Radiant Voices: Women’s stories of transformation
Interviews with passionate, memorable women, exploring their experience and vision.
Transformation stories to open your mind and heart
We invite you to listen in…
Imagine you’re eavesdropping on the thinking of brilliant, curious women like you, walking right around you, a little ahead, a little behind, literally and figuratively.
Drop in when you’re seeking inspiration. We’d love to keep you company on a walk or drive or quiet moment at home. When you’re ready, we’re here for you.
Raw conversations between earnest and engaged women seeking to facilitate real time connection and insight.
Minimal editing. Drop straight in to the the conversation.
From stuck to strong - Midlife Reinvented
Lila Arango, Second Act Reset
23 April 2025 Mississauga, ON, Canada secondactreset.com
What if your midlife transformation wasn’t about fixing yourself but about finally listening to who you are?
” I neglected that voice. No I am comfortable here. I’m comfortable. Don’t bug me. It was always there. And now – it’s not. ”
Lina Arango shares how enacting mindful shifts, including facing fear, embracing change, and leaning into her multicultural roots, helped her turn anxiety into purpose — transforming her life and guiding other women to do the same.
Highlights & Links
Direct download option – dance it instead : Beautiful Day – AKON
My Highlights: Read more on the blog
- Choose identity, rather than having a to do list – a person who prioritises moving, rather than I must go for a walk.
- Desire to serve became greater than the fear of visibility
- The goading voice is silent now.
- Also that Canada has no spring!
Show notes & Transcript
In this episode of Radiant Voices, host Rachael Skying engages with holistic wellness and life coach Lina Arango, who specializes in helping midlife women navigate through periods of feeling stuck and overwhelmed to rediscover and embrace their second act in life.
Lina discusses her personal journey of overcoming fear, anxiety, and perfectionism to transform her life, placing emphasis on mindfulness, movement, and self-reflection.
Sharing stories about her multicultural background, Lina highlights the importance of small, consistent changes and the power of self-resilience.
The episode underscores the significance of internal reflection and taking consistent, actionable steps toward holistic well-being.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome
00:59 Guest Introduction and Acknowledgements
02:39 Cultural Backgrounds and Heritage
05:57 Seasonal Changes and Personal Reflections
09:03 Embracing Midlife and Holistic Wellness
12:26 Personal Journey and Overcoming Challenges
22:47 Career Transition and Coaching Philosophy
27:01 Current Work and Future Aspirations
30:31 A Fresh Start and Embracing Mortality
31:47 The Importance of Planning and Health
33:46 Personal Health Journey and Wellness Certification
35:58 Gradual Changes for a Healthier Life
37:21 Holistic Approach to Wellbeing
39:41 Finding Answers Within
42:01 Entrepreneurship and Personal Growth
44:34 Overcoming Introversion and Embracing Visibility
47:52 Prioritizing Connection and Authenticity
49:59 Reflecting on the Journey and Final Thoughts
Both participants reflect on the balance between individual expression and collective resonance, emphasizing the value of continuous practice and staying true to one’s inner voice.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections
00:35 Meeting and Initial Conversations
01:15 Living in Australia and Moving to Perth
02:04 Discovering the Cozy Community
04:09 Engagement and Participation in the Community
09:36 Starting a Podcast: Motivations and Challenges
13:28 Writing as a Practice and Personal Growth
21:05 Themes in Writing and Natural Living
23:15 Exploring the Concept of Agility
24:19 Defining ‘Move with Agility’
25:08 Choosing a Podcast Name
26:47 The Power of Authentic Stories
29:33 Challenges in Sharing Work
35:20 Transformation and Agility
41:32 The Importance of Lived Experience
PDF Transcipt: Lina Arango 23April2025 From stuck to strong Transcript
Your transformation journey
Your name here when you dare
Schedule your interview Your town & country yourwebsite.here.com
Your hook: imagine!
Your powerful quote: yes you can!
Summary: She’s done amazing things!
Showing up and sharing stories
Laila Atmane, Move with Agility
22 April 2025 Stockholm, Sweden movewithagility.com
What if the story you most need… is the one you keep forgetting to tell yourself?
