H.E.R. Amplified: Formerly Project Seed Money

Sharissa Bradley
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H.E.R. Amplified—Hear Every Ripple—is where women's voices, stories, work, ideas, and businesses are given room to travel. Formerly Project Seed Money, the show began by helping women authors discover grants, funding opportunities, and practical publishing resources. Today, host Sharissa Bradley speaks with women authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and publishing professionals about writing, publishing, business, funding, resilience, and creating meaningful change. Each conversation offers honest stories, practical insight, and resources to help women feel seen, heard, supported, and equipped to move their work forward—because every ripple begins with a voice.

  1. 6d ago

    Belonging Beyond Silence: Maria Gallucci on CODA Culture, Overcoming Stuttering, and Earned Confidence

    Confidence comes after taking the leap! In this episode of H.E.R. Amplified (formerly Project Seed Money), host Sharissa Bradley sits down with author, CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), and advocate Maria Gallucci. Maria opens up about her deeply moving journey to publishing her debut memoir, Raised in Silence. Growing up as a child of Deaf adults and dealing with a lifelong stutter, Maria felt double the insecurity and fear of not fitting in. For 15 years, writing a book sat on her New Year's resolutions list—until her young son's notes and encouragement sparked the courage to finally bring her story to life. Maria shares the extraordinary story of how her son (at age 19) designed her book cover—the only author-provided cover her publisher ever accepted—and how her book became an Amazon #1 Bestseller, briefly outranking Michael J. Fox on the audio charts! If you've ever let self-doubt, speech insecurity, or the fear of standing out hold you back, Maria's message that "confidence comes after you start" will give you the exact push you need. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to H.E.R. Amplified! 00:38 – Childhood Memories: Reading Under the Windowsill 01:13 – What is a CODA? Preserving Stories of the Deaf Community 02:10 – Living with a Lifelong Stutter & Creating a Safe Belonging Space 03:00 – Why Confidence Comes After You Start, Not Before 05:21 – The 15-Year Journey: From New Year's Resolution to Published Author 06:30 – A Legacy Cover: How Her 19-Year-Old Son Designed the Book Cover 08:00 – Becoming an Amazon #1 Bestseller (and Outranking Michael J. Fox!) 09:43 – The Marketing Reality: Overcoming Shyness on Podcasts and TV 10:23 – Her Core Motto: "Just Try" 13:42 – Wise Advice From Her Son: Celebrating the Journey Beyond Rankings 14:51 – Where to Find Maria's Book & Final Advice for Aspiring Authors Connect with Maria Gallucci: Website https://galluccihomes.com/ & https://raisedinsilence.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/galluccihomes/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TopASLRealtor LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-gallucci-18725b9 HER Amplified—Hear Every Ripple—is a platform devoted to amplifying women's voices and helping their stories, work, ideas, and businesses create ripples in the world.   Formerly Project Seed Money.   Explore interviews, grants, resources, and community: https://heramplified.com   Subscribe to HER Amplified: https://www.youtube.com/@heramplified   Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HERAmplified   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.r.amplified   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@h.e.r.amplified   Hosted by author, publisher, and educator Sharissa Bradley.   If this conversation stayed with you, share it with another woman and help keep the ripple moving.

  2. 6d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Enjoy: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing Vinh Giang: How to Communicate So People Actually Listen to You from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Communication expert Vinh Giang joins Jay to share practical tools from his first book, Before We Forget How to Connect, to help you become a more confident communicator and build deeper, more meaningful connections. Vinh explains how to become a better listener, avoid common communication mistakes, and speak so people actually pay attention. From sounding confident when you're nervous to speaking up in meetings, navigating difficult conversations, and making a great first impression, Vinh shares simple techniques to help you communicate more effectively and connect with people in every area of your life. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Instagram Teen Accounts: Built-in protections for teens. JAY'S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe here: https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What We Discuss: 00:00 Introduction 00:25 Before We Forget How To Connect 01:52 The High-Low Buffalo Icebreaker 02:45 Sharing Personal Highs 05:15 Sharing Personal Lows 11:40 Sharing Personal Buffalos 13:40 Escaping Small Talk 16:10 Overcoming Self-Judgment 17:58 Sharing Wins Without Sounding Arrogant 19:50 Communication Beyond The Script 20:40 Gen Z's Communication Struggles 23:20 Last Word, Last Letter Game 27:20 The Four Modalities Of Listening 29:50 The Three Follow-Up Questions Rule 35:50 How Do You Make A Great First Impression? 40:10 Reading the Room, Not Formulas 44:10 Finding Your Unique Voice 49:00 Life As A Book: New Chapters 50:40 Building Executive Presence 53:20 Fix Your Resting Blank Face 58:30 Filming Yourself For Self-Awareness 01:02:20 When Your Mind Goes Blank 01:06:10 The Power Of The Pause 01:09:30 How Can You Sound Confident When You’re Nervous? 01:14:40 From Texting Chemistry to Real-Life Connection 01:18:40 How to Communicate Better During Arguments 01:20:20 Learning to Speak Up In Meetings 01:25:45 How to Join a Conversation Without Feeling Awkward 01:28:20 Leaving A Conversation Gracefully 01:31:4 Embracing Vulnerability Episode Resources: Book | https://vinhgiang.com/before-we-forget-how-to-connect Website | https://vinhgiang.com/ YouTube | https://youtube.com/@askvinh Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/share/1CCPX1ChrP/?mibextid=wwXIfr LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinhgiang Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Enjoy: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

