building structure through daily alignment. His work focuses on helping individuals move from reactive patterns to intentional living by prioritizing mindset, perspective, and rhythm over motivation alone. Connect with David Fullmer:https://becomingseven.comhttps://www.instagram.com/becomingsevenofficial Connect with Starter Girlz:https://startergirlz.comTake the 2-Minute Success Block Quiz to discover what may be holding you back. Want to Be a Guest on Starter Girlz Podcast:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17044863446695017c1879d7b

    48 min
  8. APR 17

    Breaking the Mold: She Helps Gen Z Get Unstuck | Joanna Lilley

    What happens when the path you were told to follow no longer fits—and no one prepares you for what comes next? In this episode of the Starter Girlz Podcast, Jennifer Loehding sits down with Joanna Lilley, an emerging adult specialist, to explore the growing gap between expectations and reality for today’s young adults—and what it really takes to navigate the “in-between” stage of life. Drawing from her own journey and professional experience, Joanna shares how traditional systems often fall short for young adults who are overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of their direction. From shifting away from a one-size-fits-all approach to creating personalized pathways forward, she offers a deeper look into why so many young adults feel stuck—and how that stuckness is often misunderstood. But this conversation goes far beyond young adults alone. Joanna also dives into the evolving role of parents, the impact of technology and COVID on identity and mental health, and why support today requires a different kind of awareness, communication, and flexibility. Together, they unpack how pressure, comparison, and unrealistic expectations are shaping this generation—and what it means to redefine success in a way that actually fits. From feeling lost to finding direction, this episode is a grounded and honest look at the messy middle—and a reminder that not having it all figured out might be exactly where growth begins. Chapters 00:00 Anxiety In Emerging Adults01:01 Podcast Welcome And Theme02:38 Sponsor And Community Plug04:08 Meet Joanna Lilley05:51 Joanna Origin Story09:28 From Therapy To Resource Guide13:00 Why One Size Fails15:49 Defining Success And Expectations18:41 How Her Three Month Process Works22:38 Gen Z Anxiety And Overload27:08 Parent Involvement And COVID Effects30:26 Zoom Mirrors And Body Image32:23 Stop Assuming Others Feelings32:38 Listening For Youth Patterns33:49 Proactive Versus Reactive Parenting35:09 Teaching Real Life Skills36:51 When Launch Plans Collapse38:34 Mentors And Support Systems39:56 Parenting Humor And Pressure42:58 Grace And Modern Skills44:17 Defining Personal Success49:57 Rapid Fire Fun Questions53:52 Circadian Rhythm Animal Types56:44 Podcast Plug And Farewell Connect with Joanna Lilley⁠https://lilleyconsulting.com⁠ Connect with Starter Girlz⁠https://startergirlz.com⁠ Take the 2-Minute Success Block Quiz to discover what may be holding you back. Want to Be a Guest on Starter Girlz Podcast?⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17044863446695017c1879d7b⁠

    59 min
4.9
out of 5
39 Ratings

About

The Starter Girlz Podcast is your source for inspiration, growth, and bold beginnings. Here, “Girlz” isn’t about gender — it’s about grit. It represents the courage to start, the curiosity to grow, and the willingness to evolve. Each episode spotlights dreamers, builders, and difference-makers from all walks of life — entrepreneurs, creators, leaders, and visionaries who are shaping what’s possible through courage, creativity, and conviction. Whether you're looking to elevate your career, strengthen your financial foundation, build meaningful relationships, or enhance your overall well-being, this podcast is designed to spark curiosity and empower you to take aligned action. Because in order to live the extraordinary, you must start — and every start begins with a decision. Hosted by Jennifer Loehding.