Episodes

  • 301: 5 Goal-Setting Shifts You Need Before 2026 | Deb Eckerling

    301: 5 Goal-Setting Shifts You Need Before 2026 | Deb Eckerling
    Dec 9 2025
    If your goals keep fizzling out by February, this episode is your wake-up call. Award-winning author and goal strategist Debra Eckerling joins me to break down the five essential goal-setting shifts Gen X women solopreneurs must make before 2026. We dig into the real drivers of motivation, the role of personal growth in building momentum, and the overlooked power of celebrating small wins along the way. Deb also explains why traditional SMART goals fall short, how the DEB Method creates clarity you can actually act on, and how intentional networking accelerates every business milestone. If you’re ready to design a year that finally matches the vision in your head, this conversation gives you the tools to do it. In this episode:• Why SMART goals fail so many people• The DEB Method for building a life you actually want• How to post your goals everywhere (and why it works)• The science and strategy behind celebrating small wins• Using networking as a goal-achievement tool• How directed journaling reveals answers you didn’t know you had• What it really takes to stay consistent all year long Connect with Debra Eckerling:https://TheDEBMethod.com Full show notes:https://kandasrodarte.com/301 Chapters: 00:00 Intro & why most people set goals backwards01:01 The DEB Method explained07:41 Why SMART goals fail10:48 Post your goals everywhere12:52 Celebrate small wins to build motivation20:44 Mission and motto as your compass25:16 Directed journaling for clarity27:55 Track your progress like it matters32:47 How Deb landed Guy Kawasaki & Brian Tracy42:30 Deb’s moment of gratitude Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • 300: We Can Do Hard Things: 8 Women in Business Share Their Stories

    300: We Can Do Hard Things: 8 Women in Business Share Their Stories
    Dec 2 2025
    ⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains a discussion about suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a loved one, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or text TALK to 741-741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7. Please take care while listening and make sure you're in the right headspace. You are not alone. We Can Do Hard Things. That's the message from eight women in business who share life advice on overcoming adversity in this milestone 300th episode panel. These women prove that you don't need to be superhuman—you just do what's necessary. Hear stories of cancer, incarceration, single parenthood, dementia caregiving, MS diagnosis, and mental health challenges from women over 40 who rebuilt their businesses and lives. Christie Going navigates single parenthood while building a breast cancer recovery practice. Diana Dru Botsford lives with MS while maintaining her screenwriting career. Rachel Allen shares her husband's incarceration and creating community around taboo topics. Charlene Stewart balances dementia caregiving with her fitness business. Lauren Roach advocates for mental health transparency. Kathi Laughman shares choosing the 15% survival rate when her daughter was born at 27 weeks. Di Hilstad talks about breaking her ankle and learning to walk again. KEY TOPICS COVERED: Women in business overcoming adversity including cancer, MS, mental health, caregiving Life advice from business women who rebuilt after devastating loss Breaking stigma around mental health, incarceration, asking for help Creating community through vulnerability and transparency Choosing your number: Focusing on possibilities instead of statistics Working with men vs women in business Prison advocacy and supporting families affected by incarceration ABOUT THE PANEL: Christie Going - Licensed massage therapist, holistic breast cancer recovery program Diana Dru Botsford - Star Trek TNG writer, screenwriting professor Kathi Laughman - Strategist, possibilitarian, 40-year business intelligence career Lauren Roach - Mental health advocate, left Deloitte for wellness brand Rachel Allen - Copywriter, 16 years, clients in 21 countries Charlene Stewart - Certified power hoop instructor Di Hilstad - Entrepreneur, first scrapbooking store Vancouver Island RELATED EPISODES: Episode 18: Diana Botsford - Character-Driven Storytelling Episode 30: Kathi Laughman - Personal Leadership Episode 189: Rachel Allen - Authentic Marketing Episode 293: Christie Going - Breast Cancer Recovery FULL EPISODE BLOG POST: https://kandasrodarte.com/300 SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@gratitudegeek Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gratitude-geek/id820738086 