Starter Girlz Podcast

Jennifer Loehding

The Starter Girlz Podcast is your source for inspiration, growth, and bold beginnings. Here, “Girlz” isn’t about gender — it’s about grit. It represents the courage to start, the curiosity to grow, and the willingness to evolve. Each episode spotlights dreamers, builders, and difference-makers from all walks of life — entrepreneurs, creators, leaders, and visionaries who are shaping what’s possible through courage, creativity, and conviction. Whether you're looking to elevate your career, strengthen your financial foundation, build meaningful relationships, or enhance your overall well-being, this podcast is designed to spark curiosity and empower you to take aligned action. Because in order to live the extraordinary, you must start — and every start begins with a decision. Hosted by Jennifer Loehding.

  1. 10h ago

    A Police Canine's Cancer Battle Reunites a Father and Son | Chris Bingham & Tambo

    What happens when a police canine is given just two weeks to live? For Chris Bingham, Tambo’s cancer diagnosis became more than a fight for survival. It became a story of loyalty, hope, healing, and reconciliation. In this episode of the Starter Girlz Podcast, Jennifer Loehding sits down with Chris Bingham, veteran law enforcement officer and handler to retired federal police K9 Tambo, for a powerful conversation about the bond between a handler and his canine partner. Tambo was once labeled difficult to bond with. But Chris saw something deeper in him—a reflection of his own story, his own wounds, and his own desire to be seen beyond the labels placed on him. After Tambo was diagnosed with aggressive terminal cancer and given about two weeks to live, Chris chose to fight for more time. What followed was a journey that inspired thousands, reached people facing cancer themselves, and unexpectedly helped Chris reconnect with his father before it was too late. This is a story about loyalty under pressure, the healing power of second chances, and the way one dog’s fight became bigger than anyone could have imagined. ⭐ About Chris Bingham Chris Bingham is a veteran law enforcement officer, K9 handler, author, and advocate for retired police and military working dogs. His partnership with retired federal police K9 Tambo has become a powerful story of loyalty, resilience, and hope after Tambo was diagnosed with aggressive terminal cancer. Through Tambo’s journey, Chris has inspired people across the country, including cancer patients and families facing their own difficult battles. He is also the author of the children’s book Canine Tambo and is working on an adult memoir about his life, his K9 partners, and the reconciliation with his father. 📌 Connect with Chris Bingham Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k9_tambo 📌 Chapters 00:00 Loyalty Under Pressure01:15 Podcast Welcome03:10 How They Paired Up05:51 Breaking Through Labels06:53 Consistency Builds Trust08:04 A Shelter Dog Lesson11:55 Why Dogs Teach Us13:19 Midroll And Next Steps14:01 Retirement And New Role16:44 Cancer Crisis And Surgery20:34 Chemo Journey Goes Viral22:50 Why Tambo Inspires23:59 Hope Through Chemo25:30 Childhood Without Dad26:59 Cancer Brings Reconciliation29:44 Closure And Peace30:40 Childrens Book Mission33:15 Underdog Spotlight Moment35:42 Choosing Happiness Daily39:26 Living In The Present44:19 Where To Follow Updates45:43 Final Thanks And Signoff 💬 Connect with Starter Girlz https://startergirlz.com Take the 2-Minute Success Block Quiz to discover what may be holding you back. 📌 Want to Be a Guest on Starter Girlz? https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17044863446695017c1879d7b

