Michelle Schwarz Podcast

Empowering Women to Embrace AI with Mariquita Joy

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2091641/fan_mail/new] In this episode, we are joined by Mariquita Joy—a registered nurse, case management executive, AI strategist, and author of over 100 books. Today's episode is entirely dedicated to empowering women to overcome their fear and intimidation of using artificial intelligence. Mariquita shares her deeply personal and inspiring origin story, detailing her early transition from Canada to Ecuador, her decades of work in healthcare advocacy, and how caring for her special needs daughter through 20 brain surgeries shaped her resilient, compassionate spirit. She also explains how a simple Facebook ad introduced her to the world of AI, leading her to discover tools like Claude that gave her back 20 hours a week by completely automating tedious administrative tasks. Throughout our conversation, Mariquita demystifies artificial intelligence for absolute beginners. She shares actionable strategies for women to embrace technology and write their own "promotions over pink slips," securing their value in the modern workforce. Whether you want to build a no-code app using Base44, create hit songs with AI, or simply use ChatGPT to streamline your emails so they sound brilliant and professional, Mariquita proves that anyone can become an AI expert. In this episode, we cover: * Mariquita’s journey from workers' comp case management to becoming a certified AI consultant and CEO of her own AI company. * How to use AI as an assistant to reclaim your time, automate repetitive work, and amplify your natural creativity. * Overcoming common fears, mindsets, and misconceptions about AI—from religious apprehensions to the fear of doing something wrong. * Mind-blowing success stories of everyday women monetizing AI, from signing million-dollar music contracts to launching apps. * Details on Mariquita’s upcoming in-person AI building lab designed specifically for women in business. Connect with Mariquita Joy: * Find her books and learn about her AI training for moms with special needs at theladybugspeaks.com [https://www.theladybugspeaks.com/]. * Get mentorship to write and self-publish your own story at yourbookmatters.com [https://yourbookmatters.com/]. * Mariquita Joy's Professional Bio [https://claude.ai/public/artifacts/03b14a25-b2f3-4d6b-adf4-9a01da0a475d]

Ignite & Run: Fire Horse Energy & Unexpected Blessings

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2091641/fan_mail/new] The Year of the Fire Horse arrives with boldness, passion, and undeniable momentum. This is not a year that whispers — it declares. It ignites. It awakens. In this episode, Michelle shares the powerful, energetic themes surrounding the beginning of the Fire Horse year and pulls two oracle cards to guide the collective message: Rainbow Blessings from Denise Linn’s Sacred Traveler Oracle and Chaos and Conflict from Colette Baron-Reid’s Wisdom of the Oracle. What unfolds is a story of divine timing, courageous beginnings, and the sacred purpose hidden within disruption. If life feels like it’s shifting quickly… if circumstances feel turbulent… if something within you is stirring and refusing to stay small — this episode is for you. You’ll discover: * The deeper meaning of Fire Horse energy and why it brings bold transformation * Why chaos may actually be divine reorganization * How blessings can arrive wrapped in disruption * Why this is a powerful year to start the project, change careers, or follow your calling * How to move forward with courage instead of hesitation This is a year of breaking fences, igniting passion, and trusting your inner fire. The rainbow appears after the storm — and this year, blessings are cascading in every color. It’s time to run toward your becoming.

Life After the Storm

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2091641/fan_mail/new] In this episode, we explore the quiet journey from confusion to clarity — from the storms that shake us to the sunlight that follows. “The Light After the Storm” is a gentle reflection on growth, healing, and rediscovering joy. A reminder that even in chaos, life is quietly guiding you home to yourself.

Happy Veterans Day: My Bootcamp Experience

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2091641/fan_mail/new] Join me in this episode as I share my time at boot camp when I joined the U.S. Navy as an Operations Specialist. Thank you to all service members who have served and are currently serving. Thank you for keeping us safe and making the sacrifice. We see you, and we are forever grateful.

Truth Be Told: The Power of Living Authentically

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2091641/fan_mail/new] In this episode, we explore the liberating power of honesty - the kind that begins within. Learn how transparency, clarity, and self-acceptance can open the door to freedom, peace, and genuine connection.