Best BFF With The Chef Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 100 BTS of How We Got to 100 Episodes (!!!) with Hillary O’Dell 1:02:26

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6d ago1:02:26

1:02:26

Well, butter my biscuit and cue the confetti cannons. This is our 100th episode, and I’m joined by one of my favorite humans (and former guest), Hillary O’Dell, to mark this wild, wonderful milestone. It’s tender, it’s unhinged, it’s full of heart, and it’s exactly what I hoped it would be. We reminisce about how we met (spoiler: it involves embarr…

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Ep 99: Hosting a Dinner Party with Heart (Not Stress) with Faith Kenzler 54:32

13d ago54:32

54:32

As the holidays get closer, I always feel that familiar mix of excitement and pressure. The menus, the timing, the tiny details that somehow turn into big feelings. Hosting can so easily slip into performance mode, and I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit. So in this episode, I wanted to explore what it looks like to bring the heart ba…

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Ep 98: How to Ease Anxiety and Socialize with Intention with Coach Lee Hopkins 42:53

20d ago42:53

42:53

Have you ever walked into a party and felt your chest tighten, or skipped an event entirely because it felt too overwhelming? Even as someone who leans more extroverted, I’ve been there, and I learned so much from this conversation. As the holiday season ramps up, so does the pressure to be on, to mingle, to make conversation that doesn’t always fe…

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Ep 97: A Vision for a More Accessible World with Veteran Zach Tidwell 37:13

27d ago37:13

37:13

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is survive. And sometimes surviving becomes the doorway to something extraordinary. In this episode, I talk with Zach Tidwell, a Marine Corps veteran who lost his sight in a suicide attempt and then rewrote the story of his life. From relearning how to navigate the world to becoming an award-winning software d…

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Ep 96: Simple Ways to Embrace the Art of Cozy Living with Sabine Hayes 47:35

1M ago47:35

47:35

There’s something magical about this time of year when the air turns crisp and we reach for our softest sweatshirts. But cozy living isn’t about adding more; it’s about noticing more. In this episode, I’m joined by interior designer Sabine Hayes of Georgette Marise Interiors, who believes that design can bring peace, purpose, and joy to everyday li…

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Ep 95: Halloween Costumes and the Magic of Dressing Up with Kristin Gredys Ihm 36:14

1M ago36:14

36:14

When was the last time you truly dressed up, not to impress, but to express? This week, I'm joined by my dear friend Kristin Gredys Ihm for a conversation that’s part Halloween fun and part soulful exploration of self-expression through style. From Mickey Mouse cowboy boots to go-go boots in Catholic school, Kristin has always used clothes as a can…

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From Alone to Connected: Building Friendship in the Digital Age 23:05

2M ago23:05

23:05

In this heartwarming and thought-provoking episode, Leisa and Tamara sit down with Gabor K. Kadas, founder of Friending.com—a new app designed to help people safely meet real friends offline. Gabor shares his inspiring journey from feeling isolated after moving around the world to developing a tech solution that connects people through shared inter…

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Ep 94: Why You're Thinking About Retirement All Wrong with Monique Rhodes 41:25

2M ago41:25

41:25

We’re told retirement is a golden reward, a never-ending vacation filled with ease and leisure. But what if it doesn’t feel that way? What if the structure, the purpose, the rhythm of your days quietly vanishes, and you’re left wondering who you are without the title, the routine, the responsibilities? In this episode, I’m joined once again by Moni…

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Ep 93: BFF Banter and “24th” Birthday Shenanigans with My Bestie Serena 54:28

2M ago54:28

54:28

Every year that passes, I feel more permission to be fully myself. And what better way to celebrate another trip around the sun than with the person who knows me best? It’s my birthday episode, and this year I’m joined by my Canadian bestie Serena for a laughter-filled catch-up that’s equal parts meaningful and mildly ridiculous. We took a playful …

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Ep 92: Five Non-Negotiable Rituals for a More Joyful Month 16:11

2M ago16:11

16:11

By Shawnna Stiver

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Ep 91: Giving Women a Seat at the (Chef’s) Table with Tina McCard 33:37

