The Women On Top

Valerie Lynn

HELLO, Gorgeous. Welcome to The Women On Top — the mentorship podcast you’ve always wanted, designed by women, for women. Here, we’re not about competition; we’re about collaboration.  This is where female leaders, rising disruptors, and bold changemakers pull back the curtain and share the lessons, the failures, and the breakthroughs that shaped them.  Think unfiltered wisdom, candid conversations, and the kind of advice you’d only get if you were sitting across from them over coffee—or champagne. From boardrooms to startups, side hustles to personal reinventions, we’re learning directly from women who are rewriting what leadership looks like.  They’re not gatekeeping; they’re handing you the playbook. So, if you’ve ever wished for a mentor in your ear—someone who gets it, who’s been there, and who isn’t afraid to tell it like it is—this is your podcast. Grab your espresso, adjust your heels, and let’s strut to the top—because we don’t just break glass ceilings, we own the skyline. >Disclaimer: No actual glass ceilings were harmed in the making of this podcast… yet!

  1. Sep 23

    Hope Alcocer: Walking Through the Unthinkable as a Mom - Finding Meaning in Deep Grief

    When Life Breaks You Open *A gentle content note: This episode includes discussion of infant loss and grief. Please listen with care.* What if the moments that break us open can also become the moments that reveal our deepest purpose? In this deeply personal conversation, Hope Alcocer shares her journey through trauma, loss, entrepreneurship, and healing, and how some of life's hardest experiences ultimately shaped the work she does today. We talk about the art of the pivot, finding courage when life doesn't go according to plan, and why authenticity and genuine human connection matter more than ever in a world increasingly shaped by AI. Hope also opens up about the loss of her daughter, Mia, and the powerful way she has chosen to honor her through the Mia Joy Foundation, creating community and support for NICU families and others navigating grief. We explore what grief looks like long after the funeral, how couples can navigate profound loss together, the signs we sometimes find from the people we've lost, and how it's possible to make room for joy without leaving grief behind. Whether you're an entrepreneur navigating a major pivot, a woman facing an unexpected chapter, or someone learning to live alongside loss, Hope's story is a powerful reminder that we are stronger than we realize—and that there can still be magic and purpose in what goes right. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hope Alcocer and her journey 02:13 Hope’s personal story and the significance of pain 04:00 Her family’s history of resilience and trauma 05:31 The pivot from psychology to media and marketing 06:54 Overcoming fear and embracing the art of the pivot 08:30 Authenticity in marketing and media today 12:01 The impact of AI and returning to basics in marketing 14:09 Building trust through authenticity and storytelling 18:47 The story behind the Mia Joy Foundation 21:56 Honoring Mia and supporting NICU families 23:59 Navigating grief as a couple and the importance of communication 26:52 The ongoing journey of grief and healing 30:11 Lessons learned and supporting others in grief 33:56 Finding joy and purpose after loss 35:55 Signs of loved ones and spiritual connection 38:59 Supporting others through grief and loss 43:04 How to support women facing grief and trauma 45:11 Hope Alcocer’s message of strength and love Connect with Hope: Website - The Mia Joy Foundation: https://www.miajoyfoundation.org/ The Mia Joy Foundation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themiajoyfoundation/ Website - Hope Alcocer: https://www.hopealcocer.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hopealcocer Connect with The Women On Top: Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories! Website: https://thewomenontop.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

  2. Sep 9

    Solo Episode: Am I Behind, or Just Somewhere Else: The Hidden Costs of the Lives You Keep Wondering About

