Powerful On Purpose

Leslie Capps
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship

Powerful on Purpose is a podcast for women who are done playing small and ready to lead boldly. Each episode features candid, unscripted conversations with brilliant women using their gifts, stories, and expertise to build brands, businesses, and missions that impact the world. Expect truth, strategy, and permission to stop shrinking — without pretending, performing, or staying stuck.

  1. 16h ago

    How to Trust Your Voice (Even If You Can't Sing) | Ep 81

    How do you find your voice and develop the confidence to express who you really are? Intuitive voice coach, singer-songwriter and workshop facilitator Aideen Ni Riada believes our voices can become a powerful path to greater self-trust, confidence, authenticity and self-expression. In this episode of Powerful on Purpose, Aideen joins Leslie Capps to explore the connection between voice, singing, confidence, vulnerability, creativity and personal growth—even for people who believe they “can't sing.” Aideen shares how her own journey began when someone asked about her dream and she answered, “I want to be a singer, but I can't do that.” Years later, her desire to sing evolved into work helping others strengthen their voices from the inside out. We talk about why using your voice can feel so vulnerable, how singing can help us access parts of ourselves we've kept hidden, and why finding your authentic voice can affect far more than music. Aideen shares how that deeper self-trust can carry into business, communication, relationships and the courage to express what matters to you. We also explore the role music can play in shifting our energy and emotions, why small steps toward a dream still matter, and Aideen's reminder that no one else gets to be you—and your presence in the world matters. 🎁 Aideen's Free 10-Day Mantra Meditation Journey: USE code 2026FREEACCESS https://aideen-ni-riada.simplero.com/cart/213111-10-Day-Meditation-Journey Explore mantra meditation and learn to use your own voice and sound as a practice for connecting with yourself and supporting your nervous system. Connect with Aideen Ni Riada: https://confidenceinsinging.com Subscribe to Powerful on Purpose for more conversations with brilliant women using their stories, expertise and purpose to make a positive impact in the world. Chapters 00:00 Meet Aideen Ni Riada 01:40 “I can't be a singer” 04:10 Your voice changes you 06:15 Singing builds self-trust 08:10 Move beyond self-consciousness 10:15 Give your dreams room 13:20 Small steps create momentum 15:25 Don't diminish your progress 17:35 Let music support you 20:00 Choose what you bring forward 22:15 Your voice matters 23:20 Aideen's meditation gift #powerfulonpurposepodcast #findyourvoice #selfexpression #confidence #personalgrowth

  2. Sep 27

    How Trauma Changes Your Brain and How You Can Heal | Wilma Kinsman | Ep 80

    Trauma healing, nervous system regulation, neuroplasticity, and faith come together in this conversation with Wilma Kinsman, an RN and Christ-centered trauma coach who grew up Amish and ultimately had to learn how to understand—and work with—the effects trauma had on her brain and body. Wilma shares the pivotal childhood moment that made her decide she would eventually leave the Amish community, the impact of being repeatedly told she was “too sensitive,” and how spiritual approaches that didn't account for trauma initially left her feeling even more broken. Everything began to shift when she learned more about the brain, nervous system, and neuroplasticity. Wilma explains how the amygdala can continue sounding an alarm even when we intellectually know we're safe, why empathetic relationships can be an important part of healing, and what it means to build new pathways back to regulation and joy. We also talk about faith, forgiveness, shame, learning to listen to your body's responses instead of judging them, and the possibility of moving from a life driven by fear and survival toward one shaped by identity, desire, love, and choice. One of Wilma's most important reminders: you can change. Your past may have shaped your nervous system, but it doesn't mean you're destined to stay there. 🎁 Wilma's Free Grounding Exercise: a free video grounding exercise incorporating prayer, singing, and being present with yourself. Visit https://WilmaKinsman.com and scroll to the bottom of the page to sign up and access the video. 📕 Wilma is also the author of Dancing on the Dumpster, published under the pen name Willie J. Subscribe to Powerful on Purpose for more conversations with people turning their experiences, expertise, and stories into meaningful work in the world. Chapters 00:00 Meet Wilma Kinsman 01:32 Growing up Amish 03:30 The moment everything changed 05:02 Questioning what she'd been told 07:00 How trauma changes the brain 09:47 Finding a pathway back to joy 12:05 Creating safety after trauma 13:51 Rebuilding your sense of self 15:53 The power of empathetic connection 19:44 Working with your nervous system 21:44 Wilma's grounding exercise 22:29 Why change is possible #powerfulonpurposepodcast #traumahealing #nervoussystemregulation #neuroplasticity #christianhealing

