- 14
- Episodes
- 11
- Ratings
- 2024
- First episode
- 382
- YouTube views
About Her Own Words
Her Own Words is dedicated to amplifying the voices of everyday women. Every Tuesday, episodes feature personal essays that explore topics of love, resilience, adventure, and everything in between. Hosted by Yennifer Pedraza, who is on a mission to support and uplift women by sharing their inspiring stories and celebrating their pursuits to live bravely.
- Publisher
- Yennifer Pedraza
- Category
- arts
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 9 Apr 2024
- Latest episode
- 11 Feb 2025
Latest episodes
14 episodes in the feed.
11 Feb 2025
Episode 12: Time to Go with Susanna Ross Clyde (Max)
💜🎙️In this week’s episode, Susanna Ross Clyde (Max) shares her essay, “Time to Go: Even Mickey Can’t Help” reflecting on her experience with betrayal and what it took to move forward and heal on her own. During our conversation, Susanna shared how writing has served as a therapeutic tool, allowing her to channel her innate creativity. Although she faced marital betrayals, her support network helped her move forward and push past the burden of societal expectations. Susanna talks about the magic of words and how music can hit us deeply and resonate with our own stories. We touched on the lasting effects of domestic violence on trust and the beauty of rediscovering ourselves after trauma. Most importantly, Susanna emphasizes the importance of self-expression, embracing the beauty and hardships of life, and choosing to be better rather than bitter. Susanna Ross Clyde (Max) is an aspiring writer with southern roots, a love of sweet tea, and a little bit of sass she inherited from her late grandmother. Susanna has been telling stories since childhood, is an experienced improvisation actor, and was a regular feature writer forVenue Magazinein Cincinnati, Ohio. She dabbles in writing as a form of therapy and more of her musings are often shared on her personal blog, "Tacos and Truth Bombs". When she's not working hard to provide for her two amazing children, you’ll find Susanna sweating it out in a hot yoga class or laughing with great female friends over a glass of wine! Susanna resides in Cincinnati with her two children, Elizabeth and Andrew, and their rescue dog, Jersey. Experience this Episode: Listeners canwatch the full interview (https://herownwords.club/watch-the-show) orread the essay (http://herownwords.club/ep9-essay-luci-strong). Connect with Susanna: LinkedIn @Susanna Max (https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanna-max-397062a4/) Blog @Tacos & Truth Bombs (https://susannamax.wixsite.com/tacosandtruthbombs) Facebook @Susanna.Max (https://www.facebook.com/susanna.max/) Follow Her Own Words: Instagram @Herownwords.podcast (https://www.instagram.com/herownwords.podcast/) LinkedIn @Her Own Words (https://linkedin.com/company/herownwords) Website: https://herownwords.club/ (https://herownwords.club/) Do you have a story?Share a personal essay here (https://herownwords.club/share-your-story) Sponsor the show: If you're enjoying the podcast, please consider supportinghere (https://ko-fi.com/herownwords). *** Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): Show Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky (https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky) // License code: IUN6XTDNDDJVLFCJ Essay Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles (https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles) // License code: CZXQMJIJCL6ZTILU
4 Feb 2025
Episode 11: She Was Always There with Katherine Stinson
💜🎙️In this week’s episode, Katherine Stinson shares her essay, “She Was Always There” reflecting on her journey of self-acceptance, and how it led her to get hearing aids and finally feel heard. During our conversation, Katherine shared her experience living with hearing loss and how it shaped her upbringing and adult life. She opened up about the stigma surrounding disabilities and being “othered,” which made her resistant to owning her hearing loss. We also chatted about the challenges faced during social interactions, attending concerts, or going out to bars and restaurants, and the crucial need for better design. Over the past few years, writing has become a therapeutic outlet for