Becoming Your Best Version

Maria Leonard Olsen

Award-winning podcast about living your best life, by Maria Leonard Olsen & her inspiring guests. Maria is a lawyer/journalist/author/two-time TEDx speaker 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. See MariaLeonardOlsen.com and follow @FiftyAfter50

  1. A Conversation With Emily Lampkin, Founder of the Women Leaders Series and Author of Duct Tape and White Lies: A Woman's Practical Guide to Real-Life Success

    3d ago

    A Conversation With Emily Lampkin, Founder of the Women Leaders Series and Author of Duct Tape and White Lies: A Woman's Practical Guide to Real-Life Success

    Emily Lampkin is a highly sought-after speaker, author and advisor, known for empowering women leaders in corporate, non-profit, education, and political sectors to hone their skills and maximize opportunities. With a pragmatic style and actionable advice, she has trained thousands of women globally through her dynamic, one-of-a-kind “Women Leaders Series” workshop. The Women Leaders Series is the culmination of more than 25 years of experience advising women leaders on ways they can perfect their skills to maximize opportunities. Emily has trained thousands of women across the country and the world.  Recognized as one of Washington, DC's most respected connectors, Emily has worked in American politics for thirty years.  Her passion is electing more women to office. Emily excels at threading policy and cultural priorities into communications that resonate. A frequent media contributor on major TV networks, radio, podcasts and social platforms, Emily is committed to building a multi-decade pipeline of diverse female leaders. She speaks at universities and schools, including Georgetown University and the London School of Economics, inspiring the next generation of women. Emily’s book, Duct Tape and White Lies: A Woman’s Practical Guide to Success (March 3, 2026), speaks directly to women who have built successful careers, spent decades caring for others, and are now ready to redefine what fulfillment and leadership look like in this next chapter. It is based on her Women Leaders Series workshop. Emily serves as a member of the U.S. Department of State Speakers Program, collaborating with U.S. embassies and working with a number of international women’s organizations to train women globally to assume leadership roles. A proud St. Louis native and University of Missouri graduate, Emily lives in Virginia with her husband and three children. In this episode, we discuss: Why so many successful women feel stuck — and why it’s normalHow caregiving and ambition can coexist Redefining success later in life without starting over How women can give themselves permission to pursue what’s next Learn more and follow Emily: https://www.emilylampkin.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilylampkin/ https://www.facebook.com/emily.k.lampkin

    27 min
  2. A Conversation with Gail Harris, Founder of Golden Ghostwriting

    Jun 19

    A Conversation with Gail Harris, Founder of Golden Ghostwriting

    Gail Harris is a certified ghostwriter who drafts deeply healing, compelling, life-affirming memoirs for women authors who don’t want to write their book on their own. An IPNE Book Award Finalist for the memoir Finding Zoe, Gail resonates with authors who, in addition to any professional goals they may have, see writing their memoir as a way to heal—they want to heal and share what they’ve learned about themselves and life and possibly help others. They’ve done enough self-reflection to know they have a powerful story inside and are ready to claim it and start writing.  Gail helps her authors connect the dots in ways they may not have seen before. She’s a story doula guiding them to give birth to the story that’s bursting to come alive in them, the one they’re meant to write, that’s universal, and marketable. Viewing her life as a spiritual journey, Gail has been doing her own inner work for a long time and understands what healing is about. This, along with her writing expertise, is what she believes makes being a women’s memoirist her dharma or gift. She understands that when we share our deepest truth, no matter how painful, we bring compassion and healing to ourselves and others. Founder of Golden Ghostwriting, and based outside Boston, Gail is also the author of Your Heart Knows the Answer--How to Trust Yourself and Make the Choices That Are Right for You. It guides women to listen for and live according to their hearts' wisdom. Some gems from the interview include: "Memoir is about being human." "Reading is like breathing in and writing is like breathing out." In this episode, we discuss: • Going inward: understanding healing as a spiritual journey• We are spiritual beings having human experiences• Our inner energy• Learning to let go• Why women write their memoirs• Why work with a ghostwriter• The different publishing paths• How to write a compelling memoir• How to let the story lead• Storytelling’s universal healing power Learn more: https://goldenghostwriting.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gail-harris-269a219/

    32 min
  3. A Conversation with Bukky Onifade, Midlife Reinvention Coach, Author and Founder of CoachedbyBukky

    Jun 12

    A Conversation with Bukky Onifade, Midlife Reinvention Coach, Author and Founder of CoachedbyBukky

