The Resilient Heart Podcast Podcast By Gabi Garland cover art

The Resilient Heart Podcast

The Resilient Heart Podcast

By: Gabi Garland
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One thing each of us can not avoid is a lifetime full of heartache. While the world we live in has taught us to prepare for unforeseen events, they've done little in teaching us how to cope. They also don't tell you this…….Adversity is where the true YOU emerges if you let it. Whether it is the beginning of the end or you choose to find the silver lining, it's ALL up to you. This podcast is about owning our ability to be resilient as it is our super power. The way we choose to persevere is our opportunity to not be reduced by our circumstance. That's been my entire life and probably most of yours! Welcome To The Resilient Heart Podcast. This podcast is for powerful women just like you that don't deserve to deal with this alone! Each week we're going to uncover how each of us have the unique ability to maintain our core integrity and strength in the face of dramatic circumstance. I am her, and so are you!2020 Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Breaking Barriers: How One Woman Turned Layoff into Liberation with Kirstin Purcell

    Breaking Barriers: How One Woman Turned Layoff into Liberation with Kirstin Purcell
    Mar 19 2026
    In this episode of the Resilient Heart Podcast, Kirstin Purcell, owner of Handshake and Heels, shares her journey from corporate recruitment to entrepreneurship after an unexpected layoff. Joined by host Gabi and a guest interviewer, Kirstin discusses the challenges of starting her business, balancing family life, and building community through events and workshops. She offers practical advice on networking, job searching, and embracing resilience. The conversation highlights the importance of support systems, continuous learning, and taking bold steps toward personal and professional growth, inspiring listeners to pursue their goals despite uncertainty. Timestamps Guest Introduction & Background (00:01:27) Kirstin Purcell is introduced; she shares her background in staffing, recruitment, and starting Handshake and Heels. Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship (00:02:11) Discussion about shifting from a corporate career to building a business, motivations, and initial fears. Laid Off & Starting the Business (00:03:08) Kirstin describes being laid off in October 2024 and deciding to go all-in on her business. Survival Mode & Family Conversations (00:04:06) Both Kirstin and the interviewer share experiences of being laid off and the immediate steps taken to survive financially. Preparing for the Hard Conversation (00:06:10) Kirstin discusses preparing to talk with her husband about betting on herself and using their 401k as a runway. Balancing Family & Business (00:10:08) How Kirstin and her husband balance parenting and business responsibilities, and the benefits of entrepreneurship for family life. Early Entrepreneurial Influences (00:12:31) Kirstin shares how her early career in staffing and mentorship shaped her entrepreneurial ambitions. Traits from Childhood & Learning Mindset (00:17:27) Discussion about childhood traits, asking questions, and being a lifelong learner as keys to business success. Networking & Strategic Time Management (00:21:15) Kirstin explains the importance of networking, choosing the right groups, and being strategic with time. Planning & Executing the Live to Lead Event (00:24:11) Kirstin details organizing her first major community event, Live to Lead, and lessons learned from event planning. Personal Growth from Live to Lead (00:30:26) Reflections on stepping out of her comfort zone, learning to keynote, and the resilience required to pull off the event. Community Impact & Vision (00:35:06) The broader impact of Live to Lead, building community, and the importance of creating spaces for connection. COVID's Impact on Work & Family (00:39:12) How COVID changed work culture, remote work, and the importance of family support in entrepreneurship. Business Growth & Delegation (00:44:41) Transitioning from working in the business to working on the business, and the importance of building a team. Early Business Wins & Proof of Concept (00:45:59) Stories about the first business successes, the mindset shift from corporate to entrepreneurship, and proof of concept moments. Origin of Handshake and Heels (00:47:14) Kirstin shares why she started her company, the value of insider knowledge, and helping job seekers. Resume & Interview Masterclass (00:50:26) Announcement of a live and virtual masterclass to help job seekers with resumes, interviews, and LinkedIn profiles. Service-Oriented Mindset (00:56:18) Kirstin discusses her passion for helping people and how service has always been central to her work. Final Advice & Motivation (00:58:04) Encouragement to take action, overcome self-doubt, and pursue what makes you happy. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Kirstin Purcell (00:05:16): "I will figure it out. For me, it was having a real hard conversation with myself and saying, what are you going to do? So I immediately went into, okay, I gotta figure out insurance, I need to figure out when bills are due, and just went into figure-it-out mode." Kirstin Purcell (00:17:44): "I was always taught, you don't know what you don't know. Being a sponge, being a student of life and soaking up anything and everything that I could has always been something that I've been good at." Kirstin Purcell (00:18:27): "If I don't understand something, I will figure it out and I will ask questions to someone that does so I can learn, because I think learning and having knowledge is power." Kirstin Purcell (00:36:02): "One relationship, one conversation can change your life. It can change the trajectory of your outcome and your life, and that fuels me." Kirstin Purcell (00:58:52): "There's nothing standing in your way except for you. Do your homework, figure out your steps, do your to-do list, check your things off, put in the work to better your situation. You just got to do it." RESOURCES: Connect with Kirstin: UPCOMING WORKSHOPS: Live Workshop (Fredericksburg, VA):Website for Tickets: https://handshakeinheels.ticketspice.com/...
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Empowering Youth: The Essential Role of Big Brothers Big Sisters with Sandra Erickson