Kate, but it was the experience of getting hearing aids that expanded her sense of self. Her hearing aids brought unexpected moments of delight—listening to musical instruments, taking in the sounds of nature, and realizing the joy that comes from hearing others’ laughter. With newfound access to the world, Kate developed a stronger sense of self, learned to communicate her hearing needs, and found the confidence to advocate for herself. We touch on the need for conversations about our differences rather than making assumptions, the importance of self-advocacy, and the value of keeping an open mind when it comes to our health and the needs of others. Katherine Stinson is a 35-year-old author of Deserted Plateau, a poetry collection. As a published poet, she’s been featured in various magazines, including Clementine Zine, Pink Disco Magazine, Curio Cabinet, Letters to Lovers, and Honey Fair Magazine. In her free time, she enjoys writing and traveling. Professionally, she works as a Direct Service Professional at a nonprofit organization. Experience this Episode: Listeners can watch the full interview (https://herownwords.club/watch-the-show) or read the essay (http://herownwords.club/ep11-essay-katherine-stinson). Connect with Katherine: Instagram @ k8b0ne (https://www.instagram.com/k8b0ne/) Purchase her book, Deserted Plateau on Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/p/books/desertedplateau-katherine-stinson/21473239?ean=9789360944025&next=t&next=t) or Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Desertedplateau-Katherine-Stinson/dp/9360944025) Purchase the book, Shouting Won’t Help on Amazon (https://amzn.to/4hjdCBL) Follow Her Own Words: Instagram @ Herownwords.podcast (https://www.instagram.com/herownwords.podcast/) LinkedIn @ Her Own Words (https://linkedin.com/company/herownwords) Website: https://herownwords.club/ (https://herownwords.club/) Do you have a story? Share a personal essay here (https://herownwords.club/share-your-story) Sponsor the show: If you're enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting here (https://ko-fi.com/herownwords). *** Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): Show Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky (https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky) // License code: IUN6XTDNDDJVLFCJ Essay Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles (https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles) // License code: CZXQMJIJCL6ZTILU
28 Jan 2025
Episode 10: A Change of Spirit with Naomi Bindman
A Note Before We Start: Today’s episode is heavily focused on grief and loss with mentions of suicidal ideation. These are sensitive topics so please honor yourself as you move forward. 💜🎙️In this week’s episode, Naomi Bindman shares her essay, “A Change of Spirit” reflecting on the complexities of grief and the value of honoring three special women in her life through storytelling. During our conversation, Naomi reflected on the influence of her mother and grandmother on her writing and teaching journeys, as well as how feedback has helped her refine her craft. Through storytelling and performing, she has found a way to give voice to her deceased daughter and honor the legacies of the three most important women who shaped her life: her mother, grandmother, and daughter. After her daughter, Ellen passed away in a car accident at the age of seventeen, Naomi rediscovered the will to live by performing Ellen’s songs. Initially, she pursued this goal seeking enough closure to end her life. Instead, she found an unexpected joy she once thought was lost forever. Together, we explored the challenges of grief and the cultural discomfort around pain, emphasizing the need to lean into grief and allow oneself to feel the pain before moving forward. Grief is not linear and looks different for everyone, including Naomi who shared how the experience of losing her daughter was the most incomprehensible loss of all. Wherever you are in your journey, she encouraged embracing the pain of grief, recognizing the value of therapy, connecting with others who have experienced similar losses, finding creative outlets for processing emotions, and embracing vulnerability as integral to the healing process. Naomi Bindman is a writer, musician, and