She Lights the Way is an empowering collection of stories about remarkable, unsung women who are impacting our world in meaningful ways as they navigate personal and career obstacles, and in turn, blaze a trail of inspiration for others.
Episodes
40 minutes ago
40 minutes ago
Open source software is the invisible engine of today’s world, and few people understand that better than Linux Fellow—Shuah Khan. She explains how this community-built code empowers everyone from Hollywood studios to a cobbler on an Indian beach running a business from an Android phone, illustrating its profound human impact.
But the conversation goes far deeper than code. A self-described “reluctant leader,” Shuah shares the curiosity-driven mindset that keeps her “in perpetual learning,” her conviction that mentorship can literally change lives, and how she has helped newcomers land dream roles through programs she leads at the Linux Foundation. She unpacks why diversity of thought—not just gender or geography—makes the kernel stronger for billions of users, and reveals why real success is working herself out of a job: stepping in where there’s a gap, building community infrastructure, then leaving it able to thrive without her.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more empowering stories from remarkable women.
Thank you for listening ❤ See below for transcript, timestamps, to get in touch, and more.
TRANSCRIPT:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/shuahkhan-interview-transcript
EPISODE LINKS:
Shuah’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shuah-khan/
Shuah on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuah_Khan
Shuah’s Blog: https://shuahkathamanjari.ghost.io/
Linux Foundation Mentorship: https://www.linuxfoundation.org/research/mentorship-in-open-source
KEY MOMENTS:
00:00 Welcome & introduction
02:00 Open source powers our everyday lives
05:00 The long road to Linux Fellow
08:00 Collaboration over competition
10:00 Mentoring the next generation
12:00 Curiosity & perpetual learning
18:00 Why diverse life experiences make better code & communities
20:00 Stepping up when a gap appears, then inviting everyone in
22:00 Working yourself out of a job & passing the torch
24:00 Thriving in male-dominated spaces by flipping the label
28:00 Legacy writing & cultural roots
30:00 Grandfather’s library & a lifelong love of history
33:00 A jogging uncle’s lesson
35:00 Life’s sweet-bitter-sour chutney
37:00 Champions who challenge
39:00 Redefining success
41:00 Shuah’s advice for others
42:00 What She Lights the Way means to Sharissa
FOLLOW:
Website: shelightstheway.com/
Newsletter: www.shelightstheway.com/newsletter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/she-lights-the-way/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shelightstheway/
STORIES:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/stories
PODCAST:
Podbean: https://shelightstheway.podbean.com/
RSS: https://bit.ly/SheLightsTheWayRSS
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4091de0
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8Kq0N
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3YeCt1m
BLOG:
https://shelightstheway.substack.com/
CONNECT:
Contact us: www.shelightstheway.com/contact
Share a story: www.shelightstheway.com/story
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Finnish-American production manager Sharissa Holopainen gives us an exclusive look into the dynamic, cross-cultural world of film production, describing it as a living puzzle. A short film assignment opened the door to her lifelong passion for storytelling behind the camera after she dropped out of a business program that didn’t feel right and realized acting wasn’t her true calling. Raised between Finland and California, Sharissa once resisted her cultural heritage until she realized it gave her an edge. Today, she thrives at the intersection of international co-productions, helping teams navigate the unspoken cultural nuances that can make or break a shoot. Her ability to foster communication and trust across borders has become her superpower.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more empowering stories from remarkable women.
Thank you for listening ❤ See below for transcript, timestamps, to get in touch, and more.
