Agriculture in Interior Alaska? Yes, Interior Alaska is a place that encourages many people to start an agricultural enterprise. Farming Produce, Foraging Mushrooms, Keeping Bees, Raising Chickens; it’s all here. It’s the passion of these individuals that is changing the landscape of Interior Alaska. It’s their vision, their stories and I bring these visionaries and their stories to you. Join us for fun conversations, surprising disclosures, challenges, the trials, the joys and disappointmen ...
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In 2020 I started the What Would Amber Do? Podcast. My intention was to create a platform where I could highlight awesome entrepreneurs doing great work in the world and also position myself as a thought leader. As with most things in life, they evolve and so have I. As I continued interviewing incredible people I realized it had become less about my thoughts, and more about facilitating extraordinary conversations about the things that matter to my guests, and beyond them for the world. So ...
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AFFECT: Training new farmers and growing more food.
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46:44On this episode I speak with Callen Christensen about his work with the AFFECT program. What started as a grant to teach hydroponics, evolved into a three year curriculum to teach farming to interested and upcoming farmers who want to start their own farm, or work on a farm. Tuition free, this program selects students, age range 18+, to enroll in a…
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Frontieress Farm, a small and diversified farm in interior Alaska
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50:17On this episode I sit down with Megan Schulze to learn about her small but diversified farm in Interior Alaska, called Frontieress Farm She farms only one and a half acre of land and grows the full gamut of vegetables and over 30 varieties of flowers including tulips. TULIPS! Yes, and they are ready for Mother's Day no less. There is no mechanizati…
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North Pole Peonies: Exporting peonies from Interior Alaska.
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55:41On this episode, I sit down with Ron and Margi Illingworth of North Pole Peonies, a commercial peony farm that has been successfully growing and exporting peonies for twenty years. They started this venture after retirement. They are in their 80's now. Impressive! Why Peonies? Because it turns out Alaska can grow peonies during June July and August…
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Hawks Greenhouse: 65 years of Beauty, Blooms and Community
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50:54Hawks Greenhouse is celebrating its 65th year of operation this year, It’s three generations working together to continue the greenhouse that was started by Angie’s in laws, Elaine and Charles Hawks in 1960. This podcast is the third in the Greenhouse series. It's the inspirational story of Chuck and Elaine Hawks who traveled the ALCAN highway with…
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Yellow Wood Farms, nurturing and raising farm animals ethically.
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41:42Putting Animals first. That's the philosophy embraced by the young and energetic couple who along with their five kids have started a farm in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this episode I sit down with Michael and Jessica Shaffstall, to talk about their journey in starting a farm in this very cold climate. It was a dream of theirs for many years. Mike is Ac…
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Last Month of the Year. Lessons Learned and Insights Gained"
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23:30As the year 2024 ends, I'm reflecting back to when I started this podcast, my reasons, my challenges, my journey. The insights I gained. If not for this podcast, I would not have met the wonderful people who took time to speak with me and share their stories. If not for them, we would not know their journey and learn about this community of people …
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Calypso Farm, growing food and educating community
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55:58On this episode, meet Tom Zimmer. He and his and co-founder Susan, started Calypso Farm twenty five years ago with mission to grow food ecologically, keeping mother nature in front and foremost focus and to educate the community of all ages in growing gardens, homesteading, blacksmithing and fiber arts. Their farm has kids camps, teaching indigenou…
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Mighty Melissa Sikes, a consummate educator and food security guru
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52:17On this episode meet Mel Sikes, the imminent authority on food security, consummate educator and a tireless foot soldier helping farmers, educating students, and community of growing their own fresh food. Her passion is beyond comparison and her energy endless. She travels across the Interior Alaska to bring classes to everyone interested in garden…
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Farm to Fresh, Offbeet Farm and a modern root cellar
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53:00Fresh vegetables all year long? In Alaska? Yes! Meet Sam Knapp. He is the only farmer in Interior Alaska that has a cold storage farm and produces winter storage vegetables, a niche that he has cultivated for himself and his farm that serves his passion for winter storage farming. Everything he grows is meant for storage in his specially-designed, …
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Birth to Bacon Farm, is it just about the pigs?