award-winning educator based in Vermont. Her articles, essays, and poetry have appeared in anthologies and journals including Mothering, So to Speak, Friends Journal, and Consilience, among others. She’s received grants from the Vermont Arts Council and serves as faculty for the Vermont State Colleges. Her memoir, You're the Words I Sing, tells the story of Naomi's journey back to life performing the songs of her daughter, Ellen. Experience this Episode: Listeners can watch the full interview (https://herownwords.club/watch-the-show) or read the essay (http://herownwords.club/ep9-essay-luci-strong). Connect with Naomi: Website @ naomibindman.com (https://naomibindman.com/) Follow Her Own Words: Instagram @ Herownwords.podcast (https://www.instagram.com/herownwords.podcast/) LinkedIn @ Her Own Words (https://linkedin.com/company/herownwords) Website: https://herownwords.club/ (https://herownwords.club/) Do you have a story? Share a personal essay here (https://herownwords.club/share-your-story) Sponsor the show: If you're enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting here (https://ko-fi.com/herownwords). *** Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): Show Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky (https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky) // License code: IUN6XTDNDDJVLFCJ Essay Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles (https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles) // License code: CZXQMJIJCL6ZTILU
21 Jan 2025
Episode 9: How Not to Have a Birthday Party with Luci Strong
💜🎙️In this week’s episode, Luci Strong shares her essay, “How Not to Have a Birthday Party” reflecting on how planning the ideal birthday party taught her an important lesson about what really matters in life. During our conversation, Luci shared the importance of having a supportive community of family and friends when navigating life's challenges. She reflected on her writing journey, using storytelling to process emotions, and how her Southern upbringing continues to shape her stories. We also touched on the impact of perfectionism on personal growth and how embracing spontaneity can lead to some of life’s most rewarding moments. At its heart, our discussion reaffirmed a timeless truth: at the end of the day, it’s the people around us who matter most. Luci Strong is a budding writer hailing from Mississippi. Her Southern experiences and upbringing shape her writing. She loves to read romances, thrillers, and fantasy novels. Luci has found her calling as a Family Nurse Practitioner, where her passion for healthcare is evident in her focus on women's sexual and reproductive health and primary care. When she’s not reading, writing, or caring for her patients, she enjoys baking, hanging out with family and friends, and binge-watching her favorite TV shows. Experience this Episode: Listeners can watch the full interview (https://herownwords.club/watch-the-show) or read the essay (http://herownwords.club/ep9-essay-luci-strong). Connect with Luci: Instagram @ lucigoosey (https://www.instagram.com/_lucigoosey/) Read her essay, "Life's Music" here (https://heyyoungwriter.com/lifes-music/) Follow Her Own Words on: Instagram @ Herownwords.podcast (https://www.instagram.com/herownwords.podcast/) LinkedIn @ Her Own Words (https://linkedin.com/company/herownwords) [Episode Page] Website: https://herownwords.club/ (https://herownwords.club/) Do you have a story? Share a personal essay here (https://herownwords.club/share-your-story) Sponsor the show: If you're enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting here (https://ko-fi.com/herownwords). *** Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): Show Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky (https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky) // License code: IUN6XTDNDDJVLFCJ Essay Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles (https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles) // License code: CZXQMJIJCL6ZTILU
14 Jan 2025
Episode 8: Finding Solace with Sally Edelstein
Award-winning artist and writer Sally Edelstein shares her essay and personal story of finding strength in her ancestors and self-love through therapy, challenging societal stigma around mental health.
