The Martial Arts Woman Podcast

Mary Lou Daczka - It Is NEVER Too Late

Imagine discovering martial arts in your late 60s after attending your very first self-defense class. Then imagine earning your black belt, becoming an instructor, and refusing to let two knee replacement surgeries stand in the way of your passion. That remarkable journey belongs to today's guest, Mary Lou Daczka. Mary Lou's story is a powerful reminder that age doesn't define our limits—our mindset does. Whether your dream is to learn martial arts, start a new career, master a new skill, or pursue a lifelong passion, it's never too late to begin. Join us as Mary Lou shares how determination, resilience, and an adventurous spirit helped her achieve what many would have thought impossible. Her story is sure to inspire you to leave age-related barriers behind and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead. Thank you, Mary Lou! _____________________________________________________ Andrea's books are available here: Amazon.com: Andrea Harkins: books, biography, latest update [https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01MRULAU8?ccs_id=5b20397a-fd80-4805-ba11-52c281926551&linkCode=sl2&tag=andreaharki0c-20&linkId=782806c7740d3528d14b805fb6134536&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl&fbclid=IwY2xjawQAPO9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBtdGhsQlFjWHBaWjU2dTVKc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHq1Z0eqFE7J8I8KOqHdUfvrYuatvb3a2jkZ5FXc0eXMqMurPJBwOejIWo0q5_aem_vOBqkv1e2Tk6FTGGUqKYCA] -The Martial Arts Woman -Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone-How to Start Your Own Martial Art Program-Write Amazing Wedding Vows Coming soon: Weekly Positive Intentions and Reflections Journal

Janelle Gabriel - Empowered by Krav Maga

Janelle Gabriel shares how Krav Maga prepared her to face an unexpected assailant who harassed her and her husband while they were on vacation. Her heightened awareness and mental preparedness gave her the confidence and advantage she needed to protect herself. She opens up about what first drew her to Krav Maga and how her dedication to the discipline helped her grow from a student into a lead instructor. Finally, she offers her powerful perspective on why martial arts training is especially important for women. Don't miss this inspiring and thoughtful episode! Check out Andrea's books here: Amazon.com: Andrea Harkins: books, biography, latest update [https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01MRULAU8?ccs_id=5b20397a-fd80-4805-ba11-52c281926551&linkCode=sl2&tag=andreaharki0c-20&linkId=782806c7740d3528d14b805fb6134536&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl&fbclid=IwY2xjawQAPO9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBtdGhsQlFjWHBaWjU2dTVKc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHq1Z0eqFE7J8I8KOqHdUfvrYuatvb3a2jkZ5FXc0eXMqMurPJBwOejIWo0q5_aem_vOBqkv1e2Tk6FTGGUqKYCA]

Darlene Quinn - From Pain to Power

Darlene Quinn was enrolled in a karate class at an early age—around five years old—as a way for her mother to manage her rebelliousness. However, her childhood karate training was abruptly interrupted when she was hit by a car while walking home from class one day. Even at such a young age, karate had a lasting impact on her. She learned a deep lesson about respect that positively influenced her life moving forward. Over time, Darlene’s fascination with martial arts and combat sports continued to grow. Her father had been a boxer, and she became enthralled by the mental discipline required in boxing, combat, and self-defense sports. She pursued her passion for boxing by becoming a women’s boxing promoter, helping to foster higher pay and greater respect for women in combat sports. Unfortunately, Darlene’s initial car accident as a child was not the only one. In total, she was involved in three auto accidents that, over time, left her unable to pursue her own martial arts dreams and robbed her of her health for many years. By the time she was 55, Darlene described herself as “feeble” and depleted. She was also experiencing something she felt was “stealing her life force”—menopause. She was in survival mode: she had no strength, lived in constant pain, and couldn’t even get out of bed for extended periods of time—until she discovered something that eventually healed her and helped her recover from the inside out. This personal discovery restored her health in every way. Today, she is healthier and more vibrant than ever. She lived much of her life in pain until she finally found her power. Darlene is a true delight and shares poignant—and even funny—stories in this episode of The Martial Arts Woman Podcast.

Haley Walden - Step In to Your Power

Haley Walden is a copywriter, brand voice strategist, fantasy author, and martial artist with a background in Korean martial arts. At age 14, she discovered Tang Soo Do and a love for both traditional and creative forms. After a 12-year hiatus, she returned to martial arts. In 2021. She earned her first-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. As a multi-passionate geek, she has many obsessions, including music, history, pop culture, and musical theatre. Haley shares why everyone should learn a martial art and reminds us all...to step into our power. #martialarts #martialartpodcast Haley's links and info: ⁠https://haleywalden.com⁠ [https://haleywalden.com] - author ⁠https://www.authorhaleywalden.com⁠ [https://www.authorhaleywalden.com] - books Andrea's links and info: The Martial Arts Woman (book):⁠https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Arts-Woman-Motivational-Stories/dp/1544916213⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Arts-Woman-Motivational-Stories/dp/1544916213] Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone (book): ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Inspirations-Everyone-Andrea-Harkins/dp/150297830X⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Inspirations-Everyone-Andrea-Harkins/dp/150297830X] How to Start Your Own Martial Art Program (book): ⁠https://www.amazon.com/How-Start-Your-Martial-Program/dp/1511795263⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/How-Start-Your-Martial-Program/dp/1511795263] Write Amazing Wedding Vows (book): ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Write-Amazing-Wedding-Step-Step/dp/172339484X⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Write-Amazing-Wedding-Step-Step/dp/172339484X]

Cristine Pyle - No Limits, No Excuses

When Cristine was 14 years old, she suffered an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) hemorrhage in her brain. To save her life, the neurosurgeon removed 6 cm of her motor cortex. She was not supposed to survive. The doctors told her family she would be bedridden and probably never walk or talk again. Fast forward to today. How did Cristine go from that devastating diagnosis to becoming a martial art champion? It’s a story you need to hear. It will inspire you to see your own life in a new light. Listen in to Cristine's story and be inspired to overcome the obstacles that stand in your way, whatever they may be.