Becoming Your Best Version

Maria Leonard Olsen
  • 5.0 (48)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Award-winning podcast about living your best life, by Maria Leonard Olsen & her inspiring guests. Maria is a lawyer/journalist/author who seeks to amplify women's voices to share about their lives, work & life lessons. She graduated from Boston College & Univ. of Virginia Law. She served in the Clinton Justice Dept. and is a lawyer in Washington, D.C. Her latest book, 50 After 50--Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life, has helped thousands reinvigorate their lives. Maria has spoken at TEDx CUNY, the Pennsylvania Women’s Conference and more. See MariaLeonardOlsen.com and follow @FiftyAfter50

  1. A Conversation with Harper Bailey, a Powerful Storyteller Whose Memoir Charts a Path Towards Wholeness

    1D AGO

    A Conversation with Harper Bailey, a Powerful Storyteller Whose Memoir Charts a Path Towards Wholeness

    Harper A. Bailey is the pen name of Dr. Tiosha Bailey, a Chicago native, public health leader and powerful storyteller who challenges the status quo. She manifests dreams through grief and creativity. She was the first Black woman to lead a prominent national women's healthcare nonprofit, where she prioritized health equity and amplified the voices of underserved communities. Her first book, It Was Her: A Memoir—featuring a foreword by renowned motivational speaker Lisa Nichols—invites readers into a deeply personal story shaped by loss, resilience and transformation. Through honest and compelling storytelling, Harper explores identity, healing and the courage it takes to reclaim your narrative. It Was Her is more than a memoir about endurance; it is a testament to the human spirit’s remarkable capacity to heal when we dare to listen to what truly calls us. Bailey’s voice offers a compelling invitation to anyone who has ever felt broken by life’s demands to discover resilience, extend forgiveness, and pursue renewal. It invites readers to lean into the uncomfortable, to find grace in the ordinary and to believe that the darkest chapters can become the prologue to a brighter, more authentic life. As a speaker, Harper brings clarity, depth and humor to conversations about leadership, purpose and the lived experiences of Black women. She connects with audiences through truth-telling and a passion for creating spaces where people feel seen, heard and empowered. In this episode, we discuss: The dream that sparked the book and how grief became a surprising creative catalystWhat allowed Harper to finish the book quickly while processing deep emotional pain The decision to include personal journal entries and the intimacy they added to the story How reframing trauma opened space for forgiveness and deeper healing Why Harper chose to write under her pen name and what that unlocked for her Harper's work is about creating spaces where people, especially women and Black communities, can embrace their healing, their strength and their purpose. She uses creativity, raw truth and humor to illuminate the fullness of the human experience. Ultimately, Harper’s memoir charts a path toward wholeness that reminds us that healing is not a destination but an ongoing process of choosing oneself over and over again. The book closes with the realization that the freedom and joy she sought were within her all along: It was her. It was YOU. It was all of us.  Learn more and follow Harper:  www.harperabailey.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiosha-goss-bailey-drph-mph-5149a552/ https://www.instagram.com/harper_abailey https://www.facebook.com/harperabailey

    28 min
  2. A Conversation with Michele Blood, Australian Singer, Author and Success Coach

