Something remarkable happens when everyday women come together to share their extraordinary stories. The She Said Project gives women a microphone. Join our hosts, co-founder Kerry Rossow and National Director, Jenette Jurczyk each week as they visit with some incredible women who braved the microphone to share their stories on the She Said stage.
The She Said Project Podcast is recorded in partnership with Illinois Public Media. All materials contained in this podcast are the exclusive property of The She Said Project and That's What She Said, LLC. Learn more at www.shesaidproject.com.
Our guest today on The She Said Project Podcast has had a lifelong exploration of identity and perception. She Said Danville 2024 speaker Rachel Long drops by to chat with Jenette and Kerry about her story, "The Stiletto Secret" while encouraging listeners to embrace their unique qualities and challenge assumptions about others.
Ronda Guyton, a stage four breast cancer survivor, shares her inspiring journey and the story she shared onstage in Peoria on The She Said Project Podcast, as she continues to live life to the fullest, pursuing her goal of visiting all seven continents.
With us this week in The She Said Project Podcast studio, Heather Schmidt of the inaugural That's What She Said Naperville recounts the story she shared of her struggle with self-expression, balancing her professional life as a realtor with her personal identity, ultimately embracing her authentic self.
LaShondria Hunt shared a story she'd kept inside for over twenty years on stage at the third That's What She Said St. Louis and stopped by the podcast to discuss her experience. LaShondria chooses to use humor to look back at a traumatic experience and the resulting conversation is underscored by the value of storytelling in healing and community building.
Today on The She Said Project Podcast Studio, co-hosts Jenette Jurczyk and Kerry Rossow are joined by Linda Huck, who shared her story, "There's No Just About It," at the very first That’s What She Said Macon County in April 2024. Linda’s story will resonate with many women who feel undervalued in their roles and despite her initial self-doubt, her journey of self-discovery and empowerment will serve as an inspiration to all.
Mila Thomas Fuller shared her story, "I Delivered", on stage in That's What She Said Champaign in 2024. Jenette and Kerry welcome her into the She Said Project Podcast studio to discuss the importance of finding joy and community support, embracing life's challenges while finding humor in difficult situations.
Becca Goldsberry of That’s What She Said Indianapolis shares her story of childhood bullying and how it helped shape her on her journey to become a professional business coach.
Co-hosts Jenette Jurczyk and Kerry Rossow welcome Ellen Cleary, who co-produced and performed in the inaugural 2024 Naperville That's What She Said show, to the first episode of Season 10 of the podcast. Ellen shares her deeply personal story about her only sister and the profound impact her sister had on her.
The final episode of Season 9 welcomes Champaign-Urbana 2024 speaker SoeYun Song to The She Said Project Podcast studio to discuss her story and emphasize the significance of embracing the absurdity of life and finding humor in difficult situations.
Jackie "JP" Phillips appeared in the inaugural production of "That's What She Said" in St. Clair County in October, 2023. In this first ever take over collaboration between The She Said Project Podcast and Podcast PUSH, JP discusses the vulnerability and empowerment experienced by sharing elements of her personal life on stage for the first time.
Nicole Morgan of Champaign-Urbana shared the story of her personal journey towards accepting and advocating for her child's needs, and her visit with Jenette and Kerry on this week's podcast further emphasizes the importance of perseverance, advocacy and support in navigating motherhood.
Author Myra Levine of the inaugural That's What She Said Indianapols cast visits with Jenette and Kerry to discuss the story she shared on stage and her unique, long, winding, non-traditional path to parenthood
Luisa Gomez of Bloomington-Normal joins Kerry and Jenette this week on the podcast to share their personal experiences with grief and trauma, highlighting the power of storytelling and the need for vulnerability and authenticity. A tragic, sudden shift during the rehearsal process caused Luisa to focus on their struggles with loss and mental health, emphasizing the importance of self-care, therapy, and community support.
This week's guest, Jennifer Johnson, comes to us from the inaugural That's What She Said Indianapolis cast! Hosts Jenette and Kerry explore with Jennifer how a music class helped her find her voice and confidence to stand up despite school bullies, ultimately revealing music as her superpower.
Unexpected turns lead this week's guest, Connie Blick of Bloomington-Normal, to valuable lessons and a deeper appreciation for the present moment. While sharing the story behind the story with Jenette and Kerry, Connie recounts the transformative power of gratitude and self-discovery.
We have a very special visit this week with Chanpaign-Urbana She Said speaker Sandra Ahten, who shared a very powerful story about her mom's experience with frontotemporal dementia and her own genetic predisposition to the disease.
