In this inspiring episode, Susanna sits down with Kim Lloyd, a multi-talented personal trainer, author, and stand-up comedian. Kim shares her inspiring journey from working in a conventional gym to launching her own business, Kim Lloyd Fitness. She delves into the challenges of taking the leap into self-employment, the lessons learned from battling cancer, and the importance of aligning personal values with life decisions. Kim's humor and insight shine through as she recounts her stand-up debut, her thrifty upbringing, and the transformative power of vision boards. This episode is a testament to resilience, curiosity, and the joy of living authentically.

00:40 – Introducing Kim Lloyd
09:28 – Kim shares how she made the leap into self-employment and her heroine’s journey.
15:05 – Kim discusses navigating the unexpected and her experience with a surprise cancer diagnosis.
31:48 – Susanna and Kim discuss vision boards and why aligning your values is a game-changer.
37:10 – Kim shares her advice on knowing your values and following your curiosity to lead a fulfilling life.

Kim Lloyd is a personal trainer, author, and stand-up comedian whose mission is to help clients achieve their health and fitness goals while embracing the joy and kindness in life. With a background spanning journalism, teaching, caregiving, and athletics, Kim combines her life experience with a passion for personal growth. She is the author of Start Where You Are, a book that encourages readers to begin their wellness journey with a focus on realistic goals and self-compassion. Kim’s approach is rooted in mindfulness, visioning, and habit change, making her a standout in her field. When she’s not coaching, Kim can be found performing stand-up, exploring her creativity, or spending time with her family in Maine.

Website: Kim Lloyd Fitness
Instagram: @kimlloydfitness

For listeners interested in discovering their core values, Kim has generously shared a values exercise available below. Take this opportunity to align your decisions with what truly matters to you.

Kim's Values Exercise

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In this powerful episode, Susanna interviews Sheila Humphreys, a pioneer in STEM diversity and inclusion. Sheila shares her 40-year journey at UC Berkeley, where she championed initiatives to increase opportunities for marginalized groups in engineering and computer science. From navigating systemic challenges to fostering trust and mentorship, Sheila reflects on the profound impact of her work. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of advocacy, education, and relationships in creating meaningful change.

01:44 - Introducing Sheila Humphreys

13:49 - Sheila discusses her role in the creation of diversity programs in the 80s, advocating for these underrepresented groups, and the lasting impact of those programs today.

18:37 - Susanna and Sheila talk about tackling imposter syndrome and building trust in mentoring relationships.

34:25 - Sheila shares insights from her book on Berkeley’s early women doctoral graduates and how it came to be.

Sheila Humphreys has dedicated over 40 years to advancing diversity and inclusion in STEM, particularly within UC Berkeley’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) department. As the Director of Diversity, Sheila led numerous programs to support women and underrepresented students, focusing on mentorship, trust-building, and systemic change. She is also the author of a book highlighting Berkeley’s early women doctoral graduates. Sheila’s groundbreaking work has left a lasting legacy in STEM, inspiring future generations of engineers and computer scientists.

EECS Notable Women: Sheila Humphreys

Celestial Observers: The First Sixteen Berkeley Women Doctoral Graduates in Astronomy by Sheila Humphreys

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In this episode, Susanna sits down with Libby Margolis-Pineo, a fearless entrepreneur and travel writer whose deep love for Italy led her to create a thriving business importing Italian-made goods. Libby shares her story of reinvention, beginning with her "free-range" childhood, her life-changing first trip to Italy, and the small, bold steps that helped her turn a passion into a fulfilling venture. She discusses the importance of conquering fear, learning through mistakes, and how she and her husband navigated unique challenges, from navigating Italian wholesalers to unexpected customs issues. Libby’s journey is an inspiring reminder that even the smallest steps, taken with courage, can lead to a life filled with purpose, adventure, and meaning.

01:09 - Introducing Libby Margolis-Pineo

10:49 - Libby talks about taking small, fearless steps in business and her blog, Epicurious Travelers.

24:02 - Libby shares her experiences immersing herself in Italian culture while keeping Maine in mind, as well as a humorous yet daunting story about customs and learning the rules of importing.

26:41 - Susanna and Libby discuss the importance of answering "The Call" and how Libby has grown on her journey.

Libby is the founder of Margolis Pineo Italia, where she curates and imports unique Italian garments and accessories for those who love Italian style and Maine winters. A lifelong lover of Italian culture, Libby also writes about her travel adventures through her blog, Epicurious Travelers. When she's not in Italy, you can find Libby sharing her passion for Italian warmth and style with Maine shops and customers.

