Root to Rising

Christine
  • 5.0 (11)
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Root to Rising isn’t just a podcast—it’s a call to every woman ready to step into her own story. Hosted by Christine Hummel, this unfiltered, soul-stirring series takes you inside the real lives of women who’ve dared to pivot, rebuild, and rise. From classrooms, to boardrooms, to fresh starts, heartbreaks to breakthroughs, these are the raw conversations you didn’t know you needed—about courage, risk, resilience, and finding your true direction. Christine sits down with trailblazers, dream-chasers, and everyday women with extraordinary lessons, giving you the mindset shifts, practical tools, and fierce motivation to grow where you’re planted and reach higher than you thought possible. Whether you’re launching your first career move, rewriting your next chapter, or searching for that spark again—Root to Rising will meet you where you are and inspire you to rise into the woman you’re meant to become.

  1. 3d ago

    Finding Confidence Through Courage

    What If the Life That Looks Good on Paper Doesn’t Feel Good Anymore?What happens when the path you worked so hard to build no longer feels like the path you want? In this episode of Root to Rising, Christine sits down with Michelle Pollack, executive leadership coach, who helps high achievers build lives and careers that feel as good as they look on paper. Michelle shares her unexpected journey from studying theater at Northwestern and working in New York’s entertainment industry to Hollywood—and eventually discovering executive coaching. Along the way, she found herself asking a question many high-achieving women eventually face: Is this really what I want? Christine and Michelle unpack why women can feel trapped by the careers, expectations, and identities they once chose—and why changing direction doesn’t mean you failed. They explore the pressure to prove yourself, perfectionism, people-pleasing, leadership, delegation, and the inner critic that can convince us to stay where we are instead of exploring what could be next. Michelle also shares a powerful reminder: confidence doesn’t have to come before the leap. Sometimes courage comes first, and confidence is built by taking the risk, learning, adjusting, and realizing that even if things don’t go perfectly—you’ll be okay. In this episode:Why success can look right but feel wrongGiving yourself permission to change your mindThe pressure high-achieving women put on themselvesHow perfectionism and people-pleasing show up in leadershipWhy great leaders don’t need to have all the answersLearning to delegate, trust, and grow your teamHow to recognize your inner criticAsking yourself what you actually wantWhy courage comes before confidenceBecoming comfortable with being a beginner againThis conversation is a reminder that you’re allowed to evolve. The person you wanted to become at 20 doesn’t have to define who you become at 30, 40, 50, or beyond. Root to Rising — where women share their stories and experiences so others can listen, learn, and grow. Connect with MichelleContinue the conversation and learn more about Michelle’s work in executive leadership coaching. Connect with Michelle: website: www.michellepollack.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-pollack/  Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: NESVV8DL8HHECNDN

  2. Aug 5

    Should You Rush? Midwest Students Tell All

    Episode DescriptionIs rushing a sorority worth it? If you're heading to college this fall—or wondering whether Greek life is right for you—this conversation offers an honest look at the sorority recruitment experience. Christine sits down with four college students from different universities, each with a unique perspective on rush. Some found lifelong friendships, one chose not to join, and all of them share the highs, lows, and lessons they wish they knew beforehand. From navigating rejection and overcoming stereotypes to finding confidence and staying true to yourself, this episode is packed with advice that extends far beyond college. Whether you're planning to rush, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about what the process is really like, this conversation provides a refreshing and authentic perspective. In This EpisodeWhy each student decided to rush (or almost didn't)The biggest misconceptions about sorority lifeThe emotional side of recruitment no one prepares you forWhat rejection during rush really feels likeWhy comparing your journey to others can hurt your experienceHow to know when you've found the right chapter—or when walking away is the right decisionThe confidence lessons that last long after college Key Takeaways✨ Be yourself—the right people will appreciate the real you. ✨ Rejection doesn't define your worth. ✨ Comparison steals the joy from your own journey. ✨ Rush is about finding where you belong, not fitting into someone else's expectations. ✨ The confidence you build through uncomfortable experiences will serve you for years to come. Timestamps00:00 Welcome & why this conversation matters 1:15 Why each guest decided to rush 7:30 Breaking the stereotypes around sorority life 15:45 The stress and emotions of recruitment week 24:30 Dealing with rejection and uncertainty 34:20 The biggest surprises about rush 41:10 What everyone wishes they knew beforehand 48:00 Advice for anyone preparing to rush Meet the GuestsKhrestyna Fidziak – Marquette UniversityEmma Adakauskas – University of Wisconsin–MadisonJulia Maliszewski – Loyola University ChicagoElla Sands – University of Kansas If This Episode Helped You...Follow Root to Rising for more conversations that inspire confidence, growth, and purpose through authentic stories. ⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a rating and review ⭐ Share this episode with a student preparing for college or sorority recruitment Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: EUQPKBLWJZUIOFNU

