The Podcast for Real-Life Heroines

Susanna Liller
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to The Podcast for Real-Life Heroines. I'm your host Susanna Liller, and I'll be your guide as you take your journey from ordinary to extraordinary, as the true heroine in your own life.

  1. Season 7 Episode 6 - Interview with Rhayne Thomas

    Jun 1

    Season 7 Episode 6 - Interview with Rhayne Thomas

    In this joyful, heartfelt, and inspiring episode, Susanna talks with Rhayne Thomas about following your passions, embracing what makes you unique, and finding ways to bring light into the lives of others. A blues singer, actor, author, breast cancer survivor, and lifelong advocate, Rhayne shares the remarkable story behind her movement, PrunesAreSexy!, and how a childhood love of prunes evolved into nearly fifty years of fundraising, awareness, and support for cancer survivors around the world. Together, Susanna and Rhayne explore the power of persistence, the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you, and how one conversation can change the course of a life. Rhayne reflects on overcoming a difficult childhood, the unwavering support of her husband, and the countless creative projects she has launched in service of others. Through laughter, storytelling, and plenty of prune enthusiasm, this conversation reminds us that our quirks can become our greatest gifts when we have the courage to share them with the world. Episode Highlights 00:46 – Introducing Rhayne Thomas 03:15 – Rhayne shares the origin story of her lifelong love of prunes and how National Prune Day was born. 06:09 – The evolution of PrunesAreSexy! and how a personal passion became a global fundraising and awareness movement supporting cancer survivors. 16:33 – Susanna and Rhayne share the story of their chance meeting in an airport and the friendship that grew from a single conversation. 21:55 – Rhayne discusses her special-edition PrunesAreSexy! glasses collaboration and discusses using creativity as a force for fundraising and connection. 36:02 – Rhayne reveals the one message she hopes listeners will remember. Get To Know Rhayne Thomas Rhayne Thomas, entertainer, inspirational humorist and breast cancer survivor, born and raised in The Bronx, has been a volunteer spokesperson and fundraiser for cancer and breast cancer since 1976. Born and raised a Bronx, NY girl, Rhayne Tomas has a serious passion for fun, healing, laughter and Prunes. Yes, the fruit! She is a Blues vocalist, actor, author, voluntary spokesperson and fundraiser for cancer/breast cancer. Being grateful and blessed with so many gifts, she has always focused on making others feel alive through her voice and sense of humor, which led her to create her all-encompassing wellness and thought-provoking company, “PrunesAreSexy!” over 15 years ago. Anyone who knows her knows she is “an experience junkie” because she believes the world is full of wonderful things everyone should see, feel, do, and eat, and she doesn't want to miss any opportunity to inspire others who also inspire her! On July 15th, 2021, Rhayne became a 10 year cancer Survivor and that milestone made it very clear to her there’s a lot more work for me to do with her continued Warrior Spirit!! Owner of “PrunesAreSexy!”, “Prunes! Making YOU Run for breast cancer!” and “National Prunes Day, June 15th", Rhayne’s ultimate goal is to inspire through laughter and prunes, her all-time favorite fruit. “People judge it from the outside when all the beauty is on the inside. Like people. If we can move past physical judgments, the world would be so much happier!” Connect With Rhayne PrunesAreSexy! Website Instagram Facebook Email Connect with Susanna Here Watch The Podcast For Real Life Heroines On YouTube Heroine's Journey Map Book A Free Discovery Call With Susanna Learn How To Get What You Want With Just A Circle Follow On Facebook Follow On Instagram Follow On Twitter Start Your Own Heroine's Journey

