She Fights

Heather Winkeljohn
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Society & Culture

Some fights don’t happen in a ring. They happen in silence.In survival.In recovery.In deciding to keep going. She Fights is a new podcast hosted by Heather Winkeljohn — a martial artist, nurse, entrepreneur, and woman who has lived through the realities she now gives voice to. These are not polished success stories. These are honest conversations with women who have fought through trauma, loss, fear, and self-doubt — and are still standing. She Fights is about resilience without bravado. Strength without performance. Courage without pretending it was easy. If you’ve ever had to rebuild yourself quietly … this podcast is for you.  Host - Heather Winkeljohn Heather Winkeljohn is an entrepreneur, registered nurse, martial arts instructor, and advocate for women’s empowerment. She is a co-owner of the world-renowned Jackson Wink MMA Academy, co-founder of Smart Girl Self Defense, and the host of She Fights, a podcast under Unstoppable Voices Media that shares powerful stories of women overcoming adversity through resilience and strength.  UnstoppableVoicesMedia.com

  1. When the Person Who Protects You Needs Saving

    3d ago

    When the Person Who Protects You Needs Saving

    Send us Fan Mail As a little girl, Dalea Nodal looked up to her father—a respected physician whose life slowly unraveled under the grip of addiction. As his dependence on prescription pain medication spiraled into heroin, Dalea watched the foundation of her family crumble, leaving her mother to hold everything together through unimaginable hardship. In this deeply personal conversation, Dalea shares what it was like to grow up surrounded by trauma, how those experiences shaped her, and why she refused to let her past define her future. Today, Dalea is raising four children, homeschooling her family, teaching women to protect themselves through Smart Girl Self-Defense, and helping others build confidence as a firearms instructor and fitness coach. This episode is about breaking cycles, finding strength in the midst of chaos, and discovering that even the hardest beginnings don’t have to determine where your story ends. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, help is available from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline (link). ---------- Hosted by Heather Winkeljohn, She Fights shines a light on women who have faced life’s toughest battles and emerged stronger. Through compassionate conversations that inspire hope and resilience, Heather reminds us that while every woman fights a different battle, none of us has to fight alone.  Jackson Wink Gym (website) If you're interested in learning self-defense: Smart Girl Self Defense (website) Disclaimer: This episode is shared for educational and storytelling purposes only and is not intended to replace professional therapy, counseling, or medical care. Heather Winkeljohn is not a licensed therapist or mental health professional. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Heather Winkeljohn or She Fights or UnstoppableVoicesMedia.com. If you are struggling, we encourage you to seek support from a qualified professional. If you are in crisis or thinking about self-harm, contact your local emergency services or, in the U.S., call/text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — available 24/7, free and confidential. New Life Ministries (website), a Christian counseling and support ministry providing faith-based care and resources to those in need.

    21 min
  2. Not Forgotten

    Jun 23

    Not Forgotten

    Send us Fan Mail In 2023 and 2024, the number of recovered remains of women and girls in the desert west of El Paso, in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, rose to 130. The circumstances surrounding these deaths raise difficult questions about trafficking, migration, violence against women, and systemic failures that leave vulnerable people at risk. In this episode of She Fights, Heather Winkeljohn speaks with Abbey Carpenter, co-leader of Battalion Search and Rescue, a humanitarian all-volunteer organization that searches for lost but not forgotten migrants in Arizona and New Mexico. Alongside co-leader James Holeman, Abbey has spent years working in some of the harshest terrain in the Southwest, helping recover the missing and bringing answers to families. Abbey discusses the realities of search and recovery operations, the challenges facing border communities, and the broader issues surrounding violence against women in New Mexico, a state that continues to rank among the highest in the nation for violence against women. Abbey Carpenter is the author of The Tortilla Star, Dora: A Daughter of Unforgiving Terrain, and the forthcoming Not Forgotten. She lives in Silver City, New Mexico, and Ajo, Arizona. This conversation explores loss, resilience, unanswered questions, and the ongoing work of those determined to ensure that the missing are never forgotten.  ---------- Hosted by Heather Winkeljohn, She Fights shines a light on women who have faced life’s toughest battles and emerged stronger. Through compassionate conversations that inspire hope and resilience, Heather reminds us that while every woman fights a different battle, none of us has to fight alone.  Jackson Wink Gym (website) If you're interested in learning self-defense: Smart Girl Self Defense (website) Disclaimer: This episode is shared for educational and storytelling purposes only and is not intended to replace professional therapy, counseling, or medical care. Heather Winkeljohn is not a licensed therapist or mental health professional. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Heather Winkeljohn or She Fights or UnstoppableVoicesMedia.com. If you are struggling, we encourage you to seek support from a qualified professional. If you are in crisis or thinking about self-harm, contact your local emergency services or, in the U.S., call/text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — available 24/7, free and confidential. New Life Ministries (website), a Christian counseling and support ministry providing faith-based care and resources to those in need.

