Life Conversations with a Twist

Heather Nelson
  • 4.8 (21)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join me once a week for a new interview with a local, badass woman who has an amazing story to tell. Join me in conversation so you too can gain inspiration and empowerment from these stories! If you love hearing about leadership, relationships, families, motherhood and navigating hard times, then tune into my podcast and share with others. If you love what you hear, share and tag me on Instagram at @heathernelson.life. You can also visit my website at heathernelson.life.

  1. Lipedema Life: Living Boldly with Invisible Illness Despite Medical Roadblocks with Donna Piper

    4H AGO

    Lipedema Life: Living Boldly with Invisible Illness Despite Medical Roadblocks with Donna Piper

    "Really listen to yourself. You know more about your body and health, and if you really think that the answers you're getting from your providers are not in alignment with what you know, continue to dig." —Donna Piper Some days, it feels like your body is working against you—and no one else gets it. You try every diet, every doctor, and still get told it’s all in your head. The truth is, invisible pain is real, and you deserve to be heard, not dismissed. After a lifetime of health and wellness work, Donna Piper was finally diagnosed with lipedema and other chronic conditions, turning her pain into a mission to educate and support others. Now, as a coach and podcast host, Donna brings a fresh and honest perspective to living with—and advocating for—chronic illness. Donna’s story is proof that you can spend years searching for help, only to find the real answers in unexpected places. Ready for a conversation that actually gets what you’re going through? Listen in for honest talk about lipedema, chronic pain, body image struggles, food triggers, medical gaslighting, and how to find hope and help when the system lets you down. Connect with Heather:  Website Facebook  Instagram LinkedIn Episode Highlights: 01:44 What is Lipedema? 05:24 A Lifetime of Misdiagnosis 11:47 Body Image and Self-Blame 16:12 How to Advocate for Yourself  20:18 Medical System Challenges 24:00 Diet, Food Triggers, and Mast Cell Issues 30:19 Living with Multiple Conditions 39:01 Invisible Illness and Social Stigma 41:47 Body Image and Acceptance 49:52 Listen to Your Body 💲Discount CLEARSTEM Get a 15% discount when you shop at: clearstem.com Use Heather’s Code: SFVXPHXB 🔗Link: https://clearstem.com/SFVXPHXB Connect with Donna:  Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams.  Website  LinkedIn  Instagram  Facebook  YouTube  Support the show

    54 min
  2. From Lost in Translation to Owning the Conversation: Tips for Breaking the Language Barrier with Erika Warner

    OCT 9

    From Lost in Translation to Owning the Conversation: Tips for Breaking the Language Barrier with Erika Warner

    "It's not too late, and you're not too old, you just need to learn in a way that is meant for your age." —Erika Warner Have you ever felt like you’re stuck on the outside, wishing you could speak up and truly belong? And have you ever wondered if learning a new language as an adult is just too hard, or if you’ll ever feel confident in a new country? You’re not alone—and there’s a smarter, kinder way forward. Erika Warner’s story starts with her own struggles learning English as a young immigrant, but it didn’t stop there. Inspired by the real challenges faced by Spanish-speaking adults, she became a teacher on a mission: to make English learning practical, supportive, and life-changing for immigrants who want more than just grammar—they want a voice. Her fresh take? It’s never too late, and the right approach can turn language barriers into stepping stones. Catch this week’s episode as Heather and Erika talk about building confidence, surviving tough moments, thriving in daily life, and finding your voice—plus tips for parents, stories of courage, and why practical language skills matter more than perfect grammar.  Connect with Heather:  Website Facebook  Instagram LinkedIn Episode Highlights: 01:33 Meet Erika: Moving to the US and Learning English  05:38 Raising Bilingual Kids 10:50 Learning English as an Adult: The Struggle 17:18 Dialects and Neutral Language 23:22 Building English for My People 30:27 Success Stories That Matter 33:17 Equipped for Emergencies: Teaching Real-Life English 💲Discount CLEARSTEM Get a 15% discount when you shop at: clearstem.com Use Heather’s Code: SFVXPHXB 🔗Link: https://clearstem.com/SFVXPHXB Connect with Erika:  Erika Warner is a linguist, educator, and founder of Ingles Pa Mi Gente, a platform dedicated to helping Spanish-speaking immigrants master English and build confidence in their new lives. Drawing from her own journey as an immigrant and her experience teaching across the U.S., Europe, and South America, Erika specializes in practical, culturally-aware English programs and hosts a popular podcast on pronunciation. Her mission is to break language barriers and empower immigrants to thrive—at work, at home, and in their communities. Website Instagram Facebook TikTok YouTube Support the show