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/27dh0T1PbwsWXxfmNWZPy8 Website: https://kandasrodarte.com CONNECT WITH KANDAS: Weekly Email: https://kandasrodarte.com/subscribe Instagram: https://instagram.com/gratitudegeek LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/gratitudegeek SUPPORT THE SHOW: After 300 episodes, my equipment needs replacing. Every contribution helps! https://kandasrodarte.com/support ABOUT YOUR HOST: Kandas Rodarte is a growth coach for women solopreneurs over 40. She hosts the Gratitude Geek Podcast and co-hosts Sci-Fi Book Pod. A metastatic breast cancer thriver with 30+ years of marketing expertise, Kandas believes gratitude is a business strategy that helps women build genuine, lasting connections. #WeCanDoHardThings #WomenInBusiness #WomanOver40 #BusinessWomen #GratitudeGeek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • 299: Image Cycling Aligns Subconscious With True Desires | Ursula Mentjes

    299: Image Cycling Aligns Subconscious With True Desires | Ursula Mentjes
    Nov 25 2025
    Image Cycling - Ursula Mentjes, five-time bestselling author and business growth expert, reveals how to align your subconscious with true desires instead of ego-driven goals. Ursula grew up on a small Minnesota farm, then scaled from outside sales rep to president of a $27 million company in five years before launching her own seven-figure coaching business. She shares the subconscious programming that nearly kept her stuck and how image cycling changed everything. Discover how image cycling overrides subconscious blocks preventing business growth, why your brain decides against goals 11 seconds before you're aware, and why distinguishing heart's desires from ego goals is critical for Gen X women entrepreneurs. KEY TOPICS: Image cycling technique: Align subconscious mind with true desires in 25 steps True desires vs ego-driven goals: Why some goals never happen Subconscious decides 11 seconds before conscious awareness Dr. William Bengston Method and resonant bonding Pinwheel visualization technique step by step Quantum physics and manifestation without belief Letting go of limiting beliefs about hard work Gratitude over grit for sustainable success CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction to image cycling and subconscious alignment 02:39 - Farm lessons: Discipline and hard work programming 05:00 - Rotating crops concept applied to business 06:46 - How the subconscious mind works 07:18 - Your brain decides 11 seconds before you know 10:24 - Image cycling: Aligning desires with subconscious 15:00 - Image cycling process with pinwheel technique 19:40 - Quantum physics and belief systems 22:22 - Words impact health and healing 24:03 - Water science and healing modalities 25:16 - Personal healing journeys 26:40 - Skepticism and openness to new ideas 29:03 - Importance of adaptability 31:23 - Questioning beliefs and truth 33:16 - Gratitude vs grit in success 34:27 - Letting go of limiting beliefs 38:32 - Gratitude for influential mentors 42:15 - Pomodoro technique and productivity breaks ABOUT URSULA MENTJES: Ursula specializes in image cycling, subconscious reprogramming, and helping Gen X women entrepreneurs align true desires with business growth. She hosts the Quantum Revenue Expansion Podcast and has written five bestselling books. Connect: https://www.ursulainc.co/ Free Masterclass: https://www.ursulainc.co/ Books: https://amzn.to/43HCBKv Podcast: https://podfollow.com/1213169440 ABOUT GRATITUDE GEEK: The podcast for Gen X women entrepreneurs who understand gratitude is a business strategy. Host Kandas Rodarte is a growth coach, metastatic breast cancer thriver, and advocate for women building genuine connections in business. Subscribe: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@gratitudegeek Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gratitude-geek/id820738086 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/27dh0T1PbwsWXxfmNWZPy8 Website: https://kandasrodarte.com Support: https://kandasrodarte.com/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • How Artists Sell Art Without a SINGLE Salesy Post | Miriam Schulman

    How Artists Sell Art Without a SINGLE Salesy Post | Miriam Schulman
    Nov 18 2025
