Rebel Rootz Show

MS Endurance Warrior: From Diagnosis to Training for a 281.2-Mile Ultra Triathlon w/ Misty Johnson (EP #63)

Rebel Rootz Show Episode #63 with Misty Johnson. Misty Johnson is an endurance athlete living with multiple sclerosis. After being diagnosed in 2016, she went from vision loss, fear, and uncertainty to completing eight Ironman races, including the World Championship. Now, she is training for the Endure Double Ultra Triathlon, a 281.2-mile race with a 36-hour cutoff. In this episode, Misty shares the raw reality of her MS diagnosis, the early fear of losing her independence, and the moment everything changed. She opens up about being legally blind, learning to trust her body again, finding community through endurance sports, and using her story to show others what is still possible after diagnosis. This conversation is about more than racing. It is about resilience, identity, support, and refusing to let a diagnosis define the rest of your life. Misty’s story is a powerful reminder that life does not end after diagnosis. Sometimes, it becomes the beginning of something even bigger. Timestamps: [00:00] Trailer + Intro [01:27] Meet Misty Johnson [02:04] Small Town Roots and Military Life [04:11] Early MS Symptoms [07:29] Vision Loss and Health Scares [12:21] First Year of Marriage and MS Diagnosis [14:45] The MRI That Changed Everything [18:04] Losing Independence [20:50] From Diagnosis to Endurance Sports [24:23] Finding Support and Community [28:33] Discovering Triathlon [31:44] First Race and Ironman Journey [34:59] Eight Ironman Finishes [35:19] Training for 281.2 Miles [39:05] Racing Without a Guide [42:01] Advice for Someone Newly Diagnosed [43:35] Follow Misty’s Journey Key Takeaways:   • “Your life doesn’t end after diagnosis, and it could actually get better.” ~ Misty Johnson • “I was legally blind, diagnosed legally blind the same time that I was diagnosed with MS.” ~ Misty Johnson • “I have MS and I’m legally blind and I’m here to talk to you about your internet.” ~ Misty Johnson • “I just want people to see that your life doesn’t end after diagnosis and that it could actually get better.” ~ Misty Johnson • “My next big goal is the Endure Double Ultra Triathlon. It’s 281.2 miles continuous.” ~ Misty Johnson • It gets better, like it will get better and don’t afraid to just keep going. ~ Misty Johnson • “You have taken a diagnosis and turned it into such an advocacy for everyone else out there.” ~ Evonne Varady Keep In Touch with Misty Johnson:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DyeC1YUQQ/ [https://www.facebook.com/share/1DyeC1YUQQ/]  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ms.endurance.warrior [https://www.tiktok.com/@ms.endurance.warrior]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms.endurance.warrior [https://www.instagram.com/ms.endurance.warrior]  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ms.endurance.warrior [https://youtube.com/@ms.endurance.warrior]  Connect with Evonne Varady:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/ [https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/]  Follow Rebel Rootz Social Media… Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/ [https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/ [https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/]  Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform:  Website: https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/ [https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/]  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309]  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs [https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow [https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow]  This Podcast Is Powered By Clean Eatz: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/ [https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/ [https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/]  Website: https://cleaneatz.com/ [https://cleaneatz.com/about] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGG [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGGA]

Candid Interview with Pender County’s First Female Mayor w/ Olivia Dawson (EP #62)

