The Inside Story Podcast with April Adams Pertuis

April Adams Pertuis
  • 5.0 (88)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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The INSIDE STORY takes you behind the curtain to bring you some of the biggest success stories of entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and change makers.... the men & women who have walked through fire and come out on the other side brighter. How did they get there? What were some of their biggest hurdles? Be ready to hear it all. We’ll also be discussing the power of Story along the way, and how you can harness the power of your own journey to propel forward into new heights and fulfillment. Host April Pertuis will take you on a Storytelling journey through her own stories, too! As a career-long journalist and storyteller, April understands the story that is hiding inside of you. You’ll discover unique storytelling tips and mechanics that will empower you to tell you story in a whole new way. This is the Podcast that tells the Inside Story of people & brands who are sharing their story in important and powerful ways. They aren’t mechanical or scripted. They are unabashedly authentic and real. And they are generating massive success & fulfillment as a result! As you’ll discover, this is what makes a “Lightbeamer” The goal of the Inside Story is to inspire you to think about your own story, and learn to share it so it can shine a light for others.

  1. 2D AGO

    Breaking the Good Girl Code with Carly Clark Zimmer

    So many of the women I work with are brilliant, heart-led, and deeply called to do meaningful work — and yet they find themselves hesitating, overthinking, or holding back from being fully seen. Not because they aren’t ready, but because they’ve been conditioned to be “good.” The good girl keeps the peace, follows the rules, doesn’t take up too much space, and definitely doesn’t risk getting it wrong. In this episode, we’re talking about what it really takes to break that conditioning and step into your confident era — not through force or perfection, but through self-trust. I’m joined by the incredible Carly Clark Zimmer for a conversation that felt both deeply validating and powerfully activating. Carly shares her journey from being painfully shy and disconnected from her own voice to becoming a coach who helps women decondition from people-pleasing, perfectionism, and the patterns that keep them small. Join me and Carly as we talk about: The subtle ways good girl conditioning keeps you from being seen and fully expressed Why confidence isn’t the first step — self-trust is How to stop tying your worth to your work or other people’s responses The importance of surrounding yourself with spaces that normalize your growth A practical tool you can use to move through overthinking and into aligned action How to start collecting your own evidence so you can truly believe in yourself   If you’ve been feeling the nudge to show up more boldly, to use your voice in a bigger way, or to make a move you know is aligned — but you’ve also been feeling that internal pull to stay safe and small — this episode is for you. Your confident era doesn’t begin when you finally feel ready. It begins the moment you decide to trust yourself. Listen in, and if this conversation speaks to you, share it with a woman in your world who’s ready to break the good girl code and step into the visibility and leadership she’s meant for. And be sure to connect with Carly through the links below — her work in the world is truly transformational.   Interview links: Connect with Carly  Instagram  Check out Carly’s 5-part mini-audio series, Trust Issues Get Carly’s 5-Minute Laser Coach Custom GPT here for FREE with the code FREECLARITY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    59 min

  2. FEB 18

    Mother Daughter Duo of HOPE with Evelina and Hope Solis

    There is nothing that lights me up more than watching someone step into their voice—especially when it’s the next generation. Because when a young person learns that their story matters, that they are seen, and that they are not alone, everything changes. This conversation is about what it looks like to intentionally create those spaces, to raise leaders who are grounded in faith and identity, and to model visibility in real time. It’s about the ripple effect that happens when one “yes” turns into many. Today’s episode is special to me because I’m sitting down with two people I care about—Evelina Solis and her daughter Hope, the beautiful voices behind the Hope & Ev Show. I’ve had a front-row seat to their journey, and we’re talking about the heart behind their podcast, the impact of Shine Your Light Camp, and the calling they are boldly walking out together. Tune in as Hope and Ev talk to us about: The goal isn’t to be seen — it’s to make space for someone else to be seen. You don’t grow confidence first and then use your voice — you use your voice and that’s how confidence grows. Introverted does not mean invisible. When one woman says yes to her calling, an entire generation benefits. Safe spaces don’t happen by accident — they are created on purpose. Our kids are not the future… they are leaders right now. Your story in motion gives someone else permission to begin. This conversation is the ripple effect in real time. Watching Evelina step into her calling, and now watching Hope find her voice because of it, is exactly why this work matters so much to me. This is what happens when we stop playing small and start living in obedience to what God is asking us to do. So here’s what I want you to do: 🎧 Go listen to the full episode. 💛 Share it with a teenager in your life—or a mama who is raising one. ✨ Go introduce them to the Hope & Ev Show. Because the more voices we empower, the more light we put into the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    52 min

