50% with Marcylle Combs: Women in Leadership

Marcylle Combs

50% with Marcylle Combs is a podcast for women in leadership, business, and career growth. Each episode features candid conversations with inspiring women leaders who share their journeys, challenges, successes, and lessons learned. Discover practical leadership insights, career advice, and personal development strategies to help you lead with confidence and purpose. Whether you're an emerging leader, entrepreneur, or executive, you'll find encouragement, wisdom, and tools to support your next step. Learn more at www.MarcylleCombs.com

  1. 4h ago

    Creating a Nonprofit for Breast Cancer Support: Laura Carfang

    In this episode, Marcylle sits down with Laura Carfang, founder of SurvivingBreastCancer.org, to talk about leadership, survivorship, and what happens when a personal diagnosis becomes the beginning of a much larger mission. Laura was just 34 when she was diagnosed with Stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma after her early symptoms were initially dismissed. Living an active, health-conscious life, she never expected breast cancer to become part of her story. But that experience challenged what she thought she knew about risk, prevention, and the gaps that exist for peoplenavigating life after diagnosis. What began as Laura’s personal search for trustworthy information and meaningful connection grew intoSurvivingBreastCancer.org, a national nonprofit digital platform serving individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, their families, and a growing global community. Laura shares how SBC is redefining survivorship as an active, ongoing phase of care—not simply recovery. Throughevidence-informed education, moderated community support, integrative oncology–inspired programming, and AI-powered navigation, SBC helps close the gap between clinical treatment and whole-person support. This conversation explores what it means to lead through uncertainty, build something meaningful from adversity, and create access to care, education, and connection beyond the clinic walls. In this episode, we talk about: Laura’s diagnosis at 34 and how it reshaped her understanding of health, leadership, and purposeThe gap in survivorship support that led her to create SurvivingBreastCancer.orgWhy survivorshipis an ongoing phase of care, not a finish line  How digital tools, education, and community can remove barriers and expand supportWhat leaders can learn from navigating crisis, uncertainty, and mission-driven work About Laura Carfang: Laura Carfang is the founder of SurvivingBreastCancer.org, a U.S.-based national nonprofit building digital infrastructure for breast cancer survivorship. SBC serves all 50 states and a growing international community by offering credibleinformation, meaningful connection, and whole-person support from diagnosis through long-term survivorship. Learn more: SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources Surviving Breast Cancer OrganizationSan Antonio Breast Cancer SymposiumAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Get In Touch With Laura: www.survivingbreastcancer.org IG: @survivingbreastcancerorg IG: @laura_carfang TikTok: @sbc_org FB: Survivingbreastcancerorg YouTube: @SurvivingBreastCancer For more information about Marcylle Combs Leadership Series, and how to register go to marcyllecombs.com

    Creating a Nonprofit for Breast Cancer Support: Laura Carfang
  2. Sep 30

    Small Steps to Big Success with Dr. Christiane Schroeter

    In this episode of 50% with Marcylle Combs, Marcylle sits down with Dr. Christiane Schroeter, a TEDx speaker, Fulbright Scholar, professor, bestselling author, and creator of Petite Practice®. Christiane shares how small, steady steps can create real momentum in leadership, life, and personal growth. With a background in applied economics and years of experience teaching thousands of professionals and students, she brings a research-backed approach to change that feels practical, sustainable, and refreshingly doable. Together, Marcylle and Christiane talk about confidence, reinvention, women in leadership, and why meaningful growth does not have to come from dramatic transformation. This conversation is a reminder that the next right step may be smaller than you think, but repeated with intention, it can lead to lasting change. Of course we also talk the impact of AI, and cultural differences in women’s careers across countries. Discover practical strategies for personal growth, marketing, and embracing change. Key Topics The power of small, consistent steps in achieving goalsUsing AI to enhance authenticity and connectionCultural differences in women’s career paths between Germany and the USThe purple cow marketing strategy for standing outThe importance of reflection and pausing in habit formation Get In Touch with Christiane: Resources Petite Practice by Dr. Christiane SchroeterThe Purple Cow by Seth GodinDr. Christiane Schroeter's WebsiteGuest links ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Website⁠ Click Here For Information on the Marcylle Combs Leadership Series

