She Fascinates Me

Episode 26 - Ann Riddle: From Army Brat to Expat: An Unexpected Life Abroad

I had a fabulous conversation with Ann Riddle, my friend who lived the expat life for eight years on what was supposed to be a five year assignment that turned into 8. Join us as we talk about: Growing up as an Army brat and why moving felt natural The emotional process of becoming an expat Living in Moscow for two winters during a fascinating period of history Why it takes intention to build meaningful friendships abroad The resilience and patience required to start over in another country. Ann’s upbringing, attitude and bond with her husband made it successful wherever they landed. Whether you’ve lived overseas, dream of doing it one day, or simply love hearing stories about brave life pivots, I think you’ll find Ann’s perspective both inspiring and surprisingly relatable.

Episode 25 - Terry Ward & Martha Gaughen: The World as Their Office

In this episode of She Fascinates Me, I sit down with Luxury Travel Consultant, Martha Gaughen of Brownell Travel and freelance travel journalist, Terry Ward whose decades long careers have taken them everywhere from iconic destinations to incredible hidden gems all around the world. We talked about what it takes to make a living helping others experience the world and the moments that make it all worthwhile. We also discuss why the human experience in each of their professions matters the most in an increasingly digital world and how curiosity, trust, and relationships are essential. I loved spending this time with Terry and Martha-their office happens to be the whole wide world. Just fascinating! ---- Follow me on Instagram@terrywardwriter and Find my articles on Terry-Ward.com ---- Martha Gaughen O.404.591.863 | C.404.735.5608 mailto: marthag@mandltravel.com

Episode 24 - Grace and Resilience Look Like This

In this deeply personal episode of She Fascinates Me, I sit down with my mom for a conversation that is equal parts family history, love story, and reflection on resilience. Together, we revisit her memories of moving to the United States as a little girl, learning a new language, embracing a new culture, and building a life she could never have imagined. We talk about the excitement of marrying young, missing her new husband during his deployment to Vietnam, raising our family while my dad worked tirelessly to build a business, and the moments that, looking back, became the foundation of an extraordinary life. As she reflects on those experiences—and on facing Parkinson’s today with the same grace, strength, and optimism that have always defined her—I found myself not only fascinated by my mom, but by the beautiful partnership she and my dad have shared through every chapter of their lives. This episode is about family, courage, perseverance, and the quiet ways love carries us through life’s biggest changes. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I loved having this conversation with her.

Episode 23: Jocelyn Challas - From Empty Nest to Film Set

What if reinvention didn’t require a plan—just a little curiosity?In this episode, I sit down with my friend Jocelyn Challas, who embraced empty nesting in the most unexpected way… by stepping onto film and television sets as a background artist. With no prior acting aspirations, Jocelyn simply decided to try something new—and found herself immersed in a world most of us only see on screen. From early call times to long hours of waiting, she shares what it’s really like behind the scenes, the surprising rhythm of set life, and the quiet thrill of being part of the action. We talk about what it means to step into someone else’s shoes for a day, the joy of doing something purely for the experience, and the unexpected fulfillment that can come from saying yes to something just because it sounds fun. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most fascinating paths are the ones you never planned to take. Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts—and if you haven’t yet, be sure to subscribe on YouTube. New episodes drop weekly.

Episode 22 - Holly Horwege: A Trés Chic Fashion Startup - at 42!

She’s incredibly kind, beautiful, stylish, and has that unmistakable energy of someone who is going to be successful at whatever she touches. In this episode, I sit down with Holly Horwege in the early days of building her brand, The Maison Marie—and it’s a conversation that feels as exciting as it is insightful. After years of loving the ease and affordability of clothing rental, Holly recognized something was missing—and almost overnight, the vision for The Maison Marie came to her. What’s most striking is what happened next: she didn’t sit on the idea. She moved. Quickly and decisively, putting the pieces in place and stepping fully into the lifestyle of building a startup in her 40s. With the support of her entrepreneur husband, she’s in it—fully—and we talk candidly about what that actually looks like. The pace, the sacrifices, the constant decision-making, and the confidence it takes to enter a space with already well-established competitors and still believe there’s room for something new. It’s an honest look at the realities of starting something from scratch—but also a glimpse into a brand that already feels incredibly special.I feel genuinely privileged to share Holly—and her story—with you.