“I need to hear that story a lot. I really need to hear that story a lot so that I can really believe it and enact that in my own life, as I need to let go of the things that I think keep me safe in the hope and the trust and the faith that another thing will turn up.”
“If I would be totally honest with you, it comes with a lot of challenge. I feel when I’m starting to get closer to my truth and stepping up and I feel like there’s a force sometimes that wants to hold me back.”
In this heart-expanding conversation, Rachael Skyring and Laila Atmane speak candidly about the quiet courage it takes to release what feels safe, listen for the glimmers of truth, and lean into the discomfort of becoming. From the forces that try to hold us back to the stories we need to hear on repeat just to believe they’re real—we explore the sacred tension between holding on and letting go, between individual truth and shared connection. If you’re on the cusp of something tender and true, this episode is for you.
Listen, comment and follow on Spotify
Direct download option – dance it instead : Battle without honour or humanity – HOTEI
Links & Takeaways
Links:
Beautiful You Coaching Academy (no affiliation)
Chloe Wigan – One Infinite Life (no affiliation)
Affiliate Links for Katherine Mackenzie-Smith’s Cozy Business groups :
My Takeaways: Read more on the blog
Value of listening and reflecting back what lands – these are glimmers?
That we sometimes need to be reminded of what we already know when we need it most.
That edges and beginnings are scary and uncomfortable – and showing up repeatedly takes off the pressure to perform a certain way, allows unexpected creativity and freedom
Show notes & Transcript
This episode captures an engaging dialogue between Rachael Skyring and Laila Atmane exploring themes of personal growth, authenticity, and the courage to share one’s story.
They discuss the challenges of letting go of safety nets in pursuit of deeper truths, the significance of community support, and the transformative power of repeated narratives. The conversation also delves into the notion of ‘glimmer words’ that spark positivity, the importance of agility in life, and the unique journey of launching and nurturing a podcast to capture meaningful dialogues.
Both participants reflect on the balance between individual expression and collective resonance, emphasizing the value of continuous practice and staying true to one’s inner voice.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections
00:35 Meeting and Initial Conversations
01:15 Living in Australia and Moving to Perth
02:04 Discovering the Cozy Community
04:09 Engagement and Participation in the Community
09:36 Starting a Podcast: Motivations and Challenges
13:28 Writing as a Practice and Personal Growth
21:05 Themes in Writing and Natural Living
23:15 Exploring the Concept of Agility
24:19 Defining ‘Move with Agility’
25:08 Choosing a Podcast Name
26:47 The Power of Authentic Stories
29:33 Challenges in Sharing Work
35:20 Transformation and Agility
41:32 The Importance of Lived Experience
PDF Transcipt: Laila Atmane 22April2025 Showing up Transcript
What if you're already enough?
Liz Page, Embodied Awareness
17 April 2025 Kabi Kabi country, Sunshine Coast, AU lizpage.com.au
What if healing isn’t about fixing, but becoming aware?
”And this took whatever I approached it with. And told me it’s not a problem. Let’s just look at it as what is, and let’s see what else is possible.”
Liz Page opens up about her journey through pain, presence, and the practice that changed her life from the inside out. When she met Feldenkrais, her body said: let’s just see what’s possible. Join us as we explore how awareness—not effort—can be the most powerful path to change. Tune in for a gentle, powerful story of embodied transformation.
Listen, comment and follow on Spotify
Direct download option – dance it instead : My Lord – Michael Franti
Show notes & Transcript link
In this episode of Radiant Voices, host Rachael Skying converses with Liz Page, a Feldenkrais practitioner.
Liz shares her inspiring journey from coping with a debilitating knee injury to discovering the transformative power of the Feldenkrais method.
They discuss the importance of self-awareness, the body’s ability to heal trauma, and the interconnectedness of mind and body.
The episode highlights how Feldenkrais not only aided in Liz’s physical healing but also influenced her personal development and professional practice.