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51:20Pig Farming! Its really more complex than that. More diversified, and more challenging in Alaska. In this Episode I have a wonderful conversation with Mitch and Melissa Berggren, local farmers who always had raised pigs, not just for their own use but for others who wanted to buy pigs from them for 4H projects and to raise their own pigs. But their…
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Hannah Hill, Feeding People and affirming lives in Fairbanks, Alaska
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1:01:44In this episode Hannah Hill, Executive Director of Breadline, Inc speaks about food security and the need to address and reduce hunger in our community. Bread Line is an anti-hunger organization that has been serving the Fairbanks community since 1984 For almost 40 years, the Bread Line has helped feed people and affirm lives in the Fairbanks, Alas…
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Lions Mane, Oyster, Black Pearl, Chestnut, King Oyster, And Pioppino? What these are mushrooms? Yes! And all grown in a small Interior Alaska community of Ester. Boreal Woods is Interior Alaska's only year-round mushroom farm, growing a wide variety of gourmet and medicinal mushrooms for the Fairbanks community. Meet Matthew Meares who started this…
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The ever evolving Plant Kingdom. An established greenhouse under new hands, venturing in expansion and new directions but keeping the essence of the much loved greenhouse intact. Its a place to find flowers, vegetables, perennials, shrubs along with joy, peace and tranquility, and soon coffee! Stephanie Bluekens is a young dynamic entrepreneur who …
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Episode 110- Conquering Silent Struggles Through Educational Advocacy with Katie Selby
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32:31Ever imagined turning your deepest struggles into a beacon of hope for others? Katie Shelby, a paraeducator and a warrior who transformed her narrative from silence to advocacy, joins me to share how she conquered language impairment and learning disabilities. Her story is not just one of personal victory but a blueprint for inspiring resilience in…
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Episode 109 - Triumphs of the Human Spirit with Lisa Jo Barr
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40:41When life throws curveballs, some strike out, while others, like Lisa Jo Barr, knock it out of the park. Her incredible saga unfolds in our latest episode, riveting listeners with tales of surviving domestic violence and addiction, and transforming those battles into a legacy of hope and healing. Lisa Jo's openness about her escape into foster care…
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Hay Farming and Food Security in Interior Alaska
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50:59On this episode I speak with Mike Priebe, who started hay farming a few years ago and is passionate about addressing the food security issue in Alaska. He is part of the conversation that will help other farmers, and supporting entities to share ideas, resources, knowledge so together everyone can succeed.…
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Episode 108 - Fostering Resilience in Teens with Keri Cooper
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36:56Have you ever wondered how intertwining nourishment, rest, and movement can profoundly shape adolescent minds? This week, we sit down with Keri Cooper, a holistic psychotherapist with a treasure trove of insights into the layered world of teen mental health. Her rich experience and perspectives, detailed in her book "Mental Health Uncensored," prov…
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Community Gardens helping community thrive
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45:25Community Gardens are a place to garden, grow food, flowers and engage with other fellow gardeners. Community Gardeners grow food for their own needs, or to distribute to food banks, neighbors, families and to friends. Its a place where gardeners come together to connect with the soil, people, find joy and peace. On this episode we talk with Wendy …
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Episode 107- Breaking Free from the Bonds of Trauma with Stephany Ann
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50:27Have you ever witnessed a phoenix rising from the ashes? Stephany Ann personifies that rebirth, a warrior who emerged stronger from the fires of adversity. Her odyssey from enduring domestic violence and personal tragedies to becoming an attorney, speaker, author, and EFT practitioner is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Join us as Stephany reveals h…
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Episode 106 - The Dance of Authenticity with Sapha Heckman
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56:37Sapha Heakman, the radiant force behind Your Soulful Goddess, joins me on a journey that's as transformative as it is enlightening. Weaving through Sapha's past struggles with an eating disorder, we uncover how she blossomed into a guiding light for women on their quest for a fulfilling, love-rich life. This conversation isn't just a recount of per…
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Episode 105 - Transforming Obstacles into Triumphs with Michelle Steiner
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34:59When Michelle Steiner recounts her journey of transforming from someone struggling with learning disabilities to a powerful advocate and beacon of hope, you can't help but be drawn into her world of resilience and empowerment. As I, Amber Howard, sit across from this extraordinary disability writer and paraeducator, we unravel the tapestry of her l…
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Oldest Farmers Market in Alaska and Goosefoot Farms
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49:02Managing, the oldest established Tanana Valley Farmers market in Alaska that showcases Alaska Grown produce and running his own farm, Goosefoot Farm, that focuses on diversified produce. Brad St. Pierre certainly has his hands full. Can one person do it all? Brad St. Pierre can and does so with passion, enthusiasm and good humor. Solving food secur…
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Episode 104 - From Bakery to Breathwork with Jenny
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45:28Ever find yourself wondering how the smallest of whispers from the universe can steer you onto an entirely new life path? Join me, Amber Howard, as I sit down with the remarkable Jenny Cheifetz, whose own journey from home-based bakery entrepreneur to life and breathwork coach epitomizes the transformative power of heeding those gentle nudges. We u…