7 Jan 2025
Episode 7: Not Quite Old with Catherine Gentry
🎙️In this week’s episode, Catherine Gentry shares her essay, “Not Quite Old,” on aging as a woman and how reflecting on her grandmother’s wisdom changed her mindset about birthdays. 💜 During our conversation, Catherine shares her perspective on aging and the power of owning one's story. She reflects on her writing journey, the enduring wisdom of her grandmother, and her observations of how ageism pressures women to conform to society's ideals of youth. We touch on the importance of embracing our true selves and new adventures, celebrating birthdays, and not letting age define our worth or abilities. Catherine Gentry is a writer dedicated to compassionate creativity. She holds a BA in English from Princeton University and practiced environmental law in Houston for several years before retiring to raise her three now-grown children. Her essays have been featured in The Houston Chronicle, The Princeton Alumni Weekly, and Women Under Scrutiny: An Anthology of Truths, as well as in online publications including Grown and Flown, Living the Second Act, and Literary Mama. As a Writer in Residence with the Writers In The Schools (WITS) program, she enjoys visiting classrooms across the Houston area to teach creative writing and inspire storytelling in new and unexpected ways. Experience this Episode: Listeners can watch the full interview (https://herownwords.club/watch-the-show) or read the essay (http://herownwords.club/ep7-essay-catherine-gentry). Connect with Catherine: Instagram @ thecatherinegentry (https://www.instagram.com/@thecatherinegentry) Website: https://www.catherinegentry.com/ (https://www.catherinegentry.com/) Follow Her Own Words on: Instagram @ Herownwords.podcast (https://www.instagram.com/herownwords.podcast/) LinkedIn @ Her Own Words (https://linkedin.com/company/herownwords) Website: https://herownwords.club/ (https://herownwords.club/) Do you have a story? Share a personal essay here (https://herownwords.club/share-your-story) Sponsor the show: If you're enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting here (https://ko-fi.com/herownwords). ___ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): Show Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky (https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky) // License code: IUN6XTDNDDJVLFCJ Essay Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles (https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles) // License code: CZXQMJIJCL6ZTILU
31 Dec 2024
Trailer: Welcome to Season 2
This is Her Own Words, a podcast dedicated to amplifying the voices of everyday women through stories of love, resilience, adventure, and everything in between. Hosted by Yennifer Pedraza. Season 2 begins on January 7th, and episodes will air every Tuesday. Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎙 Follow Her Own Words: Instagram @ Herownwords.podcast (https://app.showit.com/%7B%22link%22:%7B%22type%22:%22socialLink%22,%22target%22:%22slInstagram%22%7D%7D) LinkedIn @ Her Own Words (https://app.showit.com/%7B%22link%22:%7B%22type%22:%22socialLink%22,%22target%22:%22slLinkedIn%22%7D%7D) Do you have a story? Share a personal essay here (https://app.showit.com/%7B%22link%22:%7B%22type%22:%22page%22,%22newWindow%22:1,%22target%22:%22share-your-story%22%7D%7D) Let's Connect! Share your feedback or suggestions here (https://app.showit.com/%7B%22link%22:%7B%22type%22:%22page%22,%22target%22:%22contact%22%7D%7D) Sponsor the show: If you're enjoying the podcast, please consider sponsoring the show here (https://app.showit.com/%7B%22link%22:%7B%22type%22:%22url%22,%22target%22:%22https://ko-fi.com/herownwords%22,%22newWindow%22:1%7D%7D) Subscribe today so you never miss an episode. You can find the full transcript for this trailer here (http://herownwords.club/season-2-trailer). *** Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky License code: IUN6XTDNDDJVLFCJ
28 May 2024
Episode 6: Love and Friendship with Grace Riordan
💜🎙️In this week’s episode, Grace Riordan shares her essay, “Coming Home to Love and Friendship” reflecting on a romantic betrayal and her deep appreciation for her friends and community, who helped her find solace and guided her through the turmoil. During our conversation, Grace opened up about romantic heartbreak and the unconditional support she received from her friends. She shares how journaling has been a significant outlet for her healing and growth as a writer. Grace emphasizes the importance of taking time to know oneself and prioritize self-care. Her time alone allowed her to figure out who she was and reaffirmed her deep appreciation for her friendships. She encourages everyone to prioritize their friendships and