Powered by Authenticity

About Powered by Authenticity

Powered by Authenticity is more than a podcast—it’s a movement. We spotlight voices that are breaking barriers and rewriting the rules of leadership, success, and identity. Through real conversations with bold leaders and changemakers, we uncover the stories behind resilience, reinvention, and leading with heart. If you believe in showing up fully and forging your own path, this space was made for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Publisher

Emily Carlson

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

19 Mar 2023

Latest episode

17 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

123 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Aug 2026

   Pints, Pucks, Ribs, and More! Investing in the Future of Batavia with Matt Gray

   Small towns don't move forward on their own. They need people who see possibility, invest in ideas, preserve what matters and are willing to take action when opportunity presents itself. Matthew (Matty) Gray is one of those people in Batavia, New York. His journey wasn't mapped out years in advance. When Matty and his wife knew they wanted to return home to Batavia, they didn't necessarily know what that next chapter would look like. Then an opportunity with Alex's Place presented itself. The timing was right. Matty recognized the opportunity, took the chance and made the move. And that wouldn't be the last time. Years later, when the future of the local ice arena became uncertain, another opportunity emerged — this one with a deeply personal connection to Matty's family and hockey. Eli Fish Brewing would eventually become another chapter in his entrepreneurial journey and another investment in his hometown. Different opportunities. Different moments. But a common thread: being willing to act when opportunity arrives. In this episode of Powered by Authenticity, Matty shares the unexpected path that brought him here, what he's learned about entrepreneurship and the impact that can happen when people choose to invest in the places they call home. Because Batavia isn't unique in needing people like Matty. Small towns across the country and around the world need people willing to become active participants in their future. Revitalization isn't the work of one person, but it does require people willing to step forward. Opportunity can open the door. What matters is what we choose to do when it does. Thank you, Matty, for a fun conversation. It was such a pleasure to speak with you about your investments in our hometown. P.S. - of course we talked chicken wings!! And we had a unanimous vote on favorite wing flavor! Links to locations discussed in this episode: LinkedIn: Matthew Gray | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matmatty-gray-zarley21/)Eli Fish Brewing Company | Brewery | 109 Main St, Batavia, NY 14020 (https://www.elifishbrewing.com/)Alex's Place | Fine Dining Steakhouse | Ribs & Seafood (https://www.alexsribs.com/)David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena (https://www.mccarthyicearena.com/)

2. 

   10 Aug 2026

   The Copilot Approach with Claire Skillen

   On this episode of Powered by Authenticity, Emily welcomes back Claire Skillen for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, healing, resilience, and the power of human connection. While Claire's "Copilot Approach" serves as the foundation of the discussion, the conversation quickly becomes something much deeper. It's about helping people rediscover their own strength, trusting the wisdom they already possess, and creating space for growth through curiosity rather than judgment. Drawing from her experience in management consulting, counseling, and EMDR therapy, Claire shares how her career has evolved while remaining centered on one purpose: helping people navigate life's challenges with confidence and compassion. Rather than taking the controls, she believes the most effective leaders, coaches, and counselors walk alongside others until they're ready to confidently lead themselves. Throughout the conversation, Emily and Claire explore authentic leadership, the connection between our minds and bodies, the impact of unresolved experiences, and the importance of giving ourselves permission to heal. Claire also shares insights from her upcoming book chapter, Journaling on a Midlife Metamorphosis, reminding us that every stage of life offers opportunities for reflection, growth, and transformation. Whether you're leading a team, building a business, supporting your community, or simply navigating your own journey, this episode is a reminder that some of life's greatest breakthroughs begin with a single conversation and someone willing to walk beside us. Thank you, Claire, for such a lovely conversation. It was great to catch up and hear about all of your new adventures since our last conversation. Links for more information: Claire Skillen | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/claireskillen/)Home - Ceascape Counseling & Consulting (https://ceascapecounselingconsulting.com/)

3. 

   3 Aug 2026

   Finding Joy in the Process with Eric Jones

   Some people change the world by inventing something new.Others do it by simply making someone smile. On this episode of Powered by Authenticity, Emily sits down with artist, Food Network champion and Guinness World Record holder Eric Jones. While many people know Eric for his incredible snow sculptures, pumpkin carvings and larger-than-life public art, this conversation quickly reveals that his greatest masterpiece isn't made of snow at all. Through his nonprofit, Creations for Kids, Eric uses his artistic talent to bring joy to children facing serious illnesses. Whatstarted with one family's request to help lift the spirits of a young girl recovering in the hospital has grown into a mission dedicated to creating unforgettable moments for children when they need them most. Emily and Eric explore why joy matters just as much as hope,how creativity can become a powerful form of compassion, and the unexpected ways our unique gifts can make a lasting difference in someone else's life. From giant snow sculptures outside hospital windows to involving children in the creative process, Eric reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful acts of kindness aren't measured in dollars—they're measured in smiles. This episode is filled with laughter, heartfelt stories anda beautiful reminder that every one of us has been given talents that can make the world a little brighter. You don't have to change everything to change someone's day. If you've ever wondered whether your passion could becomeyour purpose, or how one small act of kindness can create a ripple effect far beyond what we can see, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends. Thank you, Eric, for sharing your story with me. We absolutely love the work you are doing, and we will continue to support it in every way possible. Please visit Eric’s website to learn more about how you can help support his work and Creations for Kids. Eric’s Information: Home | EricJones Studios (https://www.ericjonesstudios.com/) Creations ForKids | Bringing smiles to children facing health challenges and adversity (https://www.creationsforkids.com/) About Eric: Bio: Eric Jones is an internationally recognized sculptor, Food Network Star competitor, and Guinness World Record holder known for creating extraordinary sand, snow, ice, pumpkin, and live-event sculptures. His work has entertained audiences at festivals, schools, corporate events, museums, and celebrations across the country, combining artistic excellence with engaging, interactive experiences. Eric is also the founder of Creationsfor Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing custom artistic experiences to children facing illness, disability, and hardship, using creativity to inspire joy, raise awareness, and create lasting memories.

Who has been a guest on Powered by Authenticity

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Stephanie Kord Miller
• Jessica Renner Cox
• Kristen Cornyn
• Helana Shumway
• Meghan Underhill

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

31,945

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

476 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 68 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

84

Social presence

0

YouTube

72

Engagement

60

Contact Powered by Authenticity

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.