In this powerful episode of the PowerWomen Podcast, co-hosts Claire Brown and Gayatri Richardson sit down with advocate and change-maker Keesa Smith-Brantley for a deeply honest conversation about childhood hunger, family instability, and systems that were never designed to support working families.

Keesa shares what she's seeing on the front lines—from food insecurity affecting 1 in 4 children to the impossible choices parents are forced to make between rent, nutrition, and healthcare. Together, the women unpack why hunger is not a personal failure, but a structural issue—and what practical, community-driven solutions could actually work.

This episode explores:
• Why working families are still struggling to eat
• How poverty fuels long-term health crises
• The broken systems behind food deserts
• Why local farms and schools could be part of the solution
• How advocacy, policy, and compassion intersect

If you care about children, families, equity, or creating real change—not just talking about it—this episode will move you to think differently and act boldly.

✨ Listen, share, and be part of the solution.

Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families:

https://www.aradvocates.org/

Giving Birth In America: Arkansas:

https://vimeo.com/776229189

POWERWOMEN LINKS:

WEBSITE: https://thepowerwomen.org/

LR FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1807102609586780

NWA FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.thepowerwomen.org

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/powerw.o.m.e.n

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@PowerWomenPodcast

Podcast Produced by clantoncreative.com

What if your hardest moments aren't setbacks—but invitations to grow?

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, PowerWomen Podcast co-hosts Claire Brown and Gayatri Agnew sit down with activist, speaker, and storyteller Cara E Yar Khan to explore how heartbreak, identity, and discomfort shape our greatest breakthroughs.

From navigating personal loss to redefining strength, Cara shares profound insights on what she calls post-traumatic wisdom—and why sitting in the uncomfortable moments is often where transformation begins. Together, they unpack how faith, self-reflection, boundaries, and community support play essential roles in healing and rising stronger.

This episode is a reminder that you don't need to rush your healing—and that growth doesn't come from fixing, but from allowing. If you're moving through change, grief, or a season of uncertainty, this conversation will meet you right where you are.

✨ Listen in for wisdom, reassurance, and permission to grow at your own pace.

POWERWOMEN LINKS:

WEBSITE: https://thepowerwomen.org/

LR FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1807102609586780

NWA FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.thepowerwomen.org

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/powerw.o.m.e.n

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@PowerWomenPodcast

Podcast Produced by clantoncreative.com

What does it really take to leave an abusive relationship—and how can community save lives?

In this deeply moving episode of the PowerWomen Podcast, co-hosts Claire Brown and Gayatri Agnew sit down with Camryn Ross and her mother, Andrea Sayre, to break the silence around domestic violence, shame, and survival. Together, they share a raw, multi-generational conversation about the emotional manipulation that keeps women trapped, the courage it takes to reclaim self-worth, and why leaving is a process—not a single moment.

This episode offers hope, clarity, and practical guidance for anyone impacted by domestic abuse—directly or indirectly. You'll hear why women often attempt to leave multiple times, how isolation erodes confidence, and why empathy and presence matter more than judgment. Most importantly, this conversation highlights real resources, real support systems, and real pathways to safety and healing.

If you or

someone you love needs support, this episode reminds you of one essential truth: you matter because you breathe—and help is closer than you think.

If you or a loved one needs help, here are some local and national resources:

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

https://ncadv.org/

National Domestic Violence Hotline/Website:

800-799-7233

https://www.thehotline.org/

For Shelters Near You:

https://www.domesticshelters.org/

Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence:

https://domesticpeace.com/

Women and Children First

800-332-4443

POWERWOMEN LINKS:

WEBSITE: https://thepowerwomen.org/

LR FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1807102609586780

NWA FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.thepowerwomen.org

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/powerw.o.m.e.n

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@PowerWomenPodcast

Podcast Produced by clantoncreative.com

In this heartfelt and hilarious start to 2026, Claire Brown and Gayatri Agnew unpack the idea of "New Year, Same Me." From redefining growth and choosing a word for the year, to embracing joy in cotton candy, sequins, travel, and self-acceptance, this episode explores what it really means to love your life as it is—while still allowing space to grow. With honest reflections on legacy, relationships, singlehood, parenting, and presence, this conversation is an invitation to release the pressure of reinvention and step fully into intentional living.