Danielle Hendricks visits with Jenette and Kerry and reflect on the story she shared onstage in Champaign-Urbana in 2024 highlighting the joy and love that can be found in even the most difficult moments.
Hosts Jenette Jurczyk and Kerry Rossow return to the studio to visit with Kristy DeWall from Bloomington-Normal. Kristy discusses her experiences in foster care, emotional struggles and a straight up connection to the performer Paula Abdul.
In our final episode of season eight, Jenette and Kerry visit with Susan Toalson McGinty and chat about how "Growing Up Poland" was an unexpected, but significant era in Susan's youth.
Taylor Freeman appeared in the inaugural production of "That's What She Said" in Columbia, MO in 2023. She discusses with our hosts how she discovered that "A Woman's Worth" is more than she was raised to believe.
Adi Puckett had to learn how to heal her own trauma, so she could raise her daughter with unconditional love. In this episode, we revisit her story, "Into the Sun," a powerful performance at the 2023 production of "That's What She Said" in Champaign, IL.
Monica Bullington of Bloomington-Normal is in the podcast studio with Jenette and Kerry to discuss her story, "Nacho Love" where she takes the audience on her journey of growth, relationship and forgiveness.
This special episode features Peoria Mayor, Rita Ali, who appeared on stage in the inaugural That's What She Said in Peoria, IL. Reflecting on her story, "Everything I Needed to Know I Learned in High School," Jenette and Kerry learn more about the successes and failures that got Mayor Ali to where she is today.
Nicole Frydman reconnects with Jenette and Kerry after appearing in the 10 year anniversary show of That's What She Said in Champaign-Urbana in February 2023. The friends share lots of memories and laughter as they learn more about Nicole's discovery that she is worth standing up for.
Hosts Kerry and Jenette could not be any more excited to welcome Bonnie Newberry into the studio to discuss her story "By My Bootstraps," from the Danville's inaugural show one particularly stormy night in 2023.
Debbie Char appeared on stage in the second year of "That's What She Said" in St. Louis, MO with her story "Conversations with Nana."
Jenette and Kerry visit with Patty Prann Young, who shared her story on stage in Bloomington in 2022, about Patty's move to America at a young age and her journey to self-acceptance.
In our first episode of season eight, hosts Jenette Jurczyk and Kerry Rossow return to the the studio to speak with Amanda Crose, producer of the inaugural That's What She Said Danville show, about producing her first She Said show and standing on the stage, speaking to her hometown community about the power of bringing powerful ideas to life.
Season Seven wraps with Kerry and Jenette fan-girling over Mary Catherine Roberson and her story, "Believing the Hype." We can all relate to Mary Catherine's journey to overcoming imposter syndrome and stepping into her confidence.
Danielle recounts her story "I Am' from her performance onstage in Bloomington-Normal in the fall of 2022 and shares her deep connection with the empowering work that Kerry and Jenette bring to life on the She Said Stage.
Heidi Esther joins our hosts Kerry and Jenette for some laughter, some reflection, and some serious joy. In her story, "Sleepless in Champaign" Heidi told the audience in Champaign, IL about the fears and doubts she faced on her wedding night.
Kerry and Jenette check in with Jacquelyn Monroe, who shared her story on our virtual Story Sharing Showcase series in 2020. Jacquelyn described how her journey to motherhood helped her face her life choices and set her on a path to healing.
In "The Big Fail," Hannah Landis shared her experiences on stage in Danville, IL in March 2023. In the studio, Hannah, Jenette and Kerry get into a riveting discussion about the history of women's health and motherhood.
Elizabeth MacPhail has to come to terms with her life choices and find her own truth in her funny, but poignant story, "According to the Shoulds." She chats with Jenette and Kerry about the experience of sharing her story on stage in Bloomington in the fall of 2022.
Shandra Summerville joins hosts Kerry and Jenette live in the studio to share more details about her story "Amusement Parks with Broke Best Friends," from the 2023 show in Champaign. As the daughter of two well-known local educators, Shandra reflects on her relationship with her mother through tough times and happy times.
Ja'Naea Modest appeared on stage in the inaugural performance of "That's What She Said" in Danville, IL. In her story "Live Your Life," she shares with our hosts how her mother's words continue to resonate in her life.
Jenette and Kerry visit with Ray Hatch, who coined her title of "W.I.M.A.W.W." during her performance onstage in Bloomington in 2022. Laughter abounds as the three ladies share "well-intentioned" stories.
In our first episode of season seven, hosts Jenette Jurczyk and Kerry Rossow return to the the studio to speak with Jaya Kolisetty, from the That's What She Said Champaign cast of 2022.