    32 min
  3. Dr. Anita DelPrete: Fighting for Healthy Eating, Mindset & Safe Weight Cutting

    Jun 9

    Dr. Anita DelPrete: Fighting for Healthy Eating, Mindset & Safe Weight Cutting

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when healing becomes your life’s mission? After overcoming her own struggles with trauma, depression, and eating disorders, Dr. Anita DelPrete dedicated her life to helping others achieve lasting wellness through the powerful connection of mind, body, and spirit. In this episode of She Fights, Heather Winkeljohn sits down with Dr. Anita to discuss healthy eating, mindset, recovery, and the role nutrition plays in both physical and emotional well-being. Together, they explore how sustainable wellness is built through balance, education, and a deeper understanding of the body’s ability to heal. Heather and Anita also reflect on their years working together at Jackson Wink MMA Academy, where they helped professional fighters optimize performance, safely manage weight, and recover after competition. Their work challenged many of the dangerous old-school approaches to weight cutting and replaced them with healthier, science-based strategies that prioritized both performance and long-term health. Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, or simply someone looking to improve your health, this conversation offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and a reminder that true strength begins from the inside out.  Dr. DelPrete's book "A Wellness Revolution: It Starts with YOU!: Unveiling and Defeating the Silent Killer in the Body of Christ" on Amazon (link) ---------- Hosted by Heather Winkeljohn, She Fights shines a light on women who have faced life’s toughest battles and emerged stronger. Through compassionate conversations that inspire hope and resilience, Heather reminds us that while every woman fights a different battle, none of us has to fight alone.  Jackson Wink Gym (website) If you're interested in learning self-defense: Smart Girl Self Defense (website) Disclaimer: This episode is shared for educational and storytelling purposes only and is not intended to replace professional therapy, counseling, or medical care. Heather Winkeljohn is not a licensed therapist or mental health professional. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Heather Winkeljohn or She Fights or UnstoppableVoicesMedia.com. If you are struggling, we encourage you to seek support from a qualified professional. If you are in crisis or thinking about self-harm, contact your local emergency services or, in the U.S., call/text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — available 24/7, free and confidential. New Life Ministries (website), a Christian counseling and support ministry providing faith-based care and resources to those in need.

    32 min
  4. What Every Woman Should Know - Part 2

    May 27

    What Every Woman Should Know - Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail In Part Two of Heather Winkeljohn’s conversation with Sean Murphy, the discussion continues with practical, real-world insight into women’s personal safety, self-defense awareness, and the importance of recognizing danger before it escalates. Sean brings more than 18 years of law-enforcement experience, including investigations into serious crimes and defensive tactics training. Together, Heather and Sean talk about how women can better understand risk, protect their boundaries, and build confidence through awareness, preparation, and action. This episode is not about fear. It’s about knowledge. It’s about trusting yourself. And it’s about helping women recognize that their safety, voice, and instincts matter. ---------- Hosted by Heather Winkeljohn, She Fights shines a light on women who have faced life’s toughest battles and emerged stronger. Through compassionate conversations that inspire hope and resilience, Heather reminds us that while every woman fights a different battle, none of us has to fight alone.  Jackson Wink Gym (website) If you're interested in learning self-defense: Smart Girl Self Defense (website) Disclaimer: This episode is shared for educational and storytelling purposes only and is not intended to replace professional therapy, counseling, or medical care. Heather Winkeljohn is not a licensed therapist or mental health professional. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Heather Winkeljohn or She Fights or UnstoppableVoicesMedia.com. If you are struggling, we encourage you to seek support from a qualified professional. If you are in crisis or thinking about self-harm, contact your local emergency services or, in the U.S., call/text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — available 24/7, free and confidential. New Life Ministries (website), a Christian counseling and support ministry providing faith-based care and resources to those in need.