the importance of investing time and energy into our relationships. Grace is a 26-year-old native Bostonian who loves to talk politics, gossip with friends, and journal her every thought. As a Cancer sun, she has a deep love of community and finds herself most at home when surrounded by close friends and family. This is her first time sharing a personal essay, though her writing can be found on HealthCity and in Commonwealth Magazine. She prides herself on being someone her friends turn to for advice and hopes to one day write her own advice column. Connect with Grace: Website: onloveandfriendship.com (http://onloveandfriendship.com/) Resources: Ideas list: 101 ways to make and maintain friendships (https://app.showit.com/%7B%22link%22:%7B%22type%22:%22url%22,%22target%22:%22https://www.asociallifewithfriends.com/p/101-ways-to-make-and-maintain-friendships?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2&mc_cid=007741e088&mc_eid=ec13922fe9%22%7D%7D) Podcast: A Social Life with Friends (https://app.showit.com/%7B%22link%22:%7B%22type%22:%22url%22,%22target%22:%22https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-social-life-with-friends/id1490791468%22%7D%7D) Worth the read: How to Have Meaningful Relationships (https://app.showit.com/%7B%22link%22:%7B%22type%22:%22url%22,%22target%22:%22https://www.becomingminimalist.com/how-to-have-meaningful-relationships/?mc_cid=dea96c5ef4&mc_eid=ec13922fe9%22%7D%7D) Events: Skip the Small Talk (https://app.showit.com/%7B%22link%22:%7B%22type%22:%22url%22,%22target%22:%22https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/public-events?category=All%22%7D%7D) For the Milestones: Time to Celi (https://www.timetoceli.com/) Book on the value of relationships: The Good Life (https://amzn.to/3R4FWwW) Experience the Podcast: Listeners can watch the full interview (https://herownwords.club/watch-the-show) or read the essay (https://herownwords.club/2024/05/28/love-and-friendship-grace-riordan). Do you have a personal essay to share? Submit your story at herownwords.club (https://herownwords.club/) *** Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): Show Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky (https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky) // License code: IUN6XTDNDDJVLFCJ Essay Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles (https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles) // License code: CZXQMJIJCL6ZTILU
21 May 2024
Episode 5: The Late Bloomer with Jean Duffy
💜🎙️In this week’s episode, Jean Duffy shares her essay, “Embracing the Late Bloomer,” reflecting on her experience building self-confidence and finding a community of women on the soccer field. Growing up with a family that moved often, Jean was shy and struggled to find her place, but this changed when she pursued a career in engineering and worked with a coach to embrace her self-confidence. During our conversation, she shared how playing soccer in her 40s led her to connect with a group of elderly women in South Africa called the "Soccer Grannies." Their resilient experiences as women and caregivers during apartheid in South Africa inspired her to keep playing and eventually write a book. Through her love of soccer and writing, she found personal growth and community, proving it's never too late to find and pursue new passions. Jean Duffy is a nonfiction writer, retired engineer, mother, wife, and active member of her soccer team, the Lexpressas. Her essays appear in the Boston Globe, Concord Monitor, PBS Next Avenue, WBUR Cognoscenti, and other publications. In 2023, she published her first book, Soccer Grannies: The South African Women Who Inspire the World. You can buy her book on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Soccer-Grannies-South-African-Inspire/dp/1538170175) or via her publisher (https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538170175/Soccer-Grannies-The-South-African-Women-Who-Inspire-the-World). You can support the Soccer Grannies of South Africa on GoFund Me (https://www.gofundme.com/f/score-one-for-south-africas-soccer-grannies). Jean’s essay was originally published in Grande Dame Literacy (https://www.grandedameliterary.com/post/embracing-the-late-bloomer). Connect with Jean: Instagram @ soccergranniesbook (https://www.instagram.com/soccergranniesbook) LinkedIn @ Jean Duffy (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeangduffy/) Facebook @ SoccerGranniesBook (https://www.facebook.com/SoccerGranniesBook) Website @ https://jeanduffy.com/ (https://jeanduffy.com/) Experience the Podcast: Listeners can watch the full interview (https://herownwords.club/watch-the-show) or read the essay (https://herownwords.club/2024/05/14/embracing-the-late-bloomer-jean-duffy). Follow