    40 min
  3. The New Rules of Abundance —Real Talk on Money and Meaning with Laura Rotter

    OCT 2

    The New Rules of Abundance —Real Talk on Money and Meaning with Laura Rotter

    "Don't avoid looking at your money. Gamify it somehow to actually look at what's coming in and what's going out. Be a master of your money." —Laura Rotter Feeling overwhelmed by bills, family demands, and the pressure to keep up? You’re not alone—so many of us are hustling just to stay afloat, wondering if we’ll ever feel secure or truly satisfied. What if there’s a smarter, saner way to handle money and life, no matter where you’re starting from? Laura spent nearly 30 years on Wall Street before realizing that chasing bigger paychecks and a bigger house wasn’t the answer. Now, she guides women through real-life money challenges—like building an emergency fund, paying off debt, and setting boundaries with family—while helping them find confidence and clarity in their financial choices. Her practical tips and honest stories make money feel less scary and a lot more doable. Tune in for straight talk on saving, spending, tracking your cash, handling family expectations, and learning how to define “enough” for yourself. If you want real solutions and a fresh mindset about money, this episode is your new playbook. Connect with Heather:  Website Facebook  Instagram LinkedIn Episode Highlights: 01:11 Meet Laura: Childhood Lessons and Career Beginnings 07:23 Wall Street: What It’s Really Like?  12:13 Big Money, Big Problems 16:11 The Turning Point: Time for a Change 21:13 Downsizing and Redefining Success 24:55 True Abundance: What It Means 29:24 Money Mindsets 34:04 Is It Too Late to Save?  38:24 Track Your Money: Tools 41:35 Why Moms Spend Money on Their Kids, But Not Themselves 44:53 Die with Zero 💲Discount CLEARSTEM Get a 15% discount when you shop at: clearstem.com Use Heather’s Code: SFVXPHXB 🔗Link: https://clearstem.com/SFVXPHXB Connect with Laura:  Laura Rotter, CFA, CFP, is the owner of True Abundance Advisors, a heart-centered, values-based financial planning firm based in New York. After a successful career managing money for institutional investors, including Citicorp and Para Advisors, Laura discovered mindfulness practices and was drawn to guide professionals facing a big life change to achieve both financial security and life satisfaction. Since making her shift, she has been featured in CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Westchester Senior Voice. She serves on the advisory council of Impact100 Westchester, a women’s group giving organization, and leads workshops for Invest for Better, empowering women through impact investing. Website LinkedIn  Instagram  Facebook  X   Youtube  Support the show

    51 min
  4. Messy Life Meets Audacity: How to Rise Anyway with Erika Rothenberger

    SEP 25

    Messy Life Meets Audacity: How to Rise Anyway with Erika Rothenberger

    "If we don't change, we die. If we don't grow, we become stagnant." —Erika Rothenberger  What if the messiest parts of your life are actually the moments that shape you most? If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by juggling work, family, and your own dreams—or doubted if you’re doing enough—this conversation is for you. It’s time to rethink what it means to be bold when life gets real. Erika Rothenberger’s journey started in hard hats and steel-toe boots, but it didn’t stop there. After surviving a traumatic attack and facing life’s chaos head-on, she turned her pain into purpose—becoming a powerhouse speaker, author, and advocate for women who want to live audaciously, no matter how messy things get.   Hit play to get fired up with real talk on resilience, messy wins, and the audacity to expand your life. You’ll hear about Erika’s career pivots, her podcast, her books, the Audacious Woman Summit, wellness tips, and how community and self-care can help you thrive—even on your toughest days. Connect with Heather:  Website Facebook  Instagram LinkedIn Episode Highlights: 01:11 Meet Erika: Constructing Change  04:40 The Myth of Balance and Time-Saving Hacks 10:34 Hot Mess Mom Moments  15:15 Audacious Expansion  17:40 A Life-Changing Assault 22:17 Turning Trauma to Purpose  25:54 Self-Care and Clarity  29:11 The Audacious Woman Summit 32:33 High energy and Holistic Wellness    36:00 Connection is Everything Resources:  Events  Join the Audacious Woman Summit: https://www.erikarothenberger.com/events/   October 17, 2025; 08:30 am-4:00 pm Hotel West & Main Conshohocken Philadelphia, Tapestry by Hilton 46 Fayette St, Conshohocken, PA 19428   Books Audacious Expansion by Erika Rothenberger: COMING SOON!  Connect with Erika:  Erika Rothenberger is a dynamic leader, civil engineer, keynote and TEDx speaker, and the host of the "Grit, Grace & Glitz" podcast. With a degree in civil engineering from Villanova, Erika has built a successful career in the construction industry, leading performance systems and field leadership development. She is the author of "You've Got This Boss Mama" and the forthcoming "Audacious Expansion," and is the founder of the Audacious Woman Summit. Erika is also a wellness entrepreneur, dedicated to supporting women’s health and personal growth. Her work is driven by a passion for resilience, meaningful connection, and empowering others to live boldly and authentically.  Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Support the show

    41 min
  5. Personal Podcast— 50th and My Bday!