Margolis Pineo Italia Website
Margolis Pineo Italia on Instagram
Epicurious Travelers Blog

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In this podcast episode, Susanna Liller interviews Cig Harvey, a British-born artist and writer living in Maine. Cig shares her insights on using large-format color photography and creative non-fiction to explore sensory experiences and emotions. They discuss Cig’s personal Heroine’s Journey, the significance of paying attention to everyday moments, and the deep emotional connections found in nature. Cig also talks about her upcoming book "Emerald Drifters" and how color plays a vital role in her work, both artistically and emotionally. Stay tuned for a heartwarming conversation about creativity, nature, and beauty.

02:15 – Cig Harvey shares her journey of moving from the UK to Maine and how the shift inspired her creative path.

10:45 – The role of finding beauty in the mundane and how Cig explores ordinary moments in her art.

18:30 – Cig discusses the importance of color in her work and life.

25:05 – How committing fully to her art changed Cig’s perspective and life.

33:10 – Cig reflects on the creative process and its significance for everyone, not just artists.

Cig Harvey is a British born artist and writer, who lives in Maine, USA, working in large-format color photography and creative non-fiction. She uses both images and language to explore sensory experiences and elevate the everyday. Rich in implied narrative, deeply rooted in the natural world, her work is devoted to the topic of what it is to feel.

She has published many sold out books: You Look At Me Like An Emergency (Schilt Publishing, 2012); Gardening At Night (Schilt Publishing, 2015); You An Orchestra You A Bomb (Schilt Publishing, 2017); Reveal (with Andrea Modica & Debbie Fleming Caffrey; Yoffy Press, 2020); Blue Violet (Monacelli / Phaidon, 2021); and Eat Flowers (Two Ponds Press, 2021). Her next book will be published by Monacelli / Phaidon in 2025.

Cig is represented by Robert Mann Gallery (New York), Peter Fetterman Gallery, (Los Angeles), Jackson Fine Art (Atlanta), Robert Klein Gallery (Boston), Dowling Walsh Gallery (Maine), and Bildhalle (Switzerland & The Netherlands). She has exhibited worldwide including at Paris Photo, Art Miami, and AIPAD (New York) for the past twenty years.

If you’d like to connect with Cig you can find her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cigharvey at or through her website http://www.cigharvey.com

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In this inspiring episode, Susanna interviews Gail Larsen, a transformational speaking coach and author of Transformational Speaking: If You Want to Change the World, Tell a Better Story. Gail shares her journey of finding her voice and helping others do the same, discussing the power of transformational speaking and the importance of trusting your inner wisdom. She dives into the importance of speaking from the heart and connecting with joy as a means to inspire others, while also reflecting on her 50-year entrepreneurial journey and what it means to be a "holy fool" in today’s world. Tune in to hear Gail’s wisdom on how to embrace your authentic voice and step into your power through storytelling.

1:34 Introducing Gail Larsen

4:54 Gail shares with Susanna what a "holy fool" is, how that archetype has influenced her Heroine’s Journey, and what it’s like to jump into the unknown to follow your inner calling.

13:17 Gail talks about her writing process and the impact of transformational speaking, as well as how David Hawkins has inspired her work.

19:54 Gail explores what it means to make a difference in the lives of the people that she works with, why we shouldn’t get too comfortable, and how we need to have the courage to keep moving forward.

23:02 Gail chats with Susanna about her new book, the necessity of trusting your intuition, and shares her advice for new speakers starting out.

Gail Larsen’s work has been described by Fast Company as “transforming your relationship to your voice via the deepest stirrings of your soul.” She takes what is often considered our greatest fear–public speaking–and helps us understand that fear is truly excitement without the breath. She delights in each person finding their own way to speak from the truth of who they are and what they love to open hearts, inspire change, and move people to act.

Gail is the founder of Real Speaking® (www.realspeaking.com) and the award-winning author of Transformational Speaking: If You Want to Change the World, Tell a Better Story (Random House and Brilliance Audio). An SBA small business person of the year, her original approach to communication draws from her own journey as a previously reluctant speaker, her respect for indigenous wisdom, three+ decades in the world of speaking, and wide experience in business and association management. She is a former EVP of the worldwide National Speakers Association and was on the faculty of Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY for ten years. In 2014, she instigated the Holy Fools Day Extravaganza, an online event celebrating people who step outside convention to find their voices and become the radical change artists their souls are calling them to be. Gail offers Transformational Speaking to a global audience through both her Online Academy and live immersions in Santa Fe, NM.

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In this heartfelt episode, Susanna interviews Barbara Babkirk, a master career counselor and dear friend. Barbara shares her 30-year journey of helping individuals navigate career transitions, emphasizing the importance of listening to both the heart and head when making life decisions. Their conversation touches on Barbara’s upcoming retirement, her unexpected new passion for vintage costume jewelry, and her wisdom on trusting one’s timing in life transitions. Join Susanna and Barbara for an inspiring discussion on career, change, and following your heart.