TRANSCRIPT:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/sharissa-holopainen-interview-transcript
EPISODE LINKS:
Sharissa’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharissa-holopainen-258401190/
Summer Book: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26940053/
KEY MOMENTS:
00:00 Welcome & introduction
01:00 The creative puzzle of film production
02:00 From business school dropout to storyteller and bridge builder
04:00 Discovering a passion for producing
05:00 Finding her fit at U.C. Irvine
06:00 Pandemic pivot to Finland
08:00 Embracing her identity and unique path
10:00 The power of co-productions
13:00 Communication styles across cultures
15:00 Film projects that changed Sharissa’s life
18:00 The wild beauty of island filmmaking
20:00 Lessons in the journey
21:00 What She Lights the Way means to Sharissa
FOLLOW:
Website: shelightstheway.com/
Newsletter: www.shelightstheway.com/newsletter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/she-lights-the-way/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shelightstheway/
STORIES:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/stories
PODCAST:
Podbean: https://shelightstheway.podbean.com/
RSS: https://bit.ly/SheLightsTheWayRSS
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4091de0
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8Kq0N
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3YeCt1m
BLOG:
https://shelightstheway.substack.com/
CONNECT:
Contact us: www.shelightstheway.com/contact
Share a story: www.shelightstheway.com/story
Wednesday May 07, 2025
Wednesday May 07, 2025
In this bold and deeply authentic conversation, Dr. Frances Mei Hardin shares her journey from teenage prodigy to rural ENT surgeon and cofounder of the Hippocratic Collective—as she reflects on how surviving the culture of surgical training shaped her mission to transform medicine from the inside out. She speaks candidly about physician burnout, mental health, toxic workplace norms, and why success without authenticity is a hollow pursuit. With unflinching honesty and infectious purpose, Frances Mei lights the way toward a more human, compassionate future in medicine.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more empowering stories from remarkable women.
Thank you for listening ❤ See below for transcript, timestamps, to get in touch, and more.
TRANSCRIPT:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/francesmeihardin-interview-transcript
EPISODE LINKS:
https://francesmei.com/
https://rethinkingresidency.com/
https://www.hippocratic-collective.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/frances-mei-hardin-md-aab8b6297/
https://www.instagram.com/francesmei.md/
KEY MOMENTS:
00:00 Welcome & introduction
02:00 STEM passion, skipping grades, and showing up at Notre Dame at 16
04:00 How she "compromised" between graphic design and medicine—by becoming a surgeon
05:00 Picking a specialty: the honest (and funny) advice that guided her to ENT
06:00 Working in a male-dominated field: bias, microaggressions, and being “Dr. Frances”
07:00 The seedy underbelly of medicine: what patients don’t see about doctor wellness
09:00 Why pretending doctors are perfect does real harm to the profession
11:00 Founding Rethinking Residency to offer honest resources for future doctors
13:00 “I almost lost my life”: sharing her mental health journey during residency
15:00 Why the “rockstar asshole” surgeon trope needs to die—and how toxic culture hurts patients.
17:00 Civility in medicine: how professionalism helps everyone, especially the patient
20:00 Why she focuses on helping the target of abuse, not fixing the bully
24:00 Writing her memoir, Surgeon on the Edge, as an act of healing and truth-telling
28:00 How doctors are trained to equate self-worth with accolades—and how that must change
31:00 Redefining success: from prestige to peace, authenticity, and health
33:00 Her advice to younger women: Know yourself. Build identity outside the system.
35:00 What She Lights the Way means to her: courage is contagious.
36:00 Closing quote: “When you start asking for a bigger life, you cannot keep begging for a smaller one to stay.” – Brianna Wiest
FOLLOW:
Website: shelightstheway.com/
Newsletter: www.shelightstheway.com/newsletter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/she-lights-the-way/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shelightstheway/
STORIES:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/stories
PODCAST:
Podbean: https://shelightstheway.podbean.com/
RSS: https://bit.ly/SheLightsTheWayRSS
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4091de0
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8Kq0N
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3YeCt1m
BLOG:
https://medium.com/@she_lights_the_way
https://shelightstheway.substack.com/
CONNECT:
Contact us: www.shelightstheway.com/contact
Share a story: www.shelightstheway.com/story
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Naomi Ceder—educator, author, and former chair of the Python Software Foundation—shares her raw, powerful journey of becoming. From hiding her identity for decades to leading one of the world’s most influential tech communities, Naomi rewrites the rules on resilience, authenticity, and inclusion. She shares candid insights on Imposter Syndrome—rooted in her lived experience as a trans woman—and why owning your truth is the most powerful antidote. Naomi opens up about transitioning in midlife and why she stopped waiting for permission to be herself. Along the way, she challenges how we teach, why representation matters, and how real change is built. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong, this conversation is your reminder: you do. Listen in and get inspired to lead with truth, build with purpose, and never shrink who you are.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more empowering stories from remarkable women.