Additionally, Liz shares insights on the value of community, the power of being present, and the significance of learning to embrace oneself fully.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:21 Acknowledging Heritage and Country
02:47 Liz Page’s Background and Heritage
05:34 The Journey to Feldenkrais
06:14 Discovering the Root Cause of Pain
09:47 The Impact of Feldenkrais on Healing
14:02 Transitioning Careers and Finding Purpose
22:23 The Power of Awareness and Acceptance
27:20 Introduction to Influential Figures
28:14 The Power of Hawaiian Prayer
29:07 Exploring Various Practices
30:34 Personal Transformation and Authenticity
31:43 Challenges and Realizations
33:20 Embracing Authenticity in Life
35:44 Letting Go of Worries
38:39 Current Focus and Future Plans
45:13 Reflections and Community
32:53 Embracing Personal Freedom and Identity
33:26 Understanding the Nervous System and Identity Shifts
35:12 Current Focus and Community Building
36:56 Excitement for the Future and Community Impact
37:53 Final Thoughts and Reflections
38:54 Playlist Challenge and Personal Song Choice
41:22 Closing Remarks and Future Plans
PDF Transcipt: Liz Page 17April2025 What if you’re already enough? Transcript
How I became a Black Woman
Glenny Sijlbing, Retired Artist
16 April 2025 Zaandam, Netherlands @g.sijlbing
She didn’t expect one moment of truth from an African American mentor to redefine her identity—and her future.
“ I said listen, I don’t think I belong here because I’m not really Black. I’m very much adapted to the Dutch culture. And then he raised his finger to me and said, “Let no one, but really no one, ever tell you that you’re not Black because you are a Black Woman.” And I still get tears in my eyes when I talk about this. It was really the moment that I became a Black Woman “
When Glenny Sillbing heard those words, everything shifted. Assimilated into Dutch culture and long disconnected from her roots, this is the story of how she became a Black Woman. In this tender and powerful episode, retired artist and diversity advocate Glenny Sillbing joins host Rachael Skying to explore the complex layers of cultural identity, systemic racism, and belonging. This conversation is a gentle yet powerful reminder that identity is not just inherited—it’s claimed.
Listen, comment and follow on Spotify
Direct download option – dance it instead : Matthaus Passion BWV244 Pt2 – J.S.Bach
Show notes & Transcript link
In this episode, Rachael Skying interviews Glenny Sijlbing, an inspiring retired artist, as they delve into Glenny’s profound journey to self-acceptance as a Black Woman.
Glenny shares her experiences growing up in the Netherlands, her struggle with cultural identity, and the life-changing moment when she was affirmed in her Black identity by an African American mentor.
They discuss the impacts of systemic racism, the process of embracing one’s heritage, and how this journey led Glenny to a fulfilling career in diversity and inclusion.
Now retired, Glenny finds peace and joy in slow stitching and other artistic endeavors while focusing on her well-being.
This heartfelt conversation highlights the importance of belonging, self-awareness, and acknowledging one’s identity in navigating life’s complexities.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
00:45 Acknowledging the Land and Heritage
03:43 Glenny’s Heritage and Early Life
04:59 Cultural Identity and Upbringing
05:54 Weather and Gardening
08:10 Glenny’s Transformation Story
21:25 Reflecting on Identity and Belonging
24:04 Impact of Affirmation on Personal Growth
29:00 Navigating Racism and Discrimination
37:19 Embracing Art and Personal Well-being
39:27 Looking Forward and Final Thoughts
PDF Transcipt: Glenny Sijlbing 16April2025 How I became a Black Woman Transcript
Links referenced in this interview
Esther de Charon de St Germain, business and branding coach
Navigating life's glitches
Katherine Mackenzie-Smith, Cozy Business Coach
9 April 2025 Quandamooka country, Brisbane, AU katherinemackenziesmith.com
What if the glitches in your life – those unexpected detours, identity wobbles, or moments you can’t explain – were actually guiding you home?
“ I said to her ‘If I’m not the good girl anymore, I don’t know who I am.’ … And I just stopped feeling the need to show up in that way… It was such an illuminating time for me.“
In this heartfelt conversation, Katherine shares how leaving behind the “good girl” script and honoring her neurodivergent rhythm helped her build a business rooted in coziness, culture, and truth. This episode is a warm invitation to listen inward, embrace the detours, and redefine success on your own terms.
