Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women

Liz Brohan
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Parenting
  • Biweekly

Conversations, storytelling and advice on today's most important topics for women.

  1. 9h ago

    From Penthouse to Pot to Hollywood’s A List: One Helluva Success Story

    From Penthouse to Pot: Underground and Mainstream Hollywood Success Stories How One Fearless Woman Built a Publishing Career, Put Arnold Schwarzenegger on the Map, and Brought Cannabis Culture Into the Mainstream What do Penthouse Magazine, cannabis culture, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and The Terminator have in common? One kick-ass woman named Charlotte Parker. Charlotte's career is anything but ordinary. From launching her publishing career at Penthouse Magazine in the 1970s to creating Head Magazine, one of the early publications devoted to cannabis culture, she has consistently gone where others weren't willing to go. In this fascinating episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, host Liz Brohan takes listeners on a wild ride through Charlotte's extraordinary career in publishing, Hollywood public relations, and the evolving cannabis industry. Hear how Charlotte turned $1,700 in wedding money into an underground magazine, secured financial backing from her father, and built a publication during a time when cannabis was illegal and its culture operated outside the mainstream. Then comes Hollywood! Charlotte shares behind-the-scenes stories of representing some of entertainment's biggest names, including Arnold Schwarzenegger. Discover how she recognized the potential of The Terminator before anyone else, helped position James Cameron as a visionary filmmaker, and transformed Arnold's public image from bodybuilder to international superstar. But Charlotte isn't finished. Decades after launching Head Magazine, she brought it back in 2020, covering today's rapidly evolving cannabis industry and championing the women shaping its future. Inside this episode: Breaking into male-dominated publishing and entertainment industries.Turning an unconventional idea into a successful media business.Why honesty and confidence can open unexpected doors.The power of strategic PR, positioning, and recognizing untapped potential.Behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories you won't hear anywhere else.How cannabis culture has evolved from underground to mainstream.What's next for the cannabis industry and its growing community of women leaders.Charlotte's story is a reminder that vision, conviction, and the courage to take a chance can create opportunities where none existed. Listen, get inspired, and remember: You don't need permission to build something extraordinary.   Resources & References Head Magazine – Charlotte Parker's cannabis culture publication: https://headmagazine.comThe Academy of Television Arts & Sciences – Home of the Emmy Awards.The Terminator (1984) – The groundbreaking science-fiction film directed by James Cameron.Rambo: First Blood (1982) – The action film starring Sylvester Stallone.Fillmore East – The legendary New York concert venue that helped define 1970s counterculture and music.   Highlight Quotes On having the courage to pursue an idea:"One day, I was thinking about it. And it occurred to me that no one has done a magazine about this culture." On the power of vision:"I said, but here I was at this major PR firm. When I picked up the phone, people listened to me."  On recognizing potential:"I remember telling Arnold, I am going to make you the biggest star in the world. And I did." You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

