Media Rebel Unplugged

Leading After Trauma

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2542685/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Media Rebel Unplugged, Janice sits down with Sheryl Hauk to talk about what it really looks like to lead after trauma and reclaim your voice. Sheryl spent more than four decades building a successful career as a choral director and leader while quietly carrying a story she wasn’t telling. At 50, she made the decision to break that silence and share her truth, not just for herself, but for others who may be living in that same space between success and silence. This conversation explores how trauma can exist alongside achievement, how high-functioning women often learn to perform strength, and what happens when you finally decide to use your voice differently. They talk about leadership, identity, and the shift from surviving to living with intention and truth. Sheryl also shares insights from her book, Piece by Piece: A Memoir of Survival, Resilience, and the Power of Creativity, and how creativity became a tool for healing and rebuilding. This episode is especially relevant for women leaders and entrepreneurs who are navigating leadership while carrying personal experiences that have shaped who they are, and are ready to step into a more authentic version of themselves. Guest:  Sheryl Hauk  Author, Speaker, Choral Director  Book: Piece by Piece: A Memoir of Survival, Resilience, and the Power of Creativity  Website: sherylhauk.com Grab Janice's book 👉 www.rebelrisingwithin.com [http://www.rebelrisingwithin.com] 🚀 Skool Community (Rebel Rising) — join free:  https://www.skool.com/rebel-rising-1843 [https://www.skool.com/rebel-rising-1843] Connect with Janice!  Janice Becker – Founder & CEO of Media Rebel  https://beacons.ai/janicebeckerofficial [https://beacons.ai/janicebeckerofficial] 📸 Instagram: @janicebeckerofficial 💼 LinkedIn: / janicembecker 🌐 Website: www.mediarebelunplugged.com [http://www.mediarebelunplugged.com] 🌐 media-rebel.net 📸 Instagram: @mediarebeldigital 📘 Facebook: @mediarebelnet 🎥 YouTube: @mediarebelunplugged 💼 LinkedIn: / media-rebel 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-rebel-unplugged/id1794827623 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-rebel-unplugged/id1794827623] 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/7rIWuspkWxxAAbLZxy4D3A [https://open.spotify.com/show/7rIWuspkWxxAAbLZxy4D3A] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2542685/support]

How Women Entrepreneurs Are Connecting During Burn Out

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2542685/fan_mail/new] On this episode of Media Rebel Unplugged, Janice sits down with guest, Melinda Jackson, Founder of Melinda Jackson PR as they dive into the real struggles faced by women in business, particularly as female founders. The conversation highlights the pervasive founder stress among entrepreneurs, with many expressing feelings of being overwhelmed. We also touch on the aversion to traditional pitching events, revealing a common sentiment among those navigating the startup world. 🚀 Melinda shares her journey from entertainment PR to building her own firm, and how burnout forced her to rethink how she was showing up in both business and life. They get into the pressure founders are under, the intrusive thoughts that come with burnout, and why so many women feel like they’re doing it alone. They also talk about building real community, navigating imposter syndrome, and what PR really is and is not. From brand consistency to pitching yourself, this is a real conversation about visibility, leadership, and doing it in a way that’s sustainable. If you’re a woman leader or entrepreneur trying to grow without burning out, this one will hit. Guest: Melinda Jackson Founder, Melinda Jackson Public Relations Podcast: Unhinged Founder Website: https://www.melindajacksonpr.com Instagram: @melindajacksonpr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindajacksonpr/ Grab Janice's book 👉 www.rebelrisingwithin.com 🚀 Skool Community (Rebel Rising) — join free: https://www.skool.com/rebel-rising-1843 Connect with Janice! Janice Becker – Founder & CEO of Media Rebel https://beacons.ai/janicebeckerofficial 📸 Instagram: @janicebeckerofficial 💼 LinkedIn: / janicembecker 🌐 Website: www.mediarebelunplugged.com 🌐 media-rebel.net 📸 Instagram: @mediarebeldigital 📘 Facebook: @mediarebelnet 🎥 YouTube: @mediarebelunplugged 💼 LinkedIn: / media-rebel 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-rebel-unplugged/id1794827623 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7rIWuspkWxxAAbLZxy4D3A Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2542685/support]