  3. Sep 19

    Food, Family, and the Stories Behind the Recipes | Josh C. Epstein | Ep 79

    What makes a family recipe unforgettable? Often, it’s not just the food—it’s the person who made it, the memories around the table, and the connection we felt while sharing it. In this episode of Powerful on Purpose, Leslie Capps talks with chef and author Josh C. Epstein about his book, The Company We Keep, a collection of meaningful recipes and personal stories that celebrates food, family, friendship, and human connection. After losing his father, Josh wanted to honor the people who supported him through a difficult time. He invited 35 people in his life to contribute recipes that meant something to them, along with the stories behind those dishes. Josh then added his own memories of each person, creating a book that blends cookbook and memoir. We talk about the chicken piccata recipe Josh’s son chose, the family kitchens that shaped his love of cooking, and why sharing a meal can bring us back to one another in a disconnected world. Josh also shares what it took to finish his first book while balancing a busy work schedule—and why he had to stop tweaking it and let it be done. The takeaway: You don’t need an elaborate menu or a special occasion to reconnect. Invite someone over, make a meal together, or call the person you’ve been meaning to catch up with. As Josh puts it, “Food is the excuse. Connection is the point.” 📕 Josh’s book: The Company We Keep: Stories and Recipes from People I’ll Never Forget is available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Company-We-Keep-Stories-Recipes/dp/B0HB72XJZH 🎁 One-copy book giveaway: Josh has offered to give away one complimentary copy of The Company We Keep. If you’re interested, reach out to Josh and ask about the book giveaway. https://www.facebook.com/joshcepsteinchef Subscribe to Powerful on Purpose for more conversations with authors and people using their stories, expertise, and experiences to make an impact. Chapters 00:00 Meet chef and author Josh 01:50 Why Josh wrote his book 03:02 Recipes with personal stories 03:57 The recipe his son chose 05:35 What’s inside the cookbook 07:05 Why food creates connection 08:20 Where his cooking began 09:30 Finishing a first book 12:45 Bring people back to the table 16:15 Start with one shared meal 20:05 A cookbook meets memoir 22:35 Reconnect with someone you love #powerfulonpurposepodcast #familyrecipes #foodandconnection #cookbookauthor #thecompanywekeep

  4. Sep 13

    Returning to Work After Years Away: What Women Need to Know | Ep 78

    Returning to work after a career break can bring questions about confidence, identity, skills, and whether your experience still counts. Dr. Ann Marie Peters, executive coach, leadership strategist, and author of We’ll Be Right Back, wants women to understand something important: a career pause doesn't erase the experience, talent, or value you already have. In this episode of Powerful on Purpose, Ann Marie shares her own journey from a Fortune 500 career through part-time work, full-time caregiving, entrepreneurship, and eventually earning her PhD. Her doctoral research became the foundation for We’ll Be Right Back, a book for women finding their way back to meaningful work after a career pause. We talk about the identity shifts that can happen when women step away from paid work, the grief that can accompany changing roles, and why women often overlook the valuable skills they've developed while caregiving, volunteering, managing families, and contributing to their communities. Ann Marie also shares what surprised her most in her research: many of the women she studied weren't ultimately hired through some faraway opportunity—they were recognized and pursued by people already in their communities who had seen what they were capable of. Whether you're preparing to return to work, reconsidering what you want your next chapter to look like, or wondering whether you're still the capable woman you were before your pause, this conversation is a reminder that your first landing place doesn't have to be your final destination. 📕 Get We’ll Be Right Back We’ll Be Right Back launches September 16, 2026 and helps women reconnect with who they were, recognize what they've gained during their pause, and move confidently toward whatever they choose next. Learn more and get the book: https://annmariepeters.com 🎁 Companion Workbook A companion workbook to help readers capture their reflections and work through the questions and exercises in We’ll Be Right Back. Get it inside the book or here: https://www.annmariepeters.com/book-well-be-right-back Subscribe to Powerful on Purpose for more conversations with brilliant women using their stories, expertise, and experience to create meaningful impact. Chapters 00:00 Meet Dr. Ann Marie Peters 01:52 Choosing a career pause 04:56 Your unpaid work still counts 07:32 Reframe your career gap 09:08 Why women's stories matter 12:31 Reconnect with who you are 13:27 The hidden grief of change 15:02 From pause to leadership 18:05 Inside Will Be Right Back 19:23 Where opportunities really come from 21:09 Your next chapter may be best #powerfulonpurposepodcast #careerbreak #returntowork #womeninleadership #careercomeback