Rebel Rootz Show Episode #62 with Olivia Dawson. In this episode of Rebel Rootz, Evonne Varady sits down with Olivia Dawson, the Mayor of Burgaw, North Carolina, for a candid conversation about leadership, service, and small town impact. Olivia shares how her love for community led her from local events and tourism to becoming the first female mayor of Pender County. She opens up about running a small town, staying grounded, balancing family, and why her work has always been about service over status. Evonne and Olivia also talk about why small towns are often underestimated, what makes Burgaw special, and how thoughtful growth can create real opportunity. Tune in to hear what it really takes to lead a small town with purpose. Timestamps: [00:00] Trailer + Intro [01:29] Meet Olivia Dawson [03:04] Community & Service [03:48] Running for Mayor [05:33] First Female Mayor [08:21] Reality of the Role [11:38] Staying Grounded [13:27] Mayor Mode [15:30] Why Small Towns Matter [17:01] What Makes Burgaw Special [18:48] Goals for Burgaw [22:41] Building Downtown [25:05] Advice for Leaders [27:23] Growth Between Terms [32:06] Rapid Fire [34:08] Blueberry Festival Key Takeaways:   • “I just had a yearning that I wanted to give back or to do something grand.” ~ Olivia Dawson • “I didn’t run on being a woman. I really ran on that I love my community.” ~ Olivia Dawson • Leading a small town means handling everything from sidewalks and roads to business, housing, water, and growth. ~ Olivia Dawson • “I have to take care of myself to bring the best version of myself.” ~ Olivia Dawson • Small towns are often underestimated, but they are where people live, build community, and create real opportunity. ~ Olivia Dawson • “It depends on if you’re helping your small town reach its potential. It matters.” ~ Olivia Dawson • “Just because government runs slow doesn’t mean everything has to run slow.” ~ Olivia Dawson • It is easy to sit outside and have opinions. It is harder to be the one making the calls. ~ Evonne Varady Keep In Touch with Olivia Dawson:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayoroliviadawson/ [https://www.instagram.com/mayoroliviadawson/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OliviaforBurgawMayor [https://www.facebook.com/OliviaforBurgawMayor] Resources Mentioned:  Town of Burgaw: https://burgawnc.gov/ [https://burgawnc.gov/]  Visit Burgaw: https://visitburgawnc.com/ [https://visitburgawnc.com/]  Pender County: https://pendercountync.gov/ [https://pendercountync.gov/]  North Carolina Blueberry Festival: https://ncblueberryfestival.com/ [https://ncblueberryfestival.com/]  Town of Burgaw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BurgawNC/ [https://www.facebook.com/BurgawNC/]  Visit Burgaw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitBurgawNC/ [https://www.facebook.com/VisitBurgawNC/]  Connect with Evonne Varady:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/ [https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/]  Follow Rebel Rootz Social Media… Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/ [https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/ [https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/]  Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform:  Website: https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/ [https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/]  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309]  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs [https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow [https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow]  This Podcast Is Powered By Clean Eatz: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/ [https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/ [https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/]  Website: https://cleaneatz.com/ [https://cleaneatz.com/about] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGG [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGGA]

Motherhood Unfiltered: What Being a Mom Is Actually Like w/ Shelby, Gina, and Janet (EP #61)