2M ago33:37

33:37

Sometimes the smallest spark can light the way to something much bigger. When chef Tina McCard posed for a professional headshot, she didn’t just see herself; she saw a whole community of women who deserved to be seen too. That moment became the beginning of Our Table Chefs, a growing movement empowering women in food and hospitality to step into t…

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Ep 90: “We’re All Nerds” and Other Gen Z Roasts From My Nieces 49:08

3M ago49:08

49:08

It started with a text: “You have to have us on the podcast for National Family Day.” So, here we are. My nieces, Sarah and London, are taking over the mic for a no-holds-barred, completely unfiltered family roast. In this episode, we dive into the strange and delightful things only families understand. We unpack their wild devotion to our dad (a.k…

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Ep 89: Using Art Therapy Exercises for Stress Relief with Susan Day 42:18

3M ago42:18

42:18

We’ve been drawing on cave walls longer than we’ve been talking. That little fact alone hints at just how primal and healing art can be. In this episode, I’m joined by mindful arts coach, author, and app developer Susan Day for a conversation that is full of heart, color, and quiet revelation. We explore the healing power of creativity, not as some…

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Ethereal Bonds: A Friendship Beyond Lifetimes 25:59

3M ago25:59

25:59

Ever wondered how a friendship can transcend lifetimes, yet feel brand new? In Episode 78 of "How I Met My BFF," join us as we dive into the ethereal bond between Leah Harrington and Rebecca Randolph. Hosted by Leisa and Tamara, who kick things off with tales from Tamara's vineyard harvest at Ten Spoon Winery and Leisa's speaking adventures with th…

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Ep 88: Life Update and Tips to Survive (and Thrive) in the Messy Middle 21:59

3M ago21:59

21:59

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but if you’re stuck in the thick of things, swamped, strung out, and nowhere near the finish line, this one's for you. In this solo episode, I’m sharing what it’s like to live through the messy middle. That foggy, frustrating stretch where you’ve started something, maybe a business, a healing journey, or just a …

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Ep 87: Your Playlist is Trying to Tell You Something with Molly Lord 1:04:16

3M ago1:04:16

1:04:16

Have you ever cried to a song and wondered why? Or felt completely transformed after hearing just a few chords? In this conversation with the brilliant and hilarious Molly Lord, we explore how music taps into the deepest parts of who we are. Molly is the creator of Tuned In Productions and author of Holy Dirt, a memoir about walking 500 miles acros…

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Ep 86: Finding Strategies That Fit Your Brain, Your Way with Becca Block 51:40

3M ago51:40

51:40

If your brain doesn’t thrive on traditional productivity hacks, it doesn’t mean you’re broken; it might just mean you have a spicy brain. In this conversation, I’m joined once again by Dr. Rebecca Block to explore how to work with your brain instead of against it. We talk about procrastination as emotion management, why low dopamine makes “helpful”…

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Ep 85: The Five Ingredients to a 'Bon Vivant' Lifestyle with Nathalie Botros 44:00

4M ago44:00

44:00

What if the recipe for joy was as simple as a smile, a little movement, and saying no to one more draining obligation? In this episode, I’m joined by Nathalie Botros, the radiant psychotherapist-turned-coach behind The Happiness Cocktail and the Bon Vivant Girl lifestyle. Her story is one of deep reinvention; from chasing happiness across countries…

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From Strangers to Sisters with Joanna Sanchez and Eva Vennari 20:39

4M ago20:39

20:39

How do friendships form in the most unexpected places? What happens when two people click instantly at a Fourth of July gathering? Join us as we dive into these questions with our fabulous guests, Eva Vennari and Joanna Sanchez, on "How I Met My BFF" with your hosts, Leisa and Tamara. Ever wondered how a cautious soul and an openly affectionate spi…

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Ep 84: Journal Your Way to Better Mental Health with Pamela Byrd 47:52

4M ago47:52

47:52

Sometimes the simplest tools can be the most powerful, and for me, journaling has always been one of them. In this conversation, I sit down with Pamela Byrd, who has been putting pen to paper since she was eleven years old, to talk about how writing can help us heal, grow, and truly know ourselves. Pamela shares her remarkable story, from navigatin…

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Ep 83: Say Yes to Adventure (Even a Tiny One) with Anna VanAgtmael 40:11