    41 min
  2. Season 7 Episode 5 - Interview with John P. Schuster

    May 4

    Season 7 Episode 5 - Interview with John P. Schuster

    In this thoughtful and expansive episode, Susanna talks with John P. Schuster about what it truly means to answer your deepest calling and the inner work required to live it. Drawing from decades of experience as a coach, teacher, and author, John shares how his work has evolved from traditional coaching into what he calls “coaching from the mystic core,” a practice rooted in spirituality, presence, and deep inner awareness. Together, Susanna and John explore the connection between inner mastery and outer impact, and why lasting change in the world must begin within. They discuss the role of meditation, intuition, and spiritual practice in helping us quiet the noise of everyday life so we can hear what is calling us forward. This conversation is a powerful reminder that we are not separate from the wisdom we seek. It already lives within us, waiting for us to listen. Episode Highlights 00:47 – Introducing John P. Schuster04:22 – John shares his journey from traditional coaching into spiritually informed “mystic core” work.15:58 – John and Susanna explore the concept of inner mastery and outer impact, and the five core energies of purpose, wisdom, love, growth, and self-realization.31:49 – John shares what he hopes listeners will remember from this conversation. Get To Know John P. Schuster John P. Schuster is a leadership coach, teacher, and author with more than 25 years of experience helping individuals and organizations connect with purpose and create meaningful impact. He has taught at Columbia University and the Hudson Institute, where he has guided leaders and coaches in deepening their work. John is the author of Answering Your Call: A Guide to Living Your Deepest Purpose and continues to explore the intersection of spirituality and coaching through his work with the Mentora Institute. His approach invites people to look within, cultivate presence, and trust the wisdom that emerges from their own inner life. Mentora Institute Connect with Susanna Here Watch The Podcast For Real Life Heroines On YouTube Heroine's Journey Map Book A Free Discovery Call With Susanna Learn How To Get What You Want With Just A Circle Follow On Facebook Follow On Instagram Follow On Twitter Start Your Own Heroine's Journey

    35 min
  3. Season 7 Episode 4 - Interview with Shannon Thompson

    Apr 13

    Season 7 Episode 4 - Interview with Shannon Thompson

    In this insightful episode, Susanna sits down with conflict resolution educator and content creator Shannon Thompson, who shares her transformative journey from education to facilitating meaningful conversations around conflict. Shannon discusses her passion for making complex conflict dynamics accessible through practical communication tools and her experience in mediating high-stakes discussions. Throughout the episode, Shannon articulates the importance of emotional regulation in conflict situations and the necessity of empathy in communication. She reflects on her career transition, addressing the fears and challenges that accompany stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Together, Susanna and Shannon explore how personal growth can emerge from navigating conflict and the courage it takes to continue on one’s journey, no matter how daunting it may seem. Episode Highlights 01:14 – Introducing Shannon Thompson18:21 – Susanna and Shannon explore the dynamic of conflict resolution in educational settings, particularly IEP meetings.25:10 – Shannon discusses the importance of empathy and understanding in conflict situations, managing impostor syndrome, and staying persistent through challenging transitions.35:47 - Shannon shares what she hopes listeners will take away from her conversation with Susanna about the relationship between emotional regulation and effective communication. Get To Know Shannon Thompson Shannon Thompson is a conflict resolution educator dedicated to helping individuals navigate challenging conversations with clarity and confidence. Through her work as a mediator and content creator, she translates complex conflict dynamics into digestible lessons, focusing on practical communication skills that foster understanding and resolution. With a passion for bridging knowledge gaps in conflict resolution, Shannon’s efforts are aimed at empowering everyday people to engage more meaningfully in their personal and professional lives. Shannon's YouTube Channel Connect on LinkedIn Follow Shannon on TikTok Connect with Susanna Here Watch The Podcast For Real Life Heroines On YouTube Heroine's Journey Map Book A Free Discovery Call With Susanna Learn How To Get What You Want With Just A Circle Follow On Facebook Follow On Instagram Follow On Twitter Start Your Own Heroine's Journey

    38 min
  4. Season 7 Episode 3 - Interview with Wenlin Tan

    Mar 9

    Season 7 Episode 3 - Interview with Wenlin Tan

    In this thoughtful and expansive episode, Susanna talks with interdisciplinary artist and embodied listening practitioner Wenlin Tan about the deeper meaning of listening and how it can transform the way we relate to one another and to the natural world. Wenlin shares how her path has woven together psychology, behavioral health, participatory art, and ecological awareness, leading her to develop practices that invite people to listen beyond language through movement, rhythm, and sensory attention. Together, Susanna and Wenlin explore the idea that listening is not simply hearing another person speak. It is a relational act that requires presence, curiosity, and humility. Wenlin describes her work along the River Po in Italy and explains how her creative process is guided by the five elements and the cycles found in nature. This conversation opens a doorway into a different way of being in the world, one where listening becomes a practice of connection with ourselves, with others, and with the places we inhabit. Episode Highlights 01:02 – Introducing Wenlin Tan14:47 – Susanna and Wenlin discuss what it means to listen beyond words and why listening is fundamentally a relational practice.34:45 – Wenlin describes the difference between “listening to” someone and “listening with” them, using the metaphor of musicians accompanying one another.55:40 – Wenlin reflects on what she hopes listeners will remember about the power of attention, presence, and listening. Get To Know Wenlin Tan Wenlin Tan is an interdisciplinary artist and embodied listening practitioner whose work explores the intersection of participatory art, ecology, and relational awareness. Drawing from a background in behavioral health and psychology, she has spent more than fifteen years facilitating workshops and group experiences across Asia, Europe, and the United States. Her practice invites people to listen beyond language through movement, rhythm, and sensory attention, cultivating deeper relationships with one another and with the natural world. Based in Turin, Italy, Wenlin’s current research unfolds along the River Po, where she continues to explore creative ways of listening to place and community. Wenlin's WebsiteWenlin's InstagramFlow with Wenlin Connect with Susanna Here Watch The Podcast For Real Life Heroines On YouTube Heroine's Journey Map Book A Free Discovery Call With Susanna Learn How To Get What You Want With Just A Circle Follow On Facebook Follow On Instagram Follow On Twitter Start Your Own Heroine's Journey

