City Girl Empower Hour

Alyza Bohbot James

We're back and changing the game. Get ready for a fresh and inspiring new format! The Empower Hour is evolving to bring you more powerful stories of the movers and shakers, trailblazers, and unsung heroes making a difference in our communities. Join City Girl & Company as we shine a light on the game-changers, innovators, and everyday champions whose stories deserve to be told.

  1. [RE-RELEASE] Manifesting a Mindset Reset: The Power of Feeling Good with Life Coach Kris Torgrimson

    05/09/2025

    [RE-RELEASE] Manifesting a Mindset Reset: The Power of Feeling Good with Life Coach Kris Torgrimson

    Episode Summary: We're taking it back to the beginning! This special re-release brings you back to Episode One of The City Girl Empower Hour — where it all began. We're honored to re-share this powerful conversation with Kris Torgrimson, Law of Attraction Life Coach and founder of Choosing Happiness Today Life Coaching. Kris helps people create meaningful change through spiritually aligned action and energetic mindset work. In this heartfelt conversation, she reminds us that "It's good to feel good" isn't just a mantra — it's a way of life. Whether you're entering a new season, a new chapter, or just need a little mid-year reset, this episode is a beautiful reminder to pause, realign, and let go of what no longer serves. We talk about: Why feeling good is your secret superpower How to reset your mindset when life feels uncertain What really works (and doesn't) when it comes to New Year's resolutions How to use contrast as a tool for clarity Micro habits that lead to massive shifts Why we're re-releasing: This was the very first episode of The Empower Hour — and it's just as relevant now as it was then. Whether you're new here or have been with us from the start, this conversation is a grounding listen and a powerful reminder that no matter what's happening around you... you have the power to choose how you feel. 🔗 Links & Resources Learn more about Kris Torgrimson: [www.choosinghappinesstoday.com / @choosinghappinesstoday] Follow us on Instagram: [@citygirlcoffee / @citygirlempowerhour] Want more empowering episodes? Subscribe and leave a review!

    49 min
  2. By All Means: Allison Kaplan on Journalism, Retail, Reinvention & Evolving with Integrity

    08/08/2025

    By All Means: Allison Kaplan on Journalism, Retail, Reinvention & Evolving with Integrity

    This week on The City Girl Empower Hour, we welcome journalist, editor, podcast host, retail guru, and entrepreneur Allison Kaplan, VP of content at MSP Communications and Editor-in-Chief of Twin Cities Business AND soon to be Director of Innovation and Engagement at The Star Tribune. We discuss: The evolution of journalism in the digital age Why local media still matters in a global world Building Mother Of—a new venture supporting modern moms The art of interviewing and storytelling through "By All Means" How to juggle ambition, family, and authenticity in a high-profile career Navigating imposter syndrome and defining your own success If you've ever wondered what it looks like to evolve your career with intention and impact—this one's for you. Follow Allison: Instagram & Twitter: @alishops LinkedIn: Allison Kaplan Business Ventures: @motherof.co, @tcbmag Connect with Us: 👉 Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 💬 @citygirlcoffee @citygirlempowerhour @thumbscookies @thelakeandco Join the conversation using #EmpowerHourPodcast #WomenInMedia #MotherOfMovement ☕✨ Alyza's Famous Morning Coffee Protein Smoothie Fuel your day with the perfect blend of caffeine + protein! Creamy, energizing, and packed with flavor—this smoothie is basically breakfast and coffee in one delicious sip. 🛒 Ingredients 2–3 espresso shots of your favorite City Girl Coffee ☕ (If you don't have Espresso, Cold Brew Concentrate works as a great addition, or a regular cup of coffee will do too!) 2 scoops protein powder (I love Orgain Organic Vanilla) 1 frozen banana (fresh works too, but frozen = extra creamy!) 🍌 ½ cup ice ❄️ 2 scoops PB2 Fit peanut butter powder 🥜 Optional Protein Boost: ½ cup non-fat Greek yogurt or 1 cup liquid egg whites (pasteurized) 🌀 Directions Brew your City Girl Coffee and let it cool slightly. Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth, creamy, and irresistible. Pour into your favorite glass or tumbler. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon, cacao nibs, or crushed espresso beans for barista vibes. 💡 Pro Tip: For a mocha twist, use chocolate protein powder instead of vanilla.

