Becoming Your Best Version

Maria Leonard Olsen
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Award-winning podcast about living your best life, by Maria Leonard Olsen & her inspiring guests. Maria is a lawyer/journalist/author who seeks to amplify women's voices to share about their lives, work & life lessons. She graduated from Boston College & Univ. of Virginia Law. She served in the Clinton Justice Dept. and is a lawyer in Washington, D.C. Her latest book, 50 After 50--Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life, has helped thousands reinvigorate their lives. Maria is a two-time TEDx speaker and one of her Talks was chosen as a TEDx Editor’s Pick, a designation given to fewer than 1% of TEDx Talks. See MariaLeonardOlsen.com and follow @FiftyAfter50

  1. A Conversation with Shannon Russell, Author of Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life

    19 HR AGO

    A Conversation with Shannon Russell, Author of Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life

    Shannon Russell is a Business Coach, speaker and author of Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life. She is also the host of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, where she shares inspiring stories and actionable strategies to help professionals navigate career changes and start businesses with confidence. After spending more than 16 years as a television producer in New York City and Los Angeles, Shannon took her experience in the entertainment industry to “produce” her own life through opening her first business teaching children STEM education through LEGO® building. After scaling and selling that business, Shannon launched her second venture with Second Act Success,® where she helps women build businesses that create a future true to their vision.  Her motto is "Produce your best life," and her mission is to empower more people to embrace change, discover new opportunities and design careers that bring them joy and purpose. Learn more and follow Shannon: https://secondactsuccess.cohttps://startyoursecondact.comhttps://secondactsuccess.co/podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/secondactsuccess.cohttps://instagram.com/secondactsuccesshttps://www.tiktok.com/@shannonsecondacthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonrussellcoachhttps://www.youtube.com/@secondactsuccess ***Please like, comment on and share my new TEDx Talk about my DNA test surprise and risks of taking these tests that are marketed as fun holiday gifts yet upend many people's lives! Here is a link: https://youtu.be/LDl3B-TKSgA Thank you!

    29 min
  2. A Conversation with Barbara Grassey, Author of American Expat: Moving Abroad Solo After 60

    3 APR

    A Conversation with Barbara Grassey, Author of American Expat: Moving Abroad Solo After 60

    Who moves to a new country--one she has never been to, where she doesn't know anyone and doesn't speak the language--in the middle of COVID? Barbara Grassey did. She is a writer and expat, living in the Algarve, Portugal. She has written more than 60 books, manuals and home study courses over the past 20 years for national speakers, new speakers and small business owners. She ghostwrites business books for coaches, consultants and speakers who know a book will take their business to the next level—but don’t have the time (or desire) to write it themselves. "I help people tell their stories and create even more writers," Barbara says. "All of them putting out words – beautiful words – changing the world one person at a time." Her book coaching and publishing business allows her to work from anywhere in the world with Wi-Fi. She is very happy she landed in Portugal. Her latest book, American Expat: Moving Abroad Solo After 60, chronicles her move to Portugal. It's a candid, often funny boots-on-the-ground travel memoir that shows how she navigated all the "firsts" of a new life. "In short, this isn’t Eat, Pray, Love. It’s Move, Panic, Adapt," Barbara quips. When she’s not writing, Barbara spends her time taking walks along the Ria Formosa and petting all the good doggos (Spoiler Alert: They’re ALL good doggos), having coffee or wine with friends and feeling guilty about not writing. Learn more and follow her at: https://barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/welcome-to-my-expat-golden-girl-life https://barbaragrassey.com/ https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraGrasseyBookCoach/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVBqBScPGqbOOJ3Fi_QmdDA ***Please like, comment on and share my new TEDx Talk about my DNA test surprise and risks of taking these tests that are marketed as fun holiday gifts yet upend many people's lives! Here is a link: https://youtu.be/LDl3B-TKSgA Thank you!

    38 min
  3. A Conversation with Bev Mitelman, M.A., Certified Relationship & Attachment Trauma Practitioner and Menopause Specialist

    27 MAR

    A Conversation with Bev Mitelman, M.A., Certified Relationship & Attachment Trauma Practitioner and Menopause Specialist

    Bev Mitelman, M.A., specializes in helping women navigate the powerful intersection of attachment trauma, emotional health and menopause. Her work is grounded in science, compassion and lived experience — giving women (and the people who love them) the clarity, tools and support they need to feel secure, connected and confident again in midlife. Attachment therapy is designed to help people heal relational wounds and reshape patterns that make connection feel difficult. Bev tailors her approach to an individual's unique experiences, helping you respond to challenges with emotional resilience, clarity and confidence. Some of the ways this approach can support you include: --Greater awareness of your own and your partner’s attachment styles --Better emotional communication and conflict resolution --Healing from past relational pain or attachment injuries --Strengthening your ability to form secure, trusting relationships --Practical tools for continued growth and connection Prior to becoming a Certified Attachment Trauma Practitioner/Menopause Specialist and founding Securely Loved, Bev was an Executive Leader, University Lecturer and published author, having obtained her Masters' Degree in 2006. She has dedicated her entire career (25+ years) working with adults in the realm of personal growth and professional development. Learn more: https://securelyloved.com/ https://www.instagram.com/securely_loved/ https://www.youtube.com/@SecurelyLoved

    34 min
  4. A Conversation with Harper Bailey, a Powerful Storyteller Whose Memoir Charts a Path Towards Wholeness

    20 MAR

    A Conversation with Harper Bailey, a Powerful Storyteller Whose Memoir Charts a Path Towards Wholeness

    Harper A. Bailey is the pen name of Dr. Tiosha Bailey, a Chicago native, public health leader and powerful storyteller who challenges the status quo. She manifests dreams through grief and creativity. She was the first Black woman to lead a prominent national women's healthcare nonprofit, where she prioritized health equity and amplified the voices of underserved communities. Her first book, It Was Her: A Memoir—featuring a foreword by renowned motivational speaker Lisa Nichols—invites readers into a deeply personal story shaped by loss, resilience and transformation. Through honest and compelling storytelling, Harper explores identity, healing and the courage it takes to reclaim your narrative. It Was Her is more than a memoir about endurance; it is a testament to the human spirit’s remarkable capacity to heal when we dare to listen to what truly calls us. Bailey’s voice offers a compelling invitation to anyone who has ever felt broken by life’s demands to discover resilience, extend forgiveness, and pursue renewal. It invites readers to lean into the uncomfortable, to find grace in the ordinary and to believe that the darkest chapters can become the prologue to a brighter, more authentic life. As a speaker, Harper brings clarity, depth and humor to conversations about leadership, purpose and the lived experiences of Black women. She connects with audiences through truth-telling and a passion for creating spaces where people feel seen, heard and empowered. In this episode, we discuss: The dream that sparked the book and how grief became a surprising creative catalystWhat allowed Harper to finish the book quickly while processing deep emotional pain The decision to include personal journal entries and the intimacy they added to the story How reframing trauma opened space for forgiveness and deeper healing Why Harper chose to write under her pen name and what that unlocked for her Harper's work is about creating spaces where people, especially women and Black communities, can embrace their healing, their strength and their purpose. She uses creativity, raw truth and humor to illuminate the fullness of the human experience. Ultimately, Harper’s memoir charts a path toward wholeness that reminds us that healing is not a destination but an ongoing process of choosing oneself over and over again. The book closes with the realization that the freedom and joy she sought were within her all along: It was her. It was YOU. It was all of us.  Learn more and follow Harper:  www.harperabailey.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiosha-goss-bailey-drph-mph-5149a552/ https://www.instagram.com/harper_abailey https://www.facebook.com/harperabailey

    28 min
  5. A Conversation with Michele Blood, Australian Singer, Author and Success Coach

