Smart, Amazing Conversations with Dr. Nancy

Dr. Nancy O'Reilly

Dr. Nancy O'Reilly is President of Women Connect4Good, Inc. She is also a Licensed Psychologist, Motivational Speaker, Philanthropist and Author. This podcast features Dr. Nancy's conversations with Smart, Amazing Women and their male allies. drnancyoreilly.substack.com

  1. 3d ago

    William He: Dream for America Builds Young Democratic Leaders

    Dr. Nancy sits down with William He, founder of Dream for America, to learn how he feels about democracy and why he launched the nonprofit/social-profit organization at 16 years old. He recalls feeling compelled to contribute to democracy and do his part to help his generation find purpose in politics rather than cynicism. He wanted to give young people a place to contribute and fight back against the Christian Nationalists and fascism with the great values, ideas, and policies that have made America great. That’s what Dream for America does, with chapters springing up in all 50 states and more than one billion views on social media. Dream for America’s mission is “to identify, educate and inspire the next generation of young American leaders…to become the vanguards and defenders of our democracy for decades and generations to come.” To encourage that leadership within the organization, He said they’ve created a culture where leadership is earned through initiative, merit, and skill. Most of their teams are led by women at the moment, and He said that organizations that treat women’s leadership as a separate issue are leaving talent on the table. “I think the future of elite American leadership will be shaped by women in every field, and organizations have responsibility to create the pathways for that leadership to emerge,” he said, arguing against rigid roles for men and women. For He, healthy masculinity is about responsibility and service and using your strength to protect rather than dominate. The point of democracy is to give people the freedom to contribute and live the life they want, not create barriers to opportunity. The goal for Dream for America now is to grow in scale and impact. They’ve built the engine, and intend to grow it into a durable institution, a long-term pipeline for civic leadership that serves future generations of young people. Check out their website and learn more about how to get involved. Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

  2. Aug 3

    Maggie O’Neill: Advocate for Women Artists Impacting Change

    Maggie O’Neill, award-winning artist and founder of Vote for Your Daughter and Our Daughters’ Futures Fund, joins Dr. Nancy in a discussion about the FEMME Art Fair August 26-30, with a sneak peek available for attendees of Take The Lead’s Power Up Concert and Conference, August 25 and 26, Women’s Equality Day, the 106th anniversary of the certification of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote. O’Neill says that opening FEMME on Women’s Equality Day is appropriate since women are so under-represented in the art world. Only seven percent of artists shown in major collections are women, but as long as men are in leadership, they will control the market, pricing, and representation. FEMME Art Fair is a market correction, offering women an opportunity, not just to show and sell their work, but to gather in community and learn from other artists. For four days, attendees will be exposed to women in creative entrepreneurial pursuits. In addition to traditional visual artists, women in film, and women in food, fashion, and many other creative industries will be showcased throughout the programming. Launching in Washington, D.C., announces it as a national platform and creates business networking and social impact channels to make it both a community and business movement. O’Neill reminds us that artists are small-business owners who mostly work alone or in other industries as creative personnel. She hopes this event and all of the FEMME Art Fairs to come will change the course to put more money in the pockets of female business entrepreneurs by helping them reach out to potential mentors also working in the business of art. Tying in with the PowerUp Conference is also worth noting, and Dr. Nancy recalls women attending past conferences discussing the annual event as the first time they felt they were no longer alone. This opportunity to join together and share stories and wisdom of their experiences is remarkable on many fronts. Learn more about the FEMME Art Fair and Power Up Conference, two events making an impact for change. About: Maggie O’Neill is an award-winning artist, entrepreneur, and creative visionary whose work has transformed spaces, inspired communities, and demonstrated the power of art to spark meaningful change. With more than two decades of experience, she has shaped Washington, D.C.’s cultural landscape through immersive design, public art, and creative placemaking. As co-founder of Swatch Room, she has helped bring more than 80 restaurants, hotels, and commercial spaces to life through innovative design. O’Neill’s signature pop impressionist artwork is collected across the United States and internationally, and her public murals and immersive installations encourage connection, conversation, and community engagement. A passionate advocate for women and civic participation, she uses art as a catalyst for civic engagement, empowering communities to take action on issues that affect women and girls through initiatives including Vote for Your Daughter, Our Daughters’ Futures Fund, the Forever Fearless exhibition, and the upcoming FEMME Art Fair. Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