    58 min
  3. One in Eight: The Powerful Documentary Changing the Conversation Around Breast Cancer

    24/07/2025

    One in Eight: The Powerful Documentary Changing the Conversation Around Breast Cancer

    DISCLAIMER: This episode contains emotionally sensitive content around breast cancer. Listener discretion advised. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime—but behind every statistic is a deeply personal story. In this raw and powerful episode of The Empower Hour, we're doing things a little differently. Instead of the usual intro, we're handing the mic directly to our guests: Amy Brace and Jacquelyn Vranicar, co-creators of the upcoming One in Eight documentary and founder of VraniCURE.org. This episode explores the inspiration behind a project that's more than just a film—it's a movement of healing, honoring, and amplifying the voices of previvors, survivors, and thrivers. From the heartbreak and hope in each story to the bold vision of creating a safe space for storytelling, Amy and Jackie take us behind the scenes of a taping event unlike any other. We talk about: The emotional impact of the documentary Why pampering and storytelling go hand-in-hand Common misconceptions about breast cancer and metastatic diagnoses The difference between "previvor," "survivor," and "thriver"—and why language matters What Amy and Jackie hope this film changes for future generations 🎗 This episode will move you, challenge you, and leave you inspired to take action. 🔗 Connect with the Guests: Social: @amybrace | @mrsvranicar | @vranicure LinkedIn: Jacquelyn Vranicar Website, Donations & Tickets: VraniCURE.org 🔗 Connect with the Hosts: Social: @citygirlempowerhour | @citygirlcoffee | @thumbscookies

    1 h 4 min
  4. Cooking Up Culture: How Amalia Moreno-Damgaard Built a Culinary Empire with Lasting Impact

    10/07/2025

    Cooking Up Culture: How Amalia Moreno-Damgaard Built a Culinary Empire with Lasting Impact

    Intro Teaser:  How do you go from a high-powered banking career to stirring up cultural change one dish at a time? In this flavorful and fearless conversation, we sit down with Amalia Moreno-Damgaard—award-winning chef, author, cultural strategist, and Latina powerhouse. Born and raised in Guatemala, Amalia has turned her ancestral culinary roots into a mission: to build cultural bridges through food, storytelling, and inclusivity. From boardrooms to banquet tables, Amalia is redefining what it means to lead with flavor. She's not just cooking meals—she's crafting movements. In this episode, we explore her fascinating journey from international finance to founding Amalia Latin Gourmet, her insights on DEI in today's climate, and why Minnesota's food scene needs to bet big on diversity. Get ready to be inspired, empowered, and probably a little hungry.  This Week on The Empower Hour: What if the secret to stronger leadership, deeper inclusion, and cultural connection started in the kitchen? Meet Amalia Moreno-Damgaard—award-winning chef, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and former international banking executive—who turned her Guatemalan heritage into a global mission. Through her company, Amalia Latin Gourmet, she partners with top organizations to spark transformation through storytelling, Latin cuisine, and inclusive leadership. In this episode, we talk about: Her journey from corporate banking to building a Latin gourmet brand How food became her tool for cultural education and empowerment Competing in Carla Hall Presents Favorite Chef (and making it to the finals!) Why DEI needs a rebrand—and how storytelling can lead the way What cities like Minneapolis-St. Paul must do to invest in diverse food culture The process behind writing her award-winning books (and the third one in progress) Whether you're a foodie, a founder, or a fierce advocate for equity—this episode will feed your mind and soul. 🎧 Follow Amalia: Instagram: @amaliamorenodamgaard Website: www.amaliamorenodamgaard.com — 🎧 Don't forget to hit subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves leadership with flavor.

