Season 2 is live! You can start streaming episodes on Spotify today!
Our first episode of Making Good launched Tuesday August 16, 2022. We expanded this season to 11 episodes and there are some real gems this season. We touch on difficult topics like raising a small child in Southern Louisiana and how climate change will impact where that child grows old. We discuss the fossil fuel industry and how citizens across Louisiana stand up against environmental racism. We discuss what a woman’s third act looks like once the kids are grown and out the house. We talk to multiple healthcare professionals, including two dietitians and a physical therapist. And in our final episode we discuss building mature relationships that honor boundaries, growth, and self-love. We try to speak on a range of issues facing woman ran small businesses in New Orleans this season. We can’t run a successful business doing good without growing personally and walking our own talk in our private lives.
Ann Rolfes, Louisiana Bucket Brigade
Louisiana Bucket Brigade was founded by Anne Rolfes in 2000. Anne began her career in Nigeria, collaborating with local communities to address oil companies’ destruction of the Niger Delta. She returned to Louisiana in 2000 and collaborated with women along Cancer Alley to found the Louisiana Bucket Brigade.
Anne was born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, where many people made their fortunes in the oil industry. She has seen the wealth and the poverty created by oil production and seeks a phase-out of fossil fuels in her lifetime. She has a Masters degree in International Development from Tulane and has twice testified before Congress. Her work has been recognized by local and national awards, including the Jane Bagley Lehman Award for Public Advocacy and the Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leader Award.
Katie Witry, Witry Collective
Katie co-founded the Witry Collective with the vision that collaboration across various industries within real estate is the key to having a more effective and integrated approach. The firm specializes in residential, mixed-use, investment, and commercial properties in the historic districts of New Orleans. As a graduate of Loyola University with a degree in Sociology and Women’s Studies, she attributes her ability to drive meaningful change today to her passion for equity and civil leadership. Currently, she is a mentor at the Loyola University College of Business Executive Mentorship Program and an Executive Board member of the Preservation Resource Center.
I met Katie while we were both enrolled in the Goldman Sachs 10000 Small Businesses program.
Lelia Gowland, Writer, Speaker, and Negotiator
Lelia Gowland is a sought-after speaker and writer on authenticity, compassion, and connection. Described as “the confidence fairy godmother we all need,” Lelia uses dynamic storytelling and personal vulnerability so we all feel less alone.
She is the author of "You Got This: The Ultimate Negotiation Guide for Professional Women" Lelia recently wrote an article about her marriage and consensual non-monogamy in the Huffington Post titled: "Married With A Toddler, I appear Straight. I'm Finally Ready to Stop Hiding My Identity". Lelia also spoke about her polyamorous eight-year marriage on The Only One podcast. You can listen here.
Lelia is also a friend who offers sweet compliments and will purchase a dozen croissants from your store while wearing your business' t-shirt and then offer more sweet compliments. This is a great conversation that touches on some bigger issues, such living in the impacts of climate change and being your loud, goofy, proud self.
Emily McElrath, Pivotal PT and Wellness
Emily McElrath is my physical therapist. She helped me go from constant mobility issues from an ongoing injury to weight lifting pain-free. We talk about the pelvic floor, weight lifting, and the right workouts throughout your menstrual cycle.
Emily is a native of New Orleans and received her undergraduate Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training at the University of Southern Mississippi. She then went on to attain her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of St. Augustine in St. Augustine, FL. Emily is a former collegiate runner turned Crossfitter who has a passion for helping people optimize performance. She is highly trained in Sports/Orthopedics and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and has first-hand experience modifying HIIT exercises for the pregnant and postpartum athletes to ensure they are able to continue their desired activity injury free.
You can learn more about Emily's company Pivotal PT and Wellness here!
Ruthie Winston, Winston and Associates
Ruthie Winston is one of New Orleans's only certified appraisers. She runs Winston & Associates. Ruthie began her appraisal education in 1987 with the American Society of Appraisers. She has been compliant with the Uniform Standards of Appraisal Practice (USPAP) since 1989 and completed the Appraisers Association of America NYU Appraisal Studies Program in 1990. Ruthie joined the International Society of Appraisers in 2006 and holds designations in Fine Art and Antiques & Residential Contents, achieving a Certification in Personal Property (CAPP) in 2011. She is also an auctioneer in Louisiana.
It was so interesting talking with her about an industry I really knew nothing about.
Salon 22, Founders: Christa, Fey, and Mariska
I spoke with three of the founding members of Salon22. Christa, Fey, and Mariska shared their vision for this new women's co-working space and discussed how their own journeys have impacted their mission to create this mission-directed space.
Salon22's mission is to be an agent of change in New Orleans, shifting the balance of power in our beloved city. This diverse group of women is intent on creating a beautiful space for like-minded women from all walks of life to find commonality, belonging, and opportunities for political, professional, and personal collaboration. Salon22 is a space for speaking up and out.
Their intent is to create an inclusive space for women+ no matter their gender expression (including identifying outside the gender binary), racial and cultural background, sexual orientation, age, physical ability, or economic standing.
Ajax, Magnolia Yoga
Magnolia Yoga Studio is the first Black-owned yoga studio in New Orleans. Ajax opened Magnolia Yoga Studio in 2016 with an intentional approach to wellness.
"Magnolia Yoga Studio is a state-of-the-art Beginners Hot Yoga Studio located in downtown New Orleans, LA. Our business model is based on Diversity in Yoga, Inclusivity in Yoga & Affordability in Yoga. We offer daily classes including our therapeutic The Hot 26&2 Yoga Series, Warm Vinyasa & Warm Vinyasa/Yin."
I love this studio and the time I have spent practicing in this beautiful space. It’s not just the aesthetics, but you really do feel the intentionality behind Ajax’s vision. The classes are challenging and restorative to the soul.
Molly Kimball, Ochsner Eat FIt
Molly Kimball is a New Orleans nutrition journalist, podcaster, and founder of Ochsner Eat Fit. She has a real passion for helping people live their healthiest, strongest lives.
As founder of Ochsner Eat Fit, a nonprofit initiative that collaborates with local restaurants and chefs to develop and feature menu items that are nutritious and delicious, we’re always cooking up a blend of nutritious + delicious dishes. Our Eat Fit team has expanded beyond Eat Fit NOLA, offering Eat Fit in six regions throughout the state, driven by our talented team of registered dietitians.
Leah Porche, RD, LDN
Leah Porche received her Bachelor’s degree in Dietitics from Nicholls State University. She has owned her juice bar + yoga studio and worked in restaurants for many years. She teaches an approach to nutrition that focuses on the well-being of the person, not on a diet or a cultural norm. We spoke about her approach to Health At Every Size and even included some chair yoga at the end of the episode. Her blog On the Food Size offers recipes and ideas to fit your health, your body, and your lifestyle.
Ella Campbell and Reneé Blanchard, Season 2 Finale
That's a wrap! Season 2's final episode is here!
Ella joined me again for this season's final episode. We talked about my book "Focused & Flexible: Strategic Planning for Small Business". We got pretty deep into what it takes to create change in your own life, boundaries with friends and family members, and the "just do it anyway" philosophy I made up within the conversation. It's an emotionally honest conversation about the challenges and great joy of making significant changes in your life.
