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 3 - Interview with Wenlin Tan

    14H AGO

    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 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Season 6 Episode 9 - Interview with Ellen Webster

    10/06/2025

    Season 6 Episode 9 - Interview with Ellen Webster

    In this inspiring episode, Susanna sits down with Ellen Webster to explore her extraordinary journey of gratitude, resilience, and buoyant living. At 56, Ellen set out on what seemed like the improbable goal of handwriting 10,000 thank you notes. What began as a personal practice of appreciation blossomed into a viral story featured on Good Morning America, the Today Show, and beyond. Ellen shares how her practice of “I See You, I Appreciate You, You Matter” was born, the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way, and how listening to her heart (and diving beneath the waves) became central to living buoyantly as she ages. Her wisdom reminds us that the Heroine’s Journey is found in the everyday moments of courage, love, and choosing what lights us up. Episode Highlights 00:35 – Introducing Ellen Webster02:10 – Ellen reflects with Susanna on beginning her journey of handwriting 10,000 thank you notes and the framework of “I see you, I appreciate you, you matter.”13:38 – Ellen shares her path to HeartMath, stress resilience, and listening to the wisdom of the heart.14:44 – How Ellen’s project gained attention and why she said “yes” to stepping into the light.21:45 – Ellen’s reflections on aging, diving, and the importance of Living Buoyantly and choosing what lights you up.31:56 – The message Ellen hopes listeners will carry forward. Get To Know Ellen Webster Ellen Webster is a writer, speaker, and coach passionate about helping women live buoyantly at every stage of life. Known for her practice of handwriting 10,000 thank you notes, Ellen weaves together the science of HeartMath with lived wisdom to show how small acts of appreciation can transform our inner and outer worlds. Through her project, her newsletter, and her website, she inspires women (especially over 60) to connect, choose joy, and discover what lights them up. Website Subscribe to the Age Buoyantly Newsletter 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

    35 min
  7. Season 6 Episode 8 - Interview with Creighton Taylor

    08/18/2025

    Season 6 Episode 8 - Interview with Creighton Taylor

    In this moving episode, Susanna sits down with Creighton Taylor to explore her deeply personal journey through decades of depression, healing, and self-discovery. From navigating the early signs of mental illness in her youth to undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as an adult, Creighton offers a brave and honest account of what it means to live with chronic depression while still showing up for family, for joy, and for herself. Her story is one of vulnerability and quiet strength, reminding us that the Heroine’s Journey doesn’t always look like adventure, it often looks like survival, resilience, and learning to ask for help. Episode Highlights 00:44 – Introducing Creighton Taylor05:34 – Creighton reflects on her lifelong struggles with severe treatment-resistant depression, her decision to try ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), and how her experience through that journey was different than previous expectations.22:58 –  Susanna and Chreighton discuss the importance of speaking your truth, finding the right support, and talking about the difficult topics no one else wants to talk about.30:18 – Creighton opens up about her writing journey, including her aspiration to turn her lived experience into a book that could help others navigating depression.40:15 – Creighton shares her advice for the listeners.  Get To Know Creighton Taylor Creighton Taylor is a mother, thinker, and truth-teller living in Maine. In this powerful conversation, she shares her decades-long journey with depression and the healing path that’s included both struggle and strength. By speaking openly about her experience with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), Creighton challenges stigma and creates space for others to feel less alone. Her wisdom, humor, and willingness to be seen make her story a moving reflection of what it means to walk the Heroine’s Journey...one that includes pain, resilience, and deep inner transformation. Resources:If anyone has a question about ECT, Electroconvulsive Therapy, contact the National Alliance for Mental Illness to be directed to where you can find information about the treatment near you.National Alliance on Mental Illness  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

    42 min
  8. Season 6 Episode 7 - Interview with Christine Richards

    07/14/2025

    Season 6 Episode 7 - Interview with Christine Richards

    In this eye-opening episode, Susanna sits down with writer and artist Christine Richards to talk about the power of noticing, the joy of writing letters, and how paying attention to life’s small moments can lead to big shifts. Christine shares her heroine’s journey from running a successful graphic design business to pursuing her love of writing, creating books, and cultivating a practice of mindfulness through story and correspondence. Her story reminds us that even the smallest step forward can open the door to a more authentic, meaningful path. Episode Highlights 00:40 – Introducing Christine Richards 07:38 – Christine shares her heroine’s call to change and her leap into a new direction14:48 – Susanna and Christine reflect on how following creative yearnings, even when they don’t pay, can still lead to fulfillment17:06 – Christine talks about her books, pen pals, and her love of typewriters 33:34 – Christine’s advice on taking small steps and paying attention to what really matters Get To Know Christine Richards Christine Richards is a Maine-based writer, graphic designer, and collage artist with a passion for noticing the details of everyday life. Through her books, blogs, and beautiful letters, Christine inspires others to slow down, observe, and find meaning in the ordinary. She is the author of Things I Notice When I Walk the Dog, A Few Good Things About Today, and more — each work reflecting her belief that storytelling and letter writing can connect us to ourselves and to others in profound ways. Christine also shares weekly reflections and stories on her blog at Waystation Whistle, where she continues to explore the art of short stories, journaling, and creative noticing. When she’s not writing or designing, you might find her baking, tending to her pen pal correspondence, or enjoying the quiet beauty of Maine’s seasons.Book: Things I Notice When I Walk the DogJournal: A Few Good Things About TodayWebsite: waystationwhistle.comInstagram: @waystationwhistle 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
See All (66)

Ratings & Reviews

About

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.

Information