Season six wraps up with our guest Holly Melby, who appeared on stage in Champaign in 2022. Holly tells Jenette and Kerry about the biggest decision she ever made in her life in her story, "The Other Side of the Door."
Our hosts, Kerry and Jenette, welcome back Jennifer Hays Schottland to learn why she came back to tell her story "Level Up" in Bloomington 2022, after first appearing on stage in Champaign in 2014.
Our guest today is Angela Baio, another woman who braved the microphone at the inaugural That’s What She Said presented by the Junior League of the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania in March 2022, with a wonderful story of her three-year-old self taking a position on ballet class that set the stage for the rest of her life.
Some special guests joined our hosts to share a sneak peek into the women behind the titles. Mayor Deb Frank Feinen and State's Attorney Julia Rietz share some career highlights and struggles, as well as how they find solace and support in friendship, as evidenced by the story they shared onstage in "That's What She Said" 2019 in Champaign, IL.
Sheri Smith from the Bloomington, IL 2021 show joins Kerry and Jenette in the studio to discuss her story, "Code Red". The ladies talk about how Sheri's life has changed since the show, and how she continues to embrace life and loss with love and laughter.
Arnitria Karen Shaw shared her story "Who Do You Think You Are?" in the first That's What She Said Show in Peoria IL in March of 2022. Jenette and Kerry talk to Dr. Arnitria about her choice to share her story as an open letter about family to her father.
Taylor Clay visited with hosts Kerry and Jenette to chat about her story, "Penguin Crossing," from the 2022 show in Champaign, IL. She shares how disability impacts her daily life and how she has embraced the taunt that haunted her in elementary school.
This episode's guest shared her story onstage at Cedar Crest College in March of 2022 at the first That's What She Said at Lehigh Valley. Lauren Wellbank shared candidly and openly about her personal experience with domestic violence, using statistics to convey how widespread and terrifying unsuspecting life as a victim can become.
Jenette and Kerry welcome Meta Mickens-Baker to chat about her story "TRI-umph," from the 2021 show in Bloomington-Normal, IL. Meta's journey to becoming an athlete is funny, heart-warming and inspirational.
In our first episode of season six, hosts Jenette Jurczyk and Kerry Rossow are back in the studio with their inspirational guest, Nashla Vega Zamora, from the Champaign She Said cast of 2022. They discuss the challenges involved in immigrating to the United States and how they shaped who she is today.
Dr. Lauren Miller is an outstanding educator, who learned that her "Favorite Students" are not the typical students you would think of. Hosts Jenette and Kerry enjoy hearing from Dr. Miller who appeared on stage in the first That's What She Said show in St. Louis in 2022.
Jenette and Kerry are excited to introduce our first guest from Allentown, PA, where the Junior League of Lehigh Valley launched That's What She Said in March 2022. They have a meaningful discussion with Elizabeth R. Oritz and her mission to change how women view their bodies, as she shared in her story, "To Scale: Reframing Our Relationship with Our Bodies."
Katie Kim shares all the rises and falls of building her business and raising her family in Peoria IL, when she chats with Jenette and Kerry about her story, "Constructing Katie Kim."
Hosts Jenette and Kerry get "The Rhoda Experience" when they chat with Rhoda Banks who appeared on stage in the first That's What She Said show in St. Louis, MO.
Nikki Romain co-produced the first ever "That's What She Said" in her community of Peoria, IL and visits with Jenette and Kerry to talk about that experience, as well as sharing her own story that night, "Unapologetically Me."
Joan shares her wisdom and zest for life in her story, "Just Ask Joan." Jenette and Kerry are happy to catch up with Joan and soak in some of the vibrant energy she shared on stage in That's What She Said 2022 in Champaign, IL.
Uma Kailasam shared her story "Icebreaker" onstage in Bloomington, IL, where she lives every day with the awareness that her skin color makes it more challenging for her and her family to fit it.
In her story, "Nary a Squary," Jenny Pratt shares her marathon effort to honor her parents, in spite of her sticky situation.
With her story, "I Am Somebody," Arlene shares how this powerful lesson from her grandmother gave her the strength to shine, no matter the circumstances.
In her story, Julie A. Pryde shares how her small town life had all the makings of an "After School Special", and she still managed to make us laugh with her precocious adventures.
In this special bonus episode, hosts Kerry and Jenette talk about the power of sharing stories...for teen girls! Nevaeh and Izzy share their experiences from the program and catch us up on how they continue to be bold and brave and share their unique voices.
We've all seen those women who look perfect and seemingly have it all together. In "My Fairytale Life," Amber Cook dismantles the facade and reveals to hosts Jenette and Kerry some of the less-than-glamorous truths of womanhood.