  5. Sep 6

    Want to Give a TEDx Talk? Start With Your Message | Mimi Donaldson | Ep 77

    What makes a TEDx talk or keynote speech powerful enough that people actually remember it? Speaker coach and longtime keynote speaker Mimi Donaldson knows that great public speaking isn't about cramming more information into a presentation—it's about knowing your message, understanding your audience, and communicating in a way that holds their attention. Mimi Donaldson has spent decades speaking on major stages alongside names including Maya Angelou and Suze Orman. Today, she coaches business owners, keynote speakers and TEDx speakers, with 30 clients taking TEDx stages since 2018. In this episode of Powerful on Purpose, Mimi shares what she's learned from a career spent studying audiences from the stage. We talk about why great speakers “show them the movie and let them in on the jokes,” why shorter stories can be more powerful, and why knowing your message matters before you ever start worrying about delivery. Mimi also shares her fascinating “legacy speech” exercise: if you had only 15 minutes left to speak to the entire world, what would you absolutely need to say? Whether you're preparing for a TEDx talk, building a keynote, speaking about your business, or simply trying to communicate your expertise more effectively, Mimi's advice comes down to understanding what your audience needs—and then having the confidence to own what you know. 🎁 Mimi's Free Gift: 30-Minute Speaker Strategy Call Meet one-on-one virtually with Mimi to talk about your speaking goals, and what could make your message stronger. https://www.mimidonaldson.com/speech-coach/ Connect with Mimi: https://mimidonaldson.com Subscribe to Powerful on Purpose for more conversations with brilliant women turning their expertise, stories and experience into work that makes an impact. Chapters 00:00 Meet Mimi Donaldson 02:05 From performer to educator 04:15 Becoming a speaker coach 06:40 Show them the movie 08:25 Breaking onto big stages 11:05 Why TEDx changed speaking 13:25 Build a TEDx-worthy message 16:10 Your 15-minute legacy speech 19:25 Own your expertise 23:15 Lead with their need #powerfulonpurposepodcast #publicspeaking #tedxtalk #speakercoach #keynotespeaker

  6. Aug 31

    The Simple Social Media Strategy Every Nonfiction Author Needs | Ep 76

    How do you market your nonfiction book after launch without turning social media into another full-time job? Social media strategist Karlyn Ankrom joins Leslie Capps to talk about book marketing, social media for authors, personal branding, storytelling, and how to keep your book working for you long after launch day. Karlyn is the founder and lead strategist of Oh Snap! Social and creator of the Fan Firestarter Framework. After years of working with authors and thought leaders, she saw a common problem: authors put enormous energy into writing and launching their books, but often aren't sure what comes next—or how to consistently market their expertise online. In this episode of Powerful on Purpose, Karlyn shares a simple way to turn the content already inside your book into social media posts using her One Page, One Line, One Post method. We also talk about choosing the platforms where your actual audience spends time, creating a marketing strategy that fits you, and why your expertise should keep working even when you're not physically in the room. We also get into storytelling in the age of AI—and why your lived experience, perspective and meaning are what make your content yours. If you're a nonfiction author overwhelmed by the idea of marketing your book, this conversation will help you simplify the process and start with the person who matters most: your reader. 🎁 Karlyn’s Free Gift: One Page, One Line, One Post https://resources.ohsnapsocial.com/111 Subscribe to Powerful on Purpose for more conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, and turning your expertise into a book that can make a bigger impact. Chapters 00:00 Meet Karlyn Ankrom 01:25 Marketing after book launch 04:10 Know where readers are 05:45 One page, one line, one post 08:05 Make your expertise work harder 10:20 Find the right people 12:35 Your story deserves marketing 14:15 What AI can't replicate 17:15 Stop speaking to everyone 19:40 Simplify your book marketing 21:15 Karlyn’s free author resource #powerfulonpurposepodcast #bookmarketing #nonfictionauthors #authormarketing #socialmediamarketing