Rebel Rootz Show Episode #61 with Shelby Campbell, Gina Smits, and Janet Mordeci. In this special Mother’s Day episode, Evonne Varady sits down with three women in different stages of motherhood. Shelby Campbell, Evonne’s oldest daughter, is an 11-week postpartum first-time mom. Gina Smits is a wife of nearly 31 years, mother of five, adoptive mom, and special needs mama. Janet Mordeci is preparing to welcome her first baby after a long infertility journey. Together, they talk about what motherhood actually feels like beyond the flowers, cards, and picture-perfect moments. From mom guilt, self-care, breastfeeding, asking for help, infertility, adoption, special needs parenting, and letting go of perfection, this conversation is honest, funny, emotional, and deeply human. This episode is a reminder that motherhood is messy, beautiful, exhausting, and full of seasons that go faster than you think. Watch now and share this with a mom who deserves more grace today. Timestamps: [00:00] Trailer + Intro [01:54] Meet Shelby, Gina, and Janet [04:22] What Motherhood Means [08:28] Too Many Opinions [13:50] Motherhood Is Not Easy [15:44] Asking For Help [23:02] Every Stage Matters [27:06] Eighteen Summers [29:45] It’s Just A Phase [31:04] Infertility and Marriage [33:00] Things Change When It’s Your Own [33:59] Dirty Dishes Can Wait [35:19] Self-Care In Motherhood [39:23] Mom Guilt [42:46] Social Media and Motherhood [45:40] ChatGPT Parenting [46:46] Best Advice For Moms [49:50] Have Fun With It Key Takeaways:   • “There is no self-care. I’m lucky if I get a shower every day.” ~ Shelby Campbell • “It’s so different when it’s your own. You just think everything’s cute.” ~ Shelby Campbell • Let the little things go. The dishes, laundry, and dust can wait, but the baby moments do not come back. ~ Shelby Campbell • “Mother’s Day gets wrapped up in flowers, cards, picture perfect moments, but that’s not the full story.” ~ Evonne Varady • “I think it’s a love that nobody understands the strength of it until you are a mother.” ~ Gina Smits • “Your kids will never love you as much as you love them.” ~ Gina Smits • Give yourself grace. You cannot be perfect, and your kids need to see that too. ~ Gina Smits • “You really only have 18 summers with them.” ~ Janet Mordeci • Stick to your own truth and block out the noise. ~ Janet Mordeci • “We forget about the fun, and those days go by super fast.” ~ Evonne Varady Connect with Evonne Varady:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/ [https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/]  Follow Rebel Rootz Social Media… Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/ [https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/ [https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/]  Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform:  Website: https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/ [https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/]  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309]  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs [https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow [https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow]  This Podcast Is Powered By Clean Eatz: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/ [https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/ [https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/]  Website: https://cleaneatz.com/ [https://cleaneatz.com/about] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGG [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGGA]

You’re One Decision Away from a Completely Different Life w/ Stephanie O’Neal (EP #60)

Rebel Rootz Show Episode #60 with Stephanie O’Neal. In this episode of Rebel Rootz, Evonne Varady sits down with Stephanie O’Neal for a powerful conversation about resilience, rebuilding, and what it really means to create a different life for yourself. Stephanie shares her story of growing up poor in rural Pennsylvania, joining the Army, serving after 9/11, and building a career in federal service while constantly pushing beyond the limits placed on women. She opens up about thriving in male-dominated spaces, refusing to take the easy route, and why she never let herself be defined by where she came from. Stephanie also shares the personal side of her story, including divorce, starting over, step-parenting, second marriage, and learning that you do not need to have everything figured out before making a life-changing decision. Evonne and Stephanie talk about fear, discipline, showing up, rebuilding from the ground up, and the mindset shift that helped Stephanie move forward when life did not go according to plan. This episode is for anyone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of what comes next. Tune in to hear why Stephanie O’Neal believes you’re one decision away from a completely different life. Timestamps: [00:00] Trailer and Intro[ 02:23] Meet Stephanie O’Neal [03:56] Small town poverty [06:22] Women in basic training [09:15] Proving herself [11:24] 9/11 and deployments [12:10] Moving to Wilmington [13:43] DOD police and competing [15:33] Female cops and standards [17:42] Running toward danger [19:39] Princess to uniform [21:10] Divorce and starting over [23:22] One decision changes everything [25:57] Grace when plans fail [27:06] Stepmom life [29:12] Why her second marriage works [33:05] Favorite training schools [35:55] Her mom’s influence [37:02] Advice for women [37:58] Final thoughts Key Takeaways:   • “I was not only gonna do what the men could do, but I was gonna do it better than them.” ~ Stephanie O’Neal • Equality means showing up the same way in hard spaces, not pulling the female card when it’s convenient. ~ Stephanie O’Neal • “People who think they’re stuck, you are only one decision away from a completely different life.” ~ Stephanie O’Neal • “You don’t have to have anything figured out. You can figure it out as you go.” ~ Stephanie O’Neal • Second marriages can work better because you know who you are, what you want, and what you will not accept anymore. ~ Evonne Varady • We all want clarity ~ Evonne Varady • “You have to put in the hard work, you have to put in the time and you have to be dedicated.” ~ Stephanie O’Neal Connect with Evonne Varady:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/ [https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/]  Follow Rebel Rootz Social Media… Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/ [https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/ [https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/]  Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform:  Website: https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/ [https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/]  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309]  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs [https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow [https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow]  This Podcast Is Powered By Clean Eatz: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/ [https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/ [https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/]  Website: https://cleaneatz.com/ [https://cleaneatz.com/about] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGG [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGGA]