Her Own Words on: Instagram @ Herownwords.podcast (https://www.instagram.com/herownwords.podcast/) LinkedIn @ Her Own Words (https://linkedin.com/company/herownwords) Website: https://herownwords.club/ (https://herownwords.club/) Do you have a story? Share a personal essay here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s_KCzU_Y6y_J9PkZTy0WurCMAJ-6-HZs/view?usp=sharing) *** Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): Show Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky (https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky) // License code: IUN6XTDNDDJVLFCJ Essay Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles (https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles) // License code: CZXQMJIJCL6ZTILU
7 May 2024
Episode 4: My Turkish Conundrum with Margaret Özemet
💜🎙️In this week’s episode, Margaret Özemet shares her essay, “To Mi or Not to Mi, My Turkish Conundrum,” reflecting on her adventures as an expat in Turkey, navigating language barriers, love, and the humor found in cultural mishaps. During our conversation, Margaret spoke about her whirlwind romance, the decision to move to Turkey, and how she navigated language barriers and built relationships with her husband’s Turkish family. As a former expat, she stressed the value of building strong bonds with other expats and creating a community when living abroad. Margaret also highlighted the value of living in different countries to broaden your perspective, understand what it means to feel limited in your communication skills, build empathy for others, and experience as much of the world as possible. She encourages everyone to take risks, trust their gut, and stop waiting for the “right time”' to pursue their dreams. Margaret Özemet is a teacher, writer, wife, mother, and former expat whose passion for storytelling spans continents. Her work has been featured in various online platforms, print journals, and anthologies including New Letters, Red Fez, Knocked Up Abroad Again, and Once Upon an Expat. She is also the co-host of the book podcast, Two Lit Mamas. Connect with Margaret: Instagram @ margaret_ozemet (https://www.instagram.com/margaret_ozemet) Facebook @ Margaret Özemet (https://www.facebook.com/margaretozemet) Website @ margaretozemet.com (http://margaretozemet.com) LinkedIn @ Margaret Özemet (https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-ozemet-666052176) Margaret co-hosts Two Lit Mamas, a podcast for children’s book enthusiasts, including parents, teachers, and writers. You can learn more on the website (https://twolitmamas.com/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/twolitmamaspodcast), or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064132118508). Experience the Podcast: Listeners can watch the full interview (https://herownwords.club/watch-the-show) or read the essay (https://herownwords.club/2024/05/07/to-mi-or-no-to-mi-margaret-ozemet). Follow Her Own Words on: Instagram @ Herownwords.podcast (https://www.instagram.com/herownwords.podcast/) LinkedIn @ Her Own Words (https://linkedin.com/company/herownwords) Website: https://herownwords.club/ (https://herownwords.club/) Do you have a story? Share a personal essay here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s_KCzU_Y6y_J9PkZTy0WurCMAJ-6-HZs/view?usp=sharing) *** Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): Show Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky (https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky) // License code: IUN6XTDNDDJVLFCJ Essay Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles (https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles) // License code: CZXQMJIJCL6ZTILU
30 Apr 2024
Episode 3: Telling Elouise with Jennifer Inglis
A Note Before We Start: This content mentions childhood abuse, addiction, suicide, and gun violence. These are sensitive topics so please honor yourself as you move forward. 💜🎙️ In this week’s episode, Jennifer Inglis shares her essay, “Telling Elouise,” reflecting on her experience navigating the loss of her brother and sharing the news with her daughter. During our conversation, Jennifer opened up about being faced with the responsibility of delivering the news to others while dealing with her grief, and the decision to plan a funeral that honored her brother and raised awareness about suicide. Jennifer notes moments of regret, contemplating what could have been done differently, and emphasizing the urgent need for dialogue around mental health. Our conversation touches on the limited resources for men struggling with mental health, the role of gun control in suicide prevention, and the long-term value of open communication with children. Jennifer Inglis is a graduate