    48 min
  2. 6d ago

    How His Own Pain Led to a New Approach to Healing | Dr. Fawad Mian

    What happens when the options you’re given don’t feel like the right fit? In this episode of the Starter Girlz Podcast, Jennifer Loehding sits down with neurologist and regenerative medicine specialist Dr. Fawad Mian for a conversation about pain, healing, and the power of asking better questions. After facing his own injuries and being told surgery was the answer, Dr. Mian began searching for another way. That personal experience changed the way he approached medicine and led him into regenerative and functional treatments designed to help people restore movement, rebuild confidence, and reclaim their lives. This conversation explores chronic pain, PRP, prolotherapy, functional medicine, inflammation, aging well, and why sometimes the path forward begins by looking beyond the first answer you were given. Chapters00:00 Only Option Is Surgery01:22 Meet Dr Fawad Mian02:14 Host Injury Story03:16 Why He Practices Differently03:57 Shoulder Injury Wakeup Call04:54 Foot Pain And Achilles Spiral06:16 Knee Surgery And No Answers08:02 Discovering PRP Prolotherapy09:25 Podcast Community Break10:07 Host Trigeminal Journey11:58 Functional Medicine And Ozone14:52 Root Cause Healing Mindset18:03 Where To Start With Pain22:30 Why He Chose Medicine25:40 Aging Well Strength Sleep Diet33:36 Book New Treatments And Research36:09 Pushback And Memory Course40:24 Where To Find Dr Mian42:01 Final Takeaways And Goodbye About Dr. Fawad MianDr. Fawad Mian is a neurologist and regenerative medicine specialist who helps active adults overcome chronic pain without relying solely on surgery or long-term medication. His work blends traditional medical knowledge with regenerative and functional approaches, including PRP, prolotherapy, stem cell therapy, movement re-education, and other treatments designed to support healing at the root. Connect with Dr. Fawad MianWebsite: https://prolohealing.comMemory Course: https://course.prolohealing.com/webinar-registrationEmail: ask@prolohealing.com Connect with Starter Girlzhttps://startergirlz.comTake the 2-Minute Success Block Quiz to discover what may be holding you back. Want to Be a Guest on Starter Girlz Podcasthttps://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17044863446695017c1879d7b

    43 min
  3. May 29

    When Anxiety Took Over, Songwriting Became Her Lifeline | True Istina

    What happens when anxiety, self-doubt, and fear of being seen become the very things that push you toward your voice? In this episode of the Starter Girlz Podcast, Jennifer Loehding sits down with singer-songwriter True Istina for a powerful conversation about music, vulnerability, creativity, and learning to trust yourself before the world gives you permission. True began singing and writing music at a young age, but songwriting became something deeper during one of the hardest seasons of her life. When anxiety made it difficult to get out of bed, music became her journal, her outlet, and eventually, a way to connect with people who needed hope. This conversation explores what it means to express yourself honestly, release perfectionism, handle criticism, and stop waiting for the “right time” to share your gifts. True’s story is a reminder that your voice matters—even before you feel fully ready to use it. Chapters 00:00 Finding Your Voice 01:14 Podcast Welcome Intro 01:43 True Joins the Show 03:07 Early Music Roots 04:47 California Breakthrough 06:37 Songwriting as Survival 11:46 Sharing Hope Through Music 14:36 Sponsor Break 15:18 Vulnerability and Perfectionism 18:59 Choosing Your Own Path 21:58 Own Enemy and Impact 25:58 Sound and Creative Process 30:08 How Many Songs Written 32:11 Shyness And Sharing Gifts 33:13 Merging Two Selves 34:52 Handling Criticism And Haters 38:43 Stop Waiting Trust Yourself 44:05 No Right Time For Art 46:58 Five Year Vision And Touring 49:10 Dreaming Up A Music Label 51:54 Artists That Shaped Her Sound 54:04 Croatia Travel And Culture 57:21 Where To Find Her Online 58:04 Meaning Behind True Istina 59:18 Final Thanks And Sendoff About True Istina True Istina is an American singer-songwriter and pop/alternative artist known for emotionally honest, empowering music rooted in confidence, self-expression, and personal growth. Through songs like "For Fun," "Walkin the Line," and "The Word Is," True creates music that meets listeners where they are and reminds them they are not alone. Her stage name, Istina, means "truth" in Croatian—a tribute to her Croatian roots and to the family members who supported her music from the beginning. Connect with True Istina Website:https://trueistina.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/trueistina.official TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@trueistina.official YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCesQBkGSeH1eZu4-ady8NGA Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/5gH5z7r1xXh7N1xqY0y6lL Connect with Starter Girlz https://startergirlz.com Take the 2-Minute Success Block Quiz to discover what may be holding you back. Want to Be a Guest on Starter Girlz Podcast https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17044863446695017c1879d7b

