The She Said Project Podcast

Quite a bit of life has happened since Sue Grey and her daughter Catherine shared their story, "Suck It Up, Buttercup," on stage in That's What She Said Champaign-Urbana in 2020 -- only weeks before ... well, we all remember THAT part! Now Jenette and Kerry are eager to find out where Sue (and Cate!) are today!

We welcomed Marifel from Allentown, PA to chat about the amazing story she shared on stage in the first production of That's What She Said Lehigh Valley -- "Story of What is Possible: My Journey of Self-Discovery, Courage and Resiliency."   **Be sure to check out Marifel's daughter's podcast that she mentions, "Sip 'n Spill," with Sofia Currie and Safiya Saif!**

Shelith reveals to our hosts how the "Lessons From the Box", that she shared on stage, keep impacting her life and the life of her family. 

Kerry and Jenette get to know the story behind the story with Esmerelda from the 2025 cast of That's What She Said St. Louis. 

Megan shares a story about every mother's nightmare, and then processing her own feelings by documenting every step of her daughter's cancer treatment. Join us as we learn how the story unfolded. 

The ladies share a powerful conversation in the studio with Charlatta Bennett about her story, "Buried Treasures in the Dark." Through the darkness of one of her most tragic moments, Charlatta found inspiration to turn her grief into beauty and power. 

When two humor bloggers and old friends reconnect, the conversation is nothing short of brilliant. Leslie Marinelli appeared in several productions of That's What She Said, from Champaign-Urbana in 2014 to Atlanta in 2025. The ladies discuss the power of bringing the funny to the stage. 

Not only did Linda Darby share an important story in That's What She Said Danville in 2025, but she was the perfectly charismatic emcee of the show, leading the way for a brilliant cast. 

Jan shared her romantic journey with her husband through her love language of dance. She visits with Jenette and Kerry to update us on her dancing and her passions.

We are so excited for our friends to meet Niki Fenderson, who shared her story, "A King's Daughter" on the She Said Stage in Decatur in 2025. Her story continues to inspire, as Niki published a book under the same title. 

Tiffany Patterson and the story she shared in Bloomington-Normal last year are perfectly suited for the podcast. A fun fact Tiffany shares is that her daughter has also participated in the That's What Teens Say program and shared her own story on stage! 

We celebrate our 52nd episode, taking the year full circle, with our guest Jacqueline Kalipeni. She braved the microphone in our flagship community of Champaign-Urbana in 2026 and it doesn't take long to figure out that Jacqueline is a passionate, outspoken, resilient woman of faith. 

Debra Olson, from the first She Said cast in Terre Haute, joined Jenette and Kerry in the studio to share her emotional story of escaping an unhealthy relationship to find her peace and her new love, all with some unexpected twists in "It's All About the Door."

It is such a treat to welcome Stephanie Belsky to the studio to reminisce about her story, "Permission to Unmute." She took the stage in 2025 at the first That's What She Said Atlanta and continues to use her voice to empower others. 

In this beautiful and funny tribute, Michelle Hyde shares memories of her mother and tells our hosts about appearing on stage in That's What She Said Quad Cities. 

When the stress of life takes you to the breaking point, you have to be brave enough to take the time away to heal. In her story, "31 Days in Santa Fe," our guest Kate Morrison shares her experience of seeking help and finding her calling.    *** Sensitive Content Warning: Elements of the story in the podcast refer to mental health issues including anxiety and depression. ***   *** If you are experiencing a crisis or seeking recovery from life challenges, there are several resources that provide 24/7 support from trained professionals who can help navigate mental health and other crises or emergencies. However, If you are experiencing a medical emergency or safety emergency requiring law enforcement, EMS, or fire, call 911.   ## 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or Text 988   Free and confidential support to people in crisis 24 hours a day. Services include a Veterans Crisis Line, access to the Spanish crisis specialist network, and LGBTQ+ affirming crisis support services. 988 offers crisis support in English and Spanish, as well as translation services in over 240 languages.     The She Recovers Foundation states "We're all recovering from something -- no one should have to recover alone" and connects women through their virtual offerings and in-person community networks, provides resources and support to help women develop their own holistic recovery patchworks, and empowers them to thrive.   For more information on The She Recovers Foundation: https://sherecovers.org/ ***

Tierra Brown had the opportunity to revisit the story she shared in the very first That's What She Said in Danville, IL and reflected on what it has meant to be "The Strong Friend."