    1h 1m
  5. Season 7 Episode 2 - Interview with Wendy Ulmer

    Feb 16

    Season 7 Episode 2 - Interview with Wendy Ulmer

    In this imaginative and heartfelt episode, Susanna talks with Wendy Ulmer about bravery, creativity, and the courage to follow unexpected downloads. Wendy shares stories of the life leaps that shaped her journey, from driving alone across the country on what she calls her “Courage Quest,” to reading a deeply personal story at her father’s funeral, to sending a manuscript onto a slush pile that would launch her publishing career. Together, Susanna and Wendy explore intuition, walking as a creative practice, dragons as catalysts, and the mysterious way stories arrive when we are willing to listen. Wendy reflects on opening her “heart box,” trusting the ideas that come, and embracing the identity of a brave adventurer. This conversation is a reminder that creativity requires courage, that inspiration asks us to let go, and that each of us is called to cross thresholds in our own way. Episode Highlights 01:02 – Introducing Wendy Ulmer08:08 – Wendy shares her “Go West” download and the solo road trip that became her Courage Quest.10:16 – The story behind Poppy’s Campfire and how a slush pile submission led to her first published book.15:57 – Dragons, downloads, and the surprising origin of The Call trilogy.25:18 – Wendy talks about writing The Marsh and the idea of the “heart box.”30:30 – Wendy shares her final words of encouragement for the listeners. Get To Know Wendy Ulmer Wendy Ulmer is a former public-school music and English teacher with 21years experience. Prior to teaching, she was a Registered Music Therapist, working in both clinical and public-school settings. Wendy earned a BS in Music Education from Lebanon Valley College and a Masters in Education in the Creative Arts in Learning from Lesley University. She is the author of 10 books for children, including The Journals of Anterg, inspired by the village in Pennsylvania where she grew up. Today Wendy lives on Arrowsic Island, near Bath, where she can be found combing the beach for treasures or roaming through the woods looking for dragons. Wendy's FacebookWendy's InstagramWebsite Connect with Susanna Here Heroine's Journey Map Book A Free Discovery Call With Susanna Learn How To Get What You Want With Just A Circle Follow On Facebook Follow On Instagram Follow On Twitter Start Your Own Heroine's Journey

    34 min
  6. Season 7 Episode 1 - Interview with Annie Schneiderman Valliere

    Jan 5

    Season 7 Episode 1 - Interview with Annie Schneiderman Valliere

    In this rich and moving episode, Susanna talks with Annie Schneiderman Valliere about legacy, calling, and the power of remembering the women who came before us. Annie shares her own Heroine’s Journey alongside the extraordinary life and influence of her great-aunt, Rose Schneiderman, a pivotal leader in the American labor and women’s rights movements. She also reflects on growing up with the presence of Rose in her family, the slow and determined work of writing her biography, and the moment she felt Rose’s power moving through her. Together, Susanna and Annie explore immigration, labor history, women’s dignity, and the lasting impact of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. This conversation is a reminder that our personal stories are inseparable from collective history, and that honoring where we come from helps us understand who we are and how we are called to act in the world today. Episode Highlights 00:49 – Introducing Annie Schneiderman Valliere08:32 – Annie reflects on feeling Rose Schneiderman’s influence as part of her heritage and identity.10:23 – Annie shares more about the immigrant roots of Rose Schneiderman and how early hardship shaped her activism.13:50 – Susanna and Annie discuss the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and why its legacy still matters today.29:49 – Annie talks about “Bread and Roses” and what Rose believed every worker deserved.45:42 – Annie recites “Bread and Roses” and shares a message she hopes listeners remember. Get To Know Annie Schneiderman Valliere Annie Schneiderman Valliere is a writer, singer, therapist, and social worker who has spent more than a decade researching and writing about her great-aunt, Rose Schneiderman, one of the most influential labor organizers and women’s rights leaders of the early twentieth century. Annie’s work weaves together personal memory, cultural heritage, and historical research, illuminating the ways family stories shape our values, purpose, and sense of justice. Through her writing and music, she keeps alive the legacy of women whose courage helped transform labor rights and women’s lives in America. Connect with Susanna Here Heroine's Journey Map Book A Free Discovery Call With Susanna Learn How To Get What You Want With Just A Circle Follow On Facebook Follow On Instagram Follow On Twitter Start Your Own Heroine's Journey

