Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women

The Creative Power of Female Rage

What happens when the "good girl" finally breaks? According to bestselling author Sam Beck-Bessinger, she might just become a werewolf. In this thought-provoking and wildly entertaining episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, Liz Brohan sits down with author, screenwriter, and creative writing professor Sam Beckbessinger to discuss her new novel, Femme Feral—a darkly funny feminist horror story about a woman who believes she's experiencing perimenopause, only to discover she's transforming into a werewolf. Together, Liz and Sam explore the cultural silence surrounding menopause, the pressure women face to "have it all," and the hidden cost of decades spent suppressing anger, ambition, and authenticity. Sam shares how the book emerged from her own experience of burnout and what she calls the moment when all of a woman's coping mechanisms stop working. The conversation dives deep into female rage—not as something destructive, but as a powerful force for truth, justice, and self-discovery. Sam discusses why women are often conditioned to disconnect from their anger and how that buried emotion can eventually demand to be heard. Listeners will also enjoy stories about Sam's unusual research process, including interviews with stalking experts, a real-life cat serial-killer vigilante, and the strange intersections between horror and humor. Along the way, she reveals why "weirdness" is essential to creativity and how originality comes from exploring the unexplored corners of our own minds. The episode also touches on Sam's South African upbringing, the lasting impact of apartheid, intergenerational healing, and the responsibility many women feel to carry forward the voices of those who came before them. Ultimately, Femme Feral is an invitation to stop apologizing for your anger, embrace your wildness, and ask yourself an important question: What might happen if you finally danced with your beast?   5Resources & References Mentioned 1. Femme Feral  2. Manage Your Finances Like a F***ing Grown-Up  3. Stephen King  4. Brandon Sanderson (recommended creative writing lectures)  5. Bath Spa University    Highlight Quotes "Women's anger doesn't disappear because society tells us not to feel it. It waits. It grows. And eventually, it demands to be heard." #KickAssWomen #FemaleRage "Having it all turned out to mean doing it all. The real power comes when women stop performing perfection and start listening to themselves." #WomenLeadership #WordsOfWisdom "Rage can be a force for justice. Rage can be an expression of love. When it's given a purpose, it can change the world." #FemmeFeral #KickAssWomenPodcast You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

Debt, Death and Destiny: How Losing Everything Led Her Home

In this deeply personal episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, hosts Liz Brohan and Mary Olivieri sit down with therapist and holistic mental health advocate Monica Sharma for a powerful conversation about reinvention, resilience, and learning to trust yourself. Monica opens up about the defining challenges she faced across three decades of her life — from struggling with depression in her 30s despite appearing “successful” on paper, to navigating heartbreak and choosing single motherhood in her 40s, to confronting burnout and self-preservation in her 50s after building and ultimately closing her thriving therapy practice. Throughout the conversation, Monica shares how cultural expectations, perfectionism, and the pressure to always “do the right thing” left her disconnected from herself. She explains how intuitive decisions — including enrolling in a life-changing holistic health program and later becoming a mother at 42 — helped her reconnect with purpose and joy. The episode also explores the emotional toll of caregiving, entrepreneurship, grief, and productivity culture, while highlighting the importance of making space for healing, reflection, and self-trust. Monica’s recurring theme of “lost, found, and flow” becomes a moving framework for understanding personal growth at every stage of life. Liz and Mary bring warmth, humor, and vulnerability to the discussion as they reflect on their own experiences with depression, relationships, and self-discovery. Together, they remind listeners that reinvention isn’t a one-time event — it’s an ongoing practice of choosing yourself, listening inward, and having the courage to step toward what feels true. Resources Mentioned * Many Lives, Many Masters  * Brian Weiss  * Institute for Integrative Nutrition  * Anaïs Nin  * Women Belong [https://womenbelong.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Highlight Quotes “Sometimes the bravest thing a woman can do is stop living by everyone else’s expectations and start listening to herself.” #WordsOfWisdom #KickAssWomen “You are the main meal. Everyone else is a side dish.” — Monica Sharma on learning to date herself and reclaim her identity. #KickAssWomen “Reinvention isn’t a one-time event. It’s a lifelong practice of getting lost, finding yourself again, and learning to trust the flow.” #WordsOfWisdom You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

From A Laddar to a Bridge: How to Structure Workplace Success Today

In this powerful follow-up episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, hosts Liz Brohan and Mary Olivieri welcome back career strategist Janet Viane to move from theory to action—showing women how to design careers that truly fit their lives. Building on her concept of “bridging” (instead of climbing the traditional corporate ladder), Janet reframes career growth as a multidimensional journey. Rather than focusing solely on upward movement, she encourages women to pursue experiences that align with their full lives—professionally, personally, emotionally, and beyond. Through real-world stories and practical advice, the conversation explores how lateral moves, detours, and even perceived setbacks can lead to greater long-term success. Janet shares her own journey from corporate executive to business owner and publisher, demonstrating how embracing change can unlock unexpected opportunities. The episode dives deep into the importance of both hard and soft skills, emphasizing that while technical expertise may open doors, communication, influence, and leadership are what sustain success. Janet also introduces actionable frameworks, including building a three-circle network, leveraging mentors (both aspirational and grounding), and continuously reassessing your path as your goals evolve. Listeners will walk away with tangible strategies for navigating uncertainty, overcoming fear of change, and intentionally shaping a career that reflects their values and ambitions. Whether you’re feeling stuck, considering a pivot, or simply ready for something more, this episode offers a refreshing, empowering roadmap. The takeaway? Your career doesn’t have to be a straight line—it can be a bridge to something better.   🔗 Resources & References * The First 90 Days – Framework for succeeding quickly in new roles  * The Influencer – Guide to building influence and leadership skills  * Networlding – Networking strategy and relationship-building framework  * Rules for Revolutionaries – Insights on innovation and knowledge-sharing  * Center for Creative Leadership – Research on leadership success and derailers    🧵Highlight Quotes 1. “Your career isn’t a ladder—it’s a bridge. And you get to decide where it leads.” 2. “Hard skills get you in the room. Soft skills are what keep you there.” 3. “Don’t fear the detour—it might be the exact move that changes everything.” You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