Listen, comment and follow on Spotify
Direct download option – dance it instead : Emergence by Sleep Token
Show notes & Transcript link
In this episode, Rachael sits down with Katherine Mackenzie-Smith, the cozy business queen, to discuss her journey from working in the television industry to becoming an influential business coach.
Katherine shares her personal story of transformation, discussing how her neurodivergence and introverted nature influenced her career choices. They delve into the importance of grounding practices, honoring their cultural histories, and the serendipity that led Katherine to her calling.
Katherine talks about the challenges of adhering to traditional success metrics and the liberating realization that she needed to prioritize her own well-being and energy. The conversation touches on the significance of connection, the evolving nature of business, and the impact of being true to oneself.
Katherine highlights how she supports individuals in creating businesses that align with their unique needs, rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
Full of wisdom and personal insights, this episode is an inspiring look at how embracing our true selves can lead to fulfilling entrepreneurial journeys.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome
00:24 Grounding and Acknowledgements
00:59 Personal Histories and Backgrounds
04:10 Journey into Business Coaching
07:14 Discovering Online Business
12:50 Challenges and Realizations
15:32 Healing and Transformation
26:48 Reconnecting with Purpose
31:09 Reflecting on Isolation and Self-Discovery
32:53 Embracing Personal Freedom and Identity
33:26 Understanding the Nervous System and Identity Shifts
35:12 Current Focus and Community Building
36:56 Excitement for the Future and Community Impact
37:53 Final Thoughts and Reflections
38:54 Playlist Challenge and Personal Song Choice
41:22 Closing Remarks and Future Plans
PDF Transcipt: Katherine Mackenzie-Smith 9April2025 Navigating Life’s Glitches Transcript
Links referenced in this interview
Affiliate Links for Katherine’s Cozy Business groups :
Holly Wodetzki, Rachael’s dance teacher
Walking the path alone and thriving
Heiddi Zalamar - The Dream Bruja
29 March 2025 Lenape territory, TheBronx, NY, USA @TheDreamBruja
What if trusting yourself—fully, deeply, and without fear—was the key to transformation?
“ If I have to walk by myself in this journey, then I’m okay with it and I really am okay. Nothing bad happened. The sky didn’t fall, pigs didn’t fly.”
In this soulful conversation, Heiddi Zalamar shares her journey of self-reliance, courage, and intuitive living, from childhood dreams and trauma to her evolution as a therapist and dream interpreter. She reflects on decolonizing her life, embracing her witchy side, and building an aligned, sustainable path—proving that sometimes, walking alone is exactly what leads us home.
Show notes & Transcript link
Embody this story > Dance it your way! >>>>>>> Shake it off & Roar
Heidi Zalamar: Embracing Courage and Intuition on a Path of Self-Discovery
Heiddi Zalamar shares her personal journey of transformation, touching on themes of self-reliance, overcoming fear, and embracing her intuition.
From her early experiences with vivid dreams and trauma to her career as a therapist and aspirations to help others through dream interpretation, Heidi’s story is one of courage and listening to one’s inner voice.
She discusses her roots in New York City, her heritage, and her efforts to live in alignment with her values by decolonizing her life.
Through this insightful dialogue, Heidi reveals how she’s navigated life’s challenges and continues to trust her path, guided by quiet but profound affirmations and a deep connection to intuitive knowledge.
Chapters:
00:00 Starting the Journey Alone
00:54 Grounding and Introductions
01:59 Personal Heritage and Background
04:02 Weather and Nature Observations
06:30 Witchy Work and Latinx Women
07:51 Transformative Experiences
18:45 Navigating Fear and Anxiety
23:12 Discovering My Calling
23:52 Transitioning from Therapy
24:40 Navigating by Energy
28:24 Creating an Aligned Lifestyle
30:50 Building a Sustainable Business
32:10 Embracing My Witchy Side
34:03 Reflecting on the Journey
37:00 The Power of Music and Nature
42:33 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
Transcipt: Heiddi Zalamar: Walking the path alone and thriving 29March2025 Transcript
From burnout to breakthrough
Sophie Guy - True Nature Coaching
28 March 2025 Kaurna Country, Adelaide, AU truenaturecoaching.com.au
What happens when a trained psychologist steps beyond the traditional therapeutic model to embrace a trauma-informed, nervous-system-focused approach to healing?