    Have you ever looked at someone else’s life and thought, I want that. Maybe it’s the career, the relationship, the freedom, the travel, the house, the family... or simply the version of yourself you imagine you could have become if you’d made different choices. It’s easy to glamorize the lives we didn’t choose. We see the beautiful parts of someone else’s reality, or imagine an alternate version of our own, without seeing what comes with it. Because every life has a hidden cost. In this solo episode, Valerie reflects on the lives we imagine, the choices we made, and the choices we didn’t. She explores what happens when we look beneath the surface of the lives we envy, and whether we would actually be willing to pay the price that comes with them. She also turns that question inward, reflecting on her own career and the choice not to aggressively climb the corporate ladder. There can be grief around the lives we didn’t live, but there can also be value in recognizing the seasons, experiences, relationships, and lessons that came from the paths we did choose. This episode is an invitation to look at our lives with a little more honesty and a little more gratitude—not because every choice was perfect, but because there is no version of life without trade-offs. In this episode, we explore: The illusion of glamorous lives and their hidden costsWhy we often romanticize the lives we didn't chooseHow career ambition can come at the expense of other parts of lifeThe impact of comparison on how we see ourselves and our choicesThe grief that can come with the lives we didn't liveWhy multiple life paths can be fulfilling, even when they look completely differentHow gratitude and self-awareness can help us appreciate the life we are actually livingThe importance of asking whether we want the whole life—not just the parts we can seeA few questions to sit with: What is a life you sometimes envy? What do you imagine that life would give you? And perhaps more importantly: What would that life ask you to give up? Because every life—including the ones we envy—comes with grief, uncertainty, sacrifice, and trade-offs. Maybe the goal isn't to stop wondering what if? Maybe it's to become curious enough about our own lives to recognize that some of the things we might have missed were actually the price of having the lives we did get to live. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and personal reflections 01:24 Envisioning different lives and their hidden costs 03:11 The illusion of glamour and the real sacrifices 05:03 Behind the scenes of seemingly perfect lives 07:20 The reality of travel and lifestyle choices 09:17 Valerie’s career journey and self-reflection 12:24 Living fully through diverse experiences 14:36 The grief and envy in comparing lives 16:29 Questions to consider about envy and gratitude 17:48 Book recommendation: The Midnight Library Mentioned in this episode: 📖 The Midnight Library by Matt Haig Connect with The Women On Top: Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories! Website: https://thewomenontop.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

  3. Aug 26

    Olivia Burnett: When Grief Changes the Life You Thought You Wanted - How to Trust the Unknown

    What happens when grief changes the life you thought you wanted? In this episode of The Women On Top, Olivia Burnett opens up about navigating grief, uncertainty, and the unexpected ways life can reshape our dreams and expectations. As the host of 20 Something, Olivia has spent years exploring what it means to find your way through the messy, uncertain seasons of adulthood—and this conversation gets deeply personal. At the heart of this conversation is a simple but powerful reminder: you don't have to have your life figured out to be exactly where you're supposed to be. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Olivia Burnett and her journey 01:48 Starting the 20 Something podcast and its purpose 04:01 Olivia's experience with loss and its impact 07:00 The lesson of embracing uncertainty 11:07 Challenging societal milestones and expectations 15:02 Core values versus societal checkboxes 19:58 The Tall Girl Theory and women's evolving roles 23:00 Dating, attraction, and redefining standards 26:03 Stories of resilience and connection 29:49 The impact of podcasting on Olivia’s soul 33:05 Handling turbulent emotions and self-care 36:08 The power of sharing authentic stories 40:09 Reflecting on childhood and self-acceptance 44:00 The message of self-astonishment and confidence 48:14 Trusting the process and embracing life’s magic Connect with Olivia: 20 Something Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/twenty-something-with-olivia-burnett/id1849245894 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twentysomething_podcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs83WX_XVbjT1VENrzl3TKQ Connect with The Women On Top: Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories! Website: https://thewomenontop.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

  4. Aug 12

    Dr. Alicia Newsome: Functional Medicine Doctor Shares The High-Achieving Woman’s Guide to Feeling Good (& Learning to REST)