All My Traumas are Cool Now: Thriving as Woman of Color in Comedy

In this unforgettable episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, hosts Liz Brohan and Mario Olivier sit down with Chicago-based comedian and storyteller Sophia Java for a conversation that is equal parts hilarious, raw, and deeply thought-provoking. Titled “All My Traumas Are Cool Now,” this episode explores how Sophia transforms personal pain into powerful, relatable comedy. From her roots as a first-generation Pakistani American and Gen X latchkey kid to her evolution as a stand-up and storyteller, Sophia shares how her identity shapes her voice—and why leaning into uncomfortable truths is where real connection happens. She opens up about her creative journey, from chasing laughs early in her career to finding the courage to tell deeper, more meaningful stories on stage. Her viral-worthy comedic song about cultural trauma—featuring sharp observations on everything from Ramadan fasting to social trends—perfectly captures the tension between past struggles and present-day validation. Beyond comedy, Sophia’s life path is anything but linear. From joining the Peace Corps in Uzbekistan to working as a linguist supporting U.S. military operations near Afghanistan and at Guantanamo Bay, her story is a masterclass in saying yes to unexpected opportunities—even when they’re uncomfortable or uncertain. Throughout the episode, themes of relatability, imposter syndrome, and authenticity take center stage. Sophia challenges the idea that stories need to be unique to matter—reminding listeners that shared experiences are what truly resonate. Her message is clear: you don’t need a perfect plan to build a meaningful life or career. Sometimes the most powerful stories—and the biggest breakthroughs—come from embracing the unpredictable.   🔗 Resources & References * Second City Conservatory – Comedy training program where Sophia developed her performance work  * Peace Corps – International volunteer program that shaped Sophia’s early global experiences  * United States Department of Defense – Context for her work as a linguist  * Guantanamo Bay Naval Base – Location tied to one of her most complex life chapters  * Chicago Transit Authority – Sophia’s current unexpected career chapter as a bus operator trainee    Highlight Quotes 1. “All my traumas are cool now—but they weren’t when I was living them. That’s the joke…and also the truth.” 2. “You think no one will care about your story—until you tell it and realize it’s everyone’s story.” 3. “I didn’t have a master plan. I just kept saying yes—and somehow, that became my life.” You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

I'm What?!: Sometimes You're a Mentor And Don't Even Know It

In this powerful episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, hosts Liz Brohan and Mary Brohan sit down with Hillary Boyce—President and CEO of BAFO Services (Badass Female Operations)—to unpack a surprising truth: mentorship often happens when you least expect it. Hillary, a U.S. Army veteran, military spouse, and award-winning entrepreneur, shares how her decades of service and leadership shaped a mentorship style rooted in compassion, humility, and action. What makes her story compelling is that she never set out to be a mentor—yet countless women, veterans, and entrepreneurs credit her with guiding their paths. The conversation explores how mentorship doesn’t require a title or formal structure. From answering a quick question to making a meaningful introduction, small acts of “helping” often become pivotal career moments for others. Hillary reflects on her military experiences, including her ongoing work supporting casualty operations, and how they instilled a deep sense of empathy, perspective, and grace in her leadership. Listeners will also gain insight into navigating complex spaces like federal contracting, where Hillary helps entrepreneurs—especially veterans—translate their expertise into sustainable businesses. Her work with transitioning service members through The Honor Foundation highlights the importance of meeting people where they are and reminding them it’s okay not to have everything figured out. A standout theme: mentorship is a two-way street. We are all both mentors and mentees at different moments in life. Hillary leaves listeners with simple but powerful advice—get out, meet people, “write your plans in pencil,” and never underestimate the impact of showing up for others. If you’ve ever helped someone and didn’t think twice about it, this episode will make you realize—you’ve been mentoring all along.  You are your own Kick-Ass brand.   Resources & References 1. Hope for Kenya – Nonprofit supporting education, health, and basic needs in Kenya  2. The Honor Foundation – Transition program for U.S. Special Operations members  3. Women Belong – Networking and membership community for women in business  4. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Federal contracting resources and certifications  5. National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA) – Support for veteran entrepreneurs    Highlight Quotes 1. “Mentorship isn’t a title—it’s every moment you choose to help someone else move forward.”  2. “Write your plans in pencil. Life—and opportunity—will ask you to revise them.”  3. “You don’t need to have it all figured out. The next right step is enough.” You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.