  3. FEB 11

    Not Letting Chronic Illness Define You with Wendy Bjork

    Living with a chronic illness can impact every area of life—physically, emotionally, and mentally—but it doesn’t have to define who you are or limit what’s possible. For many, the journey involves navigating pain, medical systems, unanswered questions, and the challenge of advocating for yourself when symptoms aren’t always visible. This conversation explores what it really means to reclaim agency, seek holistic support, and redefine what “living well” can look like alongside a diagnosis. It’s about empowerment, curiosity, and taking ownership of your healing journey one step at a time. In this episode of The Inside Story Podcast, April sits down with Wendy Bjork, known as The Empress of MS, to talk about living with Multiple Sclerosis and refusing to let chronic illness dictate her identity or her life. Wendy shares her personal journey, the lessons she’s learned navigating the medical system, and how holistic approaches and self-advocacy have transformed the way she manages her health. Join me and Wendy as we talk about: Chronic illness doesn’t have to become your identity—you can live with it without letting it define you Being dismissed by doctors is common, which makes self-advocacy a non-negotiable skill Healing isn’t just about medication—your environment, stress levels, and daily habits matter more than most people realize The products you use in your home and on your body can quietly fuel inflammation and symptoms Small, consistent changes often create bigger results than dramatic “overnight fixes” You don’t have to choose between traditional medicine and holistic care—you get to decide what works for you Empowerment begins the moment you stop ignoring your body and start listening to it Wendy’s story is a powerful reminder that a diagnosis doesn’t get to write the ending of your story—you do. If this episode resonated with you or someone you love, share it with them and help spread this message of empowerment and possibility. Be sure to check out Wendy’s free resources and connect with her work, linked in the show notes. And as always, go share your story—you never know who needs to hear it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 1m

  4. FEB 4

    What Got You Here Won't Get You There – What I'm Changing for 2026.

    There comes a moment in every business and creative journey when you realize that the strategies, habits, and choices that helped you grow may no longer be the ones that will carry you forward. Growth requires reassessment, honesty, and sometimes a willingness to let go of what once worked. This episode explores that pivotal idea — the space between where you’ve been successful and where you’re being called next. It’s about evolution, alignment, and giving yourself permission to shift. In this milestone 250th episode of The Inside Story Podcast, I’m reflecting on two major markers: ten years in business with Lightbeamers and five years of podcasting. After a short break, I’m back behind the mic to share what these milestones have taught me — and how they’re shaping the next chapter of my work, my leadership, and my life. Join me today as I share with you: Why starting before you’re ready is often the reason clarity eventually finds you The hidden cost of holding onto offers, strategies, or identities that have already run their course How seasons of life influence the way you’re meant to build and lead The difference between scaling digitally and creating deeply human, in-person experiences What long-term sustainability actually looks like after a decade in business How speaking, storytelling, and visibility can evolve as your goals evolve The powerful questions you should be asking when you feel an internal “nudge” to change As I recorded this episode, I realized how much clarity comes from looking back with honesty and looking forward with intention. If you’re feeling that quiet pull to do things differently — to simplify, deepen, or realign — this conversation is for you. I invite you to listen with an open heart, reflect on what got you here, and consider what might be calling you next. And if something in this episode resonates, come find me — send me a message on Instagram, join our community, or step into one of our in-person experiences this year. Let’s stop doing this journey alone and start building the next chapter together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    36 min