  3. Jul 20

    Julia Stewart: Career Strategies for Innovative Women Leaders

    Julia Stewart, founder and CEO of Alurx, joins Dr. Nancy for a discussion about her career path, forging a place for herself as a business leader in the hospitality industry, eventually becoming CEO at IHOP, then buying Applebee’s and creating Dine Brands Global. Her story traces what happens when barriers to advancement appear, and the choice is to endure or leave to keep growing. Stewart chose to leave companies that didn’t support her advancement and advises others to find a culture that supports them, values them, and cares about their growth. The culture will help you make a difference or block your way with the glass ceiling. Founding Alurx is Stewart’s second career. Raised to take care of herself, she watched so many women in the food service business put themselves last, often in the midst of burnout and overwhelm. She had a vision of what would make self-care easy and available, and that led to the development of the Alura AI app, the first voice-activated wellness coach designed to shift health and wellness from reactive to proactive, preventive solutions. As a female entrepreneur, Stewart faces many of the same barriers as she did while pursuing advancement in corporations. Pointing out that since less than 2% of venture capital goes to women startups, she is again on the leading edge of a pioneering trend, pursuing another CEO path as a woman. Determined not to take no for an answer, Stewart is pursuing a long-held desire to make a difference and build something that will change people’s lives—a personalized wellness coach to adapt to your daily needs. Sign up for the launch this summer, Alura. About: Julia Stewart is an entrepreneur and former public-company CEO with extensive experience in creating and building global businesses and brands across hospitality and wellness. She is recognized for increasing sales, profits, and shareholder value through accelerated innovation, high-performance cultures, bold leadership, and results-driven strategies. She is currently the Founder and CEO of Alurx, leading the development of Alura AI, an AI-powered wellness platform designed to deliver science-backed activities that support sustained habit changes and improve health outcomes for individuals and enterprises alike. Her leadership drove the rejuvenation and growth at companies such as Taco Bell, Applebee’s, and IHOP. Through her strategic vision, IHOP acquired Applebee’s, resulting in the creation of Dine Brands, the world’s largest sit-down restaurant chain She has also served on numerous public, private, and nonprofit boards, is a sought-after consultant and speaker, and regularly shares insights with executive audiences on how purpose, culture, resilience, and disciplined decision-making drive long-term value creation. She has received numerous awards recognizing her leadership, innovation, and impact across industries, including being named by Fortune magazine as one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in the U.S. Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

  4. Jul 6

    Ann Thomas: Breaking Glass Ceilings & Elevating Women Leaders

    Lifelong broadcaster Ann Thomas joins Dr. Nancy in a conversation about her journey as a professional woman in a field that has seen numerous changes for women since she began as an intern at WJR 760 in Detroit. Lucky to be in a business that she instantly loved, Thomas pursued her dream in many capacities as producer, news reporter, anchor, executive producer of the award-winning “Paul W. Smith Show,” and creator and host of “Women Who Lead.” In its eleventh year, “Women Who Lead” has three components: a podcast that features women making a difference, a monthly award recognizing outstanding women in Michigan, culminating with a special show in their honor. Thomas discussed various aspects of her career, including the importance of mentorship. Since there were so few women in the profession when she started, she felt fortunate to have men willing to mentor her from the start. Her advice for young people starting out is not to be afraid to ask for what you want. Management will respect you for speaking up for yourself. She also advises young people to be willing to work hard, have a plan, and don’t be afraid to fail. When you make a mistake, learn from it, and move on. About Ann Thomas: Ann Thomas is the radio program director for WJR 760 AM, known as the Great Voice of the Great Lakes. For more than four decades, Thomas has shaped conversations and informed audiences at Detroit’s legendary news, talk, and sports station. From an internship in 1982, Thomas built an extraordinary broadcasting career as a producer, reporter, anchor, host, and executive producer, winning numerous awards, including several Associated Press, United Press International, and Detroit Press Club awards as a reporter, and several Best Morning Show awards for the Paul W. Smith Show, as executive producer. Thomas is also the creator and host of “Women Who Lead,” a long-running program featuring women who are making a difference in their communities and professions. Her commitment to elevating women’s voices has earned her induction into the Michigan Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame, along with multiple honors recognizing her contributions to communications, leadership and workplace excellence. Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