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Two Successful Greenhouses and a woman behind it. Cyndie Warbelow
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53:40Running and successfully managing not one but two enormous interior Alaska Greenhouses and Nursery, Tacks Greenhouse and Plant Kingdom, Cyndie Warbelow is a horticulturist, a phenomenal gardener, a legend, a shrewd businesswoman and an author of a best selling book on Alaskan Perennials. Her passion for gardening and helping hundreds of people grow…
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Episode 103 - Navigating the Complexities of AI and Personal Growth with Joey Lowery
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52:45Have you ever witnessed someone leap from the security of a steady job into the thrilling abyss of entrepreneurship? Joey Lowery's tale isn't just about that leap—it's a testament to building a digital marketing empire grounded in the bedrock of ethics and transparency. As founder of MediaShark, Joey offers an invigorating narrative filled with the…
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Episode 102 - Turning Trauma into Triumph with Navi Bliss
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40:37Picture yourself in the shoes of a person who has endured a lifetime of abuse. How would you find self-worth and love in the midst of such circumstances? Navi Bliss, our guest for today's episode, has walked this path and bravely shares her experiences of healing from abuse and finding love not from external factors - but within herself. A love and…
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Episode 101 - Energetic Healing and Authentic Living with Tom and Janette Burns
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51:18For all those who've been seeking an oasis of calm amid the chaos of life, you will want to grab a seat for this one. We're turning the spotlight on the amazing Tom Burns and Janette O'Neill Burns, founders of Energetic Armor and highly accomplished energy healers who have actualized their transformation into a movement for societal change. They sh…
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Episode 100 - Unleashing Creativity and Living Authentically: A Journey of Growth with Nina Ganguli
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27:18Three years ago, we started the podcast with our very first guest, the brilliant Nina Ganguli. Now, for our 100th episode, we're thrilled to have her back! A lot can change in three years; this episode is a testament to that. We've all grown and evolved - personally and professionally - and this conversation dives into the heart of that journey. We…
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Episode 99 - Living on Your Own Terms with Helen Jackson
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45:42Meet Helen Jackson, a woman who has truly designed her life. From England to Panama, her journey is fraught with unconventional choices and fascinating experiences, ditching traditional success metrics for a life in the present moment. Step inside her world as we discuss the pitfalls of defining oneself by accomplishments, the pressure to conform, …
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Land Clearing to Meat Cutting, The man with Midas touch
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45:32On this episode I'm speaking with Tom Gross, who takes us through the journey of his life and brings us finally to where he always needed to be. We walk with him through growing up in a large family, college, military, tree cutting and land clearing business, opera, and now running a meat retail shop. Throughout his journey, one sees the solid foun…
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Episode 98 - Embracing Your Inner Badass with Mahara Wayman
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54:03Can you imagine leaving a decade-long corporate career behind to chase your dreams? That’s exactly what our guest, the incredible Mahara Wayman - author, motivational speaker, and certified mastery method coach, chose to do after a profound epiphany sparked by her youngest daughter. Listen as she shares her inspiring journey, from making the brave …
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On this episode we talk with Callen Christensen who runs Alaska's only Chaga Cooperative. Chaga is becoming more mainstream. There is awareness and use of it that is increasing. However, this poses challenges as accurate information, benefits, problems and sustainability need to be upfront as more people "try it out". People are drawn to it, whethe…
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Episode 97: Exploring Authenticity and Leadership: The Inspirational Journey of Professor Sel Hwahng
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46:27What if you could turn parental expectations into a path of self-fulfillment and authentic discovery? Walk with us as we trace the compelling journey of Professor Sel Hwahng, a researcher at Towson and John Hopkins Universities, whose work spans women, gender, LGBTQ studies, and cardiovascular and nutritional epidemiology. Hear their transformative…
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Food Surplus and Sharing with Community in Interior Alaska, a model Food Bank
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50:25Food Security and Hunger. Join me as we learn how a local Community Food Bank collects and distributes millions of pounds of food, annually, to individuals and to the community. Food security is a big concern in Fairbanks, Alaska where growing season is short and 90-95% of the food is shipped or barged in from out of the state. In this episode, mee…
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Episode 96 - Navigating Life's Purpose with Mindy Leishman
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37:10What happens when you choose guidance, support, and practice over societal expectations? Our guest, Mindy Leishman - a life, health and adventure coach, has a captivating story to tell. Transitioning from a flourishing real estate career in Florida to a new path in Costa Rica, Mindy discovered the power of personal development and designing a life …
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Episode 95 - Dr. Forcina's Triumph: A Study in Resilience and Commitment
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42:28Ever faced an ordeal you thought you couldn't overcome? Imagine battling language barriers, unrecognized qualifications and prejudices, all while pursuing your dreams in a foreign land. Our guest, Dr. Salvatore Forcina, a celebrated surgeon, takes us through his remarkable journey from being a first-generation immigrant from Italy to achieving grea…
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Roaming Root: Connect with Local Goodness