Marie opened the first virtual show in 2020 with her story "Red Lipstick and Resilience." Now, she shares with hosts Kerry and Jenette the tragic events she survived to build a life, a company, and a family for her daughter, and how she inspires other women to lean on their resilience in difficult times.
When Barbara Hedlund shared her story, "A Rippling Effect," on stage back in 2020, she earned the nickname "Badass Babs." Now she reflects on events of her past as a professional cello player and how she paved the way for women to be treated fairly in the music industry.
Have you ever had one of those moments when you realize that everyone around you grew up knowing something that somehow you missed? On this week's episode, Valencia Wilson shares with our hosts the story behind "A Lost Wish," a story that she shared on the virtual She Said Story Sharing Showcase.
Hosts Kerry and Jenette struggle to keep a straight face while visiting with their guest, Angi Franklin, in this week's episode. Angi had the audience rolling in the aisles during her 2020 performance of "Unplanned and Unwritten."
This week we visit with Cobey Flynn, the first international She Said Speaker! Cobey chats with Kerry and Jenette about sharing her story in the 2020 virtual event, "She Said Story Sharing Showcase," when she joined the cast from her home in Barcelona, Spain. They revisit the humorous take on important life lessons learned by Cobey in her performance of "The Fine Print."
Sally K. Carter shared her personal journey with M.S. in her story, "My Strength to Let Go." Kerry and Jenette check in with Sally about her powerful performance in the live show in February 2020, and how she overcomes her diagnosis each and every day.
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Mother-daughter duo, Monica and Estella Samii, visit with Kerry and Jenette to talk about the story they both shared on stage back in 2019. They explore how this experience has deepened their special relationship and reflect on how they continue to show up for each other in "For Good."
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As a former school teacher, Michelle shares how she has chosen to view the world through the lens of a perpetual student, always growing and learning to live with heart.
Hosts Kerry Rossow and Jenette Jurczyk connect with Karyl Wackerlin about the origin of the She Said: Soul Journey Mission Trips to Haiti. In her story "Trust Your Journey"—originally shared on the That's What She Said stage in 2015—Karyl shares how she overcame challenges in her marriage and learned to choose joy.
It's a family reunion this week on The She Said Project Podcast! Kerry, Jill and Casey—the original founders of "That's What She Said”—reunite to reflect on the early beginnings of the show and the movement. Casey Wakefield talks about how difficult it was to share her story, "Out of Control," in front of an audience during the first ever live show.
In her story, "How Sasquatch Saved Me," Lija Fisher of Boulder, CO shares how she found her true calling to become an author of books for young readers. Can the search for a mythical creature change the course of your life? Tune in, with our hosts Kerry and Jenette to find out!
Sometimes it takes completely breaking down so you can rebuild your life and use your experiences to empower and inspire others. Our guest, Vicki Clark, learned that lesson the hard way in her deeply moving story, "Break Down, Break In, and Break Through."
Get ready to laugh with Kelly Ryan as she reveals the details of an awkward first date that changed her life forever. In this week's episode, our hosts Kerry and Jenette ask her about the surprise that caught everyone off guard when she was on stage during the live "That's What She Said" show in February 2020.
Morningstar Angeline embraces her Native American upbringing and culture in her coming of age story, "Foundations and Fragments." Kerry and Jenette learn how she continues to share her story and her people's stories through filmmaking and performing.
Jen Cochrane truly had to overcome her fear of public speaking to share her story on the "That's What She Said" stage. She chose to be brave and do it anyway to be an example for her daughters. Jen shares with Kerry and Jenette how taking that step has helped her be "Better... Faster... Stronger."
Our hosts Kerry and Jenette meet up with Michelle Vought to remember her funny, yet empowering story "No More Miss Priss," shared in one of our virtual She Said Story Sharing Showcases. Quiet and obedient while growing up, Shelly learned to embrace her inner superhero and blossom into Michelle, the self-assured woman who figures out how to do things her way from now on.
In "Make A Wish," Vera Traver reveals a long and traumatic journey with addiction and loss. Through her recovery, she is reunited with all six of her children, and she is made whole again.
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Kelly Hill visits with hosts Jenette and Kerry to talk about her appearance in the 2020 live That's What She Said show in Champaign, IL. In her story, "Title IX Gave Me My Wings," Kelly shares her passion for team sports and coaching as well as the struggles she had to overcome to have both a career and a family.