  5. Jun 22

    Tony Porter and Kimya Motley: Preventing Violence Toward Women

    Welcome to Smart, Amazing Conversations with Dr. Nancy, a podcast that examines the stories of life and leadership for smart, amazing women (and men). Each episode features powerful conversations with people who are changing the world and making a difference in their communities. Our guests share their personal stories, insights, and advice on how to break through barriers and achieve success and, in the process, provide access to new ideas, resources, and expertise that can expand opportunities for us all. Show Notes: Dr. Nancy talks with Tony Porter and Kimya Motley about domestic violence and abuse – and how their work with A Call to Men is changing the conversation around violence against women and girls. Porter traces the problem to the “Man Box,” a set of social rules, laid down early, that dictates how men are supposed to treat women and each other. From boyhood, he explains, boys are taught they are strong, and girls are weak; that women have less value, and that men can own women. Violence, in this view, is rooted in the patriarchy itself – a system that boxes men in, cutting them off from developing emotional intelligence, from dealing with trauma in healthy ways, and from becoming whole. Kimya Motley shares her own story – shot by her abusive spouse. She survived and vowed that no one else would endure what she did. As Chief Advancement Officer of A Call to Men, she works as a lead facilitator in domestic violence prevention, male socialization, and trauma-informed care. Her message to parents is direct: give your sons permission to be human, to be tender, to ask for help, to cry, and to feel fear. Pay attention to the lessons you’re teaching your children. Don’t raise them to perpetrate violence or accept abuse as natural. Porter is clear: men who perpetrate violence are in the minority, which means the majority have a responsibility to call it out. While they have made great progress in raising awareness, the numbers tell a harder story. Domestic violence remains the single most common emergency call to police departments in the U.S. We haven’t reached critical mass yet, either, he says. Until we do, the work is to keep reaching out to men and women, to dismantle the “Man Box,” to back our words with action, and to build a healthier model of what it means to be a man or a woman as they form those gender identities as children. About Tony Porter: Tony Porter, CEO of A Call to Men, is an author, educator, and activist working to advance gender and racial justice and create a more equitable society. Internationally recognized for his efforts to prevent violence against women while promoting a healthy, respectful manhood, he is a leading voice on issues of manhood, male socialization, and preventing violence against all women and girls. GQ Magazine named Porter’s 2010 TED Talk as one of the “Top 10 TED Talks Every Man Should See.” Author of Breaking Out of the Man Box and the visionary for NFL Dads: Dedicated to Daughters, Porter is sought after for his in-depth understanding of the collective socialization of men and promoting gender and racial equity. About Kimya Motley: Kimya Motley, Chief Advancement Officer at A Call to Men, is an educator, activist, author, director, and producer working to end violence against all women and girls. Motley leverages her personal experiences and profound storytelling ability to touch hearts, galvanize support, and inspire a call to action to prevent violence against women and girls while promoting healthy, respectful manhood. Her harrowing journey as a brave survivor of domestic violence has fueled her passion for advocacy and been featured in multiple media outlets. Motley’s memoir, Born of Violence, reached number four on the Amazon Hot New Releases List for Partner Abuse. Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