4M ago40:11

40:11

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to say yes to something new, this might be it. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Anna VanAgtmael, founder of Wandering Roots, who shares how a car accident became the catalyst for a completely different kind of life. What started as a season of healing slowly turned into a life built around intention, courage, and …

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Bonds Beyond Breathwork: Denise & Talya's Friendship Journey 17:44

4M ago17:44

17:44

Have you ever wondered how a single moment can spark a lifelong friendship? In Episode 76 of "How I Met My BFF," Leisa and Tamara dive into this heartwarming topic with guests Denise Willis and Talya Norman. We start with a nostalgic look back at Leisa and Tamara's own friendship origins in Fairbanks, Alaska, and the joys of a pre-social media era.…

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Ep 82: How to Become a "Certified Kid at Heart" with Melquea Smith 44:39

4M ago44:39

44:39

In a world that too often forgets how to play, today’s episode is your permission slip to remember. I’m joined by the radiant Melquea Smith, a Black, Queer, multi-award-winning children’s book illustrator and certified kid at heart, who also creates joyful clip art for educators, authors, and entrepreneurs. We talk about what it means to be a "cert…

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Ep 81: Healing Beyond Quick Fixes and Surface Solutions with Julian Bermudez 51:40

5M ago51:40

51:40

If last week’s episode was about hot takes and summer sass, this week’s is a long, slow exhale. We’re shifting into something quieter and deeper...something that touches all of us, even if we don’t often name it. In a world addicted to instant gratification and easy answers, what does it mean to stay with the discomfort? To resist the urge to fix a…

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From Chef to Bestie: Shaina & Alex's Story 24:09

5M ago24:09

24:09

In Episode 75 of How I Met My BFF, we share the heartwarming story of Shaina Zazzaro and Alex Buckner. Their journey began in an unexpected way—what started as a childhood acquaintance grew into something much more powerful after reconnecting years later in a professional setting. Through shared grief and a commitment to their work at Effortlessly …

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Ep 80: The Spiciest (and Most Unhinged) Summer Hot Takes with Ivy Boyd 57:28

5M ago57:28

57:28

You know how summer has a way of bringing out the most random opinions? You're either all in, outside with iced coffee and sunscreen, or you're absolutely not. And people get very passionate about their preferences. So I thought, what better way to celebrate the season than with a full-on summer hot take showdown? Naturally, I had to bring in my pa…

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Ep 79: The World’s Happiest People Have This in Common with Monique Rhodes 59:02

5M ago59:02

59:02

Happiness isn't just a fleeting feeling; it’s a skill we can learn and a practice we can live. In this episode, I’m joined by Monique Rhodes, host of the “In Your Right Mind” podcast, for a warm and inspiring conversation about joy, suffering, and the inner work of becoming who you are. After traveling the world to study the habits of the happiest …

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Ep 78: Using Your Breath to Manage Anxiety Naturally with Leo Marrs 44:57

6M ago44:57

44:57

There are days when the world feels too loud, too fast, too much. But what if relief could be found in something as simple as your next exhale? In this episode, I’m joined by Leo Marrs, founder of America’s first breathwork studio and creator of the Ethr app, for a rich and deeply human conversation about anxiety, presence, and the quiet power of b…

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Virtual Meetings to Real-Life Adventures with Lori Karpman and Jenn McClaren 24:50

6M ago24:50

24:50

How does a virtual meeting lead to a lifelong friendship? What happens when two professionals from different cities find a shared language in sarcasm and straightforwardness? Join me as I dive into the heartwarming tale of Lori Karpman and Jenn McClaren's friendship on "How I Met My BFF." While Tamara is busy with work, I start with a personal upda…

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Ep 77: Champagne, Apple Pie, and Reinventing Your Life with Fabienne Jacquet 41:27

6M ago41:27

41:27

What if the next version of you isn’t about becoming someone new, but finally coming home to yourself? In this episode, I’m joined by the ever-delightful Fabienne Jacquet, whose new book Champagne and Apple Pie is a fizzy and heartfelt manifesto for anyone craving a bold reinvention. From her move from France to the U.S. in the 90s to the lessons s…

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Ep 76: Mid-Year Vibe Check and 4 Questions to Ask Yourself 22:12