    Learn how to sell art online without feeling salesy from Miriam Schulman, author of Artpreneur. Discover proven marketing strategies for artists, how to sell art on email, and why traditional business advice doesn't work for creative entrepreneurs selling art online. About Miriam Schulman Miriam Schulman is the author of Artpreneur: The Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Sustainable Living from Your Creativity and host of The Inspiration Place podcast. After leaving Wall Street post-9/11, she built a thriving art business and now teaches artists how to market and sell their work authentically. Connect with Miriam Schulman Website: https://schulmanart.comFree AI Tool - Artpreneur Daily Altar: https://schulmanart.com/altar Book: Artpreneur https://amzn.to/47Z7ECWPodcast: The Inspiration Place - https://www.schulmanart.com/podcast/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/schulmanart What This Episode Is About In this episode, Miriam Schulman shares her journey from Wall Street analyst to successful artist making a sustainable living from her creativity. She breaks down the specific challenges artists face when marketing their work and provides actionable strategies to sell art online authentically. Key Takeaways Artists need different marketing strategies than other businesses because generic advice doesn't address their unique challengesThe FOMO email strategy: Show what you just sold to create desire without being pushy Understanding the belief triad: Customers evaluate their self-worth, not just your art's valueSome buyers actually want the most expensive option (Veblen goods) as a signal of quality and statusBuilding an employee-first business with clear boundaries creates sustainabilityAI tools like ChatGPT can help organize your thinking, but human creativity remains irreplaceable Episode Highlights 0:00 - Introduction: Why marketing rules don't apply to artists 2:30 - From Wall Street analyst to full-time artist 5:15 - The 9/11 pivot: Choosing values over money 8:45 - Gen X strengths in business and fear-based decisions 12:10 - Email marketing for artists: The FOMO strategy 15:20 - Understanding buyer psychology when selling art 18:30 - The belief triad: Self-worth, product value, customer worth 22:15 - Overcoming objections: "It's too expensive" and beyond 26:40 - Why popular art sells faster: Social proof in action 29:35 - Veblen goods: Some buyers want the most expensive option 32:50 - Building an employee-first business with boundaries 36:20 - Using AI for artist business: The Artpreneur Daily Altar 39:45 - Why AI won't replace human creativity in art 42:10 - Moment of gratitude: Teachers who believed in her Resources Mentioned Artpreneur by Miriam Schulman - https://amzn.to/47Z7ECWByron Katie's Four Questions technique Artpreneur Daily Altar (Custom ChatGPT) - https://schulmanart.com/altar Related Episodes You Might Love 🎙️ Episode 273: Jake Thomas on YouTube Title Optimization - Learn how to write titles people can't resist clicking - https://kandasrodarte.com/273 🎙️ Episode 264: Nate Morse on LinkedIn Client Acquisition - Turn LinkedIn connections into paying clients - https://kandasrodarte.com/264 🎙️ Episode 255: Mickie Kennedy on Press Releases for Small Businesses - Get media attention without spending thousands - https://kandasrodarte.com/255 Your Turn What's your biggest challenge when marketing your creative work? Drop a comment or share your thoughts on Instagram or LinkedIn - I'd love to continue the discussion! Support the Show If this episode brought you value, here's how you can help: ✨ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or GoodPods ✨ Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it ✨ Want to be a guest? Send me a message on Podmatch - https://kandasrodarte.com/podmatch ✨ Support the podcast financially - Help me upgrade my equipment after 298 episodes: https://kandasrodarte.com/support About Your Host Kandas Rodarte is a growth coach for women solopreneurs over 40. She hosts the Gratitude Geek Podcast and co-hosts Sci-Fi Book Pod. A metastatic breast cancer thriver with 30+ years of marketing expertise, Kandas believes gratitude is a business strategy that helps women build genuine, lasting connections with clients, colleagues, and community. Subscribe & Listen YouTube: https://youtube.com/@gratitudegeekApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gratitude-geek/id820738086 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/27dh0T1PbwsWXxfmNWZPy8?si=2303ea26860c436e Website: https://kandasrodarte.com Connect with Kandas Weekly Email: https://kandasrodarte.com/subscribe Instagram: https://instagram.com/gratitudegeek LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/gratitudegeek Work with Kandas Are you a woman solopreneur over 40 who's experienced something difficult like cancer, divorce, or loss? Kandas helps women rebuild their businesses and lives with strategy, systems, and gratitude as a business tool. 🌐 Learn more: https://...