    40 min
  7. Season 6 Episode 11 - Interview with Holly Reid

    12/08/2025

    Season 6 Episode 11 - Interview with Holly Reid

    In this heartfelt episode, Susanna talks with Rev. Holly Reid about the long, persistent call that led her from decades of nursing into full-time ministry. Holly shares how a quiet inner tapping became impossible to ignore, the financial and emotional hurdles she faced in midlife, and the transformative experiences that shaped her work in prison hospice and pastoral care. Her story is one of courage, faith, and learning to leap into the unknown, reminding us that a Heroine’s Journey can begin at any age and often unfolds through unexpected doors, deep compassion, and a willingness to say yes to what’s calling. Episode Highlights 00:46 – Introducing Holly Reid08:11 – Holly describes the persistent “tap, tap, tap” she felt from God, the car ride where she bargained, and how that tapping finally quieted down.13:55 – Holly talks about leaving nursing to attend seminary, missing her first CPE placement, and how that “closed door” led her exactly where she needed to be.26:23 – Holly shares her ongoing work with the hospice group at the Maine State Prison and the powerful lessons that her journey has brought to her.38:07 – The biggest takeaway Holly wants every listener to remember. Get To Know Holly Reid Rev. Holly Reid is an ordained United Church of Christ minister and registered nurse with nearly four decades of experience in community health and pastoral care. After following a midlife call to ministry, she earned her Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary and now serves as pastor of The Neighborhood in Bath, Maine. Holly is passionate about community, compassionate presence, and restorative justice, and she continues her work at the Maine State Prison supporting incarcerated men who provide hospice care. Her ministry is grounded in dignity, connection, and a deep belief in the possibility of transformation. The Neighborhood Website   Connect with Susanna Here Heroine's Journey Map Book A Free Discovery Call With Susanna Learn How To Get What You Want With Just A Circle Follow On Facebook Follow On Instagram Follow On Twitter Start Your Own Heroine's Journey

    41 min
  8. Season 6 Episode 10 - Interview with Leslie Parker

    11/18/2025

    Season 6 Episode 10 - Interview with Leslie Parker

    In this illuminating episode, Susanna talks with Leslie Parker, a pelvic floor physical therapist and author of The Art of Control: A Woman’s Guide to Bladder Care. With more than 25 years of experience, Leslie has helped countless women regain confidence and control by addressing one of the most common yet least discussed issues: urinary incontinence. In this conversation, she shares her personal path to purpose, the science behind healthy bladder habits, and practical tools every woman can use to improve her bladder health, no matter her age or stage of life. Together, Susanna and Leslie uncover surprising truths, like why drinking more water actually helps you pee less, the four biggest bladder irritants, and how it’s never too late to take control of your body and well-being. Episode Highlights 01:09 – Introducing Leslie Parker05:30 – Leslie opens up about what led her to specialize in pelvic floor health and later write her bestselling book, The Art of Control.11:00 – Susanna and Leslie break down “the ferocious four”: the top irritants that make your bladder unhappy.15:05 – Leslie shares the counterintuitive truth about “just in case” peeing and how it can actually train your bladder to misbehave.25:27 – Leslie’s tips for restoring bladder strength, the power of the “I’m not ready” mantra, and hydration routines.35:44 – The two biggest takeaways Leslie wants every listener to remember. Get To Know Leslie Parker Leslie Parker, PT, is a pelvic floor physical therapist, author, and educator with over 25 years of experience in women’s, men’s, and pediatric pelvic health. Known affectionately as “The Bladder Queen,” Leslie’s mission is to empower women with the knowledge and tools to take control of their bladder health and improve their quality of life. Her bestselling book, The Art of Control: A Woman’s Guide to Bladder Care, blends expertise, empathy, and practical advice to help women understand their bodies and reclaim their confidence. The Art of Control: A Woman’s Guide to Bladder Care Website Contact Leslie: leslie@innerbalancept.com Connect with Susanna Here Heroine's Journey Map Book A Free Discovery Call With Susanna Learn How To Get What You Want With Just A Circle Follow On Facebook Follow On Instagram Follow On Twitter Start Your Own Heroine's Journey

    38 min
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Welcome to The Podcast for Real-Life Heroines. I'm your host Susanna Liller, and I'll be your guide as you take your journey from ordinary to extraordinary, as the true heroine in your own life.

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