In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, Andrea interviews Rod Kempkes, President and CEO of Boys Town, an organization dedicated to supporting at-risk children and families since 1917. Rod discusses Boys Town's comprehensive approach to care, from their innovative child and family care to their compassionate healthcare and ground-breaking research. He elaborates on their extensive impact, with over 192,000 children and families served in the U.S. in 2024 alone.

Rod also shares a heartfelt personal journey of how he was drawn to the mission, his leadership philosophy emphasizing transparency and collaboration, and the importance of meeting people where they are. Listeners will gain insights into Boys Town's historic and ongoing commitment to changing lives, leadership development within the organization, and ways to get involved in making a meaningful impact.

Boys Town: Saving Children - Healing Families - Building Communities

Mentorship Guide - This VOI guide and journal for mentors and mentees includes 12 sessions covering key topics young professionals need to set themselves up for success at work.

In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, host Andrea interviews Steve Mann, a global entrepreneur, philanthropist, and mentor, whose extensive background spans continents from Africa to Southeast Asia. Steve discusses his early life on a potato farm in Idaho, his challenges with nearsightedness, and his voracious love for reading that fueled his dreams of seeing the world. He shares insights from his diverse career, including his work in organizational behavior and notable experiences with the White House.

Central to Steve's message is the profound impact of storytelling in preserving legacies, connecting generations, and guiding future leaders. He emphasizes the importance of dreams, taking risks, and the powerful role of personal stories in teaching and leading. Steve also touches on his new book, Stories That Shape Us, aimed at helping individuals pass down their wisdom and experiences.

Listener Feedback Form - Share how you see people shaping the future – and/or ask a question for Andrea and guests to address on the show.

In this episode of the Voice of Influence Podcast, host Andrea interviews Whitney Faires, an internationally recognized coach, keynote speaker, and leadership expert. Whitney shares her journey from a traumatic childhood incident to overcoming sports injuries, and discusses how these adversities shaped her mindset and career. The conversation covers key topics such as executive presence, ruthless prioritization, and the importance of betting on oneself. Whitney offers insights on how to balance professional aspirations with personal fulfillment, emphasizing the significance of authenticity and self-belief.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Website: https://www.whitneyfaires.com/

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:31 A Life-Changing Incident in New York

05:26 Impact of the Incident on Family and Career

08:50 Overcoming Adversity in Sports

13:54 Defining Identity Beyond Career

19:06 Leadership in Uncertain Times

26:20 Understanding Stress and Anxiety Tendencies

27:20 Strategies to Manage Stress and Anxiety

28:21 Finding Positivity in Adversity

32:22 The Importance of Executive Presence

38:03 Ruthless Prioritization for Success

45:57 The Role of Mentorship in Career Growth

48:20 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Listener Feedback Form - Share how you see people shaping the future – and/or ask a question for Andrea and guests to address on the show.

In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, host Andrea interviews Maranda Adams, co-CEO of Blair Freeman, a women-owned construction firm. Maranda shares her journey from establishing a real estate investment company in 2010 to co-founding Blair Freeman in 2018. She discusses the significance of North Omaha, the challenges and triumphs in the construction industry, and the importance of being solution-driven, innovative, and empathetic. Adams also emphasizes the value of mentorship, shared leadership, and the role of community support in balancing personal and professional life. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and community transformation.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:04 Meet Miranda Adams: Visionary Leader

00:57 The Birth of Blair Freeman

02:04 Revitalizing North Omaha

03:12 Miranda's Real Estate Journey

07:38 Shared Leadership at Blair Freeman

10:26 Balancing Leadership and Family

16:18 Integration Over Balance

17:53 Balancing Family and Business

18:25 The Power of Networking

19:43 Navigating Business Challenges

22:37 Team Communication and Problem Solving

23:36 Encouraging Careers in Construction

25:27 Leadership and Mentorship

29:13 Future Goals and Expansion

36:42 The Importance of Service

In this episode of the Voice of Influence Podcast, Andrea emphasizes the importance of mentorship as a strategic advantage for companies. She discusses her Forbes article titled “Mentorship as a Strategic Advantage: A Low-Cost, High-Impact Approach” and introduces her book “Set Up for Success at Work: A Mentorship Guide and Journal for Mentors and Mentees.” Andrea highlights the benefits of mentorship, such as enhancing employee development, boosting engagement and retention, and fostering a culture of learning and collaboration. She also provides actionable insights on establishing a successful mentorship program and details how her guide can facilitate this process.