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    44 mins
  • Thank Yourself Daily: Self-Gratitude for Gen X Women | Christie Going

    Thank Yourself Daily: Self-Gratitude for Gen X Women | Christie Going
    Nov 11 2025
    Self-care is not selfish and thanking yourself is essential for Gen X women. Licensed massage therapist Christie Going joins Kandas Rodarte to discuss why women struggle with self-gratitude, how to thank yourself daily, and practical self-care tips including their 30-day fitness challenge, hydration hacks, and why Snoop Dogg's "I want to thank myself" moment matters. What You'll Learn: Why self-care is not selfish (especially for Gen X women) How to thank yourself daily without feeling awkward Real results from a 30-day fitness challenge (including the struggles) Why "I woke up above ground" is a powerful gratitude practice How to make water taste better with natural electrolytes The placebo effect and belief in healing (80% success rate) Key Highlights: Self-Care Is Not Selfish: Women are taught to care for everyone else first. Christie discusses why asking for and accepting help is hard for women, and how intimate wellness work helps women in this vulnerable aspect of their lives. The 30-Day Fitness Challenge: Kandas and Christie share their honest experience completing a 30-day squats and sit-ups challenge. They discuss crying on day 1, missing days, modifying exercises, and why posting progress on Instagram kept them accountable. Both completed 30-35 reps by day 30. Hydration Hacks: Natural electrolyte alternatives without artificial sweeteners including pink Himalayan salt rock in water, lemon juice, pinch of baking soda to lower pH, and a mineral water recipe with baking soda, brown sugar, salt and lime juice (tastes like coconut water). Gratitude Practices That Work: Gratitude journaling (1-3 lines per day), "I woke up above ground" daily reminder, Mary Kay Ash's "I'm fantastic" response, and Snoop Dogg's "I want to thank myself" moment. About Christie Going: Christie Going is a licensed massage therapist, reflexologist, and aromatherapist based in Houston, Texas. She specializes in helping women with holistic wellness through reflexology, breast health work, scar treatment using Dolphin MPS, lymphatic drainage, and urinary incontinence work. Website | Super Patch Resources Mentioned: Gratitude Journal | Super Patch (Focus, Peace, Liberty) | Pink Himalayan Salt | 30-Day Squats Challenge Key Quote: "Everything good that's ever happened in your life happened because of YOU. So thank yourself." - Kandas Rodarte Related Episodes: Episode 238: Steve Gamlin on Visualization and Gratitude Practices Episode 246: Andrew Kap on Law of Attraction and Daily Gratitude Episode 293: Christie Going on Holistic Therapies for Breast Cancer Recovery Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • Overcome Stage Fright | Mahlena-Rae Johnson

    Overcome Stage Fright | Mahlena-Rae Johnson
    Nov 4 2025
    How to overcome stage fright as a woman entrepreneur and leader. Speaker and author Mahlena-Rae Johnson shares her 3-step framework (relax, relate, release) to help introverted women leaders conquer public speaking anxiety and step into their power on stage with confidence. In episode 296 of Gratitude Geek, I sit down with Mahlena-Rae Johnson—speaker, comedian, 6-time author, and self-proclaimed "Professor X for Introverted EdTech CEOs with Stage Fright"—to discuss how women can overcome stage fright and public speaking anxiety. Why do 80% of women experience stage fright compared to only 60% of men? Mahlena breaks down the gender gap in public speaking anxiety and shares actionable strategies for introverted women leaders who need to show up and speak with authority. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The real reason women fear public speaking more than men (hint: it starts before you even open your mouth) Mahlena's "Relax, Relate, Release" 3-step framework for overcoming stage fright How to practice public speaking in low-stakes ways, starting with a 30-second video challenge Why introverts actually have advantages on stage Physical symptoms of stage fright and how to manage them before, during, and after presentations How to step into your power as a woman speaker despite societal judgment The importance of planning your recovery time after giving a presentation How body dysmorphia and self-perception affect women's confidence on stage About Mahlena-Rae Johnson Mahlena-Rae Johnson has spent over 20 years teaching introverted leaders how to hone their public speaking superpower. She's the author of six books, including Speak Anyway: A Public Speaking Guide for Introverted CEOs with Stage Fright. Her work focuses on helping women leaders overcome public speaking anxiety and deliver powerful presentations with confidence. Mahlena is also a comedian and sci-fi author who brings humor and storytelling into her speaking coaching practice. She's passionate about helping introverted CEOs recognize that their quiet nature isn't a weakness—it's a strategic advantage. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Speak Anyway: A Public Speaking Guide for Introverted CEOs with Stage Fright by Mahlena-Rae Johnson: https://amzn.to/43aEDTf Public Speaking Statistics (gender gap data): https://www.crossrivertherapy.com/public-speaking-statistics Toastmasters International for public speaking practice: https://toastmasters.org Connect with Mahlena-Rae Johnson LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/mahlena YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mahlenaspeaks Books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4nw3bgN Related Gratitude Geek Episodes Episode 167: Public Speaking Coach Meridith Grundei on Presentation Skills Episode 177: Jennifer S. Wilkov on Empowering Women to Speak Up and Be Heard Episode 275: Fletcher Ellingson on Rewiring Fear Stories Subscribe & Listen YouTube: https://youtube.com/@gratitudegeek Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gratitude-geek/id820738086 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/27dh0T1PbwsWXxfmNWZPy8?si=2303ea26860c436e Website: https://kandasrodarte.com Connect with Kandas Rodarte Weekly Email: https://kandasrodarte.com/subscribe Instagram: @gratitudegeek LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/gratitudegeek Support the Show Help Kandas upgrade her podcasting equipment! After 296 episodes and nearly 10 years, her microphone and headphones need replacing. Every contribution helps keep Gratitude Geek going strong. Support here: https://kandasrodarte.com/support Work with Kandas Are you a woman solopreneur over 40 who's experienced something difficult like cancer, divorce, or loss? Kandas helps women rebuild their businesses and lives with strategy, systems, and gratitude as a business tool. Learn more: https://kandasrodarte.com/start-here About Gratitude Geek: Gratitude Geek is the podcast for women solopreneurs over 40 building genuine, lasting connections with clients, colleagues, and community. Hosted by Kandas Rodarte—growth coach, metastatic breast cancer thriver, and marketing expert with 30+ years of experience. Theme music by Rev Rock and Soul Lily Disclaimer: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • I Cut Off My Breasts Before Cancer Could Kill Me | Merit Kahn

    I Cut Off My Breasts Before Cancer Could Kill Me | Merit Kahn
    Oct 28 2025
    What if you could prevent breast cancer before it starts? And what if you could turn that journey—plus divorce and life's biggest challenges—into comedy gold? Comedian Merit Kahn joins host Kandas Rodarte to share her powerful story as a BRCA1 previvor who chose preventative mastectomy at age 40. Merit transformed her experience into a one-woman comedy show called "Optimistic Personality Disorder" and now helps women rewrite the stories that limit their lives. This conversation will make you laugh, think differently about genetic testing, and realize that you have the power to rewrite any belief that doesn't serve you. About Merit Kahn: Merit Kahn is a comedian, keynote speaker, and certified emotional intelligence coach. As a BRCA1 gene carrier with an 87% lifetime breast cancer risk, she chose preventative surgery and turned her story into an inspiring comedy show that tours nationally. IN THIS EPISODE 0:00 - Introduction & Welcome Merit Kahn 1:30 - Merit's Story: Rewriting Life Through Comedy 4:15 - Family History & Discovering Genetic Testing 8:45 - Making the Preventative Mastectomy Decision 14:20 - Being a Previvor vs Survivor vs Thriver 17:30 - Creating the Optimistic Personality Disorder Show 21:45 - Finding Humor in Dating After Surgery (hilarious implant sales rep story!) 26:10 - The Business of Comedy & Working with Directors 30:25 - Writing Your Own Material & Comedy Ethics 34:50 - Predestination vs Making Your Own Path 38:15 - How Humor Connects, Inspires & Creates 42:00 - Merit's Moment of Gratitude 44:30 - Where to See the Show & Closing KEY TAKEAWAYS ✨ Genetic testing gives you choices—knowledge is power when it comes to cancer prevention ✨ Being a "previvor" means taking proactive steps before cancer happens ✨ You can rewrite any belief that was handed down to you or that you created in the past ✨ Comedy requires laughter every 7-10 seconds—there's a science to stand-up ✨ Tragedy plus time equals comedy, but nobody said it had to take a long time ✨ Laughter lightens the load you hold, making it easier to carry life's challenges RESOURCES & LINKS Full Show Notes: https://kandasrodarte.com/295 Merit Kahn: Website: https://OptimisticPersonalityDisorder.com or https://OPDShow.com Upcoming Shows: Nebraska, Colorado, and