    13 MAR

    A Conversation with Michele Blood, Australian Singer, Author and Success Coach

    Michele Blood was a successful songwriter and rock singer in Australia and, after a near-fatal car accident, while in the hospital with many serious injuries, she created positive Affirmation Songs that not only healed her body but also took her to worldwide success. These Affirmation Songs affect the left and right hemispheres of the brain--lyrics, the left hemisphere, and melody and music, the right hemisphere, so the new, positive messages go straight to the subconscious mind. This is why millions of people worldwide have downloaded her Affirmation Power Songs. These songs cover healing, success, money, joy and confidence, and they uplift the person immediately. In addition to creating Magnet To Success™ products and seminars worldwide, her public Mystical Success Events have been held in over 26 countries. Michele has co-written and created over 80 books, music CDs, audio programs, TV shows and videos on positive thought, mind transformation, and meditation. Her latest work is The World's First Manifestation Video Book – Michele's new video book, "Manifestation Through The Power Of Mysticism." She maintains that this works faster and more effectively than any other method to create success and wellness. Her powerful apps are The Magnet To Money App, www.MagnetToMoneyApp.com, and The Manifestation Video Book App, www.ManifestationVideoBook.com. Today, Michele’s work continues through her newest creation -- the True Prayer App -- designed to bring daily spiritual awakening, healing and peace to people everywhere.  Jack Canfield, Author of "Chicken Soup For The Soul," says, "Michele Blood’s energy is incredible. She is a walking billboard for what she teaches, a high-vibration being. I thank her for the work she is doing in the world. I love it, and she’s right about the two hemispheres of the brain working together through her Affirmation Power Music Songs. Everything moving in harmony. Beautiful." After many years of meditation, Michele’s Kundalini awakened and transformed her consciousness. Michele now teaches others how to live a Successful Life and experience Divine Oneness. Her Mystical Experience webinars and live streams have assisted people globally to transform their lives to the positive. Through her Teachings and Light Transmissions, people awaken and experience what they say is the impossible. They awaken to their true purpose and begin their path to Enlightenment. She has shared the stage and worked with Bob Proctor, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Jack Canfield and many other transformational Authors and Teachers. Her latest book is The Magic Of Affirmation Power and her latest album is Create Miracles: Positive Affirmation Songs To Harmonize your Mind and Life. And her Magnet To Money App uplifts millions worldwide. She offers our audience the following free gifts:The “Stop Thought” audio program and her positive affirmation music album, “Songs for Success.”You can download the free gifts by going to:https://www.MicheleBlood.com/YourBestVersion To learn more and follow Michele:https://www.TheMysticalExperience.comhttps://www.YouTube.com/MicheleBloodhttps://www.Instagram.com/TheMysticalExperiencehttps://www.Facebook.com/TheMysticalExperience

    29 min
  6. A Conversation with Tanja Brown, Psychologist and Author of a Book Helping to Normalize Age-Gap Dating

    6 MAR

    A Conversation with Tanja Brown, Psychologist and Author of a Book Helping to Normalize Age-Gap Dating

    Tanja Brown, behavior analyst and psychologist, released a groundbreaking memoir revealing the impact of her age-gap relationship with a man 26 years her junior, while raising an autistic child. Unapologetically honest and intimate, this book is not about defending choices, but provides a powerful example for women navigating midlife, caregiving, love and identity. Tanja is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed School Psychologist. She is the mother of two, one of which is a daughter with autism spectrum disorder. She immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 20 from Soest Germany and is an entrepreneur and writer living in Colorado. She blends clinical insight with real-world experience and a women navigating midlife on her own terms. Flipping The Script: A Decade of Borrowed Time is her first major work of non-fiction. The book is a raw, funny and deeply intimate memoir about love, desire, motherhood and the courage to choose aliveness in the middle of real life. Set against autism motherhood, midlife reinvention and a decade-long relationship with a man 26 years younger, it explores what happens when a woman stops living by the rules she was given and starts listening to herself instead. Learn more and follow Tanja: https://tanjabrown.org/ https://www.instagram.com/tanjabrownauthor/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584367389168