    Empowering Youth: The Essential Role of Big Brothers Big Sisters with Sandra Erickson
    Jan 22 2026
    In this episode of The Resilient Heart Podcast, host Gabi welcomes Sandra Erickson, the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg. They discuss the organization's mission, the life-changing impact of mentorship on youth, and share both personal stories and compelling data showing improved outcomes for "Littles." Listeners learn how to get involved as mentors or supporters, and the conversation emphasizes resilience, community, and the power of positive adult relationships. The episode serves as an inspiring call to action to support or join Big Brothers Big Sisters locally or nationwide. Timestamps Sandra's Background & Path to Nonprofit Work (00:01:30) Sandra shares her personal and professional journey, including AmeriCorps experience and nonprofit leadership. Early Influences & Value of Giving Back (00:04:54) Discussion about family and community influences that inspired a lifelong commitment to service. The Power of Mentorship & Human Connection (00:06:36) Exploring why Big Brothers Big Sisters is impactful for children and mentors, emphasizing trust and connection. Big Brothers Big Sisters: Mission & How It Works (00:08:11) Explanation of the organization's mission, the matching process, and the history of the program. Local Chapter History & Inclusion of Big Sisters (00:11:08) Details about the Fredericksburg chapter's history and the addition of Big Sisters in the 1970s. Need for Male Mentors & Qualities of a Good Big (00:12:07) Addressing the shortage of male mentors and the key traits needed to be a successful mentor. Support for Mentors & Match Activities (00:13:15) Overview of ongoing support for mentors, including staff check-ins and organized activities. How Kids Join & The Enrollment Process (00:14:05) Step-by-step explanation of how children and parents enroll and are matched with mentors. Misconceptions About Time Commitment (00:16:51) Addressing common concerns about the time required to be a mentor and encouraging everyday involvement. Role of Parents/Guardians in the Program (00:18:39) Emphasizing the importance of parent/guardian involvement in successful matches. Ways to Support Beyond Mentoring (00:19:31) Information on volunteering, donating, and sponsorship opportunities, and how funds are used. Economic Impact & Prevention Benefits (00:21:11) Sharing research on the program's long-term economic and social benefits for mentored youth. How to Get Involved Nationally (00:23:17) Guidance on finding local chapters and the broader impact of mentoring across the country. Program Outcomes & Mental Health Statistics (00:24:24) Highlighting data on improved coping skills, grit, and reduced depressive symptoms among participants. Personal Stories & Lasting Impact (00:26:00) Anecdotes about former participants and the mutual benefits for both mentors and mentees. Upcoming Events & How to Connect (00:27:02) Information about upcoming events, how to get involved locally or nationally, and closing thanks. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Sandra, "What makes it powerful is just human connection—being able to sit with an adult and have a conversation and have them listen with a non-judgmental ear." Sandra, "Just having a willingness to spend a little time with a child—the rest will come." Sandra, "We help lift youth out of poverty." Sandra, "It impacts the big too—it's so fulfilling, and I think they get more out of it than they think they will." RESOURCES: Connect with Sandra: Bowl for Kids' Sake: https://www.bbbsfred.org/bowl BBBS Greater Fredericksburg Website: https://www.bbbsfred.org/ BBBS Greater Fredericksburg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbbsfred BBBS Greater Fredericksburg Instagram: Big Brothers Big Sisters (@bbbsfred) • Instagram photos and videos BBBS Greater Fredericksburg Donation Page: DONATE | Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg BBBS of America: https://www.bbbs.org/ BBBS of America Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigBrothersBigSisters BBBS of America Instagram: Big Brothers Big Sisters (@bbbsamerica) • Instagram photos and videos BBBS of America Donation Page: Donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America BBBS of America Become a Big: Become A Big – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America BBBS of America Enroll a Little: Enroll A Little – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Connect With Me: Gabi Garland Website: https://www.resilientvoicemedia.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabi.garland/ FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Resilient Heart Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify "One caring relationship can change the direction of a child's life." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.
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    28 mins
  • Reinventing Yourself: The Mom-to-More Revolution with Sharon Macey

    Reinventing Yourself: The Mom-to-More Revolution with Sharon Macey
    Dec 18 2025
    In this episode of the Resilient Heart Podcast, host Gabi welcomes Sharon, creator of the Mom to More podcast, to discuss the journey of mothers transitioning from full-time parenting to new life chapters. Sharon shares her personal reinvention story, highlights the valuable skills gained through motherhood, and offers practical advice for women rediscovering their passions. The conversation explores resilience, the power of female friendships, and embracing incremental progress. Listeners are encouraged to recognize their potential beyond motherhood and to pursue fulfilling new endeavors with confidence and community support. Timestamps Sharon's Journey: From Stay-at-Home Mom to Podcaster (00:01:44) Sharon shares her transition from full-time motherhood to returning to work and launching her podcast. Finding the Podcast Niche & Evolution (00:03:20) Sharon explains how she identified a unique niche for her podcast and expanded into mentorship and speaking. The Power of Female Friendships (00:08:24) Gabi and Sharon reflect on the importance and depth of female friendships and support networks. Building "Mom to More": Lessons Learned (00:09:50) Sharon shares advice for moms starting new ventures: start small, be intentional, and embrace incremental growth. Balancing Business and Family Life (00:11:50) Strategies for maintaining boundaries, setting office hours, and balancing work with family and personal life. Surprising Strengths from Motherhood (00:13:44) Sharon discusses how empathy and lived experience as a mom prepared her for podcasting and coaching. Mindset Shifts & Overcoming Imposter Syndrome (00:17:04) Sharon talks about building confidence, trusting herself, and the importance of sharing women's stories. Lessons from Early Mistakes & Delegation (00:19:23) Sharon and Gabi discuss the importance of not doing everything alone and learning to delegate. Examples of Reinvention & Pursuing Passions (00:24:08) Sharon shares stories of women returning to old interests, starting businesses, or engaging in nonprofit work. Overcoming Fear of Failure (00:26:44) Overcoming Fear of Failure (00:26:44) Encouragement to try new things, accept failure as growth, and avoid regret from not trying. Legacy & Impact: What Sharon Wants to Be Remembered For (00:27:41) Sharon reflects on her desired legacy: her children and empowering women to realize their potential. Final Advice & Favorite Quote (00:29:55) Sharon shares a favorite quote about dreaming big and taking small steps, emphasizing consistent effort. How to Connect with Sharon (00:30:59) Sharon provides her preferred ways for listeners to connect: website, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Sharon, "Motherhood makes us strong. We can fall down and we know how to get up stronger than we were before." Sharon, "At times we feel invisible and irrelevant." Sharon, "Trust yourself. You are capable. We raise the next generation of humans. There is nothing we cannot do." Sharon, "What you will regret at the end of the day is not trying at all." RESOURCES: Connect with Sharon: https://www.momtomore.com/links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momtomore Connect With Me: Gabi Garland Website: https://www.resilientvoicemedia.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabi.garland/ FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Resilient Heart Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify "Trust yourself. You are capable. We raise the next generation of humans. There is nothing we cannot do." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.
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    32 mins
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