In her story, "You Are Allowed to Be Here," Lisa Kumagai from Torrance, CA shares the heart-wrenching story of her husband's suicide and her own journey of healing and forgiveness. From our very first virtual She Said Story Sharing Showcase, she read a letter she wrote to her old self from "before", and we learn how she has coped with her tragedy to become a stronger version of herself.
Isak Griffiths chose to share a dark story from her past, a side of her that many in the Champaign-Urbana community do not know. In "Soggy Teddy Bear," she reveals some difficult challenges from her past and reminisces with our hosts how powerful the experience of sharing those dark secrets can be to leading a full and happy life.
Angela appeared in the very first That's What She Said, back in 2013 and has been off and running influencing people with her films, her podcast and her mission to teach everyone that they can overcome their own trauma. This hilarious look back to her performance reminds us all that you can "Use Your Sword."
Klevah speaks from the heart about the women of importance in her life and their struggles. She shares her unique "spoken-word" style story and updates our audience on what she has been up to since appearing on the She Said stage back in 2015.
Genevieve was part of the very first cast in Bloomington-Normal and shared her story, "Serenity" about her journey to be confident in her life, after a long and painful struggle accepting that she was gay. She shares with Jenette and Kerry how much impact that opportunity had on her personal life after the show and her hopes that her story will bring peace to others who are struggling with self-acceptance.
Tanisha King-Taylor is just a powerful speaker. In her story, "Just a Black Girl," she shared with the Champaign-Urbana audience what it was like to grow up on the south side of Chicago and the obstacles she had to overcome to be a symbol of Black Excellence.
The moment that Meenu Bhaskar stood on stage with a microphone in the 2019 "That's What She Said," in Bloomington-Normal, it was clear to the audience how significant it was that a girl raised in India would actually now be allowed to speak her mind and share her story.
Donna Jones brought down the house at the 2019 production of "That's What She Said," when she revealed the secrets she had been holding on to for over 40 years. Grab your tissues, ladies!
Debbie joins hosts Jenette and Kerry in the studio to talk about her mission to get women talking about "Which Old Woman" they want to be in the third third of their lives. We learn what Debbie has been up to since appearing in the 2016 cast of "That's What She Said" in Champaign-Urbana.
Kerry and Jenette visit with Lana Branch and her story, titled #sorrymomanddad, about her unconventional journey to become a mom and how she is now realizing it's time for payback.
Peggy Prichard shared her story "Birthdays, Yoga and the C Word" onstage in That's What She Said 2016 - on her actual birthday. She let the audience in on why it's dangerous to compare ourselves to others and we should embrace exactly who we are no matter our age!
Soccer player and University of Illinois Hall of Famer Tara Hurless faced the struggle of her life when she and her wife decided to start a family. In episode 10 of the She Said Project Podcast, she recounts the story from the stage, play by play, as they worked together to overcome each unexpected obstacle they met along the way.
When Heidi Cordes was asked to speak in the 2019 production of That's What She Said, she knew she wanted to find a story that made people laugh. She does just that in "RIP Donna Martin", a hilarious take on a celebrity run-in.
Jan Seeley opened the 2015 That's What She Said show with her story "Good Grief." Our hosts check in with her about how losing her husband Joe continues to affect her life, and what we can all learn from grieving.
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Kerry and Jenette enjoy a visit with Mary Enright in this episode, recalling her 2016 performance of "Afternoon Delight." Mary shared how she overcame multiple addictions to lead a fulfilled life in this humorous look at life in recovery.
In My BACKstory, Ashley Morgan remembers her childhood struggle with Scoliosis and surgery. It is clear from her performance in the 2016 production of That's What She Said that she never let this diagnosis get in her way to live her life with spirit and cheer!
Amy Armstrong is a recognized leader in her community. So it was unexpected when she chose to share her struggles of divorce and parenting in her story "Get a Grip" in the 2013 production of That's What She Said. In this episode we learn why this story was important and how she continues to strive to be what her children need.
Rebecca Guyette's story "Why We Should All Have a Mexican Mother" was a tribute to her mother in the 2015 show. We chat with Becca about what has changed since she shared this story... but also what has stayed the same.
Stacey LaBrecque Cole shared her story "Eye of the Tiger" onstage in That's What She Said 2016. She shares with the audience her private struggle with domestic violence and how it has shaped her into the woman she is today.
Kerry and Jenette visit with Gianina Taylor Baker and her story, titled, “Mom PhD” about the journey she went on deciding whether or not she should be a stay at home mom. Gianina appeared in the 2016 production of That's What She Said.
The first episode takes us back to the original show in 2013, when Kerry took a leap of faith and created the very first That’s What She Said. That fateful night, she shared a glimpse into her life and the importance of having close women friends in her story "Naked on Healey Street."
