The Empowered Woman | Storytelling & Women Empowerment

In this episode, mindfulness meditation instructor and high-performance coach Aaron Hendon explores the powerful connection between meditation, performance, and sustainable success. Aaron shares his journey from running a successful real estate business while silently battling constant anxiety and "Jaws music" in his chest, to discovering how mindfulness transformed both his personal life and professional results. Through relatable stories and practical analogies, he explains why hustle culture often traps high achievers in a cycle of stress and overworking — and how slowing down can actually increase clarity, confidence, sales, and fulfillment. The conversation also dives into why women are often more open to seeking support, how meditation physically changes the brain, and why flow consistently beats force.

Aaron also breaks down the biggest misconceptions about meditation, explaining that it is not about emptying your mind or becoming overly spiritual, but rather building mental fitness and emotional agency. He compares meditation to going to the gym for your brain, helping people become less reactive and more present in everyday life. The discussion highlights the science-backed benefits of mindfulness, Aaron's nine-week meditation cohorts, and the remarkable results his students have experienced — from doubling business performance to improving relationships and emotional regulation. The episode closes with a thoughtful conversation about empowerment, loving-kindness, and what it truly means to live a peaceful, intentional, and meaningful life in a fast-paced world.

Connect with Aaron:
Website: www.aaronhendon.com
LinkedIn: Aaron Hendon
Instagram: @aaronhendon_themindfulceo
Facebook: Aaron Hendon
YouTube: The Mindful CEO Podcast
 
 
Let's keep the conversation going!
Website: www.martaspirk.com
Instagram: @martaspirk
Facebook: Marta Spirk
Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?
Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest 
Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/Speaking

In this episode, Bev Hampson, co-founder and CEO of Category 3 Media, unpacks the evolving world of podcast monetization and why women-led shows deserve a bigger spotlight in the advertising industry. Bev shares her journey from radio advertising to building a female-focused multimedia agency that helps podcasters turn their platforms into profitable businesses through sponsorships, affiliate partnerships, and multi-channel visibility strategies. She also explains why authenticity matters more than ever in podcast advertising and how creators can monetize without needing millions of downloads.
The conversation dives deep into practical strategies for podcasters and entrepreneurs alike, including how to attract sponsorships, leverage affiliate marketing, improve audience engagement, and understand the metrics that actually matter. Bev breaks down concepts like touch points, consumption rates, and omnichannel campaigns while encouraging creators to think of their podcasts as long-term business assets rather than just passion projects. Whether you're starting a podcast, growing an audience, or looking to increase visibility for your business, this episode is packed with actionable insights on building sustainable revenue and creating content with purpose.
 
Connect with Bev:
Website: www.category3.ca
LinkedIn: Bev Hampson
Instagram: @thebevhamps | @category3media



Let's keep the conversation going!
Website: www.martaspirk.com
Instagram: @martaspirk
Facebook: Marta Spirk
Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?
Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest 
Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/Speaking

In this episode of The Empowered Woman, serial entrepreneur Paresa Noble shares the realities of building businesses, balancing motherhood, and following bold ideas even before feeling fully ready. Paresa opens up about her entrepreneurial journey—from selling anti-bullying bracelets in college and pursuing music, to navigating corporate America and eventually launching Nobler Media. She also shares the lessons she learned through pivoting during COVID, building a team, and creating an "authority marketing" strategy that helps founders grow their personal brands through podcasting, content creation, and thought leadership.
The conversation also dives into the powerful mission behind Shield Our Schools Foundation, the nonprofit Paresa co-founded after the tragedy in Uvalde. Inspired by her role as a mother, she explains how the organization helps schools improve safety through grants for security upgrades like locks, communication systems, and protective film. This episode is a meaningful conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, faith over fear, and using your gifts to create impact in both business and community.
Connect with Paresa:
Website: www.nobleermedia.com
LinkedIn: Paresa B. Noble
Instagram: @paresabn
Facebook: Paresa B. Noble
 

Let's keep the conversation going!
Website: www.martaspirk.com
Instagram: @martaspirk
Facebook: Marta Spirk
Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?
Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest 
Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/Speaking

In this episode, Lisa Simone Richards shares her bold transition from a 20-year career in public relations to building a purpose-driven product business. She opens up about navigating a shifting industry, facing imposter syndrome, and the pivotal moment that inspired her to create Pearl Spark Pages—a stationery brand designed to help women entrepreneurs build confidence from within. She also highlights the power of community, particularly through Entreprenista, and how consistent visibility and connection helped shape her next chapter.
The conversation dives into the realities of launching a physical product, from validating the idea through a high-stakes Kickstarter campaign to managing timelines, manufacturing, and inventory. Lisa also breaks down the structure and intention behind her Female Founder's Journal—a therapist-approved tool designed to help women overcome limiting beliefs, celebrate wins, and build confidence from the inside out. This episode is a powerful reminder that reinvention is always possible—and that confidence is something you build, one intentional step at a time.
Connect with Lisa:
Website: www.pearlsparkpages.com
Instagram: @pearlsparkpages 



Let's keep the conversation going!
Website: www.martaspirk.com
Instagram: @martaspirk
Facebook: Marta Spirk
Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?
Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest
Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/Speaking

This episode features psychotherapist and author Kristine Jensen in a deep conversation about the hidden inner dialogue so many high-achieving women carry—especially the quiet but persistent voice of self-doubt. Drawing from over 40 years of clinical experience and her book Bruised, Not Broken: Healing the Shame of a Troubled Childhood, Kristine unpacks how these internal narratives are often rooted in childhood as protective mechanisms tied to love, acceptance, and belonging. Even the most confident, capable women can feel like imposters beneath the surface—and this experience is far more common than it seems.
A powerful reframe emerges: those critical inner voices are not flaws to eliminate, but signals to understand with compassion. The conversation explores the gap between the "professional self" and the "personal self," encouraging space for honest inner dialogue that leads to healing and self-trust. Through real-life stories and practical insight, this episode highlights that while the past may shape patterns, it doesn't define identity—and with awareness and compassion, it's possible to soften old narratives and step into a more grounded, empowered way of being.
Connect with Kristine:
Website:  www.kristine-jensen.com
LinkedIn: Kristine (Belnap) Jense
Instagram: @kristinejensen7
Facebook: Kristine B Jensen, author



Let's keep the conversation going!
Website: www.martaspirk.com
Instagram: @martaspirk
Facebook: Marta Spirk
Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?
Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest 
Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/Speaking