    From Penthouse to Pot to Hollywood’s A List: One Helluva Success Story

  2. Oct 27

    Stop Pushing Through! Your Body is Trying to Tell You Something

    Stop Pushing Through!  Your Body is Trying to Tell You Something   What if the answers you're looking for aren't in your head—but in your body? Women are conditioned to push harder, do more, and keep going—even when stress is screaming at us to slow down. But what happens when the pressure to keep up with everyone else leaves us exhausted, overwhelmed, and disconnected from ourselves? On this episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, hosts Liz Brohan and Mary Olivieri talk with Mary Clavier, transformation guide, Human Design expert, and author of Mind-Body Connection Unlocked, about reconnecting with our body's wisdom, understanding how we make decisions, and learning to stop overthinking ourselves into exhaustion. Mary's journey proves that sometimes the most meaningful transformations begin when we recognize that something isn't working. After 15 years in corporate manufacturing, an engineering career, and the launch of her own women's underwear brand, Brief Transitions, Mary faced the mounting stress of balancing work, travel, and family. When she discovered she was grinding her teeth in her sleep, the physical consequences of stress became impossible to ignore. It was time for a change. Today, Mary helps people understand the mind-body connection and Human Design, a system she uses to explore individual energy patterns and decision-making styles. Her message? There is no one-size-fits-all formula for success, and constantly trying to match someone else's energy can leave you burned out. Mary explains how different decision-making styles—including emotional authority, sacral responses, and splenic intuition—can help people better understand their instincts and approach major life decisions. She also shares practical ways to reconnect with your body, starting with something surprisingly simple: paying attention to what you need instead of automatically pushing through. You don't need an hour of meditation or a complete life overhaul to get started. Sometimes, the first step is taking a break, stretching, or simply listening to that quiet inner voice you've been ignoring. Ready to stop running on autopilot? Discover how greater self-awareness can help you make more aligned decisions, recognize your needs, and reconnect with your sense of purpose. Because being a kick-ass woman doesn't mean doing everything. It means learning to recognize what works for YOU. Listen now and start tuning in!   Resource Links and References The following resources were mentioned during the episode or directly relate to the guest's work. Mary Clavier's Website and Free Human Design ChartExplore your Human Design chart to learn about your energy type and decision-making authority.https://maryclavier.com/get-your-chart** Mind-Body Connection Unlocked by Mary Clavier**Mary's book explores the relationship between the mind, body, and soul, offering practical activities and exercises to help readers reconnect with themselves.Find the book through Mary Clavier's website.** Find Yourself, Change Your Life Podcast**Mary's podcast explores topics related to self-discovery, Human Design, and the mind-body connection.Visit Mary Clavier's website to find her podcast.** How I Built This with Guy Raz — NPR**Mary discussed receiving a fellowship to attend the How I Built This Summit, where she learned from entrepreneurs and founders. The podcast features conversations about the journeys behind successful businesses.https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510313/how-i-built-thisTarget Forward FoundersMary participated in this program, which helped founders explore opportunities in retail and understand the process of bringing products to market.Explore Target's current supplier and business programs through Target's corporate website.  Highlight Quotes STOP FOLLOWING EVERYONE ELSE'S RULES "There's no one-size-fits-all recipe for success. When you understand your energy, you can learn to work in ways that align with YOU—instead of trying to follow everyone else's recipe and wondering why it isn't working." — Mary Clavier   YOUR BODY IS TRYING TO TELL YOU SOMETHING "Awareness is always the first step. Start paying attention to what you're doing—or not doing. Ask yourself, 'What do I need?' And when your body tells you something, don't dismiss it. Don't just shove it down and say, 'I'll do it later.'" — Mary Clavier   YOU DON'T HAVE TO EARN YOUR REST "I was keeping up with people, but I was actually overdoing it because I was amplifying energy from other people. That's what can lead to burnout and exhaustion. Learning that I needed rest breaks helped me start forgiving myself for not having the same energy as everyone else." — Mary Clavier You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

