The TrueIcon Podcast

TrueIcon Inc
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The True Icon Podcast is about what really happens when you stop performing for everyone else and start building a life that actually fits you. Hosted by Jennifer DeGroff, founder of TrueIcon Inc., this show dives into honest conversations about authentic success, self-worth, burnout, boundaries, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth. You’ll hear real stories from founders, creatives, leaders, and “everyday” true icons who chose to stay true to themselves as they discover and realize their own versions of success. New episodes every other week.

Episodes

  1. 4D AGO

    What Intentional Health Actually Looks Like: Emily Horstman on Wellness, Values, and Lasting Change

    What does it actually mean to be intentional about your health? Not the version that looks good on a wellness app. The real version, the one that accounts for your history, your hormones, your stress, and the life you are actually living. Emily Horstman has spent over 15 years helping people figure that out. In this episode of the TrueIcon Podcast, Jen sits down with Emily Horstman, registered dietitian, founder and CEO of HealthierSpan, and someone who pairs her values with intentional health and living. Emily brings a diverse background and a deeply human approach to wellness, one that goes far beyond food. This conversation is about what it really takes to build health habits that stick, and why most people are not failing because of willpower. Emily and Jen dig into what intentionality actually looks like in practice, why so many people are doing all the right things and still not feeling well, and how to stop chasing a version of health that was never designed for your body or your life. Emily also opens up about her own journey, the role of self-reflection and journaling in her practice, and why she believes true wellness starts from the inside out. In this episode: What intentionality in health actually means and why it mattersWhy doing all the right things still leaves some people stuckThe role of a dietitian in complex, whole-person health casesSelf-care as a non-negotiable, not a luxuryHow journaling and self-reflection create clarity and momentumThe connection between values, identity, and sustainable wellness Episode chapters: 00:00 Welcome and intro 00:33 Who Emily is and what she is about right now 07:11 Why so many people struggle to reach their health goals 23:15 Using intentionality to create real momentum 52:27 The transformative power of journaling and self-reflection Connect with Emily: Instagram: @agingbetterrd Website: healthierspan.com Connect with Jen and TrueIcon: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beatrueicon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdegroff/ Website: https://beatrueicon.com/?utm_source=TI_Podcast If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. It helps us bring more honest, real stories to listeners like you. About Emily Horstman: Emily Horstman is a registered dietitian with over 15 years of experience in health and wellness. She is the founder and CEO of HealthierSpan, where she pairs her values with intentional health and living. Her approach goes beyond nutrition to address the whole person, helping clients build sustainable habits rooted in self-awareness and clarity. About the TrueIcon Podcast: Hosted by Jennifer DeGroff, the TrueIcon Podcast is an interview show about authenticity, growth, and redefining success on your own terms. We celebrate uniqueness, normalize imperfection, and lift people up. Whether you are navigating a career change, building a business, or trying to find your voice, this is your space to feel empowered to step into your greatness. #beatrueicon #staytrueandboldlygrow #wellness #intentionalliving

    51 min

  2. APR 1

    From Higher Ed to Her Own Path: Allison Beyer on Fear, Joy, and Finally Listening to Herself

    She spent years helping students untangle their resumes and find the work that actually lit them up. The whole time, she was quietly ignoring her own advice. This one is for anyone who has ever helped everyone else find their path while staying stuck on the wrong one. In this episode of the TrueIcon Podcast, Jen sits down with Allison Beyer, CEO of Beyer Creative, a video production company that helps brands tell their story with clarity and confidence. Allison spent years building a career in higher education that looked impressive on paper and felt hollow on the inside. She helped students find their paths while quietly drowning on her own. Then she listened. Today she runs a thriving creative business, has built a community she never thought she would have, and is just getting started. Allison and Jen talk about the difference between the fear of going and the fear of staying, and why sometimes the scarier choice is not leaving. Allison opens up about the social anxiety that kept her isolated for years, the networking event that changed everything, and what it felt like to try video editing for the first time and feel completely on top of the world. She also talks about skills, why nothing from your past is wasted, and what it looks like to build a business and a life that actually fits who you are. In this episode: The fear of staying vs. the fear of going and why both are realHow social anxiety kept Allison isolated for years and what finally shiftedThe networking event she almost skipped that changed her entire lifeTrying video editing for the first time and feeling on top of the worldWhy nothing from your past career is ever wastedBuilding Beyer Creative and finally choosing a path that fitsLegacy, community, and bringing more women into video production Episode chapters: 00:00 Welcome and intro 01:13 What is taking up the most space right now 03:43 The fear of staying vs. the fear of going 05:54 Social anxiety, isolation, and the nagging feeling something was missing 14:25 The career that looked right on paper and felt wrong inside 22:36 The moment she finally listened 28:30 Trying video editing for the first time 34:33 Transferable skills and why nothing is wasted 39:16 Building Beyer Creative and staying true to the vision 51:40 Legacy, community, and bringing more women into video production If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Connect with Allison: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonbeyer/ Instagram: @allison.beyer | @beyercreative Website: www.beyer-creative.com Connect with Jen and TrueIcon: Instagram: @beatrueicon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdegroff/ Website: https://www.beatrueicon.com About Allison Beyer: Allison Beyer is the CEO of Beyer Creative, a video production company that helps brands tell their story with clarity and confidence. She is passionate about community, creativity, and bringing more women into the world of video production. About the TrueIcon Podcast: Hosted by Jennifer DeGroff, the TrueIcon Podcast is an interview show about authenticity, growth, and redefining success on your own terms. #beatrueicon #staytrueandboldlygrow #videoproduction #entrepreneurship