In her story, "Returning Me to You," Ashlee Rhodes reflects on how this song lyric relates to her personal journey. She shares the story of taking back her life and restoring her health. 

Sometimes being a quitter is the right thing to do. Our guest today, Hannah Ramlo, from Peoria, talks about the difficult choices she made to choose what was best for her and her family. 

Dr. Janet Brehm Taylor really is "Living the Dream," as she shares on today's episode. She takes us on the bumpy journey to find the true purpose that she shared on stage in That's What She Said Atlanta. 

Today we meet our first speaker from That's What She Said Terre Haute, Jess Berryhill. Our hosts are delighted to chat with Jess about her unique journey to create a bigger and better life. 

Ashley Rath shared her story, "Thanks, Cancer,' on stage in That's What She Said St. Louis 2024 and we quickly learned that cancer was not the only challenge she was overcoming. Kerry and Jenette are thrilled to spend some time with this remarkable woman from the St. Louis cast.

Marsha shares a peek into her world as a veteran, a nurse, a caregiver and a runner in her story, "It's My Honor."

Ada has so much to share about her journey with our hosts, Kerry and Jenette. Her story, "Second Chance," is proof that it is never too late to rewrite your story. 

Kim explains to our hosts what she refers to as "The Edge," feeling like she never quite fit in. Enjoy her story from the inaugural production of That's What She Said Naperville.  To connect with Kim and Empowered Existence Speaking via her blog at https://kimcwells.me the website at https://www.empoweredexistencespeaking.com/   #herstory #womensupportingwomen #shareyourstory

We are so excited to welcome to the studio our friend, Izzy Gonzalez, the current Jr. Miss Amazing Illinois title holder. Izzy not only appeared on stage in That's What She Said in our flagship Champaign-Urbana show, but she is an alum of That's What Teens Say and an inspiration to all. #herstory #womensupportingwomen #shareyourstory for more information on the work, the mission and all things Miss Amazing, visit: Illinois Miss Amazing

Vivian's story is a true testament that you can follow your dreams, no matter the obstacles. She is now someone who paves the way for others, as she shares in her story from That's What She Said Bloomington-Normal, "My Destination." 

We are excited to introduce our listeners to the amazing Ms. Claudia Cupe, who appeared on stage in the first ever That's What She Said Atlanta in October 2025, as part of the National Summit on Period Poverty powered by Dignity Grows. Claudia's story covers her journey as a non-traditional student, to making a difference as a community leader and finally as an entrepreneur. You don't want to miss this enchanting conversation!

Lesa shares in her story that some of life's most difficult challenges have led her to the most powerful and profound realizations. Kerry and Jenette are excited to connect with Lesa about the story she shared on stage in That's What She Said Champaign-Urbana 2025, "Lessons in Love and Loss."   ** CW// Pregnancy/Miscarriage/Grief **

We are delighted to have Nancy join us in person in the studio to enjoy her performance from That's What She Said Naperville 2025. She gets real about all that women face in the aging process, the good, the bad and the magnificent. 

Jenette and Kerry have been eager to learn the story behind the story since Julie first shared "No More Shih Tzus" on stage in That's What She Said Bloomington-Normal 2024. 