  3. Jul 29

    When Adversity Becomes Your Greatest Teacher

    Episode SummaryWhat if the biggest obstacle in your life could become the very thing that transforms it? In this episode of Root to Rising, Christine Hummel sits down with author, speaker, and transformation strategist Youness El Fehdi to explore how adversity can become the catalyst for growth. From reversing Type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes to raising a neurodiverse son, immigrating to the United States, mastering five languages, and building a career centered on communication, Youness shares the lessons that shaped his life. Together, they discuss why emotional intelligence, resilience, and authentic human connection are becoming the most valuable skills in an AI-driven world. If you're navigating change, searching for confidence, or looking to grow through life's challenges, this conversation offers practical wisdom and an inspiring perspective on transformation. In This EpisodeHow Youness reversed Type 2 diabetes through consistency—not perfectionWhy raising a neurodiverse son changed his definition of empathyThe surprising lessons learned working in federal correctionsHow learning five languages shaped his worldviewWhy human connection will always matter in an AI-first worldThe truth about confidence—and how it's actually builtWhy embracing discomfort leads to personal growthHow to turn adversity into your greatest advantagePractical advice for young professionals entering today's workforceThe power of communication, emotional intelligence, and resilience Memorable Quotes"Confidence isn't something you're given—it's something you build by keeping promises to yourself." "Comfort is the biggest enemy of confidence." "Everything is impossible until somebody does it." "The future belongs to people who master human connection." About Our GuestYouness El Fehdi is an author, motivational speaker, and transformation strategist dedicated to helping people turn adversity into opportunity. His work focuses on resilience, communication, emotional intelligence, language learning, and personal growth. Drawing from his own experiences—including reversing Type 2 diabetes, raising a son with autism, immigrating to the United States, and working in federal corrections—Youness empowers others to embrace change and create meaningful transformation. Connect with YounessWebsite: https://elfehdiauthor.com/ Books: Dominate the World of Languages, Dominate the Weight Loss Game & Diabetes, Content That Captivates, and his book supporting parents of children with autism. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: RLJWDA5NW3EMIXNP

  4. Jul 22

    The Leap That Changed Everything with DJ Peyton Plumlee

    Sometimes the biggest opportunities start with one small decision. For Peyton Plumlee, it was buying a DJ controller with babysitting money. What began as a hobby quickly turned into a career performing across the South, producing original music, and landing festival stages like Breakaway Dallas. But her journey wasn't a straight line. In this episode of Root to Rising, Peyton shares how she walked away from the career path she originally envisioned, switched majors in college, embraced uncertainty, and learned to trust herself—even in a male-dominated industry. This conversation isn't just about music. It's about having the courage to pivot, blocking out outside expectations, building confidence, and realizing that your path doesn't have to look like anyone else's. If you've ever wondered whether you're on the "right" path, this episode is for you. In This Episode:Why Peyton switched from psychology to marketingHow a hobby became a full-time careerBuilding confidence in a male-dominated industryThe reality of balancing college and chasing a dreamHow to handle criticism on social mediaThe importance of networking and relationshipsWhy your twenties are meant for figuring things outJournaling, goal setting, and staying motivatedLearning to trust your gut instead of outside expectationsWhy "YOLO" became Peyton's philosophy for taking risksMemorable Quote"If you've always wanted to try something, just go for it. If you don't, you'll always wonder what could have happened." About PeytonPeyton Plumlee (DJ P Plum) is a Dallas-based DJ, music producer, and University of Mississippi graduate. After discovering her passion for DJing in college, she transitioned from psychology to integrated marketing and communications and has since performed throughout the South, including Breakaway Dallas, while continuing to create original music. Connect with PeytonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/peyton_plumlee/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@peyton_plumlee SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/v4TsNK0dZAoD8e6l9v  Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: IFAGY0CZ7KSCC9V4

  5. Jul 15

    The Fighter Pilot's Guide to Better Leadership

    Success isn't built in one defining moment—it's created through thousands of small, intentional decisions. In this episode of Root to Rising, Christine Hummel sits down with Boo, former Royal Australian Air Force fighter pilot, entrepreneur, CEO of Afterburner, and author of Flawless Leadership. After an autoimmune diagnosis ended his dream career in aviation, Boo rebuilt his life from the ground up—launching businesses, leading organizations across the globe, and ultimately helping leaders perform under pressure using the mindset of elite fighter pilots. Together, they explore why excellence isn't about perfection, how small daily improvements outperform chasing overnight success, and what today's leaders—and the next generation—need to thrive in a world full of distractions. In This EpisodeWhy life should be viewed as an adventure—not a straight lineThe mindset that helped Boo overcome losing his dream careerWhat fighter pilots can teach us about leadership and resilienceWhy perfectionism keeps people stuckThe difference between working hard and working with intentionHow to stay focused in a world built for distractionThe simple framework that transforms goals into daily progressWhy reflection is one of the most powerful leadership habitsBuilding confidence through consistency instead of perfectionHow leaders can create high-performing teams without burnoutMemorable Quotes"It's simple—but it's hard." "Master yourself before trying to master the world." "The universe rewards effort—but it rewards focused effort." "Perfection isn't the goal. Progress is." About BooBoo is the CEO of Afterburner, a leadership development company built on the proven mindset and execution strategies of elite fighter pilots. A former Royal Australian Air Force fighter pilot, entrepreneur, and author of Flawless Leadership, he helps organizations develop leaders who can thrive under pressure, embrace uncertainty, and execute with confidence. Connect with BooLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-boo-boucousis Website: https://callmeboo.com/ Afterburner:https://www.afterburner.com/speakers/christian-boucousis/ Book: Flawless Leadership If this conversation challenged the way you think about leadership, success, or personal growth, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could benefit from it. Follow Root to Rising for more conversations that inspire purpose, resilience, and authentic leadership.

  6. Jul 8

    Sports Career as a Woman | 49ers Executive

    When Your Dream Career Doesn't Go as PlannedMost people think successful careers follow a straight line. Michelle Rosar's story proves the opposite. Before leading partnership marketing for the San Francisco 49ers, Michelle thought she'd become a psychologist. A last-minute major change, unpaid internships, mascot jobs, and countless career pivots eventually led her to one of the most respected roles in professional sports. But her journey wasn't built on luck. It was built on showing up before she felt ready, saying yes to opportunities that didn't look glamorous, and building relationships long before she needed them. In this episode of Root to Rising, Michelle shares what it really takes to build a meaningful career—and why your first job doesn't have to be your forever job. In this episode:✨ Why your dream job rarely happens overnight ✨ How unpaid internships opened unexpected doors ✨ The networking mistake most young professionals make ✨ Building confidence before you actually feel confident ✨ Navigating leadership in a male-dominated industry ✨ Why every job—even the small ones—matters One takeaway that stuck with me:Your career isn't defined by where you start. It's defined by how you show up. If you're feeling behind, questioning your path, or wondering if you're in the right place, Michelle's story is a reminder that every step can prepare you for the next one. 🎙️ Listen now and discover why purpose is often found through the pivots—not despite them. Connect with Michelle RosarEnjoyed this conversation? Connect with Michelle and follow her journey in sports business. 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rosar 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michmarie11/