    55 min
  5. Wellness, Wealth & Workouts: A Real Look at Building a Fitness Brand with Lindsey Bomgren

    26/06/2025

    Wellness, Wealth & Workouts: A Real Look at Building a Fitness Brand with Lindsey Bomgren

    Intro Teaser: What if your living room became the launchpad for a global fitness brand? What if the chaos of raising three little ones actually fueled your purpose—not distracted from it? Today we're joined by Lindsey Bomgren, certified trainer, mom of three, and the powerhouse behind Nourish Move Love—an online fitness platform helping millions of women transform their lives through movement, mindset, and authenticity. This episode isn't just about fitness. It's about the mindset it takes to show up—on the mat, in your business, and in your life. Lindsey opens up about the realities of building a brand from scratch, the lessons she's learned about postpartum health, and why she's stepping into the world of investing to empower herself and other women financially. Whether you're a mom, a founder, or a woman on a wellness journey—this conversation is for you. In this episode, we dive into: Lindsey's journey into fitness and entrepreneurship What it takes to grow an authentic online brand Behind the scenes of filming high-performing content The biggest misconceptions women have about health & postpartum recovery Why more women need to get educated about investing The overlap between movement, identity, and purpose Tips for building community, setting boundaries, and staying passionate Resources from the episode:  Our new summer program (this URL will be live tomorrow): https://www.nourishmovelove.com/progressive-overload-workout-plan/ Online courses Lindsey has taken:  hashtagjeff - SEO specific to bloggers  Marie Forleo's Bschool  Amy Porterfeild - free webinars + podcast for online marketing Stu Mclaren - free webinars + podcast for memberships  Current course on using AI - https://uncommonbusiness.reioptimize.com/ai-foundations "Buy Back Your Time" by Dan Martell Connect with our Guest: Website/YouTube: nourishmovelove.com /nourishmovelove  Instagram: @nourishmovelove Pinterest: Nourish Move Love on Pinterest Connect with us:  @citygirlempowerhour @citygirlcoffee @thumbscookies @thelakeandco

    55 min
  6. Beyond the Bullsh*t: A Pro Athlete's Take on Real Fitness, Mindset & Sustainable Wellness with Megan Prebeg

    19/06/2025

    Beyond the Bullsh*t: A Pro Athlete's Take on Real Fitness, Mindset & Sustainable Wellness with Megan Prebeg

    Let's be honest—fitness culture is full of noise. So what's actually worth listening to? In this no-BS episode of The City Girl Empower Hour, we're joined by Megan Prebeg—longtime fitness trainer, F45 studio leader, and newly minted HYROX pro athlete—to break down what real wellness looks like today. From coaching clients in the studio to competing on a global stage, Megan shares the highs, lows, and mindset shifts that helped her build a life rooted in strength, not shame. This isn't your average "get fit quick" chat—this is about showing up for yourself with grit, grace, and goals that actually matter. 🔥 In This Episode: What the wellness industry gets wrong—and how to reclaim your fitness journey How Megan became a pro HYROX athlete and what it taught her about consistency The truth about sustainable habits, self-talk, and long-term health Why strong > skinny, and how we teach that to the next generation How to start (or restart) your health journey without the guilt If you're ready to ditch diet culture and discover what fitness can really feel like, this one's for you. Connect with Megan and F45:  Instagram: megannicole_612 or f45_training_swminneapolis Email: southwestminneapolis@f45training.com Phone: 612.322.0250 Connect with Us:  @citygirlempowerhour @citygirlcoffee @thumbscookies @thelakeandco 🎧 Subscribe to The City Girl Empower Hour on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen—and don't forget to leave a review if this episode moved you.

    56 min
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À propos

We're back and changing the game. Get ready for a fresh and inspiring new format! The Empower Hour is evolving to bring you more powerful stories of the movers and shakers, trailblazers, and unsung heroes making a difference in our communities. Join City Girl & Company as we shine a light on the game-changers, innovators, and everyday champions whose stories deserve to be told.