Thank you for listening ❤ See below for transcript, timestamps, to get in touch, and more.
TRANSCRIPT:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/naomi-ceder-interview-transcript
STORY:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/stories/naomiceder
FOLLOW:
Website: shelightstheway.com/
Newsletter: www.shelightstheway.com/newsletter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/she-lights-the-way/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shelightstheway/
X: x.com/she_lights_way
LISTEN TO THE POD:
Podbean: https://shelightstheway.podbean.com/
RSS: https://bit.ly/SheLightsTheWayRSS
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4091de0
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8Kq0N
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3YeCt1m
READ THE BLOG:
https://medium.com/@she_lights_the_way
https://shelightstheway.substack.com/
CONNECT:
Contact us: www.shelightstheway.com/contact
Share a story: www.shelightstheway.com/story
EPISODE LINKS:
Naomi’s Website: https://www.naomiceder.tech/
Naomi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomiceder/
Naomi’s BlueSky: @naomiceder.bsky.social
The Quick Python Book: https://www.manning.com/books/the-quick-python-book-fourth-edition
Trans*Code: https://www.trans.tech/
The Hatchery: https://us.pycon.org/2024/events/hatchery/index.html
Friendly Guides Series:https://www.springer.com/series/17128
KEY MOMENTS:
00:00 A powerful reframe of Imposter Syndrome
02:00 Introductions
03:00 Helping make tech approachable
04:00 Naomi’s discovery of constructivist, student-driven learning
07:00 Why real motivation matters in education
09:00 A pivotal moment with Guido van Rossum
11:00 Early days of PyCon
12:00 Naomi’s role in the evolution of the Python community
14:00 Giving quieter or newer contributors a space to shine
15:00 A deeply personal turning point
17:00 Building spaces for diverse voices in tech
21:00 The birth of TransCode
23:00 How TransCode events became transformative experiences
24:00 Reflecting on the honor of serving as PSF chair
25:00 Naomi’s biggest challenges & greatest lessons learned
27:00 Value of perseverance in hard transitions
28:00 Naomi’s decision to live authentically as a trans woman
30:00 Healing from internalized misogyny and transphobia
32:00 Naomi’s antidote to Imposter Syndrome
36:00 What gives Naomi hope
38:00 Choosing listening over labeling
39:00 What She Lights the Way means to Naomi
40:00 Closing
*Correction: At 10:00, Naomi mentions Linux World 2021, where she intended to say Linux World 2001.
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Melissa Austin has spent her career opening doors in the gaming industry—not just as a technical artist and leader but as a force multiplier for others. In this conversation, she shares how mentorship, representation, and a deep passion for helping others have shaped her journey. From her early days in game development to leading a team at Niantic, Melissa opens up about the pivotal moments, the challenges of a male-dominated industry, and why empowering others is the ultimate superpower.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more empowering stories from remarkable women.
Thank you for listening ❤ See below for transcript, timestamps, to get in touch, and more.