    Stop Pushing Through! Your Body is Trying to Tell You Something

  3. Oct 13

    An Unknown Demographic Crisis: Infertility in America

    What happens when the dream of becoming a parent collides with the cost of fertility care? On this episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, Liz Brohan talks with Elizabeth “Beth” Frattura, founder of The Stork Foundation for Infertility, and Meredith Weber, president of the organization, about the emotional, financial and economic realities of infertility and IVF. Both women know the journey personally. Beth and her husband welcomed their three children through IVF, while Meredith endured four rounds of IUI and four rounds of IVF before welcoming her “miracle baby,” Theo. Their experiences exposed a troubling reality: infertility is a medical diagnosis, but fertility treatment is often treated like luxury care. A single IVF cycle can cost $15,000–$20,000, and the women explain why access can depend on income, employer benefits and where you live. They also discuss the growing role of fertility benefits in employee recruitment and retention. The conversation goes beyond individual families to examine declining birth rates, delayed parenthood, fertility education, egg freezing, financial planning and America’s demographic future. Beth argues that fertility should be part of the conversations young adults have about financial and life planning—just as retirement planning is. The Stork Foundation was created to help bridge the financial gap. The organization provides fertility grants to families who otherwise may not be able to afford treatment. But perhaps the most powerful definition of success comes at the end of the conversation: a world where infertility treatment is treated as essential health care rather than luxury care—and where The Stork Foundation no longer needs to provide financial rescue. This is a candid conversation about infertility, IVF costs, fertility insurance, women's health, family building, financial planning and the economic consequences of reproductive choices—and why talking about it matters. #Infertility #IVF #Fertility #WomensHealth #FertilityAwareness #FamilyBuilding #FertilityInsurance #FinancialPlanning #StorkFoundation #KickAssWomen   Resources & References Mentioned The Stork Foundation for Infertility — The organization Beth founded to provide financial assistance for fertility treatment. The transcript specifically directs listeners to its website. The Stork FoundationThe Stork Foundation Fertility Grants — The foundation provides grants of up to $15,000 per family to help make fertility treatment more accessible. Fertility Grant InformationStork Foundation “Brunch for Hope” — The Chicago event mentioned in the closing as an opportunity to hear the organization's story and connect with its community. Stork Foundation News & EventsMorgan Stanley — Beth references a recent Morgan Stanley report while discussing delayed homeownership and the timing of major life milestones. Morgan Stanley ResearchCubs Charities — Meredith's professional work with the Chicago Cubs' nonprofit arm is part of her story and her connection to community-focused work. Cubs Charities  Highlight Quotes 1.      “Infertility is a medical diagnosis, but for most people, infertility care still isn’t treated like health care. It’s treated like a luxury.” — Beth Frattura   2.      “Fertility is one of the biggest financial risks and life variables that young people face, but nobody plans for it. Knowledge empowers choice.” — Beth Frattura   3.      “Success is a world where infertility treatment is treated like essential health care—not luxury care—and access doesn’t depend on how much money you make.” — Beth Frattura You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

    An Unknown Demographic Crisis: Infertility in America

  4. Sep 22

    Financial Astrology: Stars, Signs and Smart Money Moves

    Financial Astrology: Stars, Signs and Smart Money Moves   Could astrology help you make better career moves, launch a business, rethink retirement—or even make smarter financial decisions?   Forget the horoscope telling you to “expect a surprise today.” This episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women takes astrology somewhere much more unexpected: money, career, entrepreneurship and financial planning.   Liz Brohan sits down with Susan Gidel of Susan G.  Says, who combines her background in journalism, marketing and the financial markets with astrology to explore what your birth chart might reveal about your relationship with work, wealth and timing.   Susan's premise is provocative: astrology isn't about predicting your future. It's another set of data points you can use to make more conscious decisions. And that opens up some fascinating questions.   Is your career actually aligned with who you are? Susan explains how a birth chart can provide clues about career strengths, tendencies and potential paths. For younger women, that can mean asking a very different question than “What job should I get?”   It's “What work actually means something to me—and should I build it myself?”   The conversation explores why entrepreneurship is increasingly attractive, how astrology can potentially help with the timing of a new venture, and even the concept of “electing the chart”—choosing a date, time and place to launch a business based on the kind of company you want to create.   What does astrology have to say about women, money and different stages of life? Susan sees different financial and career questions emerging across generations: Gen Z: What am I supposed to do with my life? Where is the meaning and purpose?Millennials: Am I investing wisely? Should I change careers? Is entrepreneurship right for me?Gen X: What's next? What could my meaningful second act look like?Boomers: Will my money last? When should I sell my house? Where should I live next?  Then there's the midlife question many women know all too well: “Is this all there is?”   Susan connects that questioning to the astrological Uranus opposition around age 42—a period she describes as being about change, disruption and discovering what comes next.   And then Susan states a market opinion/prediction about inflation. Her “no-brainer astrological market opinion”? Inflation could reach double digits by the end of the decade.   Whether you're a true believer, a curious skeptic or someone who simply loves collecting another perspective, this conversation isn't really about handing your financial future over to the stars.   It's about expanding your toolbox. As Susan puts it: “Astrology is a tool. It's not an answer. It's not a forecast. It's not a prediction.”   And maybe that's the most kick-ass part of all: you still get to make the decisions. Listen now and ask yourself: What if your next career move, business idea or financial decision deserves more than one perspective?   Resources / References Mentioned Susan Gidel / Susan G Says— Susan's website and primary resource for learning more about her work in financial astrology. The episode directs listeners to SusanGidel.com.Birth/Natal Chart — The episode explains the chart as a snapshot of planetary energy at the moment of birth and a kind of roadmap or blueprint for understanding tendencies and capabilities.Saturn Return — Susan discusses Saturn's approximately 29-year cycle and the first Saturn return as a significant period of lessons, responsibility and “adulting.”Uranus Opposition — The conversation connects Uranus's approximately 84-year cycle and its opposition around age 42 with disruption, change and the classic “What else is there?” midlife questioning.Inflation cycles / historical periods — Susan references inflationary periods in the 1950s, 1920s, Civil War era and 1812 as part of her research into recurring astrological cycles.  Episode Highlight Quotes “Astrology is a tool. It’s not an answer. It’s not a forecast. It’s not a prediction. It is simply yet another tool to use in life for whatever question you might have.” — Susan Gidel   “I think I have a mission to bring financial astrology to more people.” – Susan Gidel You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