    1h 1m
  4. May 24

    She Was Told To Live Between Treatments — So She Started Living | Amie Jelich Yank

    What happens when a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis forces you to re-evaluate everything? In this powerful episode of the Starter Girlz Podcast, Jennifer Loehding sits down with happiness coach and Stage 4 cancer survivor Amie Jelich Yaniak for a deeply personal conversation about adversity, identity, forgiveness, and what it truly means to live. After facing both a devastating diagnosis and a painful divorce, Amie found herself questioning everything she once believed about happiness, success, and purpose. But instead of allowing fear and uncertainty to define her, she chose to rebuild her life from the inside out. This conversation explores the power of mindset, self-worth, resilience, and learning how to find peace even in the middle of life’s hardest moments. From bucket lists and forgiveness to authenticity and choosing joy before it’s too late, this episode is a reminder that life is happening now — and we don’t have to wait for permission to start living it. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to The Starter Girlz Podcast01:05 Amie Jelich Yaniak: Happiness Coach & Cancer Warrior02:45 Life Before the Storm: Marriage & Music Therapy04:35 The Bone Tumor & Early Health Challenges07:00 Hollywood Dreams & Unexpected Opportunities10:40 The Car Accident & Marital Strain13:05 Divorce: A Three-Year Ordeal15:00 Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis: A Life-Altering Moment17:40 Facing the End: Forgiveness & Bucket List19:55 Internal Happiness: A Gift Many Take for Granted22:35 Jennifer's Health Journey & Shared Perspective26:20 Daily Choice: Finding Blessings in Adversity28:50 Manifesting a Car & The Price Is Right Win33:30 Trusting Intuition & The "Love Bubble"36:25 Amie's Philosophy on True Happiness39:00 The Power of Self-Love & Non-Judgment42:10 The Body Keeps Score: Prioritizing Health45:10 Forgiveness, Authenticity & Living Without Regret48:40 Live Your Bucket List: Passion Over Profit50:20 Amie's Message for When You Feel Stuck51:20 Don't Let Your Illness Define You53:40 The Beauty of Contribution & Helping Humanity54:40 Connecting with Amie Jelich Yaniak55:25 Final Inspiration from Jennifer What You’ll Take Away From This Episode • Why adversity can completely change your perspective on life• The connection between internal happiness and authentic living• How forgiveness can become part of the healing process• Why many people wait too long to truly live• The emotional impact of identity shifts after illness and divorce• How mindset influences resilience during difficult seasons• Why self-love and self-worth matter more than external success• The importance of pursuing joy before “someday” About Amie Jelich Yaniak Amie Jelich Yaniak is a happiness coach, speaker, and Stage 4 cancer survivor who helps others reconnect with joy, resilience, and authentic living. Through her personal experiences with illness, divorce, and major life transitions, Amie now shares a message centered around internal happiness, self-worth, and choosing to fully live in the present moment. Connect with Amie Jelich Yaniak Website: https://thetruehappiness.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amiejelich TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dreambig1122 Connect with Starter Girlz https://startergirlz.com Take the 2-Minute Success Block Quiz to discover what may be holding you back. Want to Be a Guest on Starter Girlz? https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17044863446695017c1879d7b