TRANSCRIPT:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/melissaaustin-interview-transcript
EPISODE LINKS:
Melissa’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-a-austin/
KEY MOMENTS:
00:00 Introduction
01:20 Melissa’s journey as a first-generation, mixed-race woman in gaming
04:15 How Melissa’s passion for helping people shaped her path in technical art
07:45 The key turning points that defined Melissa’s career
12:30 The challenge of representation, and why visibility matters
16:10 Finding the right allies, even when female mentors were scarce
19:50 How Melissa transitioned from individual contributor to manager and lessons learned
24:05 Why advocating for her team’s needs has been Melissa’s most rewarding part of leadership
28:40 How going “off script” during a Girls Who Code event created an unforgettable impact
32:15 Melissa’s hopes for the gaming industry and how she’s shaping its evolution
36:40 What She Lights the Way means to Melissa
38:30 Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up
FOLLOW:
Website: shelightstheway.com/
Newsletter: www.shelightstheway.com/newsletter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/she-lights-the-way/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shelightstheway/
STORIES:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/stories
PODCAST:
Podbean: https://shelightstheway.podbean.com/
RSS: https://bit.ly/SheLightsTheWayRSS
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4091de0
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8Kq0N
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3YeCt1m
BLOG:
https://medium.com/@she_lights_the_way
https://shelightstheway.substack.com/
CONNECT:
Contact us: www.shelightstheway.com/contact
Share a story: www.shelightstheway.com/story
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Bevin Victoria’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. Once a gymnast chasing Olympic dreams, a devastating injury forced her to pivot, fueling a lifelong passion for the arts. Later, she confronted the harsh realities of pursuing acting and chose to rewrite her story, creating roles for herself and forging opportunities in spaces where she often stood alone. Her raw honesty about Imposter Syndrome and the power of showing up will inspire you to rethink what’s possible.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more empowering stories from remarkable women.
Thank you for listening ❤ See below for transcript, timestamps, to get in touch, and more.
TRANSCRIPT:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/bevinvictoria-interview-transcript
EPISODE LINKS:
Bevin’s Website: https://www.bevinvictoria.com/
Bevin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bevinvictoria/
KEY MOMENTS:
00:00 A Heartwarming Encounter
01:28 Introducing Bevin Victoria
02:43 Bevin's Multifaceted Career
04:18 Pivotal Moments and Challenges
07:43 The Power of Representation
15:26 Embracing Multicultural Identity
23:42 Resilience Through Adversity
26:13 Facing the Worst Possible Scenario
26:47 Navigating Life's Challenges
27:35 Rewriting Your Story
28:30 Embracing Authenticity
34:07 Defining Success on Your Terms
38:23 Advice to My Younger Self
41:18 What She Lights the Way Means to Bevin
43:01 Conclusion and Reflections
FOLLOW:
Website: shelightstheway.com/
Newsletter: www.shelightstheway.com/newsletter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/she-lights-the-way/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shelightstheway/
STORIES:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/stories
PODCAST:
Podbean: https://shelightstheway.podbean.com/
RSS: https://bit.ly/SheLightsTheWayRSS
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4091de0
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8Kq0N
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3YeCt1m
BLOG:
https://medium.com/@she_lights_the_way
https://shelightstheway.substack.com/
CONNECT:
Contact us: www.shelightstheway.com/contact
Share a story: www.shelightstheway.com/story
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Fran Wilde, a two-time Nebula Award-winning author, self-proclaimed "battle poet" and teacher, takes us on a journey through her creative process. From embracing failure to finding the magic in messes, Fran shares how curiosity can be a transformative tool for growth. We dive into her upcoming novel, A Philosophy of Thieves, and explore profound questions about humanity, technology, and storytelling’s power to reshape lives. Whether you’re a writer, a dreamer, or simply someone navigating life’s twists and turns, Fran’s wisdom will leave you ready to embrace your creative messes.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more empowering stories from remarkable women.
Thank you for listening ❤ See below for transcript, timestamps, to get in touch, and more.