    Small Steps to Big Success with Dr. Christiane Schroeter
  3. Sep 16

    Medicaid Financial Considerations and Eligibility: Damon Terzaghi

    Part 2 of the micro cast conversation on Medicaid for Aging Parents. Damon Terzaghi shares his extensive knowledge on Medicaid, covering its national framework, state variations, eligibility criteria, and planning strategies for families. This conversation is essential for anyone navigating long-term care options for aging loved ones. Key Topics Financial considerations and asset limits Planning strategies for families The importance of early planning and professional advice Resources ⁠Title XIX of the Social Security Act⁠⁠CMS - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services⁠⁠Medicaid Planning and Asset Protection Strategies⁠ Damon Terzaghi has spent his career working in programs that support older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income families. Currently, Damon is Vice President of Medicaid Advocacy and Programs at the National Alliance for Care at Home. In this role, Damon is responsible for leading the Association’s Medicaid practice, including establishing regulatory, legislative, and technical assistance priorities; providing information and analysis to members regarding issues in Medicaid that impact Homecare, Hospice, and HCBS; and developing the organization’s resource library. Prior to the Alliance, he has served as: ·       Senior Director at ADvancing States, the association representing state government aging, disability, and long-term services and supports agencies. ·       Vice President for the Marwood Group LLC. ·       Health Insurance Specialist for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). ·       Senior Policy Associate for the National Association of State Medicaid Directors. ·       Operations and Policy Analyst for the Oregon Department of Human Services. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, and a Master of Science in Public Health Administration from Trinity University in Washington DC. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Health Services Research from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Damon lives in Arlington, VA, with his wife, two poorly-behaved dogs, and three equally poorly-behaved children.

    Medicaid Financial Considerations and Eligibility: Damon Terzaghi
  4. Sep 9

    Navigating Medicaid for Aging Parents: Damon Terzaghi

    In this episode, Medicaid expert, Damon Terzaghi, shares his extensive knowledge on Medicaid, covering its national framework, state variations, eligibility criteria, and planning strategies for families. This conversation is essential for anyone navigating long-term care options for aging loved ones. Key Topics Medicaid's national framework and state variationsEligibility criteria and assessment toolsResources Title XIX of the Social Security ActCMS - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicaid Planning and Asset Protection Strategies Damon Terzaghi has spent his career working in programs that support older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income families. Currently, Damon is Vice President of Medicaid Advocacy and Programs at the National Alliance for Care at Home. In this role, Damon is responsible for leading the Association’s Medicaid practice, including establishing regulatory, legislative, and technical assistance priorities;providing information and analysis to members regarding issues in Medicaid that impact Homecare, Hospice, and HCBS; and developing the organization’s resource library. Prior to the Alliance, he has served as: ·       Senior Director at ADvancing States, the association representing state government aging, disability, and long-term services and supports agencies. ·       Vice President for the Marwood Group LLC. ·       Health Insurance Specialist for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). ·       Senior Policy Associate for the National Association of State Medicaid Directors. ·       Operations and Policy Analyst for the Oregon Department of Human Services. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from WillametteUniversity in Salem, Oregon, and a Master of Science in Public Health Administration from Trinity University in Washington DC. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Health Services Research from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Damon lives in Arlington, VA, with his wife, two poorly-behaved dogs, and three equally poorly-behaved children.

    Navigating Medicaid for Aging Parents: Damon Terzaghi
  5. Aug 26

    AI Companions That Support Mental Health and Daily Life: Lily Doyle

    Lily Doyle, founding researcher at Tolan, brings nearly a decade of experience working in mental health with a focus on emotional-behavioral disorders and behavioral intervention settings with youth. Before joining Tolan, Lily was a doctoral researcher and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Lily is instrumental in Tolan’s mission to build a voice-based AI companion that improves its users' overall emotional well-being and encourages people to build healthy relationships in the real world. She pursued her Ph.D. at Vanderbilt University and holds an M.Ed. from the University of Washington. Lily is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has been published in peer-reviewed journals and federal practice guides distributed to K-12 educators nationwide. In today’s fast-paced world, many of us seek ways to feel more grounded and connected, yet the demands of life can often make us feel isolated. Enter Tolan, an innovative AI companion designed not just to chat, but to enhance our daily experiences. Learn how it supports users in achieving personal goals. Lily discusses the innovative AI companion designed to support mental health and daily life. She shares the development of Tolan, ethical considerations in AI, and future visions for AI companions as extensions of ourselves. Tolan acts as a personalized assistant, designed to help users manage stress, challenge themselves, and ultimately improve their daily lives. Unlike traditional AI chatbots, Tolan takes on a more interactive role, engaging with users in meaningful conversations that adapt to their individual needs. As the head of research at Tolan, Lily Doyle emphasizes the importance of creating a companion that truly understands users and helps them feel supported. Key Topics AI companion development and purposeUser research and target audience insightsEthical considerations and guardrails in AIFuture visions for AI as extensions of usersGet In Touch With Lily: ​Tolan App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tolan-alien-best-friend/id6477549878​Tolan Official Website: https://www.tolans.com/​LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liliandoyle/ This podcast is found on Apple, Spotify, ListenNotes and several other platforms like podscan: podscan_JFOR5zkjagJkxaKbkqouMSYaIFlD6NwR

    AI Companions That Support Mental Health and Daily Life: Lily Doyle
4.9
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

50% with Marcylle Combs is a podcast for women in leadership, business, and career growth. Each episode features candid conversations with inspiring women leaders who share their journeys, challenges, successes, and lessons learned. Discover practical leadership insights, career advice, and personal development strategies to help you lead with confidence and purpose. Whether you're an emerging leader, entrepreneur, or executive, you'll find encouragement, wisdom, and tools to support your next step. Learn more at www.MarcylleCombs.com

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