    SEP 18

    Personal Podcast— 50th and My Bday!

    "Every day is different. You never know what you're going to get. Some days are good, some days are bad, and I think we just have to continue on." —Heather Nelson Life can feel like a never-ending juggling act—family, work, dreams, and the curveballs that come out of nowhere. If you’re tired of pretending it’s all easy, or wondering how anyone keeps it together when things get messy, you’re not alone.  On her 43rd birthday, Heather opens up about her year of big changes, from the ups and downs of her surrogacy journey to navigating family transitions, business shifts, and personal growth. Through it all, Heather’s focus stays on gratitude, connection, and doing work that matters. Tune in as Heather shares her reflections on surrogacy, family life, business pivots, mental health, gratitude, goal-setting, asking for help, and how to be more present—plus, her best tips for staying sane and moving forward when life gets tough. Connect with Heather:  Website Facebook  Instagram LinkedIn Episode Highlights: 03:26 Surrogacy Journey and Personal Updates 09:29 Business and Personal Challenges 13:36 Staying Sane  16:30 Health Goals: Movement and Water 19:44 Practicing Gratitude: Antidote for the Hard Days 23:49 Being More Present 26:03 Goal: Have More Fun! Support the show

    30 min
  6. Healing Trauma: How Your Subconscious Mind Sets You Free with Dr. Tara Perry

    SEP 11

    Healing Trauma: How Your Subconscious Mind Sets You Free with Dr. Tara Perry

    "When the brain is tired, stressed out, it just wants to watch television, drink a beer, and go to sleep, and that's not where change happens." —Dr. Tara Perry If stress, anxiety, or past pain keeps showing up no matter what you try, you’re not broken—you’re human. Healing is possible, even if it hasn’t worked before.  You deserve more than just coping—you deserve real relief. There’s hope, and it starts with understanding your own mind. Dr. Tara Perry spent decades helping people heal chronic pain and trauma, first with acupuncture and then by diving deep into the subconscious mind. Her journey from hands-on healer to mind-body expert revealed that true change happens when you rewire the patterns beneath the surface.  Tune in for real talk on healing trauma, breaking old habits, calming stress, and even boosting fertility—plus practical tips you can use right away. Hit play and discover how to turn your struggles into strength, one step at a time. Connect with Heather:  Website Facebook  Instagram LinkedIn Episode Highlights: 02:51 Trauma: Its Lasting Impact and How It Blocks Healing  05:27 Why Siblings Experience Trauma Differently 10:52 Top Traumas People Face   14:03 Therapists Also Need to Cope  17:37 The Roger Bannister Effect  20:16 DIY Healing Tools and Subconscious Work 24:19 The Science Behind Brain Change 26:32 Chronic Pain and Emotional Stress   30:34 Mainstream Medicine vs New Solutions  35:55 People Pleasing and Healthy Boundaries   39:22 Personal Growth and Lasting Change Connect with Dr. Tara:  Dr. Tara Perry is a renowned integrative healer and trauma specialist based in Nashville, with over 30 years of experience in acupuncture, hypnosis, and mind-body medicine. Formerly practicing in Southern California and teaching at UCLA, Dr. Perry has helped countless individuals—including celebrities and athletes—overcome chronic pain, trauma, and emotional challenges. Her innovative approach blends scientific research with holistic therapies, empowering clients to access the subconscious mind for deep, lasting transformation.  Dr. Perry is also a podcast host, YouTube creator, and former radio broadcaster, dedicated to sharing stories of healing and resilience. She offers both in-person and virtual sessions, and is committed to making effective, science-backed healing accessible to people worldwide. Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Support the show