    MAR 13

    A Conversation with Michele Blood, Australian Singer, Author and Success Coach

    Michele Blood was a successful songwriter and rock singer in Australia and, after a near-fatal car accident, while in the hospital with many serious injuries, she created positive Affirmation Songs that not only healed her body but also took her to worldwide success. These Affirmation Songs affect the left and right hemispheres of the brain--lyrics, the left hemisphere, and melody and music, the right hemisphere, so the new, positive messages go straight to the subconscious mind. This is why millions of people worldwide have downloaded her Affirmation Power Songs. These songs cover healing, success, money, joy and confidence, and they uplift the person immediately. In addition to creating Magnet To Success™ products and seminars worldwide, her public Mystical Success Events have been held in over 26 countries. Michele has co-written and created over 80 books, music CDs, audio programs, TV shows and videos on positive thought, mind transformation, and meditation. Her latest work is The World's First Manifestation Video Book – Michele's new video book, "Manifestation Through The Power Of Mysticism." She maintains that this works faster and more effectively than any other method to create success and wellness. Her powerful apps are The Magnet To Money App, www.MagnetToMoneyApp.com, and The Manifestation Video Book App, www.ManifestationVideoBook.com. Today, Michele’s work continues through her newest creation -- the True Prayer App -- designed to bring daily spiritual awakening, healing and peace to people everywhere.  Jack Canfield, Author of "Chicken Soup For The Soul," says, "Michele Blood’s energy is incredible. She is a walking billboard for what she teaches, a high-vibration being. I thank her for the work she is doing in the world. I love it, and she’s right about the two hemispheres of the brain working together through her Affirmation Power Music Songs. Everything moving in harmony. Beautiful." After many years of meditation, Michele’s Kundalini awakened and transformed her consciousness. Michele now teaches others how to live a Successful Life and experience Divine Oneness. Her Mystical Experience webinars and live streams have assisted people globally to transform their lives to the positive. Through her Teachings and Light Transmissions, people awaken and experience what they say is the impossible. They awaken to their true purpose and begin their path to Enlightenment. She has shared the stage and worked with Bob Proctor, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Jack Canfield and many other transformational Authors and Teachers. Her latest book is The Magic Of Affirmation Power and her latest album is Create Miracles: Positive Affirmation Songs To Harmonize your Mind and Life. And her Magnet To Money App uplifts millions worldwide. She offers our audience the following free gifts:The “Stop Thought” audio program and her positive affirmation music album, “Songs for Success.”You can download the free gifts by going to:https://www.MicheleBlood.com/YourBestVersion To learn more and follow Michele:https://www.TheMysticalExperience.comhttps://www.YouTube.com/MicheleBloodhttps://www.Instagram.com/TheMysticalExperiencehttps://www.Facebook.com/TheMysticalExperience

    29 min
  3. A Conversation with Tanja Brown, Psychologist and Author of a Book Helping to Normalize Age-Gap Dating

    MAR 6

    A Conversation with Tanja Brown, Psychologist and Author of a Book Helping to Normalize Age-Gap Dating

    Tanja Brown, behavior analyst and psychologist, released a groundbreaking memoir revealing the impact of her age-gap relationship with a man 26 years her junior, while raising an autistic child. Unapologetically honest and intimate, this book is not about defending choices, but provides a powerful example for women navigating midlife, caregiving, love and identity. Tanja is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed School Psychologist. She is the mother of two, one of which is a daughter with autism spectrum disorder. She immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 20 from Soest Germany and is an entrepreneur and writer living in Colorado. She blends clinical insight with real-world experience and a women navigating midlife on her own terms. Flipping The Script: A Decade of Borrowed Time is her first major work of non-fiction. The book is a raw, funny and deeply intimate memoir about love, desire, motherhood and the courage to choose aliveness in the middle of real life. Set against autism motherhood, midlife reinvention and a decade-long relationship with a man 26 years younger, it explores what happens when a woman stops living by the rules she was given and starts listening to herself instead. Learn more and follow Tanja: https://tanjabrown.org/ https://www.instagram.com/tanjabrownauthor/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584367389168

    30 min
  4. A Conversation with Spiritual Guide and Author, Aline Ghorayeb

    FEB 27

    A Conversation with Spiritual Guide and Author, Aline Ghorayeb

    Aline Ghorayeb is a visionary and spiritual guide whose work bridges inner alchemy, ancient wisdom and modern depth psychology. Her path is rooted in personal experience and years of study in the Science of Spirituality, the teachings of the Magdalene and the soul’s sacred journey of awakening. Certified in Applied Jungian Psychology and accredited as a coach, psychotherapist and hypnotherapist, Aline is also a devoted student of A Course in Miracles, integrating its living principles of love, forgiveness and inner peace into every aspect of her work. Aline describes A Course in Miracles as a way to discern between ego and spirit to reach love. She guides people who are seeking to achieve inner alchemy. A Change of Heart with Mary Magdalene is her first book, a mission born of revelation and living Gnosis. Through her offerings, Aline invites seekers to remember their wholeness and return to a life guided by the Heart. In this episode, we talk about the female archetype, the meaning of the Magdalene and Gnostic gospels, and her personal transformation. Aline provides one on one spiritual mentoring to her clients. She calls it a Path to Wholeness, an intimate 1:1 spiritual mentoring journey, rooted in the wisdom and vision behind A Change of Heart with Mary Magdalene. This is not coaching. This is not therapy. It is a sacred mentoring: a direct, quiet, transformative initiation into the remembrance of your true Self. Aline is from Lebanon and joined us from Dubai, where I was fortunate to meet with her in January. She exudes an uncommon centeredness and beautiful spirit. Learn more: Website: www.vitalitybyaline.com Instagram: @vitalitybyaline LinkedIn: Aline Ghorayeb ***Becoming Your Best Version Podcast was voted number one on The Pod Radar this week! Thank you for your support! https://thepodradar.com/best-podcasts/Health%20%26%20Fitness***