    Bukky Onifade is a Midlife Reinvention Coach, International Speaker, Author and Founder of Coached by Bukky, where she helps professional women aged 45+ turn major life transitions into purposeful, profitable second acts. Her work centers on a powerful reframe: Midlife is not a crisis; it’s a creative threshold. On this episode, we talk about identity shifts, burnout, grief, divorce and the quiet dissatisfaction many high-achieving women experience after “doing everything right." Before relocating to the United States from Ireland, Bukky built a strong media presence in the United Kingdom. She has written for Huffington Post, contributed to national and local publications and served for several years as a recurring contributor on BBC Radio, including their Sunday newspaper review program. Her book, Plan Your Life, was published in 2011 but will be re-published in the near future. Rather than hustle culture or performative motivation, she offers listeners permission, perspective and practical clarity, helping women translate decades of life and career capital into aligned businesses, meaningful work and grounded success. Bukky was born in Nigeria and moved to the U.K. before coming to the U.S. Learn more and follow Bukky: www.coachedbybukky.com https://www.instagram.com/coachedbybukky/ https://www.facebook.com/bukky.olaleye/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bukkyonifade/ https://www.pinterest.com/coachedbybukky/

    29 min
  4. A Conversation with Elana Auerbach, Author of "The Sure Thing: A Pleasure Practice to Revive the Spark"

    Jun 5

    A Conversation with Elana Auerbach, Author of "The Sure Thing: A Pleasure Practice to Revive the Spark"

    Elana Auerbach is a lover, author, mother, mentor, activist and priestess. She spent her childhood and young adulthood on what she calls “the conveyor belt of life,” being the good girl and doing what others expected of her. This looked like graduating Phi Beta Kappa from UCLA, working on Wall Street for a Japanese investment bank, and marrying someone with whom she felt no chemistry. It all fell apart in 2001 when Elana realized she’d been living a lie and found the courage to leave her marriage. She entered a world of sensuality and sex, researching orgasm in a San Francisco pleasure-centered community. This is where she met Bill, who would become her loverman for life. In 2005, Elana founded “Sensuelle: A Woman’s Journey into Sensuality,” a program supporting women to fall in love with themselves, connect with their authentic voice and ignite their passion. Then, in 2011, a few years after becoming an ordained priestess with the Sanctuary of the 13 Moon Mystery School, Elana was certified to teach their year-long immersion into the feminine mysteries, where she taught for more than a decade. She released her book The Sure Thing: A Pleasure Practice to Revive the Spark on February 3, 2026, just in time for Valentine’s Day. In The Sure Thing, Elana invites readers to bring joy, intimacy and passion back into their relationships through a simple weekly pleasure practice. Drawing from the ritual that transformed her own long-strained partnership, she presents a clear, accessible and fun framework for reconnecting with desire. Readers learn how to release shame, understand what they truly want, create a sustainable ritual of pleasure and meet resistance with play instead of pressure. “This book is personal,” Elana says. “For twelve years, my spouse and I struggled over sex. We tried everything—expert advice, toys, techniques—but nothing changed until I created The Sure Thing. What emerged was a practice that actually works.”  Inside The Sure Thing, readers will discover: •              How to break free from shame, conditioning and the pressure to “perform” intimacy •              Why most couples drift apart—and how to reverse it through intention and play •              How to navigate resistance and rekindle curiosity •              A step-by-step guide to crafting a personalized Sure Thing pleasure practice •              Why a weekly ritual can transform not only your sex life, but your entire relationship with pleasure Elana joined us from Berkeley, California. Learn more and follow Elana: https://surethingexperiment.com https://www.facebook.com/ElanaAuerbachAuthor/ https://www.instagram.com/elana.auerbach

    34 min
  5. A Conversation with Julie Nise, Relationship Trainer and Communication Strategist

    May 29

    A Conversation with Julie Nise, Relationship Trainer and Communication Strategist

    Julie Nise is a Relationship Trainer and Communication Strategist known for her direct, results-oriented approach. With more than two decades of combined corporate, entrepreneurial and clinical experience, Julie brings a rare balance of empathy and practicality to her coaching. She has successfully guided more than 8,000 individuals and couples through challenges in communication, trust and leadership, offering clear, actionable strategies that create lasting change. Her insight and authenticity have earned her national recognition, including multiple appearances on the Dr. Phil Show, where her compassionate yet focused style resonated with both audiences and producers. As a regular commentator on NewsRadio KTRH Houston, Julie shared expert perspectives on relationships, communication, current events and leadership. In this episode, we discuss: --The Communication Reset: How to Stop Arguing and Start Understanding --Building Real Connection in a Digital World --Rebuilding Trust After Betrayal: The Step-by-Step Path to Healing --Leadership Through Listening: What Great Relationships Teach Us About Influence --From Conflict to Clarity: Turning Relationship Stress into Growth "Over the years, I’ve helped thousands of people—including couples on the brink of divorce and leaders seeking clarity in their relationships—achieve breakthroughs and focus on creating positive change," Julie says. "Whether you’re looking to improve your marriage, reconnect with your family, or lead your team with confidence, my goal is to provide the clarity, tools, and strategies you need to thrive.... We are who we practice to be." Her new book, Romance ESP--Seeing Patterns and Responding to the Changes in Your Relationship, comes out in 2026. Among other things, readers will learn how to master the art of understanding and reacting to the non-verbal clues that influence relationship dynamics. Outside her work, Julie enjoys time with family, coastal living and encouraging others to grow in purpose and connection. Learn more and follow Julie: https://www.outcomesonly.com/ https://www.instagram.com/outcomesonly/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Outcomes-Only/61572479851741/