    Financial Astrology: Stars, Signs and Smart Money Moves

  5. Sep 8

    The Stubborn Mindset Changes Everything

    The Stubborn Mindset Changes Everything   What if being called “stubborn” isn’t an insult—but one of the greatest survival skills a woman can have? What happens when your career disappears, your health changes everything, people dismiss your voice, and the life you planned no longer fits? You reinvent. On this powerful episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, Liz Brohan talks with best-selling author, business strategist and coach Adriana Cowden, whose extraordinary story proves that resilience isn't about bouncing back. Sometimes, it's about becoming someone entirely new. More than a decade ago, Adriana went from running billion-dollar brands in the C-suite to fighting for her life in hospital rooms. She has navigated more than 30 chronic illnesses and more than 25 surgeries—and faced the kind of physical, professional and emotional challenges that would stop many people in their tracks. Instead, she became stubborn as f**k. Her book, Stubborn as F**k: 13 Truths to Rise, Reclaim and Reinvent Your Life, challenges women to rethink what resilience really means. Adriana doesn't see reinvention as starting over. It's transformation. It's giving yourself permission to go inward, reassess what you want, and emerge with a life that actually belongs to you. Stop Apologizing. Start Advocating. This conversation gets real about something many women know all too well: being dismissed. Adriana shares her experiences of being dismissed in the medical system—even when she arrived prepared, organized and armed with questions. Her message? Being strong doesn't mean doing everything alone. Even the most capable woman may need a medical advocate and someone firmly in her corner. The conversation also tackles: Women's self-advocacy and why your voice needs to be the final authority Setting healthy boundaries without drowning in guilt Why disappointing someone doesn't mean you've done something wrong Career reinvention when the path you built no longer works Trusting your intuition and gut instincts Breaking ties with people and situations that drain you Why women need to stop saying “I'm sorry” when they haven't done anything wrong Using AI to better understand complicated information and ask smarter questions The importance of self-love as the foundation for everything else Adriana is also developing Audrey Ava, an AI-powered medical tool inspired by her own experience of using technology to analyze medical information and develop better questions for her doctors. Your Life Doesn't Have to Look Like the Plan Perhaps the biggest takeaway from this conversation is that reinvention isn't failure. Sometimes the career ends. Sometimes your health changes. Sometimes a relationship or identity no longer fits. Sometimes you simply realize you've been living according to someone else's expectations. That's not the end. That's your invitation to transform. And Adriana's advice is refreshingly direct: stop apologizing for taking up space. Stop waiting for permission. Love yourself first. Find people who will fight for you. And when life tells you that you can't—you might just need to get a little more stubborn as f**k. Because your resilience isn't just about surviving what happened to you. It's about deciding what happens next. Resources & References Mentioned Stubborn as F**k: 13 Truths to Rise, Reclaim and Reinvent Your Life — Adriana Cowden Franklin Covey — referenced in connection with “begin with the end in mind” U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — Adriana's advocacy around pancreatic disease treatments ChatGPT — discussed as a tool for translating complicated medical information Adriavia — Adriana's AI medical-information technology   You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