    What if your hormones aren’t working against you—but actually trying to tell you something? In this episode of The Women On Top, Dr. Alicia Newsome breaks down women’s hormonal health in a way that’s practical, empowering, and easy to understand. We talk about menstrual cycle phases, estrogen and progesterone, stress and cortisol, hormone testing, supplements, exercise, fertility after 35, and why understanding your body can change the way you feel and function. But this conversation goes beyond hormones. We also explore self-worth, purpose, and what it means to create a life—and legacy—that feels aligned. *In this episode:* * Understanding your cycle and hormonal shifts * How stress impacts hormones * Estrogen, progesterone, and mood * Cycle tracking and hormone testing * Supporting hormonal health through lifestyle * Fertility after 35 * Self-worth, purpose, and women's empowerment Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Women's Hormonal Health 01:18 Advice to My 25-Year-Old Self 03:48 Understanding Menstrual Cycle Phases 06:32 Hormones During Ovulation and Their Effects 07:30 The Luteal Phase and Progesterone 09:27 Stress, Cortisol, and Hormonal Imbalance 12:40 Environmental Toxins and Estrogen Dominance 15:05 Cycle Mapping and Hormone Testing 20:36 Supporting Hormonal Balance with Supplements 22:55 Exercise and Movement Throughout the Cycle 24:57 Supporting Fertility After 35 40:00 The Power of Self-Worth and Purpose 52:12 Legacy and Women’s Empowerment   Connect with Dr. Alicia Newsome: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.alicianewsome/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.alicianewsome Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dralicianewsome/?ref=NONE_xav_ig_profile_page_web# Learn More: https://bodywellnessinstitute.practicebetter.io/#/61d24ac639803316f87085f8/bookings?s=6a727abdfa3255b509609085 Connect with The Women On Top: Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories! Website: https://thewomenontop.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

  5. Jul 29

    Solo Episode: I Turned Down More Money and a Better Title - Why I Don't Regret It

    In this personal solo episode, Valerie opens up about her layoff, the emotional and practical journey that followed, and the powerful lessons she learned while rebuilding her career with intention. She shares how she navigated uncertainty, reconnected with her core values, trusted her intuition, and ultimately chose alignment over ego—even when the “logical” choice seemed easier. This episode is a grounding, heartfelt reminder that your body knows, your values matter, and your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Valerie’s Journey in This Episode The moment she knew a layoff was coming—and why it felt strangely right.The shock of entering a tough job market after 17 years in one organization.A terrible interview that clarified what she didn’t want.A temporary role that felt like “homecoming.”A high-paying, high-title offer she turned down because her body said no.The realization that alignment > achievement.The peace she feels now doing work she genuinely loves: employee experience, engagement, well-being, and culture.A Message for Anyone in Transition If you’re navigating a layoff, career change, or a season of uncertainty, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone—and that clarity, alignment, and purpose often emerge from the messiest chapters. Closing Thank you for being part of this journey. Valerie sends love, encouragement, and a reminder that your richest, most meaningful life is already unfolding—one aligned choice at a time. Connect with The Women On Top: Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories! Website: https://thewomenontop.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

  6. Jul 15

    Dr. Saru Bala: Fatigue, Weight Gain, Anxiety? What Your Hormones and Gut Are Telling You (You're NOT Crazy!)

    In this episode, Dr. Saru Bala joins Valerie to break down the foundations of women’s hormonal health in a practical, empowering way. They explore how stress, gut health, blood sugar, and liver function all work together to influence cycles, symptoms, and long-term wellness. The conversation challenges common misconceptions about “normal” periods, aging, metabolism, and conditions like endometriosis and PCOS—while offering realistic, root-cause strategies women can start using immediately. This episode is a reminder that your symptoms are not random—they’re signals—and learning to interpret them is a powerful first step toward healing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Saru Bala and Her Mission 03:02 The Importance of Women's Health Awareness 05:58 Understanding Normal vs. Painful Periods 09:06 The Role of Hormones in Women's Health 12:03 Four Pillars of Hormone Health 15:00 Gut Health and Its Connection to Hormones 18:11 Endometriosis and Inflammation 20:50 Creating an Action Plan for Hormonal Health 23:47 The Impact of Stress on Women's Health 30:08 Understanding Cortisol and Its Impact 33:25 Recognizing Stress Signals 35:41 The Truth About Metabolism and Aging 37:57 The Connection Between Stress and Weight Gain 38:33 Nutrition: Finding What Works for You 40:06 The Role of Fasting in Health 41:15 Empowering Women Through Health Education 44:10 Navigating Healthcare: Finding the Right Support 46:39 The Benefits of Castor Oil Packs 50:06 Final Thoughts on Self-Care and Awareness Connect with Dr. Bala: Website: https://www.drsarubala.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drsarubala?lang=en Blog: https://www.drsarubala.com/blog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarubala Connect with The Women On Top: Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories! Website: https://thewomenontop.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