    28 min
  6. A Conversation with Ally Shaw, Author of “Chasing Tigers in the Dark, Life Lessons of a Fierce Survivor”

    May 22

    A Conversation with Ally Shaw, Author of “Chasing Tigers in the Dark, Life Lessons of a Fierce Survivor”

    Ally Shaw is a fierce survivor who has reinvented herself multiple times after devastating loss. Ally is a proud cancer survivor who became an opera singer. She also is an award-winning entrepreneur who became an author. Ally and her husband Kevin recently retired as business owners of a multi-state Domino's franchise, after achieving eight Gold Franny awards (top 2% of franchisees worldwide). Ally launched a new career as a speaker in 2016, presenting to audiences of 100 - 10,000. Her passion for writing had always played understudy but the quietness of the pandemic provided time for inspiration to grow. Ally became a first-time author of the narrative non-fiction book Chasing Tigers in the Dark, Life Lessons of a Fierce Survivor (Library Tales Publishing/Simon & Schuster) in 2022/2026. She won an International Impact Book Award for her memoir in 2026. Ally recently signed a two-book contract for a new fiction project with Wicked Ink Publishing in Canada. The novels (Tiger Eye and Daisy Chain) will shine a spotlight on the global human trafficking crisis and are slated to launch in 2026 and 2027. The title of her book and accompanying book tour speech (“I Caught the Tiger, Now What?”) are metaphors for facing the fears that attempt to stunt our productivity and prevent us from achieving our ultimate success. This topic feeds her evolving purpose of building awareness around mental health struggles (affecting more than 50% of the population) and providing resources for healing complex trauma (affecting more than 70% of the population.)  Ally earned a bachelor's degree from Elon University and a master's degree from Loyola University New Orleans. Ally is also a graduate of Leadership NRV, a prestigious leadership program facilitated in southwest Virginia. Proceeds from Ally's books support cancer, domestic abuse, hurricane relief and human trafficking recovery charities. Ally's "fierce tiger lady" brand is characterized by positivity, vulnerability, and embracing the art of reinvention. She is a proud wife and mother of seven children and lives in Sunset Beach, NC. Learn more and follow Ally: www.fiercetigerlady.com https://www.tiktok.com/@allyshawauthor?_t=ZP-8tHeKsDAWFy&_r=1 https://www.facebook.com/allyshawfiercetigerlady?       https://www.instagram.com/allyshawauthor?igsh=MTFjM3M2NTYybWFwaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

    28 min
  7. A Conversation with Katie Asmus, Somatic and Nature-Based Therapist, International Teacher/Speaker, Ceremonialist and Rites of Passage Guide

    May 15

    A Conversation with Katie Asmus, Somatic and Nature-Based Therapist, International Teacher/Speaker, Ceremonialist and Rites of Passage Guide

    With several decades of experience in outdoor education, therapy, teaching, mentoring and rites of passage guiding, Katie Asmus, MA, BMP, LPC, incorporates present-moment awareness, relationship to the natural world, body-mind connection and ceremonial practices to support people in more deeply and compassionately connecting to themselves, others and the earth. She believes strongly in the power of spending time in nature as a way to deeply listen inward, and has a long history of creating, practicing and facilitating personally meaningful, culturally relevant ceremonies and rites of passage.  Katie also has had a 30-plus-year career working with therapy and coaching clients and over 20 years teaching wilderness therapy, adventure therapy, ecotherapy and somatic therapy at a graduate level. Currently, Katie directs and facilitates rites of passage trainings and experiences, sees therapy and coaching clients, guest teaches and trains therapists and healers through The Somatic Nature Therapy Institute in Colorado, though she also has online offerings. She is known for saying that “Inner work is world peace work.” https://www.somaticnaturetherapy.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/somatic-nature-therapy-institute  https://www.instagram.com/somaticnaturetherapy/ https://www.facebook.com/somaticnaturetherapy https://www.youtube.com/@infosomaticnaturetherapy  https://www.tiktok.com/@snti_boulder https://www.pinterest.com/somaticnaturetherapyinstitute/nature-therapy/

    26 min
5
out of 5
49 Ratings

About

Award-winning podcast about living your best life, by Maria Leonard Olsen & her inspiring guests. Maria is a lawyer/journalist/author/two-time TEDx speaker 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. See MariaLeonardOlsen.com and follow @FiftyAfter50