    The Stubborn Mindset Changes Everything

  6. Aug 25

    Tales from a Wing Woman: Why We All Need Someone in Our Corner

    Tales from a Wing Woman: Why We All Need Someone in Our Corner What happens when the job you thought was yours disappears—and instead of staying stuck, you build something entirely new? In this episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, Liz Brohan talks with Jen Anderson, a self-described “wing woman” who has turned her natural talent for collaboration, strategy, networking and getting things done into a profession. Jen’s journey began with a painful career setback. After more than 20 years in fitness leadership, she was passed over for a promotion she expected to get. That rejection became the catalyst for a new chapter—and ultimately helped her discover that her greatest strength was helping other business owners succeed. So what exactly does a wing woman do? Jen describes herself as a collaborator, strategist, accountability partner, communications resource, business-development partner and sounding board. She helps clients identify gaps, create capacity, become more visible, make introductions, find opportunities and—most importantly—take action. The conversation also tackles the messy realities of entrepreneurship: recognizing when a client relationship isn’t working, trusting your gut, finding your people and accepting that you don’t have to be everyone’s cup of tea. Networking gets a major spotlight, too. Jen encourages women to get curious, ask questions, make introductions and step outside their usual circles. Visibility doesn’t require attending every event—it requires being intentional and consistent. And sometimes, the best networking move is simply bringing a wing woman with you. Perhaps the biggest takeaway? There is enough success to go around. Don’t gatekeep your connections, knowledge or opportunities. Share your gifts, lift other women up and give yourself grace along the way. Because none of us has to do it all alone. Sometimes we just need someone willing to say, “I’ve got you. Let’s do this together.” Resources & References Mentioned LinkedIn — Discussed as a powerful way to build relationships across geographic boundaries, while also recognizing the value of eventually meeting people in person.  Star Trek — Referenced humorously as an early vision of communicating through screens—and a jumping-off point for discussing how digital connection can sometimes replace real-world interaction.  Top Gun — The episode opens by clarifying that Jen's “wingwoman” concept has nothing to do with the traditional pop-culture meaning of “wingman,” referencing Goose from Top Gun.  Networking groups & professional events — Jen recommends expanding beyond the same familiar networking circles and occasionally trying something new to meet different people.  Fitness, walking & movement — Jen connects physical movement with mental clarity, creativity and business performance, recommending activities such as walking, running or yoga.    Highlight Quotes “There is enough for everyone. When you share what your gifts are, you're elevating others. I’m not a fan of being a gatekeeper. Share what you’ve got—because it’s going to come back to you.” — Jen Anderson “Wing woman sounds like action. We’re doing it together. We come away with action items—and sometimes I’ll take a couple of those this week. Let me do those.” — Jen Anderson “You have to continue to stay visible because people can’t buy from you if they can’t find you. Start small, but be consistent.” — Jen Anderson You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

    Tales from a Wing Woman: Why We All Need Someone in Our Corner

  7. Aug 11

    How to Show Up and Say Yes!