    31 min
  5. A Conversation with Tanya Boggs, Host of the You Are Here Podcast and Visual Strategist

    FEB 20

    A Conversation with Tanya Boggs, Host of the You Are Here Podcast and Visual Strategist

    Tanya was diagnosed with HIV when she was 21 years old, at a time when it was viewed as a death sentence. She began speaking at this time about resilience, sharing her story with medical professionals and more. As a speaker decades later, Tanya brings the same insight, empathy and authenticity to live audiences, guiding professional women and entrepreneurs to embrace visibility, clarity and confidence. Tanya hopes people will stop waiting for “someday” and remember that TODAY is always the best day to take small steps toward big, bold moves. Tanya Boggs is a personal brand photographer, visual strategist, storyteller and speaker who helps women step boldly into their next chapter — whether in business, life transitions or leadership. She creates imagery and experiences that don’t just capture a moment; they reflect identity, ambition and the truth of who her clients are becoming. For women seeking an intentional, high-impact refresh, Signature Shot Sessions offers a focused, transformative portrait session designed to elevate visibility and clarify presence. For leaders and entrepreneurs whose brands evolve constantly, Signature Shot Creative provides a year-long, residency-style partnership with quarterly sessions, ongoing visual strategy and seasonal content that ensures their visuals always match their momentum. Her You Are Here Portrait Experience is a deeply transformational space for women reclaiming their narrative, honoring their past and stepping fully into the life and brand they are creating. Tanya is also the host of the You Are Here Podcast, sharing conversations with women who have navigated reinvention, resilience and transformation — amplifying stories that inspire listeners to show up boldly and intentionally. She especially highlights stories of overcoming trauma and difficulties. I was honored to be a guest on Tanya's podcast! Being bi-coastal between Charleston and Southern California, Tanya blends refined artistry with strategic heart. Her work is for women who are done hiding, done playing small and ready to be unmistakable — in business, in leadership and in life. Learn more and follow Tanya: tanyaboggs.com Instagram:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/tanyaboggsphoto ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theyouareherepodcast⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheYouAreHerePodcast ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TanyaBoggs.Photographer ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tanya.boggs⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyaboggsphotographer/⁠ Podcast List: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6eGfSl7zjcBJMpGD7N6KXb ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-are-here-a-grateful-twist-on-lifes-disruptions/id1804677562⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@You_Are_Here_Podcast⁠ ⁠https://theyouareherepodcast.substack.com/profile/posts

    34 min
  6. A Conversation with Remi Gibbs, Life Coach and Author of Renovate Your Life

    FEB 13

    A Conversation with Remi Gibbs, Life Coach and Author of Renovate Your Life

    Remi (pronounced Ray-me) Gibbs is a certified life coach, positive psychology practitioner and the author of Renovate Your Reality. She helps women in midlife reconnect with their purpose, reignite their confidence and design a life that actually feels good to live. After reinventing her own life multiple times—through career shifts, major moves, loss and midlife awakening—Remi now teaches women how to turn transition into transformation. She’s a speaker and workshop facilitator blending science-backed tools with honest, relatable storytelling. Remi also is a foodie and fierce advocate for real talk over sugarcoated nonsense. Raised in the storm of addiction with two alcoholic parents, she turned pain into power with the understanding that just because we are born into chaos, doesn't mean we have to stay there. Drawing from her own journey, she has created a coaching practice rooted in resilience, empathy and authentic transformation. She’s rewriting the rules for what it means to thrive at 40, 50 and beyond. After the pandemic, Remi, who is based in New Mexico, reinvented her own life by stepping fully into life coaching and the practice of positive psychology. Out of that work came her book, Renovate Your Reality, which guides women through midlife transitions with honesty, resilience and tools to rediscover joy and authenticity. In this episode, we talk about: How reinvention is possible at any stage of life, especially after upheaval. Why midlife can be a powerful turning point for women to align with their true values. Science-backed strategies from positive psychology for cultivating resilience, joy and self-compassion. Learn more: www.renovatedrealities.com On IG and FB @renovatedrealities https://www.linkedin.com/in/remigibbs/

