Power to Pursue

In Pursuit of the Magic of Movies

In this episode of the Power to Pursue Podcast, Rachel sits down with Molly Kreuzman, Program Director of Ohio Goes to the Movies, the signature statewide film festival celebrating Ohio's semiquincentennial. What begins as a conversation about movies quickly becomes a powerful discussion about community, connection, purpose, and the courage to simply keep saying "yes." From restoring historic theaters and making documentaries to leading the largest statewide film festival of its kind, Molly shares the winding path that led her here, and why she believes films have the power to bring neighbors together in ways few other experiences can. Together, Rachel and Molly explore: * Why community matters more than ever * The power of being a bridge between people * Building a life by saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities * Lessons from grief, resilience, and starting over * Why there is truly enough success for everyone * The importance of gathering, storytelling, and shared experiences * How Ohio Goes to the Movies is bringing more than 250 free Ohio-centric films to every one of Ohio's 88 counties Whether you're a movie lover, community builder, entrepreneur, or simply someone pursuing a life with more meaning, this conversation is a reminder that the greatest stories are often the ones we create together. Learn more about Ohio Goes to the Movies and find a free screening near you at OhioGoesToTheMovies.org.

In Pursuit of Becoming the Ripple

Two women. Two conferences. One shared belief: when women are healthy, supported, and connected, everything changes. In this heartfelt episode of the Power to Pursue Podcast, Rachel DesRochers sits down with Deborah Belfatto; two-time breast cancer survivor, women's health advocate, nonprofit founder, and creator of the Let's Talk Women's Health & Wellness Symposium. Deborah shares how surviving breast cancer at 33, and then again more than three decades later, became the catalyst for a life dedicated to ensuring other women have access to the care, education, and community she was fortunate enough to receive. Together, Rachel and Deb explore what it means to transform unimaginable hardship into purpose, why self-advocacy can save lives, and how vulnerability creates the deepest human connection. Their conversation weaves through mental wellness, motherhood, entrepreneurship, community building, and the remarkable parallels between the missions behind Let's Talk and Power to Pursue. At its core, this episode is a reminder that every woman deserves to take up space, prioritize herself without guilt, and become the ripple that creates lasting change for others. If you've ever questioned your worth, wondered whether your story matters, or needed permission to invest in yourself, this conversation is for you. Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do isn't change the whole world, it's simply become the ripple.

In Pursuit of Carrying the Torch (& Great Ice Cream!)

In this episode of the Power to Pursue Podcast, Rachel sits down with fifth-generation Graeter's leader Annie Graeter to explore what it means to forge your own identity, build a life beyond the family legacy, and ultimately return home with a deeper understanding of purpose. Together, they discuss the realities of working in a multi-generational family business, the women who helped shape Graeter's into an iconic brand, the balance between tradition and innovation, and how Annie's years in the outdoor industry prepared her to lead in an entirely different way. They also dive into motherhood, fulfillment, employee ownership, Cincinnati's entrepreneurial spirit, and the evolving definition of success as our lives grow and change. This conversation is a love letter to legacy, community, and the courage it takes to define success on your own terms.

In Pursuit of the Friendships That Heal

What if one of the greatest sources of healing in your life isn't found in a romantic relationship, but in the women who walk beside you through every season? In this deeply personal episode of the Power to Pursue Podcast, Rachel sits down with her longtime friend Stephanie Beck for a conversation about friendship, healing, reinvention, and the power of being truly witnessed. Together, they reflect on nearly two decades of friendship, navigating life's hardest chapters, and the women who help us find our way back to ourselves. Stephanie shares her journey from advocacy and public service to energy healing, nervous system regulation, and facilitating women's circles designed to help women reconnect with themselves and one another. Along the way, the conversation explores grief, divorce, motherhood, personal growth, and why creating space for our emotions may be one of the most important forms of self-care. This episode is a love letter to deep friendship, meaningful connection, and the women who hold us when life asks us to become someone new. Because healing doesn't happen alone, and neither do we.

In Pursuit of Words That Matter

What if the stories we tell ourselves, and the ones we're allowed to hear, shape everything about who we become? This week on the Power to Pursue Podcast, Rachel sits down with author, poet, advocate, and community-builder Holly Brians Ragusa for a conversation about fear, language, creativity, and the radical act of choosing connection over control. Together, they explore why words matter, how literature preserves humanity, and what it means to tell the stories that history often leaves behind. Holly reflects on her journey as the author of At the End, her work amplifying voices across the literary community, and the belief that courage isn't the absence of fear, it's deciding to move anyway. From discussing survivorship and self-worth to challenging the idea of "busy" as a badge of honor, this episode is a reminder that our greatest power often lies in the smallest acts: listening deeply, loving generously, and rewriting the stories we tell ourselves. If you've ever wondered whether your voice matters, this conversation is your invitation to believe that it does. Because the stories we tell can change the world, but first, they can change us.