    19 min
  5. What Every Woman Should Know

    May 13

    What Every Woman Should Know

    Send us Fan Mail Part One - Heather Winkeljohn sits down with Sean Murphy, a law enforcement professional with more than 18 years of experience at both the state and federal levels. Sean has spent over a decade investigating serious crimes, including kidnapping, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and crimes against children. He has also taught defensive tactics to law enforcement officers and worked in the SWAT environment. In Part One, Sean shares practical insights into how criminals think, the importance of situational awareness, and the strategies every woman should know to better protect herself. --- For more information about Women's self defense, check out Heather's Smart Girl Self Defense (link), and training app (link). ---------- Hosted by Heather Winkeljohn, She Fights shines a light on women who have faced life’s toughest battles and emerged stronger. Through compassionate conversations that inspire hope and resilience, Heather reminds us that while every woman fights a different battle, none of us has to fight alone.  Jackson Wink Gym (website) If you're interested in learning self-defense: Smart Girl Self Defense (website) Disclaimer: This episode is shared for educational and storytelling purposes only and is not intended to replace professional therapy, counseling, or medical care. Heather Winkeljohn is not a licensed therapist or mental health professional. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Heather Winkeljohn or She Fights or UnstoppableVoicesMedia.com. If you are struggling, we encourage you to seek support from a qualified professional. If you are in crisis or thinking about self-harm, contact your local emergency services or, in the U.S., call/text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — available 24/7, free and confidential. New Life Ministries (website), a Christian counseling and support ministry providing faith-based care and resources to those in need.

    23 min
  6. Sheriff's Deputy Robin Hopkins - Part 2

    Apr 21

    Sheriff's Deputy Robin Hopkins - Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail This is Part 2 of our conversation with Robin Hopkins. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, we recommend starting there to hear the moment that changed everything. In this episode, we move beyond the incident and into what came after. After being shot in the line of duty, Robin’s life shifted in ways no one prepares you for. The physical recovery was only part of the story. What followed was a deeper fight—through chronic pain, PTSD, depression, and alcohol abuse—and the realization that some of the hardest battles weren’t new at all, but rooted in unresolved trauma from her past. This is the part of the story we don’t often hear. What it takes to rebuild. What healing actually looks like. And how strength can take a completely different form.  Horses for Heroes (website)  ---------- Hosted by Heather Winkeljohn, She Fights shines a light on women who have faced life’s toughest battles and emerged stronger. Through compassionate conversations that inspire hope and resilience, Heather reminds us that while every woman fights a different battle, none of us has to fight alone.  Jackson Wink Gym (website) If you're interested in learning self-defense: Smart Girl Self Defense (website) Disclaimer: This episode is shared for educational and storytelling purposes only and is not intended to replace professional therapy, counseling, or medical care. Heather Winkeljohn is not a licensed therapist or mental health professional. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Heather Winkeljohn or She Fights or UnstoppableVoicesMedia.com. If you are struggling, we encourage you to seek support from a qualified professional. If you are in crisis or thinking about self-harm, contact your local emergency services or, in the U.S., call/text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — available 24/7, free and confidential. New Life Ministries (website), a Christian counseling and support ministry providing faith-based care and resources to those in need.