    59 min
  5. May 20

    How a CEO of the Year Helps Burned-Out Founders Scale Smarter | Ashish Gupta

    What happens when the biggest bottleneck in a business isn’t the product — but the systems, leadership, and pressure behind it? In this episode of the Starter Girlz Podcast, Jennifer Loehding sits down with Ashish Gupta, founder of ScaleUp Exec and recipient of CEO of the Year in the fractional executive consulting industry, for a conversation about scaling businesses, founder burnout, leadership, and sustainable growth. After co-founding and selling a wireless company to Qualcomm, leading a $2 billion operations team at Apple, and helping struggling businesses recover from the verge of collapse, Ashish has seen firsthand what happens when founders become trapped inside the businesses they built. But this conversation goes deeper than systems and operations. It explores the emotional side of entrepreneurship — the pressure to constantly achieve, the exhaustion that comes from trying to do everything yourself, and the mindset shifts that allow leaders to grow without burning out themselves or their teams in the process. From understanding the difference between visionary leadership and operational execution to learning how self-awareness impacts leadership and decision-making, this episode offers a grounded perspective on what it really takes to build a business that can scale and last. What You’ll Hear in This Episode• Why so many founders unknowingly become trapped inside their own businesses• The hidden cost of trying to control everything yourself• The difference between visionary leadership and operational execution• Why burnout often comes from misalignment — not lack of ambition• How stronger systems and culture create healthier business growth• Why self-awareness may be one of the most important leadership skills• The emotional highs and lows tied to achievement-driven success• How presence and clarity can create more sustainable growth Chapters00:00 Systems Over Product01:02 Meet Ashish Gupta02:24 Fractional COO Explained05:01 Turnarounds And Exits09:02 Do You Need Help12:37 Podcast Break14:51 Visionary Versus Operator19:12 COO Role And Culture25:38 Corporate To Entrepreneur28:15 Time Audit Framework36:26 Hiring And Team Fit41:10 Self Awareness And Presence45:43 Connect And Closing About Ashish GuptaAshish Gupta is the founder of ScaleUp Exec, a fractional COO firm that helps founders and businesses scale through operational leadership, systems, culture development, and strategic execution. Before launching ScaleUp Exec, Ashish co-founded and sold a wireless company to Qualcomm, led a $2 billion operations team at Apple, and transformed distressed businesses into profitable companies with successful exits. His work focuses on helping founders scale sustainably while building healthier teams, stronger cultures, and more resilient businesses. Connect with Ashish GuptaWebsite: https://scaleupexec.com Connect with Starter Girlzhttps://startergirlz.com Take the 2-Minute Success Block Quiz to discover what may be holding you back. Want to Be a Guest on Starter Girlz?https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17044863446695017c1879d7b

    47 min
  6. May 19

    How a Neurodivergent OT Is Changing the Way We Think About Stress, Sensitivity, and Burnout | Nikki Smit

    Why do some people feel constantly overwhelmed, overstimulated, emotionally exhausted, or unable to slow their thoughts down? In this episode of the Starter Girlz Podcast, Jennifer Loehding sits down with neurodivergent occupational therapist Nikki Smit for a powerful conversation about overthinking, stress, emotional overwhelm, nervous system regulation, and what it really feels like to move through life with a mind that never fully slows down. For years, Nikki felt different. She experienced the world intensely, processed emotions deeply, and constantly tried to understand why her brain worked differently than everyone around her. But instead of continuing to fight those experiences, she began learning how to work with them—and eventually turned that understanding into her life’s work. This conversation explores the hidden exhaustion many high-functioning people carry, the emotional weight of constantly analyzing everything, and why sensitivity is often misunderstood in today’s fast-moving world. From nervous system regulation and emotional awareness to overstimulation, recovery, and self-understanding, Nikki shares a grounded and compassionate perspective on what it means to stop viewing yourself as broken—and start understanding how your mind and body actually work. Chapters00:00 Why Calm Is Failing Us00:53 Meet Nikki Smit01:52 Jennifer’s Mission Story04:19 Nikki’s Path to This Work06:51 Neurodivergent Gifts and Burnout11:19 Crash and Burn Recovery12:19 What Nikki Actually Does15:15 Feelings and Regulation Myths19:17 Panic Attacks and Riding the Wave22:59 Relationships Safety and Rejection25:07 Curiosity Over Judgment28:31 Breath Tool Physiological Sigh30:17 Long Exhale Reset31:11 Pause And Breathwork32:53 Authenticity Over Calm34:44 Pause Before Reacting38:04 Repair Builds Attachment41:51 Why Therapists Do This44:53 Entrepreneur Growing Pains48:02 Many Tabs Open53:22 Advice For Multitaskers55:46 Where To Follow Nikki57:02 Final Thanks And Sendoff About Nikki SmitNikki Smit is a neurodivergent occupational therapist, speaker, and educator who helps people better understand stress, overstimulation, emotional overwhelm, and nervous system regulation. Through both lived experience and professional work, Nikki has developed a compassionate and practical approach to helping individuals better understand how their minds and bodies respond to stress, emotion, and overstimulation. Her work focuses on helping people feel less overwhelmed, more self-aware, and better equipped to navigate life without constantly fighting themselves in the process. Connect with Nikki SmitInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkismittherapy/ Connect with Starter Girlzhttps://startergirlz.com Take the 2-Minute Success Block Quiz to discover what may be holding you back. Want to Be a Guest on Starter Girlz Podcasthttps://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17044863446695017c1879d7b