    51 min

  3. MAR 19

    Why Rejection is Redirection: Melissa Snyder on Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

    What happens when you realize the feeling of being "stuck" is actually self-imposed? In this episode of the TrueIcon Podcast, Jen sits down with Melissa Snyder, who shares her inspiring journey from facing repeated career rejections and feeling unfulfilled in corporate media sales, to finally discovering her true passion and purpose in the nonprofit sector. Melissa opens up about the power of divine timing, explaining why the "no's" we receive are often just redirecting us to where we are meant to be. Together, Jen and Melissa discuss how to overcome limiting beliefs, the importance of journaling and meditation to connect with your inner voice, and how to build a supportive network that elevates everyone involved. If you are currently feeling stuck, facing rejection, or wondering if you will ever find your professional calling, this conversation will give you the hope and tenacity to keep pushing forward. If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Takeaways Rejection is redirectionOvercoming limiting beliefsThe power of networkingTrusting divine timingAligning passion with purpose Chapters 00:00 The Season of Gratitude 05:32 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs 10:32 Discovering Purpose and Impact 20:23 Finding Balance and Success 27:05 Staying True to Values 32:47 Supporting Wildwood Programs Where to Find Melissa Snyder & Wildwood Programs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-snyder-wildwood/ Where to Find Jen DeGroff & TrueIcon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beatrueicon Website: https://www.beatrueicon.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdegroff/ About Melissa Snyder Melissa Snyder is the Annual Fund and Events Manager at Wildwood Foundation. She is proud to advocate for the organization’s mission to support people with developmental disabilities and help them live more productive, fulfilling, and independent lives. Born and raised in the Capital Region, Melissa earned her BA in Public Communications from The College of Saint Rose. Her professional journey has been shaped by meaningful life lessons: learning that rejection is often redirection, trusting her inner voice to push past fear, and experiencing the deep gratification of aligning passion with purpose. Once a shy individual who questioned her professional calling after repeated rejection, Melissa is living proof that growth is possible. Today, she is an avid networker and community connector who values sharing her experiences so others may learn. When not networking, Melissa enjoys time at home with her husband and two cats. She is also an experienced couponer who loves finding a great deal. **About the TrueIcon Podcast Hosted by Jennifer DeGroff, the TrueIcon Podcast is an interview show about authenticity, growth, and redefining success on your own terms. We celebrate uniqueness, normalize imperfection, talk values, and lift people up. Whether you are navigating a career change, building a business, or trying to find your voice, this is your space to feel empowered to step into your greatness. #beatrueicon #staytrueandboldlygrow

    34 min

  4. MAR 19

    From Corporate "Minion" to Family Business: Reina Ciccarone on Trusting Her Gut and Going All-In