of GrubStreet's 2023 Essay Incubator and 2022 Memoir Generator programs. She lives in Salem, MA with her family and pets. She works full-time supporting public libraries at the state level. When she’s not writing, she enjoys playing board games, searching for the perfect donut, and showing tourists the best of her city. Experience the Podcast: Listeners can watch the full interview (https://herownwords.club/watch-the-show) or read the essay (https://herownwords.club/2024/04/30/telling-elouise-jennifer-inglis). Connect with Jennifer: Instagram @ jjjinglis (https://www.instagram.com/jjjinglis) LinkedIn @ Jennifer Inglis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-inglis-30235b2/) Website @ jeninglis.com (http://jeninglis.com/) Resources & Support: 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline (Available 24/7): https://988lifeline.org/ (https://988lifeline.org/) American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/ (https://afsp.org/) Alcoholics Anonymous: https://www.aa.org/ (https://www.aa.org/) Al-anon Family Groups: https://al-anon.org/ (https://al-anon.org/) Smart Recovery: https://smartrecovery.org/ (https://smartrecovery.org/) Resource: Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief (https://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Missing-Revolutionary-Approach-Understanding/dp/0738234788/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QydjfTqTRfH_j8Oi3nXmQ_00etBumLdUMZL-SG7YV7c332bQMK0rmFfKnoTBeddfQIxUVNr3Ek2sJYKh4Y-ehjZ5fQBfC60E6NMEH4UvSYFJEWB_C3gsAZAxvunCOllgiVnKJFZqhwmWM_d4FDLxTAs7UUAOgDcPX_sPrfSVo0px6wsG_4H45RmcaNUok_9y1gjQQsbKY64AhrRlaWERN__zkoR-Cz3BILY3rSsLWss.Z48z5JrzokH7ysANKd2Q-KoGG0v-KQ8Vtgq8i17EOZs&dib_tag=se&hvadid=256493726791&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9001994&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=8510973631022242530&hvtargid=kwd-426596997058&hydadcr=20398_10167041&keywords=anxiety+the+missing+stage+of+grief&qid=1714317020&sr=8-1) Resource: The Gray Area spotlighted men’s struggles in this episode (https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/men-and-boys-are-struggling-should-we-care/id1081584611?i=1000589866749). *** Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): Show Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky (https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky) // License code: IUN6XTDNDDJVLFCJ Essay Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles (https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles) // License code: CZXQMJIJCL6ZTILU
23 Apr 2024
Episode 2: Swiping Left Over 60 with Andi Pollinger
Today’s episode of Her Own Words features Andi Pollinger 💜🎙️ In this week’s episode, Andi shares her essay, “Swiping Left Over 60,” reflecting on her experience finding love at 62 in a dating scene that had shifted from serendipitous real-world encounters to finding love through online profiles. During our conversation, Andi shared her experience of finding love again after a long marriage, and how watching the fearless women of “The Golden Bachelor” inspired her to write her essay. She opened up about the differences between dating in her youth versus dating in her 60s, emphasizing a greater appreciation for time. Through dating, Andi learned the importance of committing to your self-worth, having patience, maintaining your independence, and pursuing personal interests beyond a partnership. Andi Pollinger is a writer and 67-year-old retired resident of Boston. Her published essays on Medium date back to 2019 when she took a road trip across America with her 25-year-old son in a 1992 refurbished van. Her stories run the gamut from surviving breast cancer and recounting a city's racist response to a murder hoax in Boston in 1989. Andi’s other publications include “Honk for Choice (https://herstryblg.com/theme/2022/1/21/honk-for-choice)” featured on Herstory and “A New Grandmother Finds Her Seat at the Changing Table (https://www.parent.com/blogs/conversations/2023-a-new-grandmother-finds-her-seat-at-the-changing-table)” on Parent.com (http://parent.com). Andi’s essay was originally published in the Huffington Post, as "At 62, I Hadn't Been On A Date In Decades. Here's What Happened When I Tried The Apps. (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/dating-apps-divorced-62-bumble-tinder_n_65dbbcdbe4b0e4346d52d369)" Experience the Podcast: Listeners can watch the full interview (https://herownwords.club/watch-the-show) or read the essay (https://herownwords.club/2024/04/23/swiping-left-over-60-andi-pollinger/) on the website. Connect with Andi: Medium Blog @ GoGirl (https://medium.com/@gogirlnbt) LinkedIn @ Andi Pollinger (https://www.linkedin.com/in/andipollinger/) Follow Her Own Words on: Instagram @ Herownwords.podcast (https://www.instagram.com/herownwords.podcast/) LinkedIn @ Her Own Words (https://linkedin.com/company/herownwords) Website: https://herownwords.club/ (https://herownwords.club/) Do you have a story? Share a personal essay here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s_KCzU_Y6y_J9PkZTy0WurCMAJ-6-HZs/view?usp=sharing) *** Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): Show Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky (https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky) // License code: IUN6XTDNDDJVLFCJ Essay Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles (https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles) // License code: CZXQMJIJCL6ZTILU
16 Apr 2024
Episode 1: My Mother's Daughter with Djofa Tavares
Today’s episode of Her Own Words features Djofa Tavares 💜🎙️ Note Before We Start: We form bonds with our biological mothers in the womb, but not everyone gets to develop that relationship. This might be a sensitive topic so please honor yourself as you move forward. In this week’s episode, Djofa shares her essay, “My Mother’s Daughter,” reflecting on her complicated mother-daughter relationship as she grapples with feelings of frustration and enduring love for her aging mother. During our conversation, Djofa shared her experience with her emotionally distant mother and its impact. She talked about handling the lack of emotional closeness with her parents by leaning into self-love and finding support from other women in her community. As she journeyed into motherhood, she discovered the significance of being open and attentive with her kids and putting herself first to shape the person she aspired to be, despite the challenges of her upbringing. Djofa Tavares is on a mission to strengthen the knowledge of Kriolu and Capeverdean culture. She’s a writer and Boston Public Schools teacher of Social Sciences for K0-5th grades students. Her upcoming projects include a memoir and a dual-language poetry book. Connect with Djofa: TikTok @ Kriolu Basics (https://www.tiktok.com/@kriolubasics) Facebook @ Kriolu Basics (https://www.facebook.com/kriolubasics) Facebook @ Milimilacv (https://www.facebook.com/milimilacv/) Instagram @ Scribing_Sista (https://www.instagram.com/scribing_sista/) Instagram @ MiliMila_ (https://www.instagram.com/milimila_/) Follow Her Own Words on: Instagram @ Herownwords.podcast (https://www.instagram.com/herownwords.podcast/) LinkedIn @ Her Own Words (https://linkedin.com/company/herownwords) Website: https://herownwords.club/ (https://herownwords.club/) Do you have a story? Share a personal essay here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s_KCzU_Y6y_J9PkZTy0WurCMAJ-6-HZs/view?usp=sharing) Experience the Podcast: Listeners can watch the full interview (https://herownwords.club/watch-the-show) or read the essay (https://herownwords.club/2024/04/16/my-mothers-daughter-djofa-tavares/) on the website. *** Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): Show Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky (https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky) // License code: IUN6XTDNDDJVLFCJ Essay Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles (https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles) // License code: CZXQMJIJCL6ZTILU
9 Apr 2024
Trailer: Welcome to Season 1
This is Her Own Words, a podcast dedicated to amplifying the voices of everyday women through stories of love, resilience, adventure, and everything in between. Hosted by Yennifer Pedraza. Season 1 begins on April 16th, and episodes will air every Tuesday. Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎙 Follow Her Own Words on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herownwords.podcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/her.own.words.podcast) Website: https://herownwords.club/ (https://herownwords.club/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/herownwords (https://www.linkedin.com/company/herownwords) Subscribe today so you never missed an episode. Please send your suggestions to herownwords.podcast@gmail.com (mailto:herownwords.podcast@gmail.com) *** Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky (https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky) License code: IUN6XTDNDDJVLFCJ
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
- YouTube views
- 382
- Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
- Apple Podcasts (US)
- 5.0 / 5
- 6 ratings
- Spotify
- 5.0 / 5
- 5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 53 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
- Quality
- 35
- Social presence
- 91
- YouTube
- 64
- Engagement
- 71
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