“It’s not necessarily that I got over the fear, but that the desire to go for it just got to a point where it overrode the fear of failure.”

What happens when you stop waiting for the perfect moment and decide to go for it?

This week, as we mark National Coming Out Day, I’m especially glad to share this conversation with queer artist Brittany Ann Tranbaugh.

In 2023, Brittany made a big leap: she left her day job to pursue music full time. Since then, she’s played more than 300 shows, toured nationally, released her debut album Lucky Broke Girl, and earned recognition from the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, American Songwriter Magazine, and No Depression Magazine, which named her a “Queer Country Artist to Watch in 2026.”

But Brittany’s story is about much more than becoming a successful musician. It’s about having the courage to be who you are, pursue what matters to you, and redefine success along the way. We talk about moving through fear, taking small steps toward what you want, the power of community and generosity, and letting go of the pressure to have everything figured out.

We also talk about Brittany’s beautiful song “For Caroline,” an “existential lullaby” inspired by her niece and her desire to keep building a beautiful world with hope in it. (She shares the song in the episode.)

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m too old, too late, too practical, or too scared to start,” this conversation is for you.

To learn more about Brittany Ann, please visit her website brittanyanntranbaugh.com

If you’re navigating a transition, wondering what’s next, or simply ready to create more joy, purpose, and connection in your life, I’d love to stay connected. Visit donnayferris.com to sign up for my newsletter and learn more about my books, coaching, and other resources.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to episodes with other artists, including Episode #83 with singer Vienna Teng and Episode #18 with Caldecott winner Micha Archer.

And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366.

#BounceBackStronger #BrittanyAnnTranbaugh #QueerArtist #QueerCountry #CountryMusic #FollowYourDreams #TakeTheLeap #RedefiningSuccess #OvercomingFear #NationalComingOutDay #positivepsychology

Background music is “Some Kind of Wonderful” by NuAlkemi$t

“Nobody is born knowing how to manage money well. It has to be learned at some point. It is a learned skill.”

What can give women security, freedom, and choice?

Financial freedom (and it may be more attainable than you think).

In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, I sit down with Leah Hadley, a nationally recognized financial empowerment expert, author, speaker, accredited financial counselor, certified divorce financial analyst, mediator, and host of the Intentional Divorce Insights podcast. Leah has nearly two decades of experience helping women make sound financial decisions and build more intentional financial futures.

We explore why financial empowerment matters for women at every stage of life—and why you don't have to be a “numbers person” to become confident with money.

We talk about:

• Why women can be financially vulnerable even when they're married or partnered
• The importance of knowing where your money, investments, and important financial documents are
• How shame and intimidation can keep women from taking control of their finances
• The small steps you can take today to become more financially confident

Leah's message is simple and encouraging: you don't need to know everything about money before you begin. Start where you are, set the judgment aside, get clear about your situation, and take the smallest step you can toward the future you want.

To learn more about Leah and her financial services, visit greatlakesdfs.com.

If you’re navigating a transition, wondering what’s next, or simply ready to create more joy, purpose, and connection in your life, I’d love to stay connected. Visit donnayferris.com to sign up for my newsletter and learn more about my books, coaching, and other resources.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to other business episodes, including Episode #25 with Saradha Sriram or Episode #42 with Eric Koester.

And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366.

#FinancialEmpowerment #WomenAndMoney #FinancialConfidence #FinancialIndependence #MoneyManagement #WomenAndFinance #BounceBackStronger #divorce #resilience #podmatch

Background music is “Some Kind of Wonderful” by NuAlkemi$t

“I don't know that we ever get over it so much as we learn to hold them both at once.”

What can a children’s book teach us about handling difficult emotions, practicing kindness, and navigating life’s hardest moments?

A lot.

In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, I talk with renowned meditation teacher and author Sharon Salzberg about her children’s book, "Kind Karl: A Little Crocodile with Big Feelings." The book introduces children to mindfulness, breathing, kindness, and a simple but powerful idea: when difficult or unkind thoughts arise, we can notice them without automatically believing them.

Sharon and I talk about how these tools can help children—and why adults need them just as much.

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, longtime meditation practitioner, or simply someone trying to navigate life with a little more kindness and steadiness, there is something here for you.

To learn more about Sharon, please visit her website www.sharonsalzberg.com

If you’re navigating a transition, wondering what’s next, or simply ready to create more joy, purpose, and connection in your life, I’d love to stay connected. Visit donnayferris.com to sign up for my newsletter and learn more about my books, coaching, and other resources.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to an earlier Sharon episode, Episode #11 or Episode #27, with Stephen Cope.

And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366.

#SharonSalzberg #KindKarl #Mindfulness #Meditation #LovingKindness #Kindness #EmotionalRegulation #Equanimity #Resilience #MindfulParenting #BounceBackStronger

Background music is "Some Kind of Wonderful" by NuAlkemi$t