    29 min
  7. A Conversation with Dr. Erika Rasure, Financial Wellness Advisor

    FEB 6

    A Conversation with Dr. Erika Rasure, Financial Wellness Advisor

    Dr. Erika Rasure — a former financial advisor and university professor turned financial therapist — has helped thousands of people approach their finances in more intentional, healthy ways. She serves as Chief Financial Wellness Advisor at Beyond Finance, where she meets weekly with hundreds of clients working their way out of debt and towards financial freedom. In addition to her work at Beyond Finance, Dr. Erika serves as Chair of the Research Board for the Financial Therapy Clinical Institute. She is a member of the Financial Review Boards for Investopedia, The Balance, VeryWell Family and VeryWell Parents. Her insight and interviews have been featured in prestigious national outlets, such as Barron’s, CNN, Forbes, Fox Business, Marketwatch, NBC News Now, USA Today and Yahoo. Erika holds a doctorate in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University and is a Certified Deep Transformational Coach — an accreditation that surrounds changing patterns in actions and behaviors. She addresses holistic wellness in her treatment, incorporating the practice of yoga (she’s also a registered yoga teacher) into her comprehensive approach to financial therapy. In this episode, we discuss: • Financial wellness and the best way to achieve it • The mental health connection: how credit card debt impacts wellbeing • How to manage (and avoid) excessive credit card debt Learn more: https://www.beyondfinance.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-finance/ https://www.facebook.com/MoveBeyondDebt/ https://www.instagram.com/beyondfinancedebtrelief/ https://www.youtube.com/@beyondfinance5099

    29 min
  8. A Conversation with Dr. Diane Dreher, Positive Psychology Expert and Author

    JAN 30

    A Conversation with Dr. Diane Dreher, Positive Psychology Expert and Author

    Dr. Diane Dreher helps us learn better ways to deal with stress and how to find more hope and joy. She is the author of eight nonfiction books including the best-selling Tao of Inner Peace and her new book, Pathways to Inner Peace. She is an award-winning university professor and positive psychology researcher whose work on hope has been recognized internationally. Her books, workshops and webinars blend the wisdom of the past with powerful strategies from contemporary psychology and neuroscience to help us meet the challenges of our time with greater courage, creativity and hope. She posits that a walk in nature can be as effective as a prescription antidepressant. Diane's books have been translated into ten languages and her work has been featured in USA Today, Entrepreneur, Redbook, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Science of Mind, radio and TV talk shows, podcasts, webinars and web sites on leadership and personal growth. She has a Ph.D. in Renaissance English literature from UCLA as well as a master's degree in counseling and is a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation. Her research on positive psychology and hope has been published online and in academic books and journals. Diane is currently professor emeritus and associate director of the Applied Spirituality Institute at Santa Clara University and a lecturer in the Positive Psychology Guild in the United Kingdom. Diane joined us from Northern California. She encourages all of us to follow our curiosity, as well as our intuition. She reminds us that small moments of connection -- with neighbors and others with whom we come into contact -- can turn into lasting joy and ease the loneliness epidemic. Learn more: www.dianedreher.comhttps://bsky.app/profile/dianeedreher.bsky.social Pathways To Inner Peace: https://amzn.to/4q2SmF9

    37 min
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About

Award-winning podcast about living your best life, by Maria Leonard Olsen & her inspiring guests. Maria is a lawyer/journalist/author who seeks to amplify women's voices to share about their lives, work & life lessons. She graduated from Boston College & Univ. of Virginia Law. She served in the Clinton Justice Dept. and is a lawyer in Washington, D.C. Her latest book, 50 After 50--Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life, has helped thousands reinvigorate their lives. Maria has spoken at TEDx CUNY, the Pennsylvania Women’s Conference and more. See MariaLeonardOlsen.com and follow @FiftyAfter50

Information

  • Creator
    Maria Leonard Olsen
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    262
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Maria Leonard Olsen
  • Show Website
    Becoming Your Best Version