Courageous Conversations Kelly Roach and Amy Klein

It is no secret that female athletes don’t get as much recognition as male athletes do.
The only way to start this conversation is by hearing from a female athlete firsthand. 
Cassidy is a Division I field hockey player at James Madison University. She is a rising senior on the JMU Field Hockey team and studies Marketing with an Interdisciplinary Honors minor. Cassidy is the current Co-President of JMU SAAC, and has been a participant of the JMU Dukes Leadership program since her first year of college. Coming from a close-knit family upbringing, Cassidy seeks to display those family values in every interaction and relationship she has. She loves to learn, to push herself, and to connect with the greater world around her.  
In today’s episode, D1 field hockey player, Cassidy Strittmatter, is here to discuss her journey, the challenges faced by female athletes, and the importance of support and recognition for women in sports.
Key Discussion Points:
The ongoing challenges for achieving equal funding, support, and recognition in women's sports programs
The crucial role of supportive administration and media in leveling the playing field for female athletes
The importance of seeking team experiences beyond sports, such as school projects or clubs, for personal and professional growth
While it's always a fight, whether it's for funding or recognition, the growth and achievements in women's sports deserve the same spotlight as men's.
 
Connect with Cassidy here!
Instagram: @cass.stritt
 
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How can you turn your biggest battles into victories?
Leia T. Hunt is a two-time childhood cancer survivor, founder of Leia’s Kids, podcast host, inspirational speaker, and author of My Battle Plan Journal and Princess Marygold and the Royal Tea Party. Diagnosed with Retinoblastoma at two years old, Leia underwent 26 surgeries and multiple rounds of chemotherapy, ultimately defeating cancer but losing vision in her left eye. 
Leia Hunt’s incredible journey from surviving childhood cancer twice to founding her own nonprofit, Leia’s Kids, is a testament to resilience, strength, and the power of choice. In this episode, Leia shares her experiences with bullying, the lifelong side effects of cancer, and how she turned her hardships into a mission to help others. This episode is a must-listen for young women, especially college students, looking for inspiration and empowerment.
Together, Amy and Leia engage in conversation about a testament to the power of choice, resilience, and the importance of a supportive community.
Key Discussion Points:
How to choose happiness when overwhelmed with anger and frustration from life’s events.
The power that your choices hold in the face of adversity and how conscious decision-making during tough times can lead to remarkable transformations and a fulfilling life.
Tips for those who feel they don’t have genuine connections/friendships and the role of patience and faith played in that process.
Always remember that although you can not change the past, you can shape how your future looks by doing what you can right now in the present! 
 
Connect with Leia here!
Instagram: @leiahunt_ & @leias_kids
Website: https://leiaskids.org/
 
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Have you ever thought about breaking free from your comfort zone?
In today’s Courageous Conversation, Amy is joined by Bateman Solms. From her daring application to her exploration in Bermuda’s waters, Bateman’s story challenges us to step out of our comfort zone and embrace the unknown.
Bateman has spent the past four years living in Scotland completing her undergraduate degree in Marine Biology at the University of St. Andrews. She applied to boarding school at 16, without telling her parents and gained a full scholarship at an amazing school working in a lab in Bermuda. She began sharing her experience as an American abroad four years ago. She loves being a resource and sharing her experiences that she is passionate about!
Together, Amy and Bateman delve into the exciting journey of growing into independence and seeking out adventures that help us discover our strengths and passions.
Key Discussion Points:
Tips for those who are introverted or shy but want to embrace new experiences.
The concept of “rejection therapy” and building confidence through small steps and cumulative experiences.
The exponential benefits of accumulating diverse experiences and perspectives.
Never forget that rejection is part of the journey. It only takes one ‘yes’ to change everything.
 
Connect with Bateman here!
Instagram: @shark_bateman
TikTok: @shark_bateman
 
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Picture a young girl, diagnosed with a chronic illness at just 10 years old, who not only faces her challenges head-on, but also uses them as a catalyst for incredible achievements.
Meet Gigi Robinson, whose journey from adversity to advocacy is nothing short of extraordinary. She creates, educates, and speaks about topics most important to her — mental health and chronic illness. From making history in Sports Illustrated to empowering countless individuals with her children’s book and insightful essays, Gigi’s story is one of triumph and tenacity.
Join Amy and Gigi today, as they have a Courageous Conversation about how Gigi transformed her struggles into strengths, inspired a global community, and continues to achieve and inspire remarkable success. Gigi’s positivity, resilience, and creative spirit will leave you feeling motivated and uplifted.
More in this episode: 
How Gigi found resilience through self-advocacy & creative expression.
Importance of surrounding oneself with empathetic and supportive individuals.
Encouragement to remember that everyone has their own struggles, so you don’t need to internalize judgment from others.
 
Connect with Gigi Robinson here!
Instagram: @itsgigirobinson
Website: www.gigirobinson.com
 
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In today’s Courageous Conversation, Kelly is honored to host Cameron Dobbs, a dynamic sports broadcaster and former collegiate volleyball player whose journey is a testament of resilience, faith, and finding purpose beyond the game.
Growing up in a faith-filled family with a passion for SEC football in Georgia, Cameron’s life had always revolved around sports. Her talent and dedication led her to play volleyball at the University of Miami, where she envisioned a future filled with athletic triumphs. 
However, life threw Cameron an unexpected curveball when she suffered 3 concussions in a single year, forcing her to step away from the sport she loved and reevaluate her path. This turning point in her life not only tested her physical limits but also reshaped her identity.
Tune in to discover:
Cameron’s journey of understanding her worth beyond her athletic performance, embracing her identity as a child of God.
How to recognize and celebrate athletes beyond their athletic abilities
Cameron’s personal motto “play where your feet are,” which helped her accept life’s redirection
 
Connect with Cameron here!
Instagram: @cam.dobbs, @playwhereyourfeetare
Website: playwhereyourfeetare.com
 
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Bullying is everywhere.
You’ve probably experienced this cruelty in some capacity, especially as a woman.
In today’s Courageous Conversation, Amy is joined by Adriana Carrig, founder and CEO of the Little Words Project. 
After years of bullying, Adriana started making bracelets in college for herself and her sorority sisters. The wearable affirmations reminded them of their worth, and got them through tough times together. Ten years and millions of bracelets later, the Little Word Project community is living proof that kindness is a superpower.
Listen in as Adriana discusses the evolution of her brand and advice for handling negativity & building a supportive community.
More in this episode:
The importance of self-belief and perseverance in entrepreneurship
Strategies for sustaining organic growth in a bootstrap business
How personal experiences with bullying shaped Adriana’s mission
You must believe in yourself, that’s half the battle.
 
Connect with Adriana here!
https://www.littlewordsproject.com/
Instagram: @littlewordsproject, @adrianacarrig
 
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