    What if the next opportunity to change your life—or someone else’s—starts with two simple words: say yes? In this inspiring episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, host Liz Brohan is joined by special guest host Dorothy Rosen and Jennifer Parks, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Chicago, for a powerful conversation about stepping outside your comfort zone, finding purpose through service, and discovering just how much impact one person can make. Jennifer shares how a college volunteer experience sparked a lifelong commitment to service and ultimately led her to Habitat for Humanity. Today, she helps lead efforts to create affordable homeownership while strengthening the communities surrounding those homes. The conversation takes a deeper dive into Women Build, Habitat Chicago’s initiative that brings women together to build homes for women-led families. But the real lesson goes far beyond construction. Volunteering can build confidence, develop new skills, expand your network, and teach women to get comfortable asking for support—and asking for money. Jennifer also explores the history behind housing inequity, including redlining and discriminatory lending practices, and explains why Habitat’s mission is about much more than putting a roof over someone’s head. It’s about building homes, community and hope. And then there’s curling! Jennifer explains why the sport she loves is essentially “chess on ice”—a lesson in communication, teamwork, strategy and community that translates surprisingly well to leadership and life. Most importantly, Jennifer challenges women to stop waiting until they feel completely ready. Step outside your comfort zone. Try something new. Volunteer. Build relationships. Say yes when the opportunity feels right—and give yourself permission to say “not now” when it doesn’t. Because sometimes, all it takes is one small act of courage to start creating a much bigger change.     Links/references mentioned in the episode Habitat for Humanity Chicago — Jennifer’s organization and the central focus of the conversation.  Habitat Chicago Women Build — The Women Build initiative discussed extensively in the episode.  Redlined by Linda Gartz — Recommended during the discussion of Chicago’s history of redlining.  The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein — Recommended as a deeper look at how government policies shaped housing segregation.  Habitat Chicago ReStore — The Habitat social enterprise Jennifer describes as a place to shop, donate and volunteer.   Highlight Quotes Quote 1 “Even if now is not the right time to say yes, that’s okay. But don’t discount the opportunity. Step out and try. That’s where we learn, gain confidence, build skills and create new relationships.” — Jennifer Parks Quote 2 “We have more power and more ability than we know. We just have to act upon it—make the decision to help one person or make one opportunity available. What rolls from that can lead to a richer life.” — Jennifer Parks Quote 3 “As women, we frequently think we have to have achieved certain things to show up. I think we just need to step out and try. We are filled with innumerable talents and opportunities.” — Jennifer Parks You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

    How to Show Up and Say Yes!

  8. Jul 28

    Becoming Your Won Bank & Taking Control of Your Money

    In this eye-opening episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, host Liz Brohan is joined by special guest host Dorothy Rosen and wealth strategist Randi Lynn Quigley for a conversation that challenges nearly everything we've been taught about saving, borrowing, and building wealth. Rather than focusing on cutting expenses or simply saving more, Randi introduces listeners to the concept of Infinite Banking—a financial strategy that uses properly structured whole life insurance policies to create long-term cash flow, preserve wealth, and potentially reduce reliance on traditional banks. She explains how individuals can use the cash value within these policies to finance major purchases, invest in real estate, prepare for retirement, and build generational wealth while allowing their money to continue compounding. Throughout the discussion, Randi emphasizes that financial independence begins with understanding how money really works. She shares examples of how she personally uses multiple policies for everything from purchasing vehicles to investing in real estate and planning for taxes. She also discusses why many wealthy families and business leaders have historically relied on similar strategies to grow and protect their assets. Liz and Dorothy ask the questions many listeners are likely thinking, breaking down complex concepts into understandable language while encouraging women to question traditional financial advice and become more intentional about their financial education. Whether you're in your 20s and just beginning to build wealth or later in life looking for new retirement strategies, this episode offers a fresh perspective on thinking differently about money. While the concepts may challenge conventional wisdom, the conversation encourages listeners to do their own research, seek qualified guidance, and remain open to financial strategies that are rarely discussed in mainstream education. If you've ever wondered whether there's a different way to build lasting financial security, this episode is an invitation to start asking bigger questions—and to take greater ownership of your financial future.   5 Resources & References Mentioned Becoming Your Own Banker by Nelson Nash The Nelson Nash Institute / Infinite Banking Institute The Infinite Banking Initiative Podcast What Would the Rockefellers Do? The Creature from Jekyll Island by G. Edward Griffin   Highlight Quotes   "Financial freedom doesn't start with making more money—it starts with understanding how money actually works. Stop asking where to save your money. Start asking how to make it work for you. #InfiniteBanking #WomenAndWealth"   "Question the rules you've been taught about money. Who created them? Who benefits from them? Sometimes building wealth starts by challenging conventional wisdom. #KickAssWomen #FinancialIndependence"   "We spend years learning how to earn money—but almost no time learning how to grow it. The biggest investment you can make may be your financial education. #WomenAndWealth #FinancialLiteracy" You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

    Becoming Your Won Bank & Taking Control of Your Money
See All (37)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Conversations, storytelling and advice on today's most important topics for women.

Information