  3. Oct 19

    Building Your Publishing Team: Allyson Wilkins on Developmental Editing, Self-Editing, and Author Community

    Find your team! In this episode of H.E.R. Amplified, host Sharissa Bradley sits down with developmental editor and author Allyson Wilkins. Allyson shares her unique journey into the publishing industry—from studying theater arts and working in transcription to discovering plot holes in Kindle ebooks and falling in love with developmental editing. She explains the distinct differences between developmental, line, and copy editing, why she specializes in fantasy and fairy tale retellings for self-published authors, and what every author should look for during a discovery call. Allyson also discusses stepping into the author's shoes with her forthcoming book, Self Edit with Confidence: A First-Time Guide for Authors. She shares how consulting multiple editor peers, working with a book coach, and utilizing beta readers gave her a profound appreciation for the vulnerability authors feel—and why building a trusted publishing team is the single best investment an author can make. In this video, you'll learn: How a background in theater and transcription translates directly into story structure and line editing.   The essential differences between developmental, line, copy editing, and proofreading.   What critical questions to ask an editor during a 30-minute discovery call (including AI policies and trigger topics).   Why editors should book out 3–4 months in advance and offer sample edits.   What it's like to write a guide on self-editing as a professional editor.   Why having a network of editor referrals is a massive "green flag."   Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to H.E.R. Amplified!   00:37 – From Theater Arts & Transcription to Developmental Editing   02:18 – The Connection Between Theater Structure and Story Editing   03:05 – Specializing in Fantasy, Romantasy, and Fairy Tale Retellings   04:00 – The Onboarding Process: Discovery Calls & Free Sample Edits   07:00 – Booking Timelines: Why You Should Reach Out 3–4 Months Ahead   08:50 – Questions to Ask an Editor: Experience, AI Policies, & Trigger Topics   10:20 – Spotting Editing Red Flags & Communication Styles   12:50 – Stepping into the Author's Shoes: Writing Self Edit with Confidence   16:00 – The Vulnerability of Sending Work to Beta Readers   17:35 – Why Editors Hire Editors: Creating Your Publishing Team   19:00 – Green Flags in Editors & Why You Can't Proofread Your Own Book   21:00 – Where to Find Allyson's Services   22:15 – Words of Encouragement: Finding Your Team and Community Connect with Allyson Wilkins:  Website getitwrite-editing.com Instagram @getitwrite_editing Facebook https://www.facebook.com/getitwriteedit LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/allyson-wilkins-563baa32 Scheduling Link https://calendly.com/getitwrite-editing/30min Watch this interview on youtube: https://youtu.be/w9M4qlzORAU HER Amplified—Hear Every Ripple—is a platform devoted to amplifying women's voices and helping their stories, work, ideas, and businesses create ripples in the world.   Formerly Project Seed Money.   Explore interviews, grants, resources, and community: https://heramplified.com   Subscribe to HER Amplified: https://www.youtube.com/@heramplified   Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HERAmplified   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.r.amplified   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@h.e.r.amplified   Hosted by author, publisher, and educator Sharissa Bradley.   If this conversation stayed with you, share it with another woman and help keep the ripple moving.

  4. Oct 5

    Embracing the Season: Liisa Kovala on Hygge House Mysteries, Mindset, and Starting Before You're Ready

