Words Are Life Podcast

From Food Poisoning to Cancer: Lessons in Self-Advocacy

In this courageous conversation, Allison Kilfoy shares her personal journey from experiencing severe health issues to being diagnosed with cancer at a young age. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, seeking second opinions, and finding a supportive care team. The discussion also delves into the significance of understanding one's body, particularly regarding hormones, and the need for women to share their stories and support each other. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the power of words, the importance of listening, and the resilience required to champion oneself through life's challenges. 🔗 Book Allison as a Speaker! [https://allisonkilfoy.com/] 📲 Connect with Allison on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hormonegalal?igsh=azNnbjFsNWo5cjAx] 📲 Follow Allison on Tiktok! [https://www.tiktok.com/@hormonegalal?_t=ZT-8vBahChGZXm&_r=1]

The Audacity to Create with Martina Barksdale

8. In this episode of Words Are Life, we sit down with Martina Barksdale, a multimedia powerhouse and Director of Communications for VisitLEX. From acting in New York City to hosting Everyday Kentucky on WKYT, Martina has dedicated her career to storytelling—shining a light on culture, community, and the voices that often go unheard. Martina opens up about her journey as a Black woman in media, navigating an industry where representation matters but isn't always present. She shares the pivotal moments that shaped her perspective—the realization of what it truly means to show up in spaces that weren't always designed for her and how she's used her platform to challenge the status quo. But beyond storytelling, Martina embodies the audacity to create—to build spaces of inclusion, acceptance, and belonging where marginalized communities don't just exist but thrive. She shares how a little bit of delusion, boldness, and unwavering belief fuels her drive to disrupt norms, amplify Black voices, and cultivate spaces that shift culture. Through projects like SoulFeast Week, she's proving that representation isn't just about visibility—it's about ownership, celebration, and impact. Join us for a powerful conversation about breaking barriers, trusting your vision (even when others don't see it), and creating the world you want to see. Martina's insight, passion, and fearless creativity will leave you inspired to own your story, take up space, and move forward with audacity. Follow Martina: @martibarksdale [https://www.instagram.com/_martibarksdale/] Learn more about SoulFeast Week: soulfeastweek.com [https://www.soulfeastweek.com/]

Finding Love: The Words I Wish I Knew

In this deeply personal episode, Jess shares her version of the love story that changed everything—how she met her wife, the journey of self-discovery before finding love, and the voids she once tried to fill. Through raw storytelling, she reflects on who she was before, the lessons she learned, and the words she wishes she could have told herself back then. If you're seeking love, discovering your identity, or longing for reassurance that your story is still unfolding, this episode is for you. Jess writes a heartfelt love letter to her past self, and maybe, just maybe, to you too. Connect with Jess on Instagram: @jessupchurch [https://www.instagram.com/jessupchurch].

Doing the Next Right Thing: Insights for Entrepreneurs and Solopreneurs with Sarah Nerswick

6. Ever felt like you could create a supportive environment for a particular group? In this episode, we're diving into the story of Sarah Nerswick, the founder of Green & Growing Education & Consulting, who transitioned from agriculture teacher to entrepreneur. Balancing her entrepreneurial dreams with a demanding full-time job hasn't been easy, but Sarah's journey is a testament to perseverance and learning from challenges. She shares candidly about navigating advice that didn't quite fit her unique path and the invaluable lessons she's gained along the way. 🔗 ⁠Green & Growing Education⁠ [https://www.greenandgrowingedu.com/] 🔥 ⁠BLOG FOR SOLOPRENEUR PLANNING⁠ [4117%20Starrush%20Place,%20Lexington,%20KY,%20United%20States,%2040509] 🔗 ⁠Green & Growing Consulting⁠ [https://www.greenandgrowingconsulting.com/] 📲 ⁠Connect with Sarah on Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/sarahnerswick/] CONNECT WITH JESS! 🔗 ⁠WORK WITH JESS⁠ [https://www.jessupchurch.com/work-with-me] 📲 ⁠FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/jessupchurch/]

Relaunch: Purpose Ego

Welcome back to Words Are Life Podcast! Your host, Jess Upchurch-King, returns after a six-month hiatus with a powerful relaunch episode that dives deep into why she took a break, and what she's learned about purpose and ego. In this episode, Jess reflects on her time away from the mic, sharing the personal and professional reasons behind her decision to pause the podcast. But it's not just about the break—it's about the lessons that have shaped her perspective going forward. She shares what's IN and OUT for 2025! Something that's IN: Bi-Weekly episodes of Words Are Life! You can make sure you never miss a conversation by signing up for the newsletter! ⁠Sign up here!⁠ [https://www.jessupchurch.com/words-are-life-podcast]