    58 min
  7. May 14

    Told He'd Never Finish High School — Now He Has a Master's Degree and a Music Career | B. Able

    What happens when the world tells you who you are before you ever get the chance to decide for yourself? In this episode of the Starter Girlz Podcast, Jennifer Loehding sits down with recording artist, songwriter, and autism advocate B Able for a conversation about identity, resilience, creativity, and rewriting the narrative others place on you. After being told by a neurologist that he would never attend a regular school, finish high school, go to college, or live a normal life, B Able spent years navigating bullying, misunderstanding, financial hardship, and periods of instability. But through music, self-expression, and an unwavering belief in his purpose, he began building something far bigger than a career. His message became the foundation of his mission: “See the able, not the label.” This conversation explores the connection between creativity and healing, the hidden strengths that can exist inside neurodivergence, and what it looks like to pursue a dream while still figuring yourself out in real time. From mental health and music to discipline, growth, and self-belief, this episode is a reminder that transformation rarely happens in a straight line. 📌 Chapters00:00 See Beyond Labels01:08 Meet B Able02:22 Nerves And Stage Fright04:31 Autism Journey Through Music06:38 ADHD As A Superpower11:53 Origin Of B Able13:05 Music Style And Message14:44 Songwriting Process19:23 Funding And Day Job Reality22:43 Industry Lessons And Networking26:02 Work In Progress27:00 Evolving As Creators28:03 Inspiring Through Music29:10 Upcoming Releases30:46 Big Vision Big Dreams31:53 Making Opportunities Happen34:55 Advice For Artists37:35 Fun Rapid Fire41:51 Self Improvement Habits44:33 Books And Reading45:48 Where To Follow46:19 Final Thanks And Outro ⭐ What You’ll Hear in This Episode• Why the labels placed on people early in life often become the hardest thing to unlearn• How creativity can become a lifeline when the world feels isolating or misunderstood• The surprising strengths that can come from thinking differently than everyone else• Why many creators secretly struggle between survival and pursuing what they love• How waiting for the “perfect time” quietly keeps people stuck• Why meaningful relationships and support systems can completely change someone’s trajectory• The difference between proving people wrong and truly believing in yourself• Why growth often begins when people stop seeing themselves as “finished”• How purpose is often built one small decision at a time — not all at once 🎙️ About B AbleB Able is a recording artist, songwriter, actor, and saxophonist whose work blends hip hop, R&B, soul, jazz, and storytelling into music centered around authenticity, awareness, and inclusion. Living with autism and ADHD, he uses his platform to challenge limiting labels while inspiring others to pursue their goals regardless of obstacles or expectations placed on them. Through his music, performances, advocacy work, and community events, B Able is helping create conversations around mental health, neurodiversity, resilience, and purpose — while encouraging others to “See the able, not the label.” 📌 Connect with B AbleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.ableofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@b.ableofficial 💬 Connect with Starter Girlzhttps://startergirlz.com Want to go deeper than the podcast? Join the Starter Girlz Insider community for deeper conversations, workshops, tools, and support designed to help you apply what you’re learning in real life. You can also explore the 2-Minute Success Block Quiz to discover what may be holding you back. 📌 Want to Be a Guest on Starter Girlz?https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17044863446695017c1879d7b