    What happens when you realize the corporate ladder you're climbing is actually just a box stifling your creativity? In this episode of the TrueIcon Podcast, Jen sits down with Reina Ciccarone, Creative Director and co-founder of 3tone Digital. Reina shares her journey from feeling like a "minion" in corporate America to building a thriving, family-owned digital agency with her husband, all while raising four children. Reina opens up about what it really takes to turn a vision into reality, including the decision to "burn the boats" and go all-in on her business with no backup plan. Together, Jen and Reina discuss how to reclaim your creativity, why traditional networking events feel so fake (and how Reina is changing that), and the ultimate game-changer for any business owner: learning that "no" is a complete sentence. If you are tired of following society's rules, feeling stuck in a creative rut, or wondering how to balance massive dreams with family life, this conversation will give you the permission to trust your gut and build a life on your own terms. If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! It helps us showcase more authentic stories. Takeaways Going all-inReclaiming creativity from corporateThe power of vision boards and messy action.Ditch stuffy networkingThe power of saying no Chapters 00:00 Support and Partnership 33:23 Overcoming Fear and Doubt 43:09 Living the Dream and Creating a Legacy 51:58 Staying True to Values and Saying No Where to Find Reina Ciccarone & 3tonedigital Website: https://www.3tonedigital.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3tonedigital LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reina-☕-ciccarone-850308a2/ Where to Find Jen DeGroff & TrueIcon Website: https://www.beatrueicon.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdegroff/ About TrueIcon Podcast Hosted by Jennifer DeGroff, the TrueIcon Podcast is a interview about authenticity, growth, and redefining success on your own terms. We celebrate uniqueness, normalize imperfection and lift people up. Whether you are navigating a career change, building a business, or trying to find your voice, this is your space to feel empowered to step into your greatness. About Reina and 3tone Digital 3tone Digital is a New York State MWBE-certified, family-owned digital team. Founded by Reina and Tony Ciccarone, the company combines over 30 years of collective experience in design, development, and marketing. Reina Ciccarone is the Creative Director and co-founder. Blending creative design, storytelling, and strategy, she transforms brands into beautiful, high-performing digital experiences. Since launching 3tone Digital in 2022 with her husband, Tony, Reina has helped small businesses and nonprofits elevate their online presence through custom WordPress design, branding, SEO, and hands-on tech guidance. Alongside her web design work, Reina creates community-centered workshops and digital learning experiences that blend creativity, technology, and storytelling. Through her Latte Learning series, she brings people together to learn, connect, and strengthen their digital footprints.

    56 min

  5. MAR 19

    From PhD in Chemistry to Bicoastal Agency Owner: How Erin Fortin Learned to Take Up Space

    What happens when you realize the corporate life you worked so hard to build isn't the one you actually want to live? In this episode of the True Icon Podcast, Jen sits down with Erin Fortin- a PhD chemist who left her 24/7 job working on multi-million dollar robots at Intel to build a thriving, bicoastal photography agency. Erin opens up about the terrifying but liberating decision to bet on herself, the power of surrounding yourself with people who inspire you, and why "taking up space" is the opposite of being egotistical—it’s actually how we help others. Erin also shares her deeply personal story of surviving a stroke at 37 as a healthy marathon runner. It was a terrifying wake-up call that radically shifted her perspective on health, hustle culture, and what it truly means to build a legacy today. If you’ve ever felt the quiet pull that there is "more" out there for you, or if you are navigating your own career pivot, this conversation will give you the courage to go find it. If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! It helps us bring more authentic stories to listeners like you. Takeaways Taking up space: Sharing your story isn't egotistical-it empowers others.The pivot: How to leave a rigid corporate job for a fulfilling creative business.Community is everything: Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you.Health over hustle: Why your well-being is the ultimate business strategy.Legacy is now: It’s built through your daily actions, not just what you leave behind. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Career Transition 08:10 Transition from Engineering to Photography 19:16 Starting the Photography Business 27:38 Challenges and Growth in Business 35:25 Balancing Business Ownership and Vulnerability 48:18 Building a Legacy Through Actions and Values Where to Find Erin Fortin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinfortinphoto Website: https://www.erinfortinphotography.com Where to Find Jen DeGroff & TrueIcon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beatrueicon Website: https://beatrueicon.com/?utm_source=TI_Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdegroff/ About the True Icon Podcast Hosted by Jennifer (Jen) DeGroff, the TrueIcon Podcast is a conversational interview show about authenticity, leading with values, growth, and redefining success on your own terms. We celebrate the hidden sides of people, normalize imperfection, break down judgments, and lift people up. Whether you are navigating a career change, building a business, or just trying to find your voice, this is your space to feel worthy, capable, and empowered to step into your greatness. #staytrueandboldlygrow

    56 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

The True Icon Podcast is about what really happens when you stop performing for everyone else and start building a life that actually fits you. Hosted by Jennifer DeGroff, founder of TrueIcon Inc., this show dives into honest conversations about authentic success, self-worth, burnout, boundaries, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth. You’ll hear real stories from founders, creatives, leaders, and “everyday” true icons who chose to stay true to themselves as they discover and realize their own versions of success. New episodes every other week.

Information

  • Creator
    TrueIcon Inc
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 TrueIcon Inc