  6. Jun 8

    Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders Empowers the Future

    This episode is all about the future and how we can support the young leaders who will shape it. Highlights from previous interviews with inspiring changemakers show the work that’s being done to empower and equip today’s youth to become leaders and create the change they want to see in the world. Show Notes: First, DeNora Getachew and Keely Quinn, leaders of DoSomething.org, discuss how their organization was originally founded to make volunteering cool and has since evolved into the largest online platform for young people to make a difference. Do Something has mobilized millions of young people worldwide to take action on the issues they care about most. These range from safety from gun violence and mental health issues to equity and justice. Meeting young people where they engage online, Do Something gives them a resource, an opportunity to get involved, find and use their voice, and equips them with the tools for effective leadership. Second, Tracy Evans Land, three-time Olympian and freestyle skiing pioneer, founded Kids Play International to use the power of sport to build confidence, character, and community among youth across the globe. She shares that Kids Play has developed three core programs: Let’s Play Fair, an after-school program; All Girls United, which addresses issues specific to girls; and Play Fair Day on Sunday, which provides community-wide access to the Let’s Play Fair curriculum and leadership opportunities for Let’s Play Fair participants. Evans-Land hopes that other organizations will take advantage of the curriculum built by Kids Play International to expand it into other developing countries and level the playing field for everyone through sport. These conversations remind us that investing in youth leadership isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s one of the smartest, most impactful choices we can make because when we empower young people to lead, we allow them to create the future they want to pass on to future generations. About DeNora Getachew:DeNora Getachew serves as the Chief Executive Officer of DoSomething, a pioneering social profit organization with a 32-year legacy of empowering youth. Under her leadership, DoSomething continues to inspire young people to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond. A seasoned democracy lawyer, Getachew has dedicated her career to advancing free elections and fostering a multiracial democracy through her work in both government and the social profit sector. She has held appointments on several high-profile commissions and task forces, including the New York State Public Campaign Financing Commission and the New York State Civic Readiness Task Force. Getachew also serves as Chair of the Board of Higher Heights for America, an organization amplifying Black women’s political power and leadership. About Keely Quinn:Keely Quinn is the Vice President of Programming & Impact at DoSomething, where she leads the development and evaluation of innovative programs that amplify youth voices and drive measurable impact. Quinn’s work ensures that DoSomething’s initiatives resonate with its members and address the root causes of pressing societal issues. With over 15 years of experience in crisis communications, program management, social impact, and social justice, Quinn has held key leadership roles at organizations such as Health Leads and The Grossman Burn Center. At Health Leads, she spearheaded global and U.S.-based campaigns addressing critical issues such as food insecurity among marginalized and migrant communities. Since joining DoSomething, she has transformed its programming from one-off actions into sustained initiatives that empower young people to build civic power and drive long-term change. About DoSomething: DoSomething.org is a global movement that empowers young people aged 13-25 to create positive change in their communities. Since 1993, it has engaged over eight million members in addressing pressing issues such as climate action, equity, and mental health. Through innovative campaigns and programs, DoSomething inspires young people to lead, volunteer, and advocate for a better world, resulting in members achieving numerous impactful milestones, including donating five million pairs of jeans to homeless youth and organizing 200,000 peers to combat gun violence. As a coach and connector, DoSomething fuels the next generation of changemakers, ensuring their voices drive meaningful action and lasting impact. About Tracy Evans-Land: Tracy Evans-Land, a three-time Olympian and freestyle skiing pioneer, has achieved greatness both on and off the slopes. As the founder of Kids Play International, she promotes gender equity and Olympic values in post-genocide communities through innovative sports programs like Let’s Play Fair. Her efforts empower youth with skills, confidence, and opportunities for brighter futures. Beyond her nonprofit work, Evans-Land owns AthleteSource CASTING, connecting athletes to media opportunities. Recognized as an Olympian for Life by the IOC, her accolades include the Rings of Gold award and numerous honors for her impactful contributions to sports and society. Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