TRANSCRIPT:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/franwilde-interview-transcript
STORY:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/stories/penpornkoanantakool
FOLLOW:
Website: shelightstheway.com/
Newsletter: www.shelightstheway.com/newsletter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/she-lights-the-way/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shelightstheway/
X: x.com/she_lights_way
LISTEN TO THE POD:
Podbean: https://shelightstheway.podbean.com/
RSS: https://bit.ly/SheLightsTheWayRSS
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4091de0
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8Kq0N
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3YeCt1m
READ THE BLOG:
https://medium.com/@she_lights_the_way
CONNECT:
Contact us: www.shelightstheway.com/contact
Share a story: www.shelightstheway.com/story
EPISODE LINKS:
Fran’s Website:
https://www.franwilde.net/about
Fran’s Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/franwilde
Fran’s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/fran_wilde/
Fran’s Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/franwildewrites/
Fran’s X:
https://x.com/fran_wilde/
Fran on GoodReads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5214733.Fran_Wilde
A Philosophy of Thieves excerpt:
https://reactormag.com/erewhon-announcement-a-philosophy-of-thieves-by-fran-wilde/
KEY MOMENTS:
00:00 Introduction
01:30 Fran’s creative journey
07:00 The Power of Finishing
12:00 Embracing failure and iteration
15:00 The Magic of making messes
18:30 Preview of A Philosophy of Thieves
23:30 Intersection of technology and humanity
28:00 Storytelling as transformation
33:00 What ‘She Lights the Way’ means to Fran
35:00 Closing thoughts
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Sharon Davis—former First Lady of California and lifelong advocate—shares her remarkable journey of public service, personal growth and unwavering commitment to making a difference. At 70, Sharon reflects on her decades of experience, offering timeless lessons on leadership, aging well, and thriving through life’s challenges.
She reveals how her early career as a flight attendant taught her to master people skills, handle crises, and excel under pressure—qualities that shaped her future roles in politics and business. She emphasizes the lost art of listening as a transformative tool for bridging divides and fostering collaboration in today’s polarized world.
From working across political divides to advocating for children’s health and literacy, Sharon’s experiences highlight the enduring value of perseverance, curiosity, and humility. Her mother-in-law’s mantra, “bloom where you’re planted,” encourages us all to thrive wherever life takes us and to bring our best selves to every opportunity.
Sharon’s stories of resilience, from weathering political storms to finding joy in everyday moments with family, remind us that even in life’s challenges, we can choose to rise above and move forward with grace. She also dives into the importance of health—physical, mental, and emotional—and how living intentionally creates a foundation for thriving in later years.
This conversation is a celebration of resilience, connection, and making a difference. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, leadership lessons, or tips for living boldly, Sharon’s wisdom will leave you motivated to excel at every stage of life.
Thank you for listening ❤ See below for transcript, timestamps, to get in touch, and more.
TRANSCRIPT:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/sharon-davis-transcript
STORY:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/stories/sharondavis
FOLLOW:
Website: shelightstheway.com/
Newsletter: www.shelightstheway.com/newsletter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/she-lights-the-way/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shelightstheway/
X: x.com/she_lights_way
LISTEN TO THE POD:
Podbean: https://shelightstheway.podbean.com/
RSS: https://bit.ly/SheLightsTheWayRSS
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4091de0
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8Kq0N
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3YeCt1m
READ THE BLOG:
https://medium.com/@she_lights_the_way
CONNECT:
Contact us: www.shelightstheway.com/contact
Share a story: www.shelightstheway.com/story
EPISODE LINKS:
First Ladies of California:
https://web.archive.org/web/20130122054052/http://firstladies.library.ca.gov/34-Davis.html
Sharon Davis on Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharon_Davis
KEY MOMENTS:
00:00 Introductions & Opening Thoughts
02:00 Aging Gracefully
04:00 Early Career Lessons
06:00 Building Bridges in Leadership
10:00 Practical Solutions for a Better Future
15:00 A Family Foundation in Public Service
20:00 Children’s Education & Media Literacy
26:00 Advice for Future Generations
28:30 Resilience in Life’s Challenges
33:00 What ‘She Lights the Way’ Means to Sharon
34:30 Closing Remarks
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Minette Norman, author, speaker, and leadership consultant, shares her journey from aspiring actor to tech industry leader to champion for inclusive leadership. She reflects on the power of psychological safety, the pain of exclusion, and the transformative impact of truly inclusive cultures. Her candid insights and practical advice inspire us to shine our lights brightly and lead the way to a more inclusive and innovative world.