    Start before you're ready! In this episode of H.E.R. Amplified (formerly Project Seed Money), host Sharissa Bradley sits down for a insightful conversation with author, book coach, and community builder Liisa Kovala. Liisa shares how she transitioned from years of painstaking historical fiction research to crafting her delightful Hygge House Cozy Mystery Series. She details the magic of a six-hour road trip where an entire six-book series downloaded into her mind, how she balances a looming book deadline with organizing literary festivals, and why tracking what you've already accomplished is a game-changer for recovering perfectionists. Finally, Liisa delivers a powerful reminder for every woman waiting for the "perfect time" to write her book. In this video, you'll learn: How to pivot between heavy historical writing and lighter contemporary genre fiction. The 6-hour road trip spark behind the Hygge House Cozy Mystery Series. How to manage writing deadlines while supporting community initiatives like Wordstock and Book Coaches Canada. A flexible time-tracking method that eliminates overwhelm for busy authors. Why waiting until you feel "ready" is a myth—and how starting creates your readiness.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome back to H.E.R. Amplified! 00:52 – What Liisa's been up to: Book 3, a new book deal, and literary retreats. 02:32 – Evolving into community leadership after leaving full-time teaching. 03:59 – Honoring the seasons of motherhood and creative capacity. 05:34 – The road trip inspiration behind the Hygge House Cozy Mystery Series. 08:45 – Balancing a 6-book series with new contracts and changing timelines. 09:54 – Practical time management: Time blocking vs. tracking what you've done. 12:21 – Giving yourself grace as a recovering perfectionist. 16:20 – Words of encouragement: Starting before you feel ready. Watch this on youtube: https://youtu.be/WM2Iw987o5w Connect with Liisa Kovala: Website https://www.liisakovalabookcoach.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/liisakovala/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/liisakovalawriter/ Substack: https://liisakovalawomenwriting.substack.com/   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LiisaKovala   HER Amplified—Hear Every Ripple—is a platform devoted to amplifying women's voices and helping their stories, work, ideas, and businesses create ripples in the world.   Formerly Project Seed Money.   Explore interviews, grants, resources, and community: https://heramplified.com   Subscribe to HER Amplified: https://www.youtube.com/@heramplified   Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HERAmplified   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.r.amplified   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@h.e.r.amplified   Hosted by author, publisher, and educator Sharissa Bradley.   If this conversation stayed with you, share it with another woman and help keep the ripple moving.

  5. Sep 29

    The 29th Degree of Transformation: Kelly Watt on Astrological Healing, Hybrid Publishing, and Conquering Creative Panic

    In this episode of H.E.R. Amplified, host Sharissa Bradley welcomes author, playwright, and healer Kelly Watt. Kelly shares her lifetime journey with story—from writing her first crayon book at age six to studying playwriting, being mentored by renowned Canadian author Timothy Findley on her debut Gothic novel Mad Dog, and navigating the turbulent release of her first book two days after 9/11. She dives deep into her award-winning collection of poetry and flash prose, The Weeping Degree: How Astrology Saved Me from Suicide, explaining the astrological significance of the 29th degree and how a pandemic pivot led her to Wild Rising Press. Kelly also reveals her practical tools for overcoming author anxiety, including EFT tapping and her step-by-step Fear Inventory System for when her mind starts going crazy. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to H.E.R. Amplified! 00:56 – Early Storytelling & Seeing Books as Gateways 02:39 – Dual Callings: The Intersection of Healing and Writing 04:20 – Mentorship with Timothy Findley & Writing Mad Dog 05:25 – Pandemic Pivot: The Weeping Degree: How Astrology Saved Me from Suicide 08:35 – Understanding the 29th Astrological Degree & Collective Healing 11:30 – Comparing Traditional vs. Indie Hybrid Publishing 15:00 – Award Validation & Marketing with Social Media Intention 18:09 – Overcoming Self-Doubt: EFT Tapping & The Fear Inventory System 22:27 – Courage is Action: Why Confidence Comes After You Take the Leap 24:58 – Remembering "You Are Not Your Book" & Where to Find Kelly Connect with Kelly Watt: Website https://www.kellywatt.ca Instagram @kellywattauthor Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kellywattauthor LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-watt-0b987958/   HER Amplified—Hear Every Ripple—is a platform devoted to amplifying women's voices and helping their stories, work, ideas, and businesses create ripples in the world.   Formerly Project Seed Money.   Explore interviews, grants, resources, and community: https://heramplified.com   Subscribe to HER Amplified: https://www.youtube.com/@heramplified   Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HERAmplified   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.r.amplified   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@h.e.r.amplified   Hosted by author, publisher, and educator Sharissa Bradley.   If this conversation stayed with you, share it with another woman and help keep the ripple moving.