  5. 12/17/2025

    How to Be Better at Sales with Joe Graham

    Sales doesn’t have to feel pushy, awkward, or manipulative—but for many entrepreneurs, it still does. At its core, sales is really about problem-solving, building relationships, and helping people make confident decisions. When done with integrity and intention, sales becomes less about pressure and more about service. This conversation explores how systems, mindset, and human connection can transform the way we sell. In this episode of The Inside Story Podcast, I sit down with sales expert and my longtime friend Joe Graham for a real, honest conversation about sales and life. Joe shares his journey from growing up on food stamps to becoming a top-performing enterprise sales leader, along with the lessons he’s learned along the way about integrity, resilience, and building sustainable success. Get ready to be inspired by Joe as we talk about: Why sales is really about problem-solving-not persuasion or pressure How removing emotion from sales starts with building a bigger pipeline The importance of systems, follow-up, and always setting a clear next step Why relationship-building beats funnels, tactics, and one-call closes How women entrepreneurs can lean into their natural strengths in sales Simple ways to gamify sales and stay motivated as an entrepreneur Why integrity and long-term trust will always outperform short-term wins   If sales has ever felt heavy, intimidating, or misaligned for you, this episode is a must-listen. Joe brings practical wisdom, real-life experience, and a refreshing reminder that you don’t have to sacrifice who you are to be successful in business. Listen in, take notes, and then ask yourself where you can simplify, systemize, and show up more fully in your own sales process. And when you’re done, be sure to connect with Joe and let him know what resonated most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    55 min

  6. 12/03/2025

    Ep248 – Stepping Into Her Speaker Era with Jessica Hammock

    There comes a point in every woman’s journey when she feels that pull to use her voice in a more meaningful, more expansive way. It’s the moment when sharing information becomes sharing transformation — when your story becomes the very thing that opens doors for others. In this episode, I’m exploring what it truly means to step into that calling, honor the message in your heart, and navigate the resistance that often rises as you move toward bigger stages. It’s a powerful reminder of what happens when you say yes to your own voice. Today, I’m joined by the incredible Jessica Hammock, a speaker and mental health leader who recently stepped into her biggest speaking opportunity yet. Jessica and I worked together inside my Speak Easy program to shape her keynote, and in this conversation, she shares the behind-the-scenes journey — the challenges, the spiritual nudges, and the breakthroughs — that brought her to that stage. I can’t wait for you to hear her transformation. Join me today as Jessica and I discuss: Why shifting from teaching to storytelling can dramatically deepen your impact How Jessica recognized the message she was truly meant to share — and the “divine download” that guided her The resistance and unexpected challenges she faced leading up to her keynote, and the grounding practices that carried her through The powerful meaning behind her message of Hope Steelers, Hope Dealers, and Hope Healers The surprising opportunities that opened up after her talk, including paid speaking invitations and new visibility How showing up early and staying late at events can exponentially increase connections and bookings Jessica’s expanded vision for speaking on larger, faith-based, and transformational stages Jessica’s story is such a beautiful reminder of what can unfold when you trust your voice and share your story with intention. If this conversation stirs something in you — a desire to speak more, to lead with your story, or to get on bigger stages — I want you to know that it’s possible for you too. Your voice matters, and your message matters. When you’re ready, come explore what’s available inside my Speak Easy program or any of the storytelling resources at LIGHTbeamers.com. I’d love to support you on your journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    49 min