6M ago22:12

22:12

Let’s be honest, it’s easy to move through the year on autopilot. But what if we took a moment to pause, breathe, and check in with ourselves? In this episode, I’m inviting you to do just that with four simple questions to help you reflect, reset, and realign with what truly matters. Whether you’ve had a season of stretch or stillness, this is your…

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Ep 75: Finding Your Voice During Life’s Hardest Moments with Alisa Sieber 47:16

6M ago47:16

47:16

How do you find your voice when life has left you speechless? In this beautiful and heartfelt conversation, I talk with Alisa Sieber, trauma-informed leader, writer, and radical truth-teller, about what it means to speak truth in the midst of pain. Alisa shares how her journey through heartbreak and loss led her to create sacred spaces where women …

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Ep 74: Skinny Dip Sisters, Audacious Goals, and Luminaries with Katie Den Ouden 51:48

7M ago51:48

51:48

What happens when you finally stop sitting on the edge of your life and decide to dive in fully? In this episode, I sit down with coach, mentor, and all-around magic-maker Katie Den Ouden, who helped guide me in the early days of stepping into my own voice and vision. We talk about what it means to skinny dip into your life, the magnetic energy of …

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Ep 73: The 8 Mental Shifts That Changed My Life and Could Yours, Too! 33:56

7M ago33:56

33:56

Ever feel like something needs to change—but you don’t know where to start? In this solo episode, I’m sharing the 8 mental shifts that truly changed my life. These aren’t Pinterest quotes or coffee mug mantras. They’re lessons I’ve lived, sometimes painfully, sometimes joyfully—and they’ve shaped how I show up, love, and lead. If you’re craving mor…

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Ep 72: Why Self-Worth is the Real Secret to Wealth with DeDee Cai 41:21

7M ago41:21

41:21

If success still feels hard—even after doing “all the right things”—this episode is for you. I’m joined by DeDee Cai, performance coach and founder of Fit to Profit, for a powerful conversation on why self-worth is the true foundation of wealth. We talk about burnout, cultural expectations, emotional healing, and how your relationship with yourself…

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Epic Love: From Chance Meeting to Life Partners 25:25

7M ago25:25

25:25

Ever wondered how a chance meeting could transform into a whirlwind romance and thriving business partnership? In Episode 73 of "How I Met My BFF," Tamara and Leisa, dive into the captivating love story of Chaya and Adam Garcia. From their serendipitous encounter at a gathering to a proposal just weeks later, their journey is nothing short of epic!…

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Ep 71: Who's Her Favorite Kid? Mother's Day Shenanigans with My Mom 36:20

7M ago36:20

36:20

What happens when you hand your mom a microphone and ask her to spill the tea on your childhood? You get an episode full of love, laughter, and a few outrageous confessions! In this special Mother's Day edition, my mom is back by popular demand, and we’re reminiscing about diaper disasters, broken arms, and the infamous moment I declared my future …

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Ep 70: How Somatic Therapy Can Transform Your Life with Ashleigh Westenhoff 44:06

7M ago44:06

44:06

Feeling stressed, disconnected, or just plain exhausted? In this episode, I sit down with somatic coach Ashleigh Westenhoff to talk about how tuning into your body—not your to-do list—can be the key to true healing and joy. We dive into why you can’t think your way out of stress, the real reason rest feels so uncomfortable, and simple, everyday way…

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Poolside Pals to Nonprofit Power Duo – Jenna & Jaime’s Friendship Journey 26:23

8M ago26:23

26:23

Ever wondered how a shared struggle can spark a lifelong friendship? In Episode 72 of "How I Met My BFF," Leisa and Tamara dive into an inspiring story with Jenna Udenberg and Jaime Head-MacAlister. From a chance meeting in a physical therapy pool to founding a nonprofit, these two have turned shared challenges into a powerful bond. Discover how th…

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Ep 69: Everyday Ideas to Celebrate Earth Day Meaningfully with Lisa Allen 43:26

8M ago43:26

43:26

Earth Day is here—and it’s not about doing it perfectly, it’s about doing something. In this episode, I chat with Lisa Allen, founder of Good Spark, about how small, soulful shifts in our daily routines can make a big impact. From her childhood spent gold panning and camping to her creative work at Disney and now running a sustainability-centered s…