Thank you for listening ❤ See below for transcript, timestamps, to get in touch, and more.
TRANSCRIPT:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/minette-norman-transcript
STORY:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/stories/minettenorman
FOLLOW:
Website: shelightstheway.com/
Newsletter: www.shelightstheway.com/newsletter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/she-lights-the-way/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shelightstheway/
X: x.com/she_lights_way
LISTEN TO THE POD:
Podbean: https://shelightstheway.podbean.com/
RSS: https://bit.ly/SheLightsTheWayRSS
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4091de0
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8Kq0N
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3YeCt1m
READ THE BLOG:
https://medium.com/@she_lights_the_way
CONNECT:
Contact us: www.shelightstheway.com/contact
Share a story: www.shelightstheway.com/story
EPISODE LINKS:
Minette’s Website:
https://www.minettenorman.com/
Minette’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/minettenorman/
Minette’s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/minettenorman/
Minette’s X:
https://x.com/minettenorman
Minette’s Books:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BQJRJDNH
KEY MOMENTS:
01:30 Introductions
03:00 Career transition from acting to tech
06:30 Moving from tech to leadership consulting
08:00 Feeling like an outsider
10:00 Understanding the science behind exclusion
12:30 From corporate leadership to entrepreneurship
16:30 Self-awareness in leadership
20:00 Looking beyond the loudest voices in the room
21:00 Creating inclusive environments in remote workplaces
27:00 Debunking myths about inclusive leadership
30:00 Intersection of personal values and professional mission
31:00 The “Voice of the Underheard”
34:30 The Google Project Aristotle findings on psychological safety
36:00 Defining success
37:00 Advice for aspiring leaders
39:00 Closing thoughts
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Laura Stanfill shares how a traumatic brain injury transformed her approach to life, work and advocacy for neurodivergent voices on her path from journalism to publishing and writing her debut novel, Singing Lessons for the Stylish Canary. She shares her insights on amplifying underrepresented voices, the magic of indie bookstores, finding balance, and redefining success in the literary world.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more empowering stories from remarkable women.
Thank you for listening ❤ See below for transcript, timestamps, to get in touch, and mor
TRANSCRIPT:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/laura-stanfill-transcript
STORY:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/stories/laurastanfill
FOLLOW:
Website: shelightstheway.com
Newsletter: www.shelightstheway.com/newsletter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/she-lights-the-way/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shelightstheway/
X: x.com/she_lights_way
LISTEN TO THE POD:
Podbean: https://shelightstheway.podbean.com/
RSS: https://bit.ly/SheLightsTheWayRSS
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4091de0
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8Kq0N
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3YeCt1m
READ THE BLOG:
https://medium.com/@she_lights_the_way
https://shelightstheway.substack.com/
CONNECT:
Contact us: www.shelightstheway.com/contact
Share a story: www.shelightstheway.com/story
EPISODE LINKS:
Laura’s Website:
https://laurastanfill.com/
Laura’s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/lhstanfill/
Laura’s Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/laura.stanfill.98
Laura’s X:
https://x.com/LHStanfill
Forest Avenue Press Website:
https://www.forestavenuepress.com/
Forest Avenue Press Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/forestavenuepress/
Forest Avenue Press Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ForestAvenuePress
Forest Avenue Press X:
https://x.com/forestavepress
KEY MOMENTS:
00:00 Introduction
02:30 Meet Laura Stanfill
04:30 The Brain Injury that Changed Everything
09:30 Neurodiversity and Storytelling
15:00 Transition from Journalism to Publishing
20:30 The Magic of Indie Bookstores
24:30 The Role of Community in Journalism
28:00 Publishing Her Debut Novel
35:00 Self-Care and Finding Balance
36:30 Redefining Success in Publishing
40:00 Trusting Your Voice
42:00 The Meaning of "She Lights the Way"
46:00 Closing Remarks