  7. Aug 24

    Why Women Feel Exhausted Even When They’re Doing Everything Right | Ep 75

    Why do so many women feel exhausted, anxious, overwhelmed or disconnected—even when they seem to be doing everything “right”? Nurse, health coach and NLP practitioner Erika Muralidhar says the answer may require looking beyond surface-level health and paying attention to stress, the nervous system, beliefs, and what your body has been trying to tell you. In this episode of Powerful on Purpose, Erika shares her own journey from traditional nursing into functional medicine, health coaching and NLP—and the personal health wake-up call that changed the way she thought about wellness. After years of trying to do everything right, Erika found herself facing thyroid issues she'd worked hard to avoid. She asked her doctor for six months before starting medication and began looking more closely at her priorities, boundaries, stress and relationship with her own body. Six months later, she says her labs had returned to normal. We talk about the connection between stress, cortisol, burnout, perfectionism and women's health, why many women have learned to equate productivity with worth, and what can happen when we stop overriding the signals our bodies are sending us. Erika also shares why sustainable health requires more than food, exercise and sleep; how stress can show up physically; and one deceptively simple practice we can all use when overwhelm hits: Pause. 🎁 Take Erika's free Hidden Stress Assessment: https://unmqav5v6xh.typeform.com/to/ydZcMHd9 Discover how you tend to respond under stress, the symptoms that may accompany that response, and strategies for releasing stress based on your pattern. Connect with Erika Muralidhar: Health E Wellness: https://www.healthebyerika.com/ F The Hustle Collective: https://fthehustlecollective.com/invitation?code=B7G8B3 Subscribe to Powerful on Purpose for conversations with women using their stories, expertise and purpose to create positive change. Chapters 00:00 Meet Erika Muralidhar 02:30 When control becomes coping 06:15 Erika's health wake-up call 09:20 Beliefs we learn early 12:15 Connecting mind and body 15:10 Why surface-level health isn't enough 18:10 When your labs say “fine” 20:00 Stress, cortisol and women's health 23:15 Listen to what your body says 25:10 Discover your hidden stress response 26:20 The power of the pause #powerfulonpurposepodcast #womenshealth #nervoussystem #burnoutrecovery #stressmanagement

  8. Aug 20

    Why Most Writers Never Finish Their Book (And The 4th Decision You Need) |Ep 74

    How do you finish writing a nonfiction book? You need more than motivation or the advice to “just start writing.” You need a writing plan that works with the way YOU think, create, and work—and a clear deadline for getting your manuscript finished. In this Author Journey episode of Powerful on Purpose, Leslie Capps shares Decision #4 of the Four Decisions Framework: How will you finish your book? Once you know your reader, the promise you're making, and the structure that will get your reader there, there's still one critical decision left: How are you actually going to get the book finished? You'll learn why someone else's perfect writing routine may be completely wrong for you, how to identify friction in your writing process without automatically blaming yourself for a lack of discipline, and why milestones and deadlines can turn “someday I'll write a book” into an actual plan. Leslie also shares how she discovered that audio-to-text worked better with the way she processes ideas—and why experimenting with how you create can unlock your writing rather than forcing yourself into someone else's system. The goal isn't to prove you're a “real writer.” The goal is to finish the book. Subscribe to Powerful on Purpose for more Author Journey episodes and behind-the-scenes conversations about writing and publishing a nonfiction book that makes an impact. Chapters 00:00 Decision #4: Finish the book 01:00 “Just start writing” isn't a plan 02:20 Build your writing system 03:20 Write the way you think 04:45 Create a plan you’ll follow 05:45 Set realistic writing milestones 07:15 Find friction, not failure 08:35 Set a freaking deadline 10:00 Reverse-engineer your finish date 11:15 A plan isn't a prison 12:05 Get your book finished #powerfulonpurposepodcast #nonfictionwriting #bookwriting #authorjourney #writingtips

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About

Powerful on Purpose is a podcast for women who are done playing small and ready to lead boldly. Each episode features candid, unscripted conversations with brilliant women using their gifts, stories, and expertise to build brands, businesses, and missions that impact the world. Expect truth, strategy, and permission to stop shrinking — without pretending, performing, or staying stuck.

Information

  • Creator
    Leslie Capps
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    77
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Leslie Capps