Cara appeared onstage in the inaugural production of That's What She Said Atlanta. As this unique show was part of the National Summit on Period Poverty, Jenette, Kerry and Cara reflect on the full event and its mission, as well as celebrate Cara's continued mission to do what is "Good and Right." #herstory #africa #haiti

Elizabeth Jeffery looks reflects on her "One Wild and Precious Life" and shares with our hosts more takeaways from her journey in education and research, and finding the love of her life. 

Suzanne relives her story from the St. Louis TWSS stage and she discusses how she has processed the losses in her life. We learn that sharing her story may have been the beginning of truly healing, letting go, and prioritizing herself. 

Cat makes an appearance in person in the podcast studio to visit with Jenette and Kerry and share more about her life as a rockstar accountant from her story "Backstage Pass" which she shared on stage in That's What She Said Bloomington-Normal 2025. 

It is all too common for women to worry, as we can relate to Megan's story, "Wired for Worry." But is it possible to recover from the tendency to worry? 

Libby visits with Jenette and Kerry to share insight into her story, "Crowded Table," from That's What She Said St. Louis 2024. We learn about her journey to motherhood and how she juggles all that she is blessed with.    In the St. Louis area, the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition is an incredible resource. For more information: https://www.foster-adopt.org/

We are so happy to spend some time with Beth Crider in the studio to chat about "Tips and Suggestions," the story she shared on the stage in That's What She Said Peoria 2025. We can all relate to her journey of letting go of control to find true happiness. 

Liz Hasty of Danville, IL inspires us all to believe that when you stay true to yourself, you will live your best life. In her story, "I Do Dance," she shares with Jenette and Kerry the fantasy that came to life on the She Said stage. 

Jenette and Kerry are eager to learn just how big a part growing up the youngest of her eighteen brothers and sisters played in Amy Rueff choosing "Last But Not Least" as the title of the story she shared on stage in That's What She Said Heart of Illinois 2025.

Jaelyn Vickery shared her story, "The Pressure of Purpose," on stage in Champaign-Urbana that addressed transitioning from her original, rigid plan to pursue a new path, using her experience to help others.

Erica Pefferman of Columbia, MO shared a story onstage that she had not previously shared with her best friends or even her five children. Erica joins us in The She Said Project Podcast studio to take us on the journey that led to "That Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day," the story she shared in the 3rd That's What She Said Columbia.

We all believe the hype after spending some time visiting with Amber Kaylor from Decatur, IL.  Amber reveals that the confidence instilled in her at an early age from her mother has helped her navigate through life, love and career. 

Jenette and Kerry enjoy connecting with Laura Lasater, reflecting on the story she shared on stage in That's What She Said Champaign-Urbana, 2025 called "I Have Seen It All." Laura's life lessons in care for her loved ones continues to show up, influencing her career as a healer and caregiver. 

"Who's That Girl?" is the question we all want to know when Adrienne Jones-Yarbrough joins Jenette and Kerry in the studio. Adrienne shares her persona discovery of finding her own strength, power and destiny. 

Mary Vogt looked back over her entire life and career when she wrote and prepared "It Had to Be Me," the story she shared on stage in That's What She Said Heart of Illinois 2025 and Jenette and Kerry are eager to hear about the journey she took in the process.

Carla's story is still unfolding as she joins Jenette and Kerry in the podcast studio. After she shared her story on the She Said Stage in Danville, IL in June of 2025, her discoveries about her long-lost family continue to evolve. 

Visiting with Iris Marcum is nothing short of joyous, as we recall her story from That's What She Said 2025, "90 and Still Cooking." She catches up with our hosts, Jenette and Kerry on all that she is still doing to keep on keeping on. 

Sophie shared her story onstage in St. Louis in 2024, before a full house at the Sheldon Music Hall. Kerry and Jenette were in the front row that night as she revealed the painful truth about her father's death and how embracing the truth has helped her find peace and purpose in her life 

Jennifer appeared on stage in Naperville, IL in April of 2025. Jenette and Kerry get to know Jennifer and her story of loss and celebrate the memories that make her who she is today.