  7. Jul 1

    Rush, Graduation & Finding Your Own Path

    Leaving college is supposed to feel exciting. For many graduates, it feels overwhelming instead. In this episode of Root to Rising, Christine Hummel sits down with recent University of Tennessee graduate Hannah Dettmann for an honest conversation about navigating life after college, overcoming self-doubt, and redefining success on your own terms. Hannah opens up about moving away from home, learning to "fake confidence until it became real," struggling after graduation, and finding unexpected purpose in a career she never planned for. Together, Christine and Hannah discuss why comparison steals joy, how social media shapes unrealistic expectations, and why the strongest confidence comes from knowing who you are—not what you do. You'll learn:Why confidence is built through action—not before itHow to navigate uncertainty after graduationWhat "fake it until you make it" really looks likeWhy your first job doesn't define your futureHow comparison can keep you stuckThe importance of developing a strong sense of selfWhy happiness isn't always found on the path you expectedKey Takeaways• You don't need your life figured out at 22. • Success is personal—not something defined by a job title. • Comparison often distracts you from discovering what actually fulfills you. • Authenticity creates stronger relationships than trying to impress others. • Your career path is allowed to change as you grow. Favorite Quote"The second I stopped thinking about confidence and started becoming the person I wanted to be... that's when confidence showed up." Connect with Root to RisingIf this conversation encouraged you, subscribe to Root to Rising for more conversations with women sharing honest stories about leadership, purpose, growth, and navigating life's transitions.

  8. Jun 24

    Breaking the Blueprint: How Women Redefine Success and Identity

    Episode OverviewIn this episode of Root to Rising, Christine Hummel sits down with leadership strategist, coach, author, and podcast host Gia Lacqua to explore what happens when outward success no longer matches internal fulfillment. Gia shares her transition from a Fortune 100 Vice President in ethics and compliance to becoming a coach, speaker, and creator of What the Shift. The conversation explores identity, burnout, perfectionism, and the moment many women begin questioning the path they were told to follow. At the heart of this episode is a central theme: success evolves, and identity is something we continuously redefine—not something we arrive at once and keep forever. Key Topics CoveredFrom corporate success to reinvention Gia reflects on her career as a VP in the pharmaceutical industry and how, despite external achievement, she began to feel an internal misalignment with her identity and purpose. The “chameleon” effect in leadership She describes adapting to high-performing, often male-dominated environments—becoming highly effective while gradually losing touch with her own voice. Identity vs. external validation A major theme of the conversation is shifting from external approval to internal alignment and self-definition. Midlife reflection and reinvention Christine and Gia explore the “second half” of life and career, when many women reassess fulfillment after achieving traditional success markers. Fear of failure & the “prover” archetype Gia shares how she operated as a “prover,” where achievement was driven by fear of failure, perfectionism, and identity protection. Arrival fallacy The idea that achieving a goal will lead to lasting fulfillment is challenged. Instead, goals constantly shift, and fulfillment must come from within. Redefining success at every stage Both discuss how success, purpose, and even joy evolve over time—and why that evolution is not a setback but a natural progression. Notable Quotes“Most women are executing a blueprint someone else handed them.”“Identity is not how others see us—it’s how we see ourselves.”“Failure is just an experiment.”“We arrive… and then immediately raise the bar again.”“Your greatest strength can also be your biggest liability.”About the GuestGia Lacqua is a leadership strategist, trauma-informed certified coach, speaker, and author of Power Shift: From Balancing It All to the Pursuit of What Matters Most. She also hosts the podcast What the Shift, focused on identity shifts, burnout recovery, and personal reinvention. Listen / Learn MorePodcast: What the Shift (available on all major platforms)Book: Power Shift: From Balancing It All to the Pursuit of What Matters MostGuest Links: Website: https://gialacqua.com/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-shift/id1726441669

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Root to Rising isn’t just a podcast—it’s a call to every woman ready to step into her own story. Hosted by Christine Hummel, this unfiltered, soul-stirring series takes you inside the real lives of women who’ve dared to pivot, rebuild, and rise. From classrooms, to boardrooms, to fresh starts, heartbreaks to breakthroughs, these are the raw conversations you didn’t know you needed—about courage, risk, resilience, and finding your true direction. Christine sits down with trailblazers, dream-chasers, and everyday women with extraordinary lessons, giving you the mindset shifts, practical tools, and fierce motivation to grow where you’re planted and reach higher than you thought possible. Whether you’re launching your first career move, rewriting your next chapter, or searching for that spark again—Root to Rising will meet you where you are and inspire you to rise into the woman you’re meant to become.

Information

  • Creator
    Christine
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Christine
  • Show Website
    Root to Rising