Courageously Speaking

Las Vegas was never built on playing it safe but on vision, risk, and the audacity to dream bigger than anyone thought possible. But what happens when the city that invented betting big starts thinking small?In this episode, I sit down with Minja Yan, TEDxLas Vegas alum, commercial real estate agent, former adjunct faculty at UNLV's Lee Business School, and community leader for a conversation that is equal parts love letter and wake-up call to the city we call home and that many visitors love and enjoy.We get into:Why Las Vegas is 20 years behind cities like Phoenix and Denver in mass transportationHow short-term political thinking is putting our long-term future at risk (e.g., water shortages, gridlock, and the looming threat of LA-style traffic)The spirit of Las Vegas Chinatown and the generational wisdom Minjia's grandmother passed down: to give without expecting anything in returnWhy this city's greatest strength is the same thing that built it — the fire to keep going when the odds say stop."We were not built on thinking small. We were built by dreaming big and betting against the odds." — Minjia Yan

What happens when music becomes a bridge in a divided world? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Tianxi Wen, founder of UNLV's World Music Chamber Ensemble, to explore how the East and the West can meet in harmony through sound. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless truth—“Where words fail, music speaks”—she shares why music remains one of the most powerful ways to unite cultures when society feels increasingly divided.She also offers an honest reflection on the cost of staying devoted to art: while many gifted musicians are forced to leave in order to survive, a few remain because purpose for them calls louder than profit. Nevertheless, it is not a sacrifice she asks others to make, but one she deeply respects—because those who continue often do so out of quiet conviction, preserving beauty, meaning, and cultural memory in a world that does not always reward what matters most.

Before Joana Nwamerue became the first Bulgarian female professional boxer with a 7-0 record, she was a woman obsessed with a question: What do we do with the fire inside us? In this episode of the Courageously Speaking Podcast, we didn’t play nice. We went deep into the "Sweet Science" of boxing to show how raw, dangerous aggression can be transformed into elite discipline and mental clarity. Joana has proven this by developing a prison program in Bulgaria that turns life-altering rage into life-saving focus behind prison walls. Now, based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, she shared her evolution to the woman she is now who is also struggling with the "Strong Woman’s Paradox." If you are a woman who leads, fights, and wins, why is it so hard to find a partner who can handle your power? We explore why high-impact women like Joana are searching for men who aren't intimidated by their strength, but are secure enough to love them because of it.In this episode, we discuss:- How Joana taught the most "aggressive" people in society to find peace through a punch- How her journey as the first female pro boxer in Bulgaria was no easy feat but led her to the United States of America- Why strong women need strong-secure men - How to stop apologizing for your intensity and start using it as your greatest assetThis Courageously Speaking Podcast episode is for the fighters, the leaders, and the "too much" crowd. Whether you're in the ring or the boardroom, it's time to stop shrinking.

In a world that equates pursuing music to becoming a "starving artist," this episode of Courageously Speaking challenges that notion with multifaceted musician and entrepreneur, Patrick Worley. From his time as a backing musician in Nashville to building a thriving business in Las Vegas, Patrick proves two main things: 1) You can thrive as an artist if you do it right (luck is good but since it's rare, try hard work and strategy) and2) Time is not the hours you have but how you spend themDiscover how he merged his classical training with business acumen, and why for any creative, show business is more about the business than the show.

In this episode of Courageously Speaking, host Maria Soriano sits down with beauty industry founders Savannah Harmon and Alexis Chapman to explore what it really takes to step to leave your comfort zone to step into the unknown. From leaving behind full client rosters to chasing purpose across state lines, these women prove that courage isn’t loud—it’s intentional.Drawing from faith, psychology, and lived experience, this episode will inspire you to:- Stop waiting for the “perfect moment”- Reframe rejection as redirection- Trust your inner voice—even when it defies logicBecause real transformation begins when you stop asking “What if?” and start saying “Why not?”Tune in and discover how to leave your comfort zone in style!