POWERWOMEN LINKS:

WEBSITE: https://thepowerwomen.org/

LR FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1807102609586780

NWA FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.thepowerwomen.org

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/powerw.o.m.e.n

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@PowerWomenPodcast

Podcast Produced by clantoncreative.com

🔑 Keywords: PowerWomen Podcast, New Year Same Me, women in midlife, choosing a word for the year, intentional living, personal growth for women, joy over hustle, self-love journey, women and legacy, redefining success, growth mindset for women, podcast for women leaders, authenticity and purpose, Claire Brown podcast, Gayatri Agnew podcast, women embracing change, life transitions, mindful living for women

In this heartfelt and deeply honest episode of the PowerWomen Podcast, hosts Claire Brown and Gayatri Agnew reflect on missed moments, unexpected breakdowns, and the powerful breakthroughs that follow. From Gayatri's unrealized TEDx talk to lessons on trust, self-love, boundaries, spirituality, and radical authenticity, this conversation explores how slowing down, honoring our humanity, and embracing vulnerability can become our greatest sources of strength. With wisdom, humor, and raw truth, Claire and Gayatri remind us that real power begins within.

POWERWOMEN LINKS:

WEBSITE: https://thepowerwomen.org/

LR FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1807102609586780

NWA FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.thepowerwomen.org

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/powerw.o.m.e.n

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@PowerWomenPodcast

Podcast Produced by clantoncreative.com

🔑 Keywords: PowerWomen Podcast, Claire Brown, Gayatri Agnew, women's empowerment podcast, breakdown to breakthrough, self love for women, trust and leadership, authenticity, vulnerability and power, spiritual growth, women in midlife, personal growth podcast, TEDx journey, resilience, burnout and boundaries, showing up as yourself, women and leadership, emotional healing, purpose driven life

Claire Brown and Gayatri Agnew sit down with Ardyth Neill — former President of Heifer Foundation — for a powerful, heartfelt conversation about impact-driven leadership, women-centered economic empowerment, retirement transitions, grief, legacy, and finding purpose again. From transforming global communities through sustainable agriculture to rebuilding life after profound loss, Ardyth shares wisdom, warmth, and the financial advice every woman needs to hear.

POWERWOMEN LINKS:

WEBSITE: https://thepowerwomen.org/

LR FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1807102609586780

NWA FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.thepowerwomen.org

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/powerw.o.m.e.n

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@PowerWomenPodcast

Podcast Produced by clantoncreative.com

🔑 Keywords: Ardyth Neill, Heifer Foundation, Heifer International, women in philanthropy, impact investing, sustainable development, women empowerment, nonprofit leadership, retirement transition, legacy planning, financial advice for women, global poverty solutions, community development, passing on the gift, Claire Brown, Gayatri Agnew, PowerWomen Podcast, Arkansas leaders, women leaders, social impact careers, abundance mindset, sustainable agriculture, ethical investing, women and wealth, storytelling podcast, inspirational women interviews

Claire Brown & Gayatri Agnew sit down with the extraordinary humanitarian and disability justice advocate Cara Yar Khan, whose life and work redefine what it means to live without limits. From her multicultural upbringing to her career with the UN, her celebrated TED Talk, and her breathtaking film Facing the Falls, Cara shares raw truths about courage, identity, trauma, resilience, joy, and choosing your own story—no matter what the world sees. A powerful conversation you'll feel long after it ends.

CARA's WEBSITE: https://carayarkhan.com/

POWERWOMEN LINKS:

WEBSITE: https://thepowerwomen.org/

LR FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1807102609586780

NWA FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.thepowerwomen.org

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/powerw.o.m.e.n

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@PowerWomenPodcast

Podcast Produced by clantoncreative.com

🔑 Keywords: Cara Yar Khan, Facing the Falls, disability justice advocate, PowerWomen Podcast, Claire Brown, Gayatri Agnew, TED Talk courage and fear, humanitarian stories, inclusion and identity, overcoming limits, women empowerment podcast, resilience and self-worth, disability advocacy, chronic illness stories, courageous women leaders, multicultural identity, UN humanitarian career, inspirational documentary, personal growth and joy, overcoming adversity, female leadership conversations

Claire Brown & Gayatri Agnew bring their Friday-energy realness in an episode on authenticity — from showing up without makeup to celebrating major achievements like Gayatri's Woman of the Year honor and Claire's new live TV segment. They get honest about internal dialogue, being seen and heard, and why women must stop shrinking themselves and start thanking themselves for who they are.

POWERWOMEN LINKS:

WEBSITE: https://thepowerwomen.org/

LR FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1807102609586780

NWA FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.thepowerwomen.org

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/powerw.o.m.e.n

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@PowerWomenPodcast

Podcast Produced by clantoncreative.com

🔑 Keywords: PowerWomen Podcast, Claire Brown, Gayatri Agnew, authenticity for women, women leadership, women empowerment podcast, internal dialogue, self-worth for women, Arkansas women leaders, Woman of the Year award, Women's Foundation of Arkansas, Bentonville leadership, celebrating women's achievements, confidence for women, personal growth, female founders, women in public service, live TV segment Claire Brown, Power of the Purse Arkansas, women supporting women