“ That was my training. But I wanted to be working with people and I didn’t quite know how to do it … the breakdown got me there”
Sophie shares how her personal experiences with burnout, dissatisfaction with conventional therapy, and deep exploration of nervous system regulation led her to create a 12-week coaching program that supports authentic healing and well-being.
Show notes & Transcript
In this episode, Rachael Skying speaks with Sophie Guy from True Nature Coaching.
They begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the lands they live and work on in Australia.
Sophie shares her journey from mainstream academic psychology to becoming a trauma-informed coach.
She discusses her dissatisfaction with traditional therapeutic models, which led her to explore different healing approaches, particularly nervous system regulation.
Sophie highlights the significant impact of understanding the nervous system on mental health and well-being.
The conversation also touches on the importance of authentic relationships and psychospiritual aspects in the healing journey.
Sophie shares how her experiences with burnout and personal transformation guided her to her current path in coaching, culminating in the creation of a 12-week coaching program designed to help individuals achieve nervous system regulation and overall well-being.
00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements
00:39 Grounding in Different Locations
03:02 Heritage and Background
05:10 Journey into Coaching
08:24 Challenges and Transformations
13:31 Exploring New Paths
19:47 Burnout and New Beginnings
22:50 Choosing My Own Path
24:35 Support Systems and Influences
27:50 Finding a Fulfilling Career
31:23 Starting True Nature Coaching
32:09 Nervous System Regulation
38:41 Integrating Psychospiritual Elements
39:36 Exciting Future Plans
42:53 Conclusion and Farewell
Transcipt Sophie Guy: From burnout to breakthrough 28March2025 Transcript
Breaking routine, finding purpose
Kelly Questions - Less work, more travel
22 March 2025 Tampa, Florida, USA kellyquestions.com
When work and life feel out of sync, could travel be the missing piece?
Rachael and Kelly explore the power of stepping away to reconnect with what truly matters—complete with tech hiccups, personal revelations, and the wisdom of the road.
Summary & Transcript
This conversation between Rachael and Kelly opens with a comment on the humorous challenges of Zoom calls.
Rachael introduces herself and her heritage while acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land she occupies in Australia.
Kelly, a life organization and travel coach, shares her mission to help people find balance between work and taking transformative trips.
Kelly narrates her personal journey of following a prescribed career path and the realization of missing internal fulfillment.
She describes how travel became a key element in finding deeper meaning and purpose in her life.
The script highlights the influence and inspiration Kelly received from her friends and how she now aims to pass on the tools and wisdom she has gained to others through her coaching program.
Lastly, Kelly reveals her ongoing projects and aspirations to share her experiences and support others in their own transformational journeys.
Transcipt Kelly Questions: Breaking routine, finding purpose 22March2025 Transcript
Calculated Risks, Bold Moves
Gloria Esguerra - Five star life
8 March 2025 Toronto, Canada Insta: @analysethislife
What if the key to a fulfilling life isn’t fearlessness, but learning to take the right risks?
Gloria Esguerra shares how she transformed uncertainty into opportunity—moving countries, shifting careers, and leaping (literally) into the unknown—offering a roadmap for immigrant women ready to claim their own bold moves.
Summary & Transcript
Introduction: The speakers exchange greetings and set the context by acknowledging the land and heritage they are situated on. Rachael is in Australia, acknowledging the Kabi Kabi people, while Gloria is in Canada with Filipino roots.
Background and Immigration: Gloria discusses her immigration journey from the Philippines to Canada, the challenges faced, and the sense of gratitude for the opportunities and lessons learned.
Career Transformation: Gloria shares her professional shift from advertising in the Philippines to a business analyst role in Canada, later venturing into cybersecurity, and eventually becoming an online coach.
Overcoming Fear: The conversation delves into personal challenges and overcoming fears, illustrated by experiences like paragliding and other significant life decisions.
