Introducing Rock Star Millennials Podcast

In his book, “The Father You Get: And the Ones You Make, Believe In, and Become,” Patton Dodd shares his realizations about the father he had, relates his struggles with the one he wishes he had and finds his purpose in becoming the best one he can possibly be.

When Erica Miller talks about how to “get past your past,” she speaks with the voice of experience. Listen as she shares the struggles of being incarcerated and how she helps others move forward from that spot and feel the success… of starting over.

As Kelly Cole moved from being a labor and delivery nurse to a nurse practitioner to an entrepreneur, she had one goal in mind: Empower patients with knowledge that will help them stay healthy, so they can live their best life today…and tomorrow.

When Dr. Kristen Strom talks about Leading with Wellness, it’s more than just a keynote or a workshop, it’s a calling. Listen as she shares her transformation journey from teacher to professor to entrepreneur and highlights how intentional wellness made all the difference for her career…and her life.

As Kellie Short leads her company that has evolved with the medical industry, she recruits traveling nurses and technical staff and pairs them with hospitals, surgery centers and doctors’ offices across the nation. Her focus? Work hard. Be flexible. And find the good in every day… and everyone.

When you or someone you love is facing breast cancer, hope matters more than ever. Whether you are walking this path yourself or supporting someone you love, “Pink Pearls of Hope” is a companion of faith, courage, and shared wisdom for the road ahead.

When Nancy Griffin founded Women Worth Wellness she had a clear goal in mind—educating and empowering women to take control of their wealth and health for the life they want to live today and the legacy they want to leave…tomorrow.

After playing and coaching Division 1 basketball, Barb Smith knew she had a larger purpose-- helping high school athletes and their families find the college that was the right fit for them. Why? So they could do more than just survive as college athletes—they could thrive

When she founded Blue Meets Blue, Shahd Alasaly wanted to create a place where refugees could communicate in a common language, share their artisan skills, design custom garments, feel a sense of community and help one another grow… and prosper… and heal.

Whether she is driving the fire truck, leading others to face their fears through adventure travel or making life a little sweeter for someone through a gluten-free bakery, Lisa Greyhill is making a difference, taking the challenge and inspiring others to do the same.

As you celebrate 2025, take a minute to revel. Be proud of the things you’ve accomplished & the relationships you’ve developed. Be proud of the difference you’ve made, living your purpose right where you are. And as you head into 2026, gather those memories, friends & loved ones …and Bring Your People With You.

Chase Brower & Temi Akinlua loved their electric vehicles but hated wasting time at charging stations. Their answer? Swych-Box- a kiosk that offers products to clean your car, toys to entertain your children and services like windshield repair and food delivery while you wait. Brilliant!

When Patty Atherton and her husband lost their son Dallas to suicide, they found solace in nature, just as Dallas always had. Together they turned 10 acres of their own property into a summer camp that offered fishing, hiking & kayaking to underserved kids. As they watched these children find joy and experience healing from their trauma…so did they.

While some people wrestle with what their calling might be, Julie Drake’s was clear: Heal My People. As the co-founder of Advanced Innergy Wellness Center, Julie uses state-of-the-art technology and therapies to restore health and healing to the mind, body and spirit.

Whether she’s sharing her poetry or excerpts from her book or photos from her latest travel adventure, Christina Schatsiek is fostering connection and community. She empowers others by creating safe spaces for women to explore the outdoors and embrace their authentic selves…one journey at a time.

Growing up in a motor sports family, Shay Hoelscher knew she would one day be a race car driver. What she didn’t know is that she would also be an entrepreneur, mentor and philanthropist. For Shay the only thrill greater than taking a turn on the track at incredible speed is lifting a hand to mentor other women…empowering them in racing, in business and in life.

If you want to see a wizard at work, watch Jen Mason. As the founder of Jen Restyle Fashion, Jen is a 4th generation seamstress who specializes in thrifting and upcycling, converting old garments into something new that is both stylish… and sustainable.