From Starving Artist to Global Art Brand w/ Yvette St. Amant (EP #59)

Rebel Rootz Show Episode #59 with Yvette St. Amant. In this episode of Rebel Rootz, Evonne Varady sits down with Yvette St. Amant for an inspiring conversation about creativity, rejection, entrepreneurship, and what it really takes to turn art into a successful business. Yvette opens up about going from the “starving artist” label to building a global art brand through licensing, online courses, and her own paint company. Yvette shares how she grew up drawing, painting, and decorating anything she could get her hands on, even when the people around her did not fully understand her path. After working in photography, production, and real estate development, she found herself depressed, unfulfilled, and terrified to leave the security of a steady job. But with support from her husband and therapist, she finally took the leap and bet on herself. What followed was not instant success. Yvette talks about rejection, burnout, and the frustration of trying to create what she thought the industry wanted. Everything changed when she stopped forcing it and painted two Birds of Paradise pieces for herself. Those paintings became the breakthrough that launched her art licensing career and put her in the top 10 best-selling artists globally in licensing. Evonne and Yvette also dive into the emotional side of being an artist, the fear of rejection, the lack of support so many creatives face, and why building a safe, encouraging community matters so much. Yvette explains how she went from feeling unsupported to now supporting thousands of artists around the world through her courses, community, retreats, and paint brand. If you have ever wondered whether art can become a real business, struggled with being misunderstood, or needed proof that you can create your own path, this episode will light a fire in you. Tune in to hear how Yvette St. Amant turned her creativity into income, impact, and a global brand. Timestamps: [00:00] Trailer and Intro [02:35] Meet Yvette St. Amant [03:52] Building an art community [05:52] Why artists need support [08:58] Fear of rejection [09:56] Childhood creativity [13:16] Growing up on the lake [15:32] Fine arts and changing paths [18:48] Moving to Vancouver [19:46] Real estate development years [21:56] Depression and wanting more [22:37] Quitting the safe job [26:13] Being called the starving artist [27:01] Her husband’s support [28:36] Consulting after quitting [30:05] Discovering art licensing [31:25] Rejection after rejection [34:15] The Birds of Paradise breakthrough [34:54] Top 10 licensing success [35:37] Paint what you love [36:46] How art licensing works [41:37] Big retail partnerships [45:08] From licensing to online courses [48:01] Starting YouTube and Skillshare [49:05] Building Painting with Yvette [52:21] Creating Let’s Get Artsy [55:08] Full circle support [56:09] Proving people wrong Key Takeaways:   • “Friends are always going support you because they think it’s your hobby, but they’ll never think that it’s something that you can actually make a living doing.” ~ Yvette St. Amant • “There’s no blueprint for it. You have to find what works for you.” ~ Yvette St. Amant • “I was totally afraid to disappoint my family.” ~ Yvette St. Amant • “My mom, whenever she would introduce me to somebody, it would be like, ‘This is my daughter, the starving artist.’” ~ Yvette St. Amant • “When you love what you paint, it’s going to resonate with people.” ~ Yvette St. Amant • There is two type of people, right? The ones that get told that they’re not gonna be successful… and then others go, you just lit my fire. ~ Evonne Varady Keep In Touch with Yvette St. Amant: Website: https://www.yvettestamant.com/ [https://www.yvettestamant.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yvettestamant/ [https://www.instagram.com/yvettestamant/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yvettestamant/ [https://www.facebook.com/yvettestamant/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yvettest.amantfinearts3847 [https://www.youtube.com/@yvettest.amantfinearts3847] Connect with Evonne Varady:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/ [https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/]