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54:17Local farmers, crafters and the shoppers under one roof. All year around in Alaska How is this one person bringing a diverse and large community of makers, creators, producers and growers and shoppers together under one roof. We are talking with a visionary who has created a hub for all local growers and creators. It's all about local connections a…
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Episode 94 - Pursuit of Authentic Health with Molly Sanders
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45:34Are you living life on your terms, or are you being swayed by societal expectations and judgments? Molly Sanders, a dear friend and an embodiment of authenticity, embarks with us on an intimate journey of self-exploration and transformation. As a beacon of self-discovery, she shares her unique approach to education and her shifting perspective on w…
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On this episode we are talking about beekeeping! Yes, beekeeping! There is a growing interest and engagement in beekeeping, not only in Interior Alaska but in the entire state. So why do so many people engage in beekeeping? Let's find out. Join me as I speak with Tammy Randolph, who is now in her eighth year of beekeeping. Listen to her joys and ch…
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Episode 93 - Wisdom Unlimited with Peter DeFreitas
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38:25Join me for this week's episode of What Would Amber Do? This week I was blessed to connect with not only a dear friend, but one of the wisest human beings I know. Peter DeFreitas is a North American leader in the personal development space. He leads an incredible program that guides participants to develop their capacity to have more fun, play and …
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Episode 92 - Compassionate Healing with Caitlin Netzley
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49:36Join me for this week's episode of What Would Amber Do? This week I had an awesome opportunity to connect with the founder of The Nurture Tribe Caitlin Netzley. Caitlin is a #1 international best-selling author and life coach who uses human design principles to teach self love, compassion for all, and the processes by which we grow. She loves teach…
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Episode 91 - Permission to Fail with Mick Hase
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55:56Join me for this week's episode of What Would Amber Do? This week it was my pleasure to have on the show Mick Hase, a public speaker, workshop facilitator, podcast host, and Founder of SeventeenX who seeks to connect with value-aligned brands, and people to make a purposeful impact in the world. Mick's commitment is to engage the current generation…
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Episode 90 - Spiritual Healing is Key with Eve Harmony
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48:43Join me for the 90th episode of What Would Amber Do? This week it was my honour to have on the show Eve Marie Harmony. Eve is a licensed naturopathic doctor, craniosacral therapist, yoga teacher, Shamanic Ceremonialist, and international #1 best-selling author. Eve left a successful career as a practicing clinician to launch her Shamanic Awakening …
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Episode 89 - Rebelling Against Your Shoulds with Michelle Harrington
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41:50Join me for this week's episode of What Would Amber Do? This week I had the pleasure of speaking with Michelle Harrington! Michelle is the owner of Outshine Fitness and Health Coaching, an ACE-certified health coach and personal trainer, a speaker, and an #1 International best-selling author who resides in Marysville, Washington. Michelle's commitm…
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Episode 88 - Living a Should Free Life with Asiya Abdul-Alim
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39:39Join me for this week's episode of What Would Amber Do? This week I had the honour of speaking with Asiya Abdul-Alim. Asiya is a #1 best-selling author, lifestyle/career coach, and diversity, equity, and inclusivity expert. Asiya's purpose is to share her authentic self with everyone who crosses her path. Her commitment to the world: is to build eq…
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Episode 87 - Sustainable Leadership with Brenna Davis
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33:37Join me for this week's episode of What Would Amber Do? This week I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Brenna Davis. Brenna is a CEO, #1 international best-selling author, sustainability innovator, speaker, board advisor, and coach! She has worked with leaders from billion-dollar companies to new startups on becoming sustainable while also …
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Episode 86 - Healing From Within with Rosie Kaur
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37:34Join me for this week's episode of What Would Amber Do? This week I had the privilege of speaking with Rosie Kaur. Rosie is the founder and creator of Healing with Rosie. After going through what she describes as her darkest place, she has gone on to create a successful coaching practice. Rosie is also an international best-selling author whose com…
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Join me for this week's episode of What Would Amber Do? This week I had the honour of having Jo Bowyer on the show! Jo was a successful business and resilience coach before a personal decision to stop drinking alcohol in 2020 led her on a journey, to co-found Smug AF Cocktails, a mocktail brand. At Smug AF they are out to transform the drinking cul…
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Episode 84 - Relentless Courage with Jude Charles
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53:43Join me for this week's episode of What Would Amber Do? This week a deeply enlivening and inspiring conversation with Jude Charles! Jude is a CEO, Author, and expert filmmaker who helps entrepreneurs by leveraging the power of storytelling to scale their businesses. Jude has defied the odds at every step of the way, starting his entrepreneurial jou…
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Episode 83 - Acting Before You're Ready with Lana Ivanov
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46:51Join me for this week's episode of What Would Amber Do? This week I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lana Ivanov! Lana is a confidence and mindset coach and aesthetics business consultant helping spa owners achieve unparalleled heights in their field. Lana is also the owner of the Advanced Aesthetics Med Spa and the creator of the luxury skinc…
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