1:12 Introducing Barbara Babkirk

10:05 Barbara shares her heroine’s journey with Susanna as they discuss how the passing of Barb’s mother led her to answering “The Call” and opening her own business, as well as how her experience as a master career counselor over the past 30 years has influenced her love of problem solving.

14:26 Barbara explores the different themes she has encountered throughout her journey and how she helps others gain the courage to value themselves and embrace the unique abilities they bring to the table.

26:46 Barbara opens up to Susanna about her feelings on retirement and the emotions that come up while learning to let go and lean into that transition.

36:01 Barbara gives her final thoughts on slowing down, following your heart, and trusting the timing of your journey.

Barbara Babkirk is a Master Career Counselor and former owner of Heart At Work Associates, an innovative career counseling and outplacement firm in Portland.

This year, Barbara is phasing into retirement from her work that involved coaching clients to recognize and exercise their options as they negotiated job offers or severance, proposed new roles, and articulated their professional value for a career transition.

A native to Maine, Barbara chose to return after living in Boston and abroad. Her commitment has been to strengthen Maine’s workforce by guiding individuals to positions that align with their skills and life stage priorities.

An ardent supporter of women in the workplace, Barbara served as President of the Board of the Maine Women’s Fund and Caring Unlimited and as a Board Member of Women Working Together.

She now lives in Cape Elizabeth with her husband and closeby to her daughter and grandson.

Barbara Babkirk's LinkedIn

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In this enlightening episode, Susanna hosts a heartfelt conversation with Dawna Markova, a visionary author and speaker renowned for her insights on creativity and self-leadership. Reflecting on her pivotal moments and the wisdom gained from her mentors, Dawna highlights the importance of cultivating courage and resilience in navigating life’s challenges. She explores the intersection of creativity and mindfulness, offering profound insights into how embracing curiosity can unlock hidden potentials. Join Susanna and Dawna for an inspiring dialogue on the profound art of living authentically and finding possibilities amidst life's uncertainties.

1:23 Introducing Dawna Markova

15:49 Dawna opens up about the inspiration she gained from her mother, her beginnings in racing, and how her difficult divorce led her on a journey to reclaiming possibility.

20:21 Dawna shares with Susanna how she began writing columns for New Woman magazine and driving around the world with her young son in the early 70s, exploring their many adventures.

31:23 Dawna reads her poem, “I Will Not Die An Unlived Life”.

Dawna Markova followed her precious grandmother’s footsteps to become a midwife, but rather than babies, she helps birth possibilities within and between people. She has lived many incarnations in the past seven decades as an author, teacher, psychotherapist, researcher, executive advisor, and organizational fairy godmother. One of the creators of the best-selling Random Acts of Kindness series, Dawna is the author of many other inspirational books, including: I Will Not Die an Unlived Life: Reclaiming Purpose and Passion; Reconcilable Differences: Connecting In a Disconnected World; Collaborative Intelligence: Thinking With People Who Think Differently; A Spot of Grace: Remarkable Stories of How You DO Make a Difference.

Dawna Markova's Website

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In this uplifting episode, Susanna Liller interviews Dr. Gerry Ollila, a dedicated family practitioner and aesthetic physician who started her own practice at the age of 50. Dr. Ollila shares her journey of taking one step at a time, the influence of her mother’s advice, and the importance of self-trust and faith. She discusses the challenges and rewards of establishing her practice and emphasizes the significance of love, kindness, and service in her professional and personal life. Join Susanna and Dr. Ollila for an inspiring conversation on overcoming self-doubt and following one’s calling.

1:05 Introducing Dr. Gerry Ollila

3:37 Dr. Ollila describes to Susanna what led her to answering “The Call” and how she started her own practice at 50.

10:26 Susanna and Dr. Ollila discuss imposter syndrome, how it impacts women, and how we should be empowering women feel better about themselves and their careers.

15:58 Dr. Ollila shares her spiritual journey and how faith has given her the strength to keep moving forward, serve people, and embody kindness.

32:31 Dr. Ollila talks about her practice and explores how important it is to validate women in their battles.

Dr. Geraldine Ollila is a family practitioner and aesthetic physician that has been serving Maine patients for over 30 years. She has earned a loyal following of patients seeking consultation, advice and treatment for a variety of aesthetic concerns as we age. Dr. Ollila received a Bachelor of Science cum laude degree in Physical Therapy from the University of New England in 1988. She graduated from the University of New England’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1993 and completed her residency at Brighton Medical Center, Portland, Maine. Her practice of aesthetic medicine has spanned over 14 years and has included laser medicine, injectable fillers and neurotoxins, scar revision, and acne care.

Maine Laser and Aesthetics,LLC,PA | Dr. Geraldine Ollila

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