  6. Sep 22

    Reinventing Your Story: BJ Magnani on Medical Mysteries, Sidewalk Sales, and Landing a TV Deal

    In this episode of H.E.R. Amplified, host Sharissa Bradley sits down with BJ Magnani, former pathologist, research scientist, teacher, and author of the Dr. Lily Robinson series. BJ shares her remarkable path through four distinct careers, explaining how a request to write a fictional column for a major medical journal launched her novel-writing career. She discusses her debut novel, The Queen of All Poisons, which follows a Boston pathologist recruited as a covert government assassin. BJ also opens up about battling self-doubt, relying on community over technical tools, and the incredible moment a bookstore sidewalk sale led to a potential streaming series contract a year later. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to H.E.R. Amplified! 00:46 – Four Careers: From Teacher to Scientist to Pathologist 01:55 – The Clinical Chemistry Column: Turning Toxins into Fiction 04:55 – The Queen of All Poisons & Dr. Lily Robinson 06:45 – Overcoming Writer's Self-Doubt & Launching a Pen Name 08:34 – Why Community is an Author's #1 Tool 09:10 – Publishing with Encircle Publications 10:04 – The Sidewalk Sale that Led to a TV Streaming Deal 13:23 – Where to Find BJ's Books & Poison Blog 14:51 – Final Inspiration: Lifelong Learning & Never Giving Up   Connect with BJ Magnani: Website https://www.bjmagnani.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/@bj_magnani Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bjmagnaniauthor LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/barbarajean-magnani-phd-md-26659778 BLUSKY https://bsky.app/profile/bjmagnani.bsky.social HER Amplified—Hear Every Ripple—is a platform devoted to amplifying women's voices and helping their stories, work, ideas, and businesses create ripples in the world. Formerly Project Seed Money. Explore interviews, grants, resources, and community: https://heramplified.com Subscribe to HER Amplified: https://www.youtube.com/@heramplified Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HERAmplified Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.r.amplified TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@h.e.r.amplified Hosted by author, publisher, and educator Sharissa Bradley. If this conversation stayed with you, share it with another woman and help keep the ripple moving.

  7. Sep 15

    Unstoppable Storytelling: Sandy Malone on Journalism, TLC's Wedding Island, and Writing Bold Fiction

    What does it take to pivot from political journalism to running a destination wedding empire, starring in a reality TV show, and becoming a bestselling fiction author? In this episode of H.E.R. Amplified, host Sharissa Bradley chats with the multitalented Sandy Malone. Sandy takes us through her colorful life story, from reporting on police beats and writing for The Wall Street Journal to coordinating disaster relief after Hurricane Maria and leading the Police Tribune. She opens up about the vulnerability of publishing fiction, her Jekyll Island book series, her upcoming novel Thicker Than Blood, and her essential advice for aspiring female writers. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to H.E.R. Amplified 00:43 – Early Writing Dreams & High School Newspaper Controversy 02:50 – Journalism at Ohio State, Georgetown & The Wall Street Journal 04:45 – Switching to DC Public Affairs & Discovering Vieques Island 06:20 – Running 19 Weddings a Month & TLC's Wedding Island 08:50 – Hurricane Maria, Emergency Evacuations, and Moving On 12:00 – Writing for Brides, HuffPost, and Becoming Editor-in-Chief of Police Tribune 18:00 – Transitioning to Fiction: Escape to Jekyll Island & Thicker Than Blood 23:15 – Advice for Female Authors: Knowing Your Ending & Ignoring Doubters Connect with Sandy Malone: Website: https://sandymalone.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandynmalone/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SandyMaloneWIV TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@sandy.malone LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-malone-author/  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SandyMaloneAuthor/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SandyMaloneBooks X; https://x.com/SandyMalone_    Watch this on youtube: https://youtu.be/QH72ogV9AgA

  8. Sep 8

    Climbing the Spiral Staircase: Elizabeth Wilson on Divorce, Drastic Rewrites, and Reclaiming Joy

    What happens when writing your memoir changes your entire life? Today on H.E.R. Amplified, host Sharissa Bradley sits down with Elizabeth Wilson to celebrate the launch of her debut book, Lonely Girl: An Unexpected Love Story. Elizabeth gets raw about the emotional and logistical marathon of her publishing journey. She details why she threw out 95% of her original draft, how her writing process forced her to confront her marriage, and what happened when her publication date coincided with moving and her fiancé's major shoulder surgery. If you've ever faced creative burnout or felt like you're starting over, Elizabeth's inspiring "spiral staircase" analogy will give you the perspective shift you need.   Connect with Elizabeth: Website: whisperedwisdompress.com Instagram: @ewilsonwrites Podcast: Inspired Writer Collective Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.   Follow H.E.R. Amplified on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.r.amplified    Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jaJ7pTpPTlE

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H.E.R. Amplified—Hear Every Ripple—is where women's voices, stories, work, ideas, and businesses are given room to travel. Formerly Project Seed Money, the show began by helping women authors discover grants, funding opportunities, and practical publishing resources. Today, host Sharissa Bradley speaks with women authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and publishing professionals about writing, publishing, business, funding, resilience, and creating meaningful change. Each conversation offers honest stories, practical insight, and resources to help women feel seen, heard, supported, and equipped to move their work forward—because every ripple begins with a voice.

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