    25 min
  7. She Knew How to Fight - But Not This

    Apr 6

    She Knew How to Fight - But Not This

    Send us Fan Mail Aylin Villalobos knew how to fight. As a former MMA fighter and coach, she trained to protect herself—and others. But at 18, she entered a relationship that would slowly take control of her life. In this episode of She Fights with Heather Winkeljohn, Aylin shares how a relationship with an older fighter and coach became emotionally controlling and deeply damaging—despite everything she knew about strength, discipline, and self-defense. Now 26, Aylin reflects on her path forward: the impact on her identity, her confidence, and her ability to return to the cage—and the work it takes to rebuild. This is not just a story about fighting. It’s about recognizing red flags, reclaiming your voice, and understanding that strength doesn’t always look the way we expect.  --------- If you or someone you know may be in a controlling or abusive relationship, you’re not alone. You can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Services are free and confidential.They can assist with safety planning, resources, and emotional support.If immediate danger exists, call 911 first. ---------- Hosted by Heather Winkeljohn, She Fights shines a light on women who have faced life’s toughest battles and emerged stronger. Through compassionate conversations that inspire hope and resilience, Heather reminds us that while every woman fights a different battle, none of us has to fight alone.  Jackson Wink Gym (website) If you're interested in learning self-defense: Smart Girl Self Defense (website) Disclaimer: This episode is shared for educational and storytelling purposes only and is not intended to replace professional therapy, counseling, or medical care. Heather Winkeljohn is not a licensed therapist or mental health professional. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Heather Winkeljohn or She Fights or UnstoppableVoicesMedia.com. If you are struggling, we encourage you to seek support from a qualified professional. If you are in crisis or thinking about self-harm, contact your local emergency services or, in the U.S., call/text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — available 24/7, free and confidential. New Life Ministries (website), a Christian counseling and support ministry providing faith-based care and resources to those in need.

    27 min
  8. From Fear to Freedom

    Mar 23

    From Fear to Freedom

    Send us Fan Mail Amy Vigil Percherski shares a deeply personal story of survival, resilience, and ultimately—freedom. At just 14 years old, Amy found herself trapped in a relationship marked by control, fear, and isolation. What began as young love quickly turned into years of emotional and psychological abuse, manipulation, and trauma. In this courageous conversation, Amy opens up about the reality of what she endured—and how she found the strength to break free. She speaks candidly about reclaiming her voice, rebuilding her sense of self, and letting go of the insecurity and worthlessness that had been placed on her. This is a story not just of survival… but of transformation.  Domestic Violence Website - (link) ---------- Hosted by Heather Winkeljohn, She Fights shines a light on women who have faced life’s toughest battles and emerged stronger. Through compassionate conversations that inspire hope and resilience, Heather reminds us that while every woman fights a different battle, none of us has to fight alone.  Jackson Wink Gym (website) If you're interested in learning self-defense: Smart Girl Self Defense (website) Disclaimer: This episode is shared for educational and storytelling purposes only and is not intended to replace professional therapy, counseling, or medical care. Heather Winkeljohn is not a licensed therapist or mental health professional. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Heather Winkeljohn or She Fights or UnstoppableVoicesMedia.com. If you are struggling, we encourage you to seek support from a qualified professional. If you are in crisis or thinking about self-harm, contact your local emergency services or, in the U.S., call/text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — available 24/7, free and confidential. New Life Ministries (website), a Christian counseling and support ministry providing faith-based care and resources to those in need.

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Some fights don’t happen in a ring. They happen in silence.In survival.In recovery.In deciding to keep going. She Fights is a new podcast hosted by Heather Winkeljohn — a martial artist, nurse, entrepreneur, and woman who has lived through the realities she now gives voice to. These are not polished success stories. These are honest conversations with women who have fought through trauma, loss, fear, and self-doubt — and are still standing. She Fights is about resilience without bravado. Strength without performance. Courage without pretending it was easy. If you’ve ever had to rebuild yourself quietly … this podcast is for you.  Host - Heather Winkeljohn Heather Winkeljohn is an entrepreneur, registered nurse, martial arts instructor, and advocate for women’s empowerment. She is a co-owner of the world-renowned Jackson Wink MMA Academy, co-founder of Smart Girl Self Defense, and the host of She Fights, a podcast under Unstoppable Voices Media that shares powerful stories of women overcoming adversity through resilience and strength.  UnstoppableVoicesMedia.com

Information

  • Creator
    Heather Winkeljohn
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 She Fights
  • Show Website
    She Fights