In Pursuit of Words That Matter

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.

In Pursuit of Grounded Power

This week on the Power to Pursue Podcast, Rachel sits down with mindset and movement coach Nadia Murdock for a deeply grounding conversation about what it really means to return to yourself. Together, they explore the power of women gathering intentionally, the importance of community in healing, and how alignment, gratitude, movement, and play can radically shift the way we experience life. From building wellness-centered spaces in New York City to creating transformational retreats in Italy and the Catskills, Nadia shares how her work helps women reconnect to their bodies, expand their capacity, and step into the fullest version of themselves. Rachel and Nadia also dive into motherhood, emotional intelligence, grief, entrepreneurship, self-worth, travel, human design, and the courage it takes to unlearn limiting beliefs. This episode is an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and remember: there is more available to you than survival. There is ease. There is joy. There is expansion. And there is a life waiting for you on the other side of choosing yourself. Whether you’re navigating transition, craving deeper connection, or simply trying to believe in your own potential again — this conversation will leave you feeling seen, energized, and inspired to pursue the life that’s calling you.

In Pursuit of Purpose & Systems Change

In this episode of Power to Pursue, we sit down with Kristin Smith Shrimplin, President & CEO of Women Helping Women, for a conversation that is equal parts grounding, challenging, and deeply human. Kristin shares what it means to live a life rooted in purpose, and why she’s always been clear on hers: creating collective impact. From leading an organization that serves thousands of survivors of gender-based violence each year to reflecting on the small, daily rituals that keep her anchored, Kristin reminds us that meaningful work is about consistency, integrity, and showing up. Together, we explore: * What it means to be “worth your salt” and walk the talk every day * The reality of systems that make it harder for survivors to leave—and why change must happen at a structural level * The power of food, community, and breaking bread as a form of connection and care * How to build sustainable practices (even in high-intensity work) through small, grounding rituals * Why knowing who you are, and refusing to shrink, is essential to both personal and collective liberation Kristin challenges the narrative around survivors, reframing them as leaders, advocates, and forces of resilience. She also calls us in: if we’re not in survival mode, what are we doing with our privilege to create change? This conversation is a reminder that the most powerful movements aren’t built in isolation—they’re built in community, in truth, and in the courage to keep showing up. What are you in pursuit of?

In Pursuit of Peace, Prosperity & Protein

What does it look like to build a life that actually feels as good as it looks? In this episode of the Power to Pursue Podcast, we sit down with Jane Karlson, women’s health coach, entrepreneur, and founder behind Train Like Jane, to talk about the real work behind wellness, ambition, and alignment. Jane shares her journey from a 17-year corporate career into full-time coaching, and how burnout, people-pleasing, and the relentless pursuit of “more” forced her to redefine success on her own terms. From competing in over a decade of bodybuilding to navigating the mental and physical toll it took, Jane opens up about the discipline, the damage, and the deep self-awareness that ultimately led her to something new. Enter her latest venture: Protein Treat Queen, a passion project born from a need for high-protein, actually enjoyable foods that support women’s health without sacrificing taste. What started as a Saturday ritual in her kitchen has quickly evolved into a full-scale business, rooted in intention, innovation, and a desire to serve women differently. This conversation dives into: * The tension between burnout and ambition, and how to recognize when you’re out of alignment * The truth about “wellness” culture and redefining it for yourself * Taking leaps of faith (and knowing when to pivot) * Building something from scratch—and giving yourself permission to try * Why peace, prosperity, and productivity don’t have to be mutually exclusive At its core, this episode is a reminder: you’re allowed to change your mind, choose yourself, and pursue what actually lights you up. Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do… is try. (And yes—there’s bread, brownies, and a whole lot of protein involved.) Connect with Jane: Facebook: Jane Karlson, James Karlson Instagram: @trainlikejane_ | @jamesmkarlson

In Pursuit of Becoming: Navigating Imposter Syndrome, Burnout, and Growth (LIVE from 1819!)

Recorded at 1819 Innovation Hub during Professional Readiness Day, this special live episode of the Power to Pursue Podcast brings together powerful voices across entrepreneurship, leadership, and student experience. Hosted by University of Cincinnati students Mirsayah Wasnuk and Anna Kantz, this conversation features Rachel DesRochers and Camryn Ellis for an honest, energizing dialogue on what it really means to build a life, and career, with intention. From navigating imposter syndrome to redefining success, this episode dives deep into the realities of leadership as a woman, the pressure to “have it all figured out,” and the courage it takes to show up anyway. The panel explores themes of identity, burnout, community, and the power of choosing growth over perfection. With moments that are both deeply personal and widely relatable, this conversation is a reminder that you don’t need to have all the answers... you just need to keep going. What are you in pursuit of?