When Liz Hansen opened her own photography business 7 years ago, her mission was simple: “Help women feel empowered to celebrate their bodies, their relationships and their life.” Why? “Because every woman is worthy of being photographed at every age, every stage and every size.”

Gigi Wilborn has mastered the business of service stacking by providing multiple healing modalities like custom IV Hydration, sound baths and mental health counseling in an art studio where patients can create as they revitalize. While she describes herself as a nurse by trade, an artist by passion and an entrepreneur by heart, her clients call her simply…a gift.

What if your love for playing hockey was the very thing that kept you from your dream of a military career? Well, if you’re Matt Dylewski, you pivot and use your technology smarts to create 3-D printed prosthetics for injured veterans, proving there’s more than one way to serve.

As we launch the 100th podcast it seems appropriate to share one of my greatest leadership lessons learned: the Legacy is in the Learning. When you invest in others by learning about them, you engage them and at the same time empower them to invest in others and in that moment…the legacy begins.

When Samantha Dong took a break from the financial world to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, she had no idea her journey would lead her to new heights as a global shoe designer -one who works with a podiatrist to create women’s shoes that are beautiful… and comfortable.

When Caitlin, Brittney & Hannah came together as friends from 3 different careers they had one vision: creating a space where people could share joy and create memories. Together they’ve done just that through Bloom Wine Bar & Florals—a place where they love working, having fun and giving back to their community.

As Savvy Sauce Charities President, podcast host, wife and mom to 4 girls, Laura Dugger wears a lot of hats. Her secret to managing it all? A singular purpose: Love God. Love others. Share joy.

A self-proclaimed career chameleon, Stacy Brooks’ current role as CEO of SKB Cyber brings together her theater, speech, acting and teaching roles into one where she leads a security technology business, is an expert in AI and helps her customers use technology to become more efficient…safely.

Since Varinka Ensminger liked to drive fast cars, shoot guns, tackle bad guys and protect victims, she started her career as a police officer, before becoming a detective & Special Operations Command Leader. Her job? “Support special operators around the world who protect our national security mission and keep us safe.”

If you were raised in Italy, had parents from Bangladesh and had a heart for women in South Africa, where would you begin? If you’re Urmi Hossain you bloom where you’re planted—Quebec, Canada. Although she works her 9-5 job in the financial industry, Urmi’s most important work happens from 5-9 when she mentors, blogs and leads workshops to empower women around the world.

Can you believe we’re in Season 5 of Rock Star Millennials podcasts? To celebrate that milestone we’re visiting with 5 past podcast guests to remember where they started and see where they’re going. Join us for this special 1-hour episode taped in front of a live studio audience!

Wendy Callupe started her fashion career in LA and NY before founding Minted Media Productions in Chicago. Her large-scale fashion events include entertainment and feature people of color and indigenous designers. Her counsel to others? “You’re never too young or too old and no dream is ever too big.”

When Amy Suprunowski describes her work of supporting the development of adults with disabilities she says it’s simply “people embracing people.” As the Marketing & Events Coordinator for the Community Workshop & Training Center her purpose is simple: helping her clients be the most independent person they can be.

When Dierdre Barnes started her self-love journey as a young Mom with 2 littles, she didn’t know it would lead her to open a candle-making business, become a facilitator of self-love candle-making workshops or be a leader who inspires other women to FLY-First Love Yourself.

What does Renae Kerrigan hope to accomplish in her role as the Curator of Science & Planetarium Director at the Peoria Riverfront Museum? It’s simple. Educate people on the rarity of our planet, inspire them to protect it and in turn… make life better for the people in her orbit.

When she started a school newspaper in fifth grade, Jennifer Kyulule knew she was destined to share others' stories. As the CEO of Marketing Blueprint she does just that, using websites and social media to promote her clients’ brands, tell their stories... and grow their businesses.

Danielle Scarzello didn’t just step into a world of entrepreneurs—she jumped! As a project manager for the gener8tor venture capital firm, Danielle is a coach, an encourager and most of all a connector among entrepreneurs and investors. Her favorite part of the job? Being an advocate for people with passion and purpose… who are changing the world.