  7. Jul 1

    SC Perot: How a Stanford Lawyer's Burnout Led to a Harry Styles Obsession, a Bestselling Book, and a Whole New Life Built Around Joy

    When her marriage ended, SC Perot had to rebuild her entire life from the ground up. What she didn't expect was that the rebuilding would start on long walks, with Harry Styles' music in her ears, slowly leading her back to her own joy.  In this episode, SC shares how that unlikely ritual cracked open a life beyond anything she had planned for, and we talk about what it means to actually follow the internal nudges pointing you toward your dreams, long before you understand where they're taking you. Chapters 00:00 From Law to Joy: SC's Journey 03:01 The Role of Mentorship in Career Transitions 05:56 Navigating Burnout and Career Clarity 08:58 The Power of Decisive Action 12:04 Finding Your Unique Dreams 14:53 Embracing Change and New Opportunities 28:15 The Journey of Joy and Self-Discovery 35:39 Finding Joy in the Everyday 40:13 Balancing Present Gratitude and Future Goals 42:51 Living in the Moment: The Power of Joy 46:49 Advice for the Next Generation: Trust the Process More About SC Perot: Website: https://www.scperot.com/ Styles of Joy Book: https://www.amazon.com/Styles-Joy-Feel-Good-Framework-Rediscovering/dp/1637633459 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scperot/ Anne Levine - Law School Expert: https://www.lawschoolexpert.com/about-ann/ Ingrid Fattel Lee - Joyful: https://aestheticsofjoy.com/ Harry Styles - Carla's Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tIC16OCb0k Connect with The Women On Top: Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories! Website: https://thewomenontop.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

  8. Jun 17

    Madge Rumman: The Medical System is Failing Women with Perimenopause and Menopause , So She Built a Business to Close the Gap

    There is a condition that will affect every single woman on the planet. Not most women. Every woman. And for generations, we have treated it like a secret. Madge Rumman decided she had seen enough. A fintech veteran who could have kept building in the world she knew, Madge followed a quieter and more urgent call into women's health — co-founding Blair Health, Canada's first AI-powered platform for perimenopause and menopause care. Built on one belief: that every woman deserves fast, expert care without a nine-month waitlist standing between her and answers. In this episode we get into why the menopause care system is broken, what Blair Health is doing to fix it, and what Madge learned about betting on yourself when the perfect moment never comes. What we cover: 🔬 Why perimenopause can begin as early as your late thirties and what that means for you right now 🏥 How Blair Health is using AI to bring specialist-level menopause care directly to women 💬 Why menopause has been shrouded in silence for generations and what is finally shifting 🚀 What it is really like to build in femtech, where funding and talent are both scarce ✨ Why the perfect moment is never coming — and what happens when you stop waiting for it Connect with Madge:  Blair Health Website: https://blairhealth.ca/about-us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXMuGdLCk6Q/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madgerumman/ Links: https://nkzv9.mssg.me/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnso_HXraNslsM_7E_GXnIRpob4r9IfIAyIXtZuG7JCO0uPToKnV6gGCk-GvA_aem_8lyUc6y9VGHoYMW3wMtzhg Connect with The Women On Top: Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories! Website: https://thewomenontop.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

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5
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

HELLO, Gorgeous. Welcome to The Women On Top — the mentorship podcast you’ve always wanted, designed by women, for women. Here, we’re not about competition; we’re about collaboration.  This is where female leaders, rising disruptors, and bold changemakers pull back the curtain and share the lessons, the failures, and the breakthroughs that shaped them.  Think unfiltered wisdom, candid conversations, and the kind of advice you’d only get if you were sitting across from them over coffee—or champagne. From boardrooms to startups, side hustles to personal reinventions, we’re learning directly from women who are rewriting what leadership looks like.  They’re not gatekeeping; they’re handing you the playbook. So, if you’ve ever wished for a mentor in your ear—someone who gets it, who’s been there, and who isn’t afraid to tell it like it is—this is your podcast. Grab your espresso, adjust your heels, and let’s strut to the top—because we don’t just break glass ceilings, we own the skyline. >Disclaimer: No actual glass ceilings were harmed in the making of this podcast… yet!

Information

  • Creator
    Valerie Lynn
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Women On Top
  • Show Website
    The Women On Top