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Mending and Celebrating Female Friendships 36:32

8M ago36:32

36:32

Are you curious about the secrets behind enduring female friendships? Or perhaps you're wondering how to mend a strained relationship with your BFF? In Episode 71 of "How I Met My BFF," join us, Leisa and Tamara, as we dive into these questions with our insightful guest, Susan Shapiro Barash. Susan, an expert on female friendships and author of 18 …

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Ep 68: Prioritizing Love in the Chaos of Parenting with Reesa Morala 46:13

8M ago46:13

46:13

Parenting can feel like a whirlwind—and sometimes, your relationship is the first thing to take a backseat. In this episode, I chat with licensed marriage and family therapist Reesa Morala about how couples can stay connected in the messy middle of raising kids. From daily rituals and communication tips to getting real about resentment and identity…

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Virtual Bonds: Friendship Beyond Borders 25:24

8M ago25:24

25:24

Ever wondered how friendship can blossom without ever meeting in person? In Episode 70 of How I Met My BFF, join me, Leisa, and my co-host Tamara as we dive into the fascinating story of Yvonne B. McCoy and Andrea Stenberg's unique bond. We kick off with some fun updates—like Tamara's adventurous chickens in Montana and my own health journey advoca…

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Ep 67: My Unfiltered Take on Finding Love in a Disposable Dating Culture 37:28

8M ago37:28

37:28

Dating apps, ghosting, and goat screams—oh my! In this solo episode, I’m opening up about what it’s really like to date in today’s swipe-left world. From personal heartbreak to the highs of hopeful banter, I share why modern dating often feels like an emotional rollercoaster and what I’ve learned about resilience, timing, and holding on to the magi…

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Ep 66: The Link Between Values and Boundaries That Stick with Dawn Elgin 54:21

8M ago54:21

54:21

Let’s talk about boundaries—real ones, the kind that stick and actually serve your growth. In this episode, I sit down with the wildly wise Dawn Elgin to explore how boundaries are less about pushing people away and more about protecting your energy and aligning with your values. We unpack why so many of us struggle to set and keep boundaries, how …

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Ep 65: Faith, Family, and a 1.6-lb. Micro-Preemie Miracle with Brian Heilig 44:01

9M ago44:01

44:01

What happens when your world changes in an instant? In this powerful episode, I talk with Brian Heilig about the emotional rollercoaster of becoming a father to a 1.6-pound micro-preemie while navigating a foreign healthcare system. Brian shares how faith, love, and an incredible global community carried his family through the darkest of days. From…

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Ep 64: THIS is the Missing Piece in Manifestation Success with Randy Lyman 47:41

9M ago47:41

47:41

Ever feel like you’re doing all the right manifestation techniques—visualizing, affirming, setting intentions—but something still isn’t clicking? In this episode, I sit down with Randy Lyman, aka The Spiritual Cowboy, to talk about the missing piece most people overlook: unhealed emotions. Randy, a physicist-turned-transformational guide, breaks do…

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Ep 63: Embracing the Outdoors at Any Stage of Life with Jessica Meinhofer 39:05

9M ago39:05

39:05

Adventure doesn’t have to mean climbing mountains or running marathons—it can be as simple as stepping outside. In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Meinhofer, an outdoor advocate and cancer survivor, to talk about how nature became a powerful force in her healing journey. From full-time RVing with her family to rediscovering the outdoors after…

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Unlock Your Legacy: Mastering Estate Planning 38:14

9M ago38:14

38:14

Ever wondered what happens to your assets if you don’t have a plan? Or why a living trust might be your best friend in estate planning? In this episode of How I Met My BFF, hosts Leisa and Tamara kick things off with a cozy chat about a breakfast-themed pajama party before diving into an eye-opening discussion with estate planning expert Oscar Vasq…

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Ep 62: Creative Expression, Feminine Power, and International Women’s Day with Deirdre Murphy 42:47

9M ago42:47

42:47

Creativity is more than art—it’s self-expression, power, and even activism. In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Deirdre Murphy, a multidisciplinary artist who weaves music, theater, movement, and storytelling into thought-provoking performances. We talk about the role of creative freedom, how nature and culture shape artistic expression,…