  7. 11/19/2025

    Overcoming Your Fear of Visibility and Stepping into Your Calling

    Visibility is a word that tends to stir up big feelings—sometimes excitement, but often fear and resistance. I know firsthand how intimidating it can feel to put yourself out there, to be seen, and to let others witness your work and your story. But I also believe visibility is the doorway to deeper impact, aligned opportunities, and powerful connection. In this episode, I want to explore what visibility really means and why it matters so much on your personal and professional journey. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the insights that came out of a recent retreat I hosted, where visibility was one of the most transformative topics we explored. I dive into the real reasons we struggle to show up, the hidden fears behind that resistance, and the perspective shift that changed everything for me and the women in that room. If visibility has ever felt heavy, scary, or confusing, I created this episode with you in mind. I invite you to join me today as I discuss: Why it’s completely natural to feel resistance around being seen The surprising truth that many of us fear success more than failure The reflection questions I guide my clients through to clarify their vision The mindset shift that reframes visibility as service—not self-promotion How your unique voice, story, and delivery reach people in a way no one else can More than anything, I want you to remember this: you were not called to hide. Your voice, your experiences, and the stories you carry were meant to help someone else—and visibility is how you deliver that impact. As you listen, I hope you feel encouraged to take one brave step forward and show up just a little more boldly today. If this episode speaks to you, please share it with a friend who needs the reminder, leave a review, or send me a message—I love hearing what resonates. Your story matters, and the world is waiting for you to share it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    30 min

  8. 11/05/2025

    Your Gut Knows the Truth: Dr. Selvi Rengasami on Healing from the Inside Out

    Have you ever felt like your body was trying to tell you something—but you just weren’t sure how to listen? In this powerful conversation, we explore what it truly means to heal from the inside out. This episode dives deep into the connection between gut health, self-trust, and the stories we tell ourselves about wellness and worth. It’s a reminder that transformation doesn’t just happen in the body—it begins with awareness and courage to rewrite your story. In today’s episode of the Inside Story Podcast, I’m joined by my friend and client, Dr. Selvi Rengasami, a Western-trained doctor who found her true calling through her own battle with chronic illness. After enduring years of pain and surgeries, Selvi turned inward and discovered that real healing begins when we listen—to our bodies, our emotions, and our stories. Her transformation from patient to healer is one I know will inspire you. Tune in to our conversation as we talk about: How Dr. Selvi’s seven surgeries became the wake-up call that changed everything The moment she realized food could be medicine—and why she stopped accepting “this is just how it is” What it means to move beyond remission into true wellness and vitality Why gut health is about so much more than digestion—it’s tied to confidence, calm, and emotional alignment How storytelling gave Dr. Selvi the courage to connect with clients and grow her business authentically The surprising link between your gut and your ability to set boundaries and trust yourself Practical ways to start listening to your body and rewriting your health story today Dr. Selvi’s journey reminds us that healing isn’t just physical—it’s a story of rediscovering who we are and what we’re capable of. When we share that story, we open doors for others to heal too. Listen in, reflect on your own inside story, and don’t forget to follow Dr. Selvi on Instagram at @dr.selvi.coach to grab her free Digestive Relief Toolkit. Then, share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that their healing—and their story—matters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    49 min
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5
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About

The INSIDE STORY takes you behind the curtain to bring you some of the biggest success stories of entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and change makers.... the men & women who have walked through fire and come out on the other side brighter. How did they get there? What were some of their biggest hurdles? Be ready to hear it all. We’ll also be discussing the power of Story along the way, and how you can harness the power of your own journey to propel forward into new heights and fulfillment. Host April Pertuis will take you on a Storytelling journey through her own stories, too! As a career-long journalist and storyteller, April understands the story that is hiding inside of you. You’ll discover unique storytelling tips and mechanics that will empower you to tell you story in a whole new way. This is the Podcast that tells the Inside Story of people & brands who are sharing their story in important and powerful ways. They aren’t mechanical or scripted. They are unabashedly authentic and real. And they are generating massive success & fulfillment as a result! As you’ll discover, this is what makes a “Lightbeamer” The goal of the Inside Story is to inspire you to think about your own story, and learn to share it so it can shine a light for others.

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