From Corporate To Nonprofit

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2542685/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Media Rebel Unplugged, Janice sits down with Amber Barkoukis, Executive Director of Embracing Futures, to talk about what it really looks like to move from corporate America into nonprofit leadership. Amber shares her journey from planning large-scale corporate events to stepping into a mission-driven role that is directly impacting families and communities. This conversation goes beyond the highlight reel and gets into what that transition truly requires, understanding the landscape, evaluating organizations before you join them, and making sure purpose and practicality align. Amber opens up about how her corporate background shaped her leadership style, why structure and systems still matter in nonprofit work, and how partnerships and collaboration are key to long-term sustainability. Janice and Amber also talk about leadership, culture, and what it looks like to lead in a women-led organization. From work-life balance to empathetic leadership, this episode highlights how strong communication, trust, and support systems create an environment where teams can thrive. They also dive into the realities of nonprofit work, breaking the misconception that passion replaces pay, and what leaders should consider before making the leap. If you’re a leader or entrepreneur thinking about pivoting into more purpose-driven work, or you’re already navigating that shift, this episode gives you a real look at what it takes to lead, build, and create impact in a different space. Guest: Amber Barkoukis Executive Director, Embracing Futures Website: https://www.embracingfuturesinc.org [https://www.embracingfuturesinc.org] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmbracingFutures [https://www.facebook.com/EmbracingFutures] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-genet-barkoukis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-genet-barkoukis/] Grab Janice's book 👉 www.rebelrisingwithin.com [http://www.rebelrisingwithin.com] 🚀 Skool Community (Rebel Rising) — join free:  https://www.skool.com/rebel-rising-1843 [https://www.skool.com/rebel-rising-1843] Connect with Janice! Janice Becker – Founder & CEO of Media Rebel https://beacons.ai/janicebeckerofficial [https://beacons.ai/janicebeckerofficial] 📸 Instagram: @janicebeckerofficial 💼 LinkedIn: / janicembecker 🌐 Website: www.mediarebelunplugged.com [http://www.mediarebelunplugged.com] 🌐 media-rebel.net 📸 Instagram: @mediarebeldigital 📘 Facebook: @mediarebelnet 🎥 YouTube: @mediarebelunplugged 💼 LinkedIn: / media-rebel Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2542685/support]

The Lie That It's Too Late To Be An Entrepreneur

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2542685/fan_mail/new] On this episode of Media Rebel Unplugged, Janice sits down with Debbie Weiss, bestselling author, speaker, and host of the Maybe I Can podcast. They dive into the journey of self discovery and how it's never too late to reimagine your life. Debbie offers inspiration and guidance for personal growth, valuable "life lessons", and emphasizes a positive "mindset" at any stage.  Debbie shares her story of becoming a caregiver at just 17, spending decades putting everyone else first, and hitting a breaking point at 50 where she knew something had to change. What looked like a successful life on the outside was masking exhaustion, burnout, and a complete loss of self. Debbie opens up about what it really takes to rebuild after years of caregiving, how to shift your mindset, and why small, consistent actions matter more than big, overwhelming goals. From starting with something as simple as showing up for herself each week, to completely transforming her health, mindset, and purpose, her journey is a powerful reminder that change does not have to happen all at once. Janice and Debbie also talk about leadership, identity, and what it looks like to rediscover who you are when you’ve spent years prioritizing everyone else. This conversation is especially relevant for women leaders and entrepreneurs who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of what’s next, and need a reminder that it is never too late to choose yourself and create something new. Guest: Debbie Weiss Bestselling Author, Speaker, Podcast Host Books: On Second Thought, Maybe I Can and The Sprinkle Effect Podcast: Maybe I Can Podcast Website: https://www.debbierweiss.com/ Grab Janice's book 👉 www.rebelrisingwithin.com 🚀 Skool Community (Rebel Rising) — join free: https://www.skool.com/rebel-rising-1843 Connect with Janice! Janice Becker – Founder & CEO of Media Rebel https://beacons.ai/janicebeckerofficial 📸 Instagram: @janicebeckerofficial 💼 LinkedIn: / janicembecker 🌐 Website: www.mediarebelunplugged.com 🌐 media-rebel.net 📸 Instagram: @mediarebeldigital 📘 Facebook: @mediarebelnet 🎥 YouTube: @mediarebelunplugged 💼 LinkedIn: / media-rebel 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-rebel-unplugged/id1794827623 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7rIWuspkWxxAAbLZxy4D3A Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2542685/support]

What's Harder Being a Mom or Entrepreneur?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2542685/fan_mail/new] Tomorrow on Media Rebel Unplugged Janice talks with Lauren Kwedar-Cockerell, founder and president of Kwedar & Co., about the challenges of being a mom and entrepreneur. Lauren was let go from her job at eight months pregnant and decided to take on the role of business owner! Don't miss her inspiring story. Subscribe so you don't miss this conversation! Guest: Lauren Kwedar Cockerell Founder and President, Kwedar & Co. Website: https://www.kwedarco.com/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-impatient-entrepreneur/id1697334800  Instagram: @kwedarco  Personal Instagram: @melindagale  Podcast: The Impatient Entrepreneur  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenkwedar/ Grab Janice's book 👉 www.rebelrisingwithin.com 🚀 Skool Community (Rebel Rising) — join free:  https://www.skool.com/rebel-rising-1843 Connect with Janice!  Janice Becker – Founder & CEO of Media Rebel  https://beacons.ai/janicebeckerofficial 📸 Instagram: @janicebeckerofficial 💼 LinkedIn: / janicembecker 🌐 Website: www.mediarebelunplugged.com 🌐 media-rebel.net 📸 Instagram: @mediarebeldigital 📘 Facebook: @mediarebelnet 🎥 YouTube: @mediarebelunplugged 💼 LinkedIn: / media-rebel 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-rebel-unplugged/id1794827623 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/7rIWuspkWxxAAbLZxy4D3A Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2542685/support]