  7. May 25

    Preserving Stories —The Most Powerful Force for Change

    Today we’re exploring one of the most powerful forces for connection and change - the stories we tell and the ones we choose to preserve. Throughout history, stories have shaped our understanding of who we are and what’s possible. But too often, the voices of women, changemakers, and diverse communities have been overlooked or forgotten. In this episode, Dr. Nancy revisits some of our favorite conversations with three influential leaders who promote the power of personal stories to drive cultural change. Together, their voices remind us that storytelling isn’t just about history or entertainment. It’s about legacy, identity, and empowerment. Adam Torres believes so strongly in the power of stories that he’s made it his life’s work to help people tell their own. Stressing that it’s not just famous people who need a platform. He urges everyone to share their stories, reminding listeners that the platform is the story, and everyone has one. Share it to inspire others and drive your own mission forward. Erika Alexander’s story begins in her childhood, when she took her first acting job at age 12. One job led to another, ultimately leading to the role of Maxine Shaw, Attorney at Law. It was through that character that she became a role model for many women of color, inspiring them to pursue their dreams. Later, to fully understand the profound phenomenon, known as the Maxine Shaw Effect, Erika commissioned a study to assess the impact the show had on women of color. From there, she developed a curriculum based on lessons learned and founded Color Farm Media, building an ecosystem that fosters greater equity, inclusion, and diversity in media and that empowers and elevates voices who are underrepresented, overlooked, and undervalued. Frédérique Campagne Irwin, CEO of the National Women’s History Museum, also understands the need to preserve stories and is sharing them to flip the script of the predicted 100 years to women’s equity. Her journey through the many facets of women’s advocacy has taken her from helping women entrepreneurs where she saw systemic barriers to equity, to governments and founders, like the Gates Foundation, who worked to eliminate those barriers. Today, in her role as leader of NWHM, she thinks that by telling more women’s stories to the younger generation, she will see change happen in her lifetime. About Adam Torres: Adam Torres is Host of the Mission Matters series of shows, ranked in the top 2.5% of podcasts globally.” As Co-Founder of Mission Matters, a media, branding, and book publishing agency, Adam is dedicated to amplifying the voices of entrepreneurs, entertainers, executives, and experts. An international speaker and author of multiple best-selling books on business and investing, his advice is featured regularly in major media outlets such as Forbes, Yahoo! Finance, Fox Business, and CBS. About Erika Alexander: Erika Alexander, SAG and Independent Spirit Award nominee, is celebrated for iconic roles such as Maxine Shaw (Living Single), Detective Latoya (Get Out), and Cousin Pam (The Cosby Show). An activist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Color Farm Media, Alexander harnesses storytelling to drive social change. Color Farm, the “Motown of Film, TV, and Tech,” produces impactful films like John Lewis: Good Trouble and Finding Tamika. Recent projects include starring in the Academy Award-winning American Fiction and Apple TV’s Invasion. A sought-after speaker, Alexander empowers with insights on leadership, diversity, and future-proofing the next generation through innovative programs and media. About Frédérique Campagne Irwin:Frédérique Campagne Irwin is a seasoned entrepreneur and advocate for women’s empowerment, with over 25 years of experience in strategic management, non-profit and commercial business, impact, and entrepreneurship. As the President and CEO of the National Women’s History Museum, she has dedicated herself to showcasing the significant role of women in shaping American history and culture. Before her leadership role at the museum, she served as the Managing Director of Impact Strategy at the Sorensen Impact Center, where she led initiatives for equity in higher education and women in entrepreneurship. Her dedication to empowering women was also evident in her founding and leadership of Her Corner, a company that supported women and educated them on how to scale their businesses. Frédérique’s commitment to creating networks, inspiring confidence, and elevating women’s voices has been at the core of her work, making her an influential figure in women’s advocacy and business leadership. Subscribe to Smart, Amazing Conversations with Dr. Nancy Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

    Preserving Stories —The Most Powerful Force for Change

  8. Apr 23

    Youth Activists Fighting for Today and Tomorrow

    Dr. Nancy welcomes four powerful young activists fighting for women’s rights. First, Asha Dahya and Monica Morales-Garcia stop by to talk about their podcast series, “Green Tide Rising.” Borrowing the title from the Green Wave, a movement started by feminists and organizers across Latin America to champion reproductive freedoms, the podcast features a human rights attorney and shares the stories of women suffering from the criminalization of abortion in several countries. Both Dahya and Morales-Garcia hope the movement and podcast will serve as both a warning of what could happen if there is no action and a blueprint for the United States to turn the tide on reproductive rights. Second, Dr. Sophia Armen of the Feminist Front and Rosie Couture, co-founder of the Young Feminist Party, are also on hand to discuss their passion for being the next generation to take up the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment as their own. They join the 100-year fight to secure women’s constitutional protection, once and for all. All of these amazing young leaders urge others to get involved in whatever way is possible: whether taking the messaging online and posting on social media, donating time, talent, or cash, communicating with elected representatives, speaking out, or educating family and friends. Equality is everyone’s fight, and together we can win. Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

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Dr. Nancy O'Reilly is President of Women Connect4Good, Inc. She is also a Licensed Psychologist, Motivational Speaker, Philanthropist and Author. This podcast features Dr. Nancy's conversations with Smart, Amazing Women and their male allies. drnancyoreilly.substack.com

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