    47 min
  8. May 10

    Jail. Rehab. His Mom’s Floor. $4 Million | Justin Lund

    What happens when the business you worked so hard to build becomes the very thing keeping you trapped? In this episode of the Starter Girlz Podcast, Jennifer Loehding sits down with entrepreneur and business strategist Justin Lund for a powerful conversation about business growth, delegation, leadership, and the mindset shifts required to truly scale. But Justin’s story didn’t begin with success. Before making millions, Justin found himself battling addiction, facing jail and rehab, and sleeping on his mother’s floor while trying to rebuild his life and support his family. What followed was a complete transformation — not just financially, but mentally and emotionally. Through hard lessons, mentorship, and learning how to stop being the bottleneck inside his own business, Justin discovered that many entrepreneurs don’t fail because they lack drive — they fail because they never learn how to step out of the way and build systems that scale. This conversation explores the hidden patterns that keep business owners stuck, the importance of staying in your lane, and why sustainable growth often begins with letting go of control. Chapters 00:00 Is Your Business Trapping You01:08 Podcast Welcome and Setup01:54 Sponsor and Community Plug03:20 Meet Justin Lund04:29 Why Owners Get Stuck07:08 Delegation and Control10:56 Justin’s Mentor Wake Up Call13:38 The Right Hiring Sequence18:20 Leverage Time Like a Pro20:02 Founder to Leader Shift27:53 Justin’s Origin Story31:49 Know Your Value33:10 Stay In Your Lane34:49 Millionaire Momentum37:08 Yin Yang of Control38:45 Quarterly CPA System41:16 Learning Through Conversations42:59 Who Coaching Works For47:46 Free Playbooks and Purpose51:05 Advice to Younger Self52:51 Blueprint and Where to Find Him54:42 Life Outside Business56:21 Final Thanks and Wrap Up About Justin Lund Justin Lund is an entrepreneur, business strategist, and mentor who helps trades and service-based business owners build companies that scale without trapping them in the process. After overcoming addiction, jail, and rehab early in life, Justin went on to build and exit multiple businesses while helping entrepreneurs rethink leadership, delegation, systems, and sustainable growth. His work focuses on helping founders identify the patterns keeping them stuck so they can create businesses — and lives — with greater freedom, clarity, and leverage. Connect with Justin Lund Instagram: @itsjustinlundYouTube: @itsjustinlund Connect with Starter Girlz https://startergirlz.com Take the 2-Minute Success Block Quiz to discover what may be holding you back. Want to Be a Guest on Starter Girlz Podcast https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17044863446695017c1879d7b

    57 min
4.9
out of 5
39 Ratings

About

The Starter Girlz Podcast is your source for inspiration, growth, and bold beginnings. Here, “Girlz” isn’t about gender — it’s about grit. It represents the courage to start, the curiosity to grow, and the willingness to evolve. Each episode spotlights dreamers, builders, and difference-makers from all walks of life — entrepreneurs, creators, leaders, and visionaries who are shaping what’s possible through courage, creativity, and conviction. Whether you're looking to elevate your career, strengthen your financial foundation, build meaningful relationships, or enhance your overall well-being, this podcast is designed to spark curiosity and empower you to take aligned action. Because in order to live the extraordinary, you must start — and every start begins with a decision. Hosted by Jennifer Loehding.