What does it take to transform self-doubt into self-belief? In this episode of Courageously Speaking, we sit down with Maria Cabande—Senior Manager of Raiderettes The Studio, global cheer ambassador, and cultural advocate—to explore how embracing your identity, learning through failure, and leaning into community can unlock a powerful sense of purpose. From once hiding her Filipino American roots to becoming a leading voice for AAPI visibility in the NFL and beyond, Maria shares her journey from elite cheerleader to boardroom boss. She opens up about facing imposter syndrome, navigating leadership in unexpected spaces, and using failure as a teacher. If you’ve ever questioned your worth, feared standing out, or struggled to find your place, Maria’s story will remind you that you already belong—.

In this episode of Courageously Speaking, we ask a bold question: Are you too ambitious? Maria Soriano and FinTech executive Willayna Banner dive into the realities of ambition — how it shapes our careers, identities, and personal lives. We explore the fine line between striving for success and the pressure to prove your worth, especially in high-pressure industries. Through our honest conversation, we discuss the challenges women face when balancing assertiveness with being perceived as aggressive and how decoupling self-worth from job titles can lead to true alignment.Willayna shares her experiences navigating imposter syndrome, the importance of a strong support system, and the courage it takes to embrace uncertainty. We reflect on the tension between company loyalty and personal growth and the journey of finding purpose through exploration. This episode is an invitation to reflect on your own ambitions — when they serve you and when they might be holding you back.ABOUT OUR GUESTWillayna Banner, has over two decades of leadership experience spanning some of the world’s most influential organizations. She has served as the Senior Director and Global Head of Growth & Innovation for Retail, CPG, and Agriculture at Microsoft, where she drove cutting-edge solutions in Artificial Intelligence and cloud technology. Her other roles include leading Web3 and blockchain initiatives at Microsoft, serving on Morgan Stanley’s Investor Advisory Committee for the Next Level Fund, and holding senior executive and transformational positions at Wells Fargo, Bank of America, American Express, HBO and Morgan Stanley.Stay Courageous, Maria

In this episode, Leanne Duong-Ma opens up about her inspiring journey from corporate professional to founder of Direct Source Procurement. She shares how she built a successful business from the ground up, all while balancing the demands of family life.  Get her expert advice on managing time, staying grounded, and building a sustainable business, embodying the Mompreneur values we can all learn from. 

Reina Manuel, owner of Afterlife Boba & Tea Room, shares the story of how she turned her tough childhood around, opening the most community-oriented boba-shop in Las Vegas! In this episode, Reina opens up about how she was stripped of her voice as a foster child in homes she never really considered home and how she was stuck in an abusive relationship that she thought was better than not having a physical home like before, only to gain her voice and freedom back to serve her community as a boba shop owner whose business provided many locals with a home away from home. Find out how she diligently built her boba business along with T, her supportive and loving wife, who also took Reina’s son as her own. If you’re in Las Vegas or planning to visit Las Vegas, don’t forget to grab you and a friend some bubble teas at Reina and T’s Afterlife Tea and Boba Room, located at 4568 Spring Mountain Road, Las Vegas, NV 89102. Fo inquiries, call: 725-204-1990 or DM them in IG at @afterlifebobaLV. Special thanks to Food Vlogger and Community Leader, Lorenzita Santos, for being my uber-amazing co-host for this episode! Don’t forget to subscribe to my Courageously Speaking Podcast for more inspiring stories on defying fear! Stay courageous, Maria