    30 min
  7. A Conversation with Spiritual Guide and Author, Aline Ghorayeb

    27 FEB

    A Conversation with Spiritual Guide and Author, Aline Ghorayeb

    Aline Ghorayeb is a visionary and spiritual guide whose work bridges inner alchemy, ancient wisdom and modern depth psychology. Her path is rooted in personal experience and years of study in the Science of Spirituality, the teachings of the Magdalene and the soul’s sacred journey of awakening. Certified in Applied Jungian Psychology and accredited as a coach, psychotherapist and hypnotherapist, Aline is also a devoted student of A Course in Miracles, integrating its living principles of love, forgiveness and inner peace into every aspect of her work. Aline describes A Course in Miracles as a way to discern between ego and spirit to reach love. She guides people who are seeking to achieve inner alchemy. A Change of Heart with Mary Magdalene is her first book, a mission born of revelation and living Gnosis. Through her offerings, Aline invites seekers to remember their wholeness and return to a life guided by the Heart. In this episode, we talk about the female archetype, the meaning of the Magdalene and Gnostic gospels, and her personal transformation. Aline provides one on one spiritual mentoring to her clients. She calls it a Path to Wholeness, an intimate 1:1 spiritual mentoring journey, rooted in the wisdom and vision behind A Change of Heart with Mary Magdalene. This is not coaching. This is not therapy. It is a sacred mentoring: a direct, quiet, transformative initiation into the remembrance of your true Self. Aline is from Lebanon and joined us from Dubai, where I was fortunate to meet with her in January. She exudes an uncommon centeredness and beautiful spirit. Learn more: Website: www.vitalitybyaline.com Instagram: @vitalitybyaline LinkedIn: Aline Ghorayeb ***Becoming Your Best Version Podcast was voted number one on The Pod Radar this week! Thank you for your support! https://thepodradar.com/best-podcasts/Health%20%26%20Fitness***

    31 min
  8. A Conversation with Tanya Boggs, Host of the You Are Here Podcast and Visual Strategist

    20 FEB

    A Conversation with Tanya Boggs, Host of the You Are Here Podcast and Visual Strategist

    Tanya was diagnosed with HIV when she was 21 years old, at a time when it was viewed as a death sentence. She began speaking at this time about resilience, sharing her story with medical professionals and more. As a speaker decades later, Tanya brings the same insight, empathy and authenticity to live audiences, guiding professional women and entrepreneurs to embrace visibility, clarity and confidence. Tanya hopes people will stop waiting for “someday” and remember that TODAY is always the best day to take small steps toward big, bold moves. Tanya Boggs is a personal brand photographer, visual strategist, storyteller and speaker who helps women step boldly into their next chapter — whether in business, life transitions or leadership. She creates imagery and experiences that don’t just capture a moment; they reflect identity, ambition and the truth of who her clients are becoming. For women seeking an intentional, high-impact refresh, Signature Shot Sessions offers a focused, transformative portrait session designed to elevate visibility and clarify presence. For leaders and entrepreneurs whose brands evolve constantly, Signature Shot Creative provides a year-long, residency-style partnership with quarterly sessions, ongoing visual strategy and seasonal content that ensures their visuals always match their momentum. Her You Are Here Portrait Experience is a deeply transformational space for women reclaiming their narrative, honoring their past and stepping fully into the life and brand they are creating. Tanya is also the host of the You Are Here Podcast, sharing conversations with women who have navigated reinvention, resilience and transformation — amplifying stories that inspire listeners to show up boldly and intentionally. She especially highlights stories of overcoming trauma and difficulties. I was honored to be a guest on Tanya's podcast! Being bi-coastal between Charleston and Southern California, Tanya blends refined artistry with strategic heart. Her work is for women who are done hiding, done playing small and ready to be unmistakable — in business, in leadership and in life. Learn more and follow Tanya: tanyaboggs.com Instagram:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/tanyaboggsphoto ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theyouareherepodcast⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheYouAreHerePodcast ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TanyaBoggs.Photographer ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tanya.boggs⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyaboggsphotographer/⁠ Podcast List: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6eGfSl7zjcBJMpGD7N6KXb ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-are-here-a-grateful-twist-on-lifes-disruptions/id1804677562⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@You_Are_Here_Podcast⁠ ⁠https://theyouareherepodcast.substack.com/profile/posts

    34 min
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About

Award-winning podcast about living your best life, by Maria Leonard Olsen & her inspiring guests. Maria is a lawyer/journalist/author who seeks to amplify women's voices to share about their lives, work & life lessons. She graduated from Boston College & Univ. of Virginia Law. She served in the Clinton Justice Dept. and is a lawyer in Washington, D.C. Her latest book, 50 After 50--Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life, has helped thousands reinvigorate their lives. Maria is a two-time TEDx speaker and one of her Talks was chosen as a TEDx Editor’s Pick, a designation given to fewer than 1% of TEDx Talks. See MariaLeonardOlsen.com and follow @FiftyAfter50

Information

  • Creator
    Maria Leonard Olsen
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    265
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Maria Leonard Olsen
  • Show Website
    Becoming Your Best Version

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