    41 min
  7. Breaking the Rules: Beauty, Boldness, and Boudoir with Liz Hansen

    SEP 4

    Breaking the Rules: Beauty, Boldness, and Boudoir with Liz Hansen

    "When you can love yourself and appreciate yourself, that's when you can go out into the world and love others. Peace on earth starts within. If you hate yourself and you hate your body, it is hard to love and serve others." —Liz Hansen Tired of feeling like you have to hide or fix your body before you can feel good about it? Maybe the real power move is showing up as you are and letting go of the old rules about beauty. Imagine what could change if you gave yourself permission to be bold.  Liz Hansen turned her passion for art and photography into a mission: helping women see themselves in a new light. After her own life-changing boudoir shoot, she opened a studio dedicated to empowering women to feel bold, beautiful, and unapologetically themselves. Tune in for honest stories about body image, overcoming shame, and the power of boudoir to transform how you see yourself. You’ll get practical tips, inspiration, and a reminder that confidence is for everyone—no permission needed. Connect with Heather:  Website Facebook  Instagram LinkedIn Episode Highlights: 01:29 Meet Liz: Boudoir Photography Explained 05:18 Why Women Choose Boudoir 09:09 Body COnfidence and the Boudoir Experience 14:31 Getting Comfortable with Nudity 20:43 Self-Love Fuels Empowerment 24:27 Taboos, Women’s Bodies, and Social Change 27:11 Celebrating All Journeys 32:49 Faith and Boudoir: Not At Odds Resources:  🎙️TEDx Talk Nudity Doesn’t Have to be Naughty | Liz Hansen  📖Free Ebook:  Discover Your Unique Boudoir Style by Liz Hansen Connect with Liz:  Liz Hansen is the owner and photographer at Chicago Boudoir Photography, a boutique studio that empowers women to feel confident in their bodies, relationships, and lives. Liz opened her commercial studio in 2018 and has since photographed more than 2,000 women. She has been featured on the TEDx stage, on National Public Radio, and with the Association of International Boudoir Photographers. Liz holds a BA in Art and an MA in Education. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband and two teenage daughters. Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook  VIP Facebook Group  TikTok YouTube  Support the show

    36 min
  8. Break the Mirror Rules and See Yourself Differently with Beckie Kullberg

    AUG 28

    Break the Mirror Rules and See Yourself Differently with Beckie Kullberg

    "You get to decide your worth. No one can give it to you. No one can take it from you when your foundation is based on how much you love yourself. Loving yourself isn't egotistical, it's not selfish, it's a gift that you give yourself so that you can give to the world." —Beckie Kullberg  Hating your body is exhausting. It steals your joy, warps your confidence, and turns every mirror into an enemy. What if you could break that cycle—not by changing your body, but by changing the way you see it? Beckie Kullberg is a body confidence coach who’s lived the war with the scale, the punishing workouts, and the mirror that never gave a compliment. She rebuilt her relationship with movement, food, and self-worth—and now helps women over 40 do the same. Her work is grounded in both personal transformation and practical, real-world strategies. In this episode, Heather and Beckie unpack the damage of diet culture, how to reframe exercise as joy instead of punishment, and the power of mirror work for self-respect. Beckie also shares raw stories about hiding from cameras, learning to hike without shame, and letting go of the scale’s grip, plus simple, daily practices to shift your mindset, take up space unapologetically, and finally treat your body like a trusted teammate.   Connect with Heather:  Website Facebook  Instagram LinkedIn Episode Highlights: 01:08 Meet Beckie— Body Confidence Coach 06:11 Looking Back— Was I Really Overweight?  12:01 Simple Habits for a Better Life  16:54 Mirror Work Works 21:37 Boosting Confidence with Small Changes 26:34 Social Media and Self-Esteem   29:41 Taming Your Inner Critic 34:10 Writing is Healing Resources:  📞 Schedule an interview for Beckie's research: https://beckiekullberg.com/icacall Connect with Beckie:  Beckie Kullberg spent years believing her worth was tied to her weight, chasing diets and obsessing over the scale in search of confidence. She realized that no matter how much she tried to change her exterior, the real transformation had to come from within. Today, Beckie is a published author, Certified High Performance Coach, and founder of The Body Confidence Movement. She helps women break free from shame, self-doubt, and impossible beauty standards, teaching that true confidence isn’t about shrinking your body—it’s about expanding your self-worth. Website  Instagram  Facebook TikTok YouTube Support the show

    36 min
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4.8
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Join me once a week for a new interview with a local, badass woman who has an amazing story to tell. Join me in conversation so you too can gain inspiration and empowerment from these stories! If you love hearing about leadership, relationships, families, motherhood and navigating hard times, then tune into my podcast and share with others. If you love what you hear, share and tag me on Instagram at @heathernelson.life. You can also visit my website at heathernelson.life.

Information

  • Creator
    Heather Nelson
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    179
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Life Conversations with a Twist
  • Show Website
    Life Conversations with a Twist