Sharon Tanyag, an international singer/recording artist, vocal coach, and CEO of Born Famous Productions, shares the story of how she turned her bullies into fandom members back in her homeland, the Philippines. In this episode, Sharon opens up about how dejecting it is to be talented but poor that even awards she initially received would be taken away from her as she’s competing with well-connected and well-off artists unlike herself, all while turning all these pain into a success ladder. Find out how she established herself as a vocal coach for the stars (e.g., American Idol finalist Mackenzie Sol), showcasing a glimpse of her training from Celine Dion’s and Michael Jackson's vocal trainer, Seth Riggs. Are you an aspiring singer who don’t know where to start or a current artist in need of guidance? Contact Sharon Tanyag at 702-885-3065 for a complimentary vocal consultation (mention Courageously Speaking). Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to my Courageously Speaking Podcast for more inspiring stories on defying fear! Stay courageous, Maria

Patranya Bhoolsuwan, a 3x Emmy Award Winning Journalist, shares the story of how she turned her humble beginnings as an international student from Thailand into a successful career in journalism, and why she left that to pursue new dreams as a solopreneur. In this episode, Patranya opens up about her public speaking anxiety and her personal antidote to fear, which she overcomes by shifting her focus away from herself but to the WHY--her purpose and her audience. Find out the reason she left her blooming broadcasting career to build her own company, Patranya Media LLC. Afraid of public speaking? Patranya can help! Visit www.patranyamedia.com for more details. Don't forget to subscribe to my Courageously Speaking Podcast for more inspiring stories on courage! Stay courageous, Maria

In this gripping episode, we speak with a brave former journalist, Tina Petrilla, who, following the untimely death of a close friend who was killed in the line of duty, made the painful decision to give up her successful career.  Amidst her struggles, Tina reflects on navigating a failed marriage where she was dependent on her husband for everything, including putting gas into her car, to finding hope in a new relationship all while supporting her partner through his battle with stage 4 cancer. Her inspiring story reveals how she transitioned from one challenging environment to another, taking over a decade to recognize the toll of a toxic workplace on her mental and physical health. Tina courageously stepped into entrepreneurship, navigating the uncertainties of building a business from the ground up, all while confronting the fears that come with such a leap. Before the episode wraps up, Tina showcases her fearless spirit by taking on the Spicy Ramen Challenge—an endeavor that had her facing the heat and emerging victorious! Join us for this incredible story of resilience, transformation, and the empowering belief in oneself. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Courage Creatives Channel for more inspiring stories revolving on courage! To learn more about Tina’s latest projects, visit: www.HRClosetInsights.com and www.goodhirerecruitment.com. Stay Courageous, Maria

Join Courageously Speaking host, Maria Soriano, as she interviews Dr. Shellie Keller, Director of Academic Success at the College of Southern Nevada and counselor at Keller Counseling Services. In this riveting premier episode, Maria and Dr. Keller delve into a heartfelt discussion on overcoming life's toughest challenges and the importance of mental health. Dr. Keller shares her inspiring journey from taking her first sip of alcohol at 6 years old to finding her calling in Las Vegas, where she did not only rebuild her life through higher education and therapy, but also learned to listen to people who cared enough about her to give constructive advice. In a next phase of her life, her husband and a friend from rehab were both instrumental in fulfilling her goal of being a parent to adopted children with similar strings attached—her own addiction which she transformed to an act of love. Discover how Dr. Keller’s personal experiences with substance abuse and recovery as well as her dedication to supporting students have shaped her compassionate approach to mental health counseling. Maria and Dr. Keller explore three simple ways of managing triggers, stimulus response, and unhealthy coping mechanics: BECOMING SELF-AWARE, TRUSTING PEOPLE, and HELPING OTHERS. Tune in for an episode filled with the transformative power of turning adversity into one’s purpose. Key Highlights: • Navigating family trauma • Overcoming addiction through therapy • Building strong, authentic relationships • Pursuing higher education as a non-traditional student • Adopting children from families affected by substance abuse • Leaders prioritizing self-care • Transforming personal struggles into purposeful actions SUBSCRIBE NOW to learn more about Dr. Shellie Keller’s incredible story. If you are planning to start your journey to wellness and recover, visit: www.kellercounselingservices.care for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Keller.