When you're the founder & CEO of a smart irrigation company at 17, what's next? For Khushi Shah it's being a student at Harvard, MIT and Northeastern while running her business, pitching investors, working on a book and a movie and exploring global applications of a technology she created to reduce cost, preserve water and most importantly… inspire other young minds.

As you enjoy time with family and friends this holiday season, I hope you make lots of new memories and share some memories from days gone by that you cherish the most. Whoever you're celebrating with today here's a little gift to pass on that will fill someone's heart...and fill yours.

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As a military veteran and someone who grew up in a family of 15, Elonda Whitfield was no stranger to hard work. This mother of 4 started her own specialty concrete contracting company to provide for her family and make beautiful things for others. What's next? Teaching other women around the world how they can do their own work…and run their own business.

When Malaya Curtis decided to move her hair braiding and make up artistry business from Atlanta to Peoria, she also made a choice to put her health and family first. Her love for entrepreneurs led her to a new role as the Community Concierge for Distillery Labs--a place where she can grow her business... and help other entrepreneurs grow theirs.

When Krystal Stegmaier published her book "Captivating Creations: Seasons," she had one goal in mind--helping women find freedom and purpose within their faith and life struggles. Through her personal coaching and book study groups she helps women discover their own path forward and understand how they are uniquely qualified for the journey.

Whether she's working with a client who imports high-end chocolate and wants to keep it from melting in transport or working with a German travel accessory company that wants to distribute through retailers in the U.S., Paola LaManna has found her purpose and passion in solving business issues by managing logistics. Her discovery? One company’s problem is another company’s puzzle…just waiting to be solved.

If you're the 4th generation owner of the family's electrical contracting company with a degree in business and construction management, what else do you need? Well if you're Emily Jacob Rudesill, you add a 5-year electrical apprentice program to understand the people and the business… from the ground up.

As a life and business coach, author, podcast host and serial entrepreneur, Kisha Woods supports others on their transformation journey as they become the best version of themselves. Along the way she reminds us, "It's never too late to elevate."

Dr. Shaleigh approaches her practice every day with a singular focus: Expect Miracles. When you do you will see them every day. Whether she's caring for a patient who is one day old or 96 years old she knows that helping them live happier, healthier lives is really impacting generations...one person at a time.

Of all the businesses to start, why choose catering? For Gabi Thompson it was simple. If food is your love language, hustle is your game and serving is your passion… then hospitality is your industry. Whether she’s cooking for local school children, the national guard or families in the community, Gabi’s work provides more than a hot meal. It brings joy…and comfort…and hope.

From intensive care to neonatal to family practice Cori Jahns was a nurse who wanted to do more. So she became a nurse practitioner, opened her own clinic and focused on wellness- helping patients prevent illness instead of treating it. Her greatest joy? Watching her patients transform physically and emotionally. Priceless.

When her clients ask "What if I fail?" Melissa Entzminger responds "What if you fly?" As a Public Speaking Coach, she uses tools and techniques to help clients step into their power and achieve their dreams. Her counsel? Think bigger. Your work can make the world a better place. For her free e-book, go to https://beautiful-art-42260.myflodesk.com/uxmri1sq3d

How does a chiropractor who owns his own practice make time for his patients, his team, his 4 children and international mission trips with his wife? If we take a tip from Dr. Bryne Willey, it’s simple-align your work with your values: faith, family, fun and freedom.

Who would buy one business to prove their concept for a second one? Josie Tayllor Wells, owner of a boutique hotel and founder of Social Society. Her goal? Give business owners confidence to be creative, change the conversation and use social media to showcase who they are as they grow their business. In short, she helps them all to shine.

If you have a 9 to 5 job that lacks creativity and flexibility and you've thought about starting your own business, you're not alone. Sara Heider had been dreaming about starting a business--one she enjoyed that also worked with her family life. She found both when she created Shei Style and learned she could have success… and live her dream.