Boss Babes of the Bluegrass

46 - Lessons in Wellness from Shalonda Smith

Shalanda Smith is a seasoned nurse, yoga instructor, and wellness advocate in Central Kentucky. Shalanda Smith shares her journey from 30 years in long-term care nursing to her current roles at Bluegrass Care Navigators’ Pace Center and as a yoga and Pilates teacher, emphasizing the importance of preventive health, community wellness, and self-care. The conversation explores shifts in healthcare, balancing work and personal life, the value of strong female networks like Women Who Thrive, and supportive reading recommendations like "Let Them" by Mel Robbins. Connect with her  859-693-3644, email ssmith4275@gmail.com [ssmith4275@gmail.com], on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/shalanda.white] or Instagram. [https://www.instagram.com/atpeaceshala/]

45 - Championing Children and Community with Stephanie Spires

Stephanie Spires, CEO of Spires Strategies, shares about her journey in business, passion for advocating for children and families, and balancing life as a single mother of five. Stephanie shares insights on her unique business model that supports both families—especially executive mothers—and schools, her perspective on educational advocacy and trauma-informed practices, as well as her candidacy for LFUCG Council-At-Large. Topics include overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating the challenges of scaling a business, finding harmony amid chaos, the importance of community support in education, and her advice on embracing lifelong learning and resilience. Stephanie Spires welcomes listeners to reach out via her website, spirestrategies.com [https://spiresstrategies.com/], campaign website stephaniespires.com [https://stephaniespires.com/], or social media for guidance or support.

44 - Confidence and Business with Rachael Bullock

Rachael Bullock is a longtime Mary Kay entrepreneur who discusses her journey of nearly 29 years in the beauty industry. Rachel shares how she empowers women through confidence-building with makeup, skincare, and entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of personal relationships and adaptability, especially during challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and her mother’s ALS diagnosis. In this episode, Kris & Rachael explore leadership strategies such as leveraging individual strengths, navigating work-life harmony, and the value of mentorship and resilience in business. Rachael also recommends key resources, including Mary Kay Ash’s autobiography and the book "Living Fearless [https://www.amazon.com/Living-Fearless-Exchanging-World-Liberating/dp/0800740297/]" by Jamie Winship, as well as the podcast "How I Built This [https://home.wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this]" for further inspiration. Reach Rachel Bullock on Instagram as @RBPink [https://www.instagram.com/rbpink] or through her Mary Kay website [https://www.marykay.com/rbullock/en/home] for personalized beauty tips.

43 - The Executive Method with Amanda Woods Hall

Amanda Woods Hall is founder of The Executive Method, to explore how embracing your authentic self—and understanding the way your brain works—can transform your life and business. Amanda shared actionable strategies for overcoming procrastination, harmonizing the demands of home and career, and cultivating empathy as the heart of leadership. If you’re ready to ditch unrealistic productivity pressure and unlock systems tailored to your energy and goals, this is for you. Follow The Executive Method to discover more ways to thrive, on your terms.

42 - Navigating Law and Life with Judge Lucy VanMeter

Judge Lucy Van Meter shares her inspiring journey from Bourbon County High to becoming Fayette Circuit Court Judge and now running for Kentucky Court of Appeals. We talk about the challenges of making tough decisions, navigating a demanding legal career, and the importance of mentorship, self-care, and lifelong friendships. Judge Van Meter reminds us to embrace change and stay connected with our communities. If you’re looking for motivation and real-life wisdom, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.