00:00 Welcome to the Voice of Influence Podcast

01:10 Introduction to Mentorship

01:40 The Importance of Mentorship

06:15 Keys to a Successful Mentorship Program

14:11 Mentorship Guide and Journal Overview

20:26 Special Offers and Conclusion

In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, host Andrea and Rosanne Moore delve into a deeper discussion about Andrea's interview with Anna LeBaron, who shared her traumatic experiences in a violent polygamist cult led by her father. They explore the concept of spiritual bypass and how Anna used religious practices to suppress emotional pain, before eventually addressing it.

They discuss the challenges of healing from deep trauma in layers, the importance of education and information exposure, and the role of memoirs like 'Educated' by Tara Westover. They also touch on cultural awareness raised by the docuseries 'Shiny Happy People' and the damaging control dynamics in high-control religious environments. The episode concludes with personal reflections on finding one's voice and maintaining curiosity and openness in conversations, especially when discussing contentious or polarizing issues.

Mentioned in this Episode:

352: Escaping & Healing From a Violent Cult with Anna LeBaron & Ruth Wariner
353: Healing from Religious Abuse with Anna LeBaron
Book: The Polygamist’s Daughter by Anna LeBaron
Book: The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner
Hulu Docuseries “Daughters of the Cult”
Book: Educated by Tara Westover
Prime Docuseries “Shiny Happy People”

00:00 Introduction and Recap

00:55 Understanding Spiritual Bypass

03:36 The Importance of Lament

07:17 Healing in Layers

12:49 The Role of Education in Healing

15:57 Navigating New Ideas and Beliefs

25:12 The Power of Listening First

26:31 Finding Your Voice: A Journey of Healing

27:35 Navigating the World of Dating After Abuse

31:41 Shiny Happy People: Exposing Spiritual Abuse

39:43 Bill Gothard and the IBLP: A Framework for Control

48:38 The Challenge of Self-Reflection and Growth

In this episode of The Voice of Influence Podcast, Andrea Wenburg and Rosanne Moore take a deeper dive into the prior interview with Anna LeBaron, who discussed her experiences escaping a violent polygamist cult. They reflect on cult dynamics and the importance of personal agency, referencing historical and contemporary examples, both religious and secular. They also discuss themes like empathy, respect, and the psychological manipulation that sustains cult-like environments. The conversation emphasizes the moral courage required to break free from coercive control and the critical need for self-examination in personal beliefs.

Mentioned in this Episode:
352: Escaping & Healing From a Violent Cult with Anna LeBaron & Ruth Wariner
353: Healing from Religious Abuse with Anna LeBaron
Book: The Polygamist’s Daughter by Anna LeBaron
Book: The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner
Hulu Docuseries “Daughters of the Cult”

00:00 Introduction and Episode Recap

01:23 Revisiting Anna and Ruth's Story

03:18 Introducing Roseanne Moore

03:28 Understanding Cult Dynamics

11:23 Anna's Memoir: The Polygamist Daughter

23:23 Ervil LeBaron: The Mormon Manson

28:43 Acknowledging Manipulative Tendencies

29:55 Character and Charisma

32:10 The Daughters of the Cult Docuseries

36:05 Empathy and Compassion

39:59 Respect and Human Dignity

49:09 Blood Atonement and Fundamentalism

55:03 Concluding Thoughts and Next Episode Preview

In this episode of the Voice of Influence Podcast, host Andrea interviews Anna LeBaron, author and speaker, about her courageous journey of escaping the control and secrecy of her father's infamous polygamist cult. Anna shares the intense personal and spiritual challenges she endured, including abandonment, child labor, and sexual grooming.

She discusses her memoir, 'The Polygamist's Daughter,' and her participation in the Hulu docuseries 'Daughters of the Cult.' Anna recounts her ongoing healing journey facilitated by therapy and trauma-informed practices. She talks about the importance of confronting one's past, repairing relationships, and the complexities of religious trauma. Anna also reveals her current academic pursuits and her hopes to teach seminary, writing her dissertation on spiritual formation intersected with religious trauma. This episode dives deep into personal growth, resilience, and the transformative power of sharing one's story.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:19 Anna's Background and Early Struggles

01:51 Journey of Healing and Overcoming Trauma

03:17 Writing the Memoir and Family Dynamics

08:03 Therapy and Personal Growth

17:48 Physical and Educational Transitions

19:35 Future Aspirations and Spiritual Formation

31:18 Leaving the Cult and Finding Agency

38:22 Family Relationships and Public Storytelling

45:52 Introduction to the Docu-Series

47:25 Dispelling Myths About Ervel's Children

49:12 Psychological Impact of Cult Life

52:14 Personal Struggles and Mental Health

56:09 Overcoming Agoraphobia

01:06:34 Spiritual Abuse and Healing

01:16:02 Deconstruction and Faith

01:21:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts