From building lifelong skills to shaping future leaders, Girl Scouts has left an indelible mark on generations of women who are making a difference in their communities and beyond. Led by Girl Scouts for all Girl Scouts, Always a Girl Scout is the podcast where we explore how the mission of Girl Scouts continues to inspire lives beyond the youth experience.
In each episode, Girl Scouts Ella Zhang and Sarah Roelke engage in powerful conversations with women at the top of their fields, and how the values of courage, confidence, and character have led them on their journey.
The Gold Award: How Girl Scouts Turn Vision into Impact
Every Gold Award begins with a spark — an idea of turning passion into powerful change. In this final episode, host Sarah Roelke interviews this year's Gold Award recipients about the inspiring projects that earned them this honor, diving into the challenges they overcame, the lessons they learned, and the impact they’ve made in their communities. From tackling community challenges to leading with purpose, these Girl Scouts share how earning the Gold Award shaped their confidence, creativity, and lifelong drive to lead with heart.
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12 Dec 2025
Commanding Curiosity: Dr. Michaela Musilova on Reaching New Heights
Exploration starts with curiosity and the courage to take the first step. From simulated Mars missions to scaling volcanic peaks, Dr. Michaela Musilova shares her journey of perseverance, teamwork, and the unshakable belief that no dream is out of reach. Together, Girl Scout host Sarah Roelke and Michaela reflect on the courage to chase the unknown and the determination it takes to bring the stars a little closer to home.
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5 Dec 2025
Mission Ready: Regina Thompson on Finding Strength in Uncertainty
What does it mean to lead with courage when everything is on the line? In this powerful episode, Girl Scout Ella Zhang sits down with Regina Thompson—former FBI Assistant Director and SWAT operations leader—to explore how early lessons in confidence and teamwork shaped a career spent protecting others. From Girl Scout values to global missions, Regina’s story is a testament to how the same values that guide national security also empower the next generation of Girl Scouts.
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28 Nov 2025
Do It Anyway: Catherine Curtin on Fearlessness, Creativity, and the Girl Scout Way
From Badges to Broadway, how resilience carries you through all of life's acts. In this episode, host Sarah Roelke talks with Catherine Curtin— acclaimed actor, lifelong storyteller, and proud former Girl Scout— about how early lessons in confidence, community, and curiosity shaped her journey. Together, they explore what it means to stay grounded in an unpredictable industry, find authenticity in every role, and carry the spirit of Girl Scouting into life’s biggest stages.
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21 Nov 2025
Listen, Lead, and Lift: Dr. Elizabeth Carr on Girl Scout Grit and the Power of Care
What if the most powerful leadership tool is simply learning to listen? Dr. Elizabeth Carr shares how Girl Scout roots, military service, and entrepreneurship shaped her approach to counseling and team building — from cookie sale grit and cooking confidence to caring for a whole community. Together, Ella Zhang and Dr. Carr unpack collaborative leadership, practical tools for navigating conflict, and the listening that transforms friendships, teams, and families.
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14 Nov 2025
The Art of Belonging: Katie Payne on Finding Magic in Creativity
Growing up, Katie Payne was the kid who couldn’t stop drawing — on homework, jeans, anything within reach. Now an illustrator and art director shaping entire worlds, she joins host Ella Zhang to talk about rediscovering creativity as an adult, leading teams of artists with empathy, and realizing that passion isn’t something you outgrow — it’s something you grow into. Together, they explore how staying connected to your inner “art kid” can turn imagination into a lifelong calling.
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7 Nov 2025
Beyond the Sky: Dr. Tanya Harrison on A Girl Scout’s Journey to Mars
Can Curiosity Change the World?
What happens when a childhood fascination with the stars turns into a career exploring another planet? Girl Scout Ella Zhang talks with planetary scientist and Mars Rover team member Dr. Tanya Harrison about chasing curiosity, breaking barriers for women in STEM, and discovering what connects life on Earth to the mysteries of space. Their conversation proves that the same courage it takes to explore another planet also powers the next generation of Girl Scouts right here on Earth.
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30 Oct 2025
From Badges to Boardrooms: Bonnie Barczykowski and Noorain Khan on Leading With Courage and Connection
Every leader starts somewhere — sometimes at a troop meeting, sometimes at a cookie booth. In this episode, host Ella Zhang joins Bonnie Barczykowski, CEO, Girl Scouts of the USA, and Noorain Khan, National Board President, Girl Scouts of the USA, to explore how Girl Scouting shaped their journeys from early inspiration to national leadership. They reflect on sisterhood*, change, and courage — from Gold Awards to reimagining the Movement for a new generation — and the quiet bravery that comes from showing up for your community, year after year.
Learn more about Bonnie and Noorain's professional journey:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonniebarczykowski/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonniebarczykowski/)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/noorain-khan-47130065/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/noorain-khan-47130065/)
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