touring nationally in 2026 Related Gratitude Geek Episodes: Episode 294: The Goldilocks Procedure with Deb Davis - https://kandasrodarte.com/294 Episode 275: Rewriting Fear Stories with Fletcher Ellingson - https://kandasrodarte.com/275 Mentioned in Episode: Myriad Labs Genetic Testing: https://myriad.com/ Comedy Works (Denver): https://comedyworks.com/ Moms Unhinged Comedy Tour: https://momsunhinged.com/ ABOUT GRATITUDE GEEK Gratitude Geek is a podcast for women solopreneurs over 40 who believe gratitude is a business strategy. Host Kandas Rodarte, a metastatic breast cancer thriver and growth coach with 30+ years of marketing expertise, shares conversations about resilience, entrepreneurship, and building authentic connections. Connect with Kandas: Instagram: https://instagram.com/gratitudegeek LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/gratitudegeek Website: https://KandasRodarte.com Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review. It helps other women solopreneurs find the show! Episode 295 | Part of the Breast Cancer Awareness Series Theme Music: Rev. Brock and Soul Lily #BreastCancerAwareness #Previvor #ComedyHeals #WomenOver40 #BRCAGene #GratitudeGeek
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    48 mins
  • I Survived Abuse and Cancer—Here's What Healed Me | Deb Davis

    I Survived Abuse and Cancer—Here's What Healed Me | Deb Davis
    Oct 21 2025
    In episode 294, I chat with Deb Davis, breast cancer thriver and author of "The Faces of Transparency: What We Reveal," about healing, transparency, and self-advocacy. Deb shares her journey through abuse, breast cancer recovery, and the power of breaking silence. Together they explore three game-changing self-care practices, why transparency matters more than perfection, and how to truly support someone facing cancer—and what NOT to do. What You'll Learn: Three self-care practices that transform healing: saying no, listening to your body, and laughter as medicine Why transparency is the key to freedom and helping others How writing became Deb's breakthrough during breast cancer recovery The Goldilocks breast surgery procedure most women don't know exists Why unsolicited advice hurts and what to say instead How survivor's guilt shows up and how to navigate it What being your own medical advocate really means This is a conversation about becoming whole after trauma and cancer try to break you. RESOURCES & LINKS: The Faces of Transparency: What We Reveal (affiliate): https://amzn.to/42KXq7l Deb's Substack: https://substack.com/@empowermentthroughtransparency Connect with Deb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/detroitcityheadshots/ Liberty by The Super Patch Co (reduces inflammation): https://grateful.superpatch.com Help Fund a New Microphone: https://kandasrodarte.com/support Full Show Notes: https://kandasrodarte.com/294 EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Breast Cancer Awareness Month 02:47 Self-Care Practices for Thrivers 05:17 The Faces of Transparency: Deb's Book Journey 11:02 Overcoming Abuse: A Personal Story 16:34 Life After Trauma: Building a New Future 21:57 The Publishing Process: From Manuscript to Book 27:19 Navigating Substack as an Author 29:43 The Power of Connection and Asking for Help 32:13 Living with Breast Cancer: A Daily Reality 35:55 Survivor's Guilt and Community Support 38:29 Navigating Advice and Misconceptions 43:12 Body Image and Choices After Mastectomy 49:31 Gratitude and Self-Identity Post-Cancer === About Gratitude Geek: Gratitude Geek is the podcast for female solopreneurs over 40 building genuine, lasting connections with clients, colleagues, and community. Each episode features conversations with women who've faced adversity—cancer, divorce, loss—and transformed it into wisdom and business growth. Host Kandas Rodarte is a growth coach and metastatic breast cancer thriver with 30+ years of marketing expertise. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, comment & share! Join the Gratitude Geek community and stay updated with exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and more. Sign up for our email list here: http://kandasrodarte.com/subscribe Support Gratitude Geek Podcast At Gratitude Geek, we aim to spread gratitude, sow seeds of appreciation, and harvest a bounty of generosity and kindness. As a listener, reader, and subscriber, you are part of this mission, and we are honored to have your support. If possible, please help finance the show: http://kandasrodarte.com/support Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in the show notes may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show! Gratitude Geek is part of the Podmatch Network. Learn how Podmatch can help you grow your visibility: http://kandasrodarte.com/podmatch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    57 mins