Strategic and Thoughtful Decisions: Emphasis on the strategic, balanced approach to making life decisions, focusing on minimizing regrets and taking calculated risks.
Vision for Coaching Business: The guest shares their vision and current efforts in establishing a coaching business aimed at helping immigrant women lead a ‘five-star life,’ including the development of a supportive framework and enhancing visibility.
The Power of Interpretive Dance
Sophie Guy - True Nature Coaching
7 February 2025 Kaurna country, Adelaide Plains, Australia True Nature Coaching
What if the key to purpose isn’t found in the mind, but in movement?
Rachel and Sophie explore the dance between intellect and embodiment, the wisdom of the nervous system, and the courage it takes to step fully into ourselves—drawing unexpected connections from First Nations wisdom to Joan of Arc.
Summary & Transcript
Rachel and Sophie engage in a deep and free-ranging conversation about the essence of life, dance, and nervous system regulation.
They start by acknowledging the traditional lands they are on and discuss the importance of connecting with First Nations people.
They then delve into thoughts on creating a podcast centered on human purpose and different life perspectives.
The conversation transitions into the value and transformative power of dance as a form of expression and healing.
They also touch upon their academic backgrounds and the shift from intellectual pursuits to more embodied practices.
Finally, they reflect on the powerful historical story of Joan of Arc, drawing parallels to modern-day courage and self-belief.
Links Referenced in this conversation
Rachael’s Embodied Dance Teacher: Holly Wodetzki
Silent movie: The Passion of Joan of Arc
Embodied writing & grief
Danielle Heyns - Embodied Dreamer
13 November 2024 Carterton, New Zealand Embodied Dreamer
How do we keep moving forward when life knocks us sideways?
Danielle and Rachael explore the power of external structure, embodiment, and authentic communication in navigating grief, sustaining long-term projects, and transforming challenges into creative momentum.
Free resource: Start moving through writer’s block today
Summary & Transcript
Danielle and Rachael discuss the importance of external structure and support systems in accomplishing daunting tasks, specifically related to outreach and commitment to long-term projects.
Danielle shares her personal experiences of significant life changes, including the death of a spouse and job redundancy, and the role of embodiment and writing in processing grief and personal transformation.
They explore ideas about writing, podcasts, and co-working as methods to stay motivated and accomplish goals.
The conversation covers various topics including the effectiveness of mailing lists, the use of embodiment in overcoming cognitive dissonance, and the intricacies of the grieving process, emphasizing the need for a non-linear and personal approach to healing.
The discussion ends with mutual reflections on the value of authentic communication and its transformative power in both personal and professional contexts.
PDF Transcript: Danielle Heyns Embodied Writing & Grief 13Nov2024
Links Referenced in this conversation
Rachael’s writing coach: Ali Duffey
Danielle and Rachael both trained in Feminine Embodiment Coaching through Jenna Ward’s School of Embodied Arts.
Unshakeable self trust
Sarah Laverty - Embodiment with Sarah
9 November 2024 Belfast, Ireland Embodiment with Sarah
What if true empowerment isn’t just what you believe, but how you feel in your body?
Sarah and Rachael explore the radical shift from understanding to embodying feminist and activist work—unpacking how neurodivergent women can reclaim self-trust, confidence, and power through embodied presence.
Free resource: Embodied Confidence Workbook
Insta: @embodiment_with_sarah
Summary & Transcript
Sarah and Rachael discuss the importance of embodiment work and its transformative power for women, especially those involved in activism.
They explore topics such as the shift from mental understanding to embodied experience, the role of embodiment in feminist and anti-patriarchal work, and the personal journeys of radical self-belief for neurodivergent women.
The conversation includes discussions on grassroots activism, the integration of feminist beliefs into embodiment practices, and their own individual projects and resources aimed at helping women develop self-trust and confidence through embodiment techniques.
PDF Transcript: Sarah L Unshakeable Self Trust 9Nov2024
Referenced in this conversation
Article from Waging Non-violence “10 ways to be prepared and grounded“
Sarah and Rachael both trained in Feminine Embodiment Coaching through Jenna Ward’s School of Embodied Arts.
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