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From grooming sheep on a Mennonite farm to styling A-list celebrities, building an award-winning beauty empire, and launching global humanitarian efforts—Bobbi’s journey is powerful, raw, and inspiring.

You’re about to hear what it really takes to defy the odds and wear your crown—inside and out. Bobbi’s journey is anything but conventional. From growing up on a Mennonite farm in Pennsylvania to styling A-list celebrities and launching global humanitarian programs, Bobbi opens up about her rise, her scars, and her unapologetic mission to redefine what true beauty looks like.

She shares how she built the Glamour Room from a basement dream to a 2,000-square-foot sanctuary, why she proudly showed her midsection scar on stage, and how she’s helping thousands of women and teens reclaim their confidence across Africa, India, and the U.S.

If you’ve ever felt like your story disqualifies you, this episode will prove that your story is your superpower.

Tune in to hear:

• Why pageantry is evolving—and needs real women
• The moment Bobbi knew she was “called” to lead
• Her global impact through dignity bags and beauty education
• How faith, resilience, and vision helped her build an empire
• Advice for beauty entrepreneurs who want to make a difference

This is more than a crown—it’s a movement.

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In this episode of Defying the Odds, host Abby sits down with Tina Wright, founder of The Heel Sling™—the innovative, doctor-endorsed shoe insert that’s redefining comfort and fit for women everywhere.

Tina shares her inspiring story of going from stay-at-home mom to startup founder after watching her daughter struggle with the same heel slippage that plagued her for years. What started as a DIY solution turned into a patented product now endorsed by orthopedic surgeons and praised by fashionistas.

Abby and Tina dive into:

• The “aha” moment that led to The Heel Sling™
• Navigating entrepreneurship as a Black woman founder
• The challenges of sourcing, manufacturing, and breaking into retail
• Why customization is the future of fashion
• And Tina’s advice for any woman sitting on an idea she can’t stop thinking about

This is more than a conversation about shoes—it’s about perseverance, purpose, and proving that innovation can come from anywhere.

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This week on Defying the Odds, Abby reconnects with Kirsten following her crowning as Mrs. Tennessee America. From learning to fly in Africa to serving as a Sheriff’s Deputy in Tennessee, Kirsten’s path has been nothing short of extraordinary. Now, with the esteemed title of Mrs. Tennessee America, she brings even more attention to her mission: breaking stigma around mental health and empowering first responders.

In this inspiring follow-up, Kirsten shares the emotions of her big win and what it means to carry the crown. She dives into how her role as Mrs. Tennessee amplifies her advocacy—especially her work with the Take My Hand Foundation—and how she plans to leverage this platform for meaningful change. Join Abby and Kirsten for a powerful discussion on resilience, representation, and lifting those who serve our communities.

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This week on Defying the Odds, Abby sits down with Kirsten—Sheriff’s Deputy, Mrs. Knoxville, and fierce mental health advocate. Born in Africa and educated in England, Kirsten’s journey has been anything but ordinary. She learned to fly before she could drive and now serves her Tennessee community with strength and empathy.

In this powerful episode, Kirsten opens up about the emotional toll of being a first responder, her own battles with bullying, and how those experiences now fuel her passion for mental wellness. As a partner with the Take My Hand Foundation, she’s on a mission to break the stigma surrounding mental health—especially for those who serve and protect. Tune in to hear how Kirsten is using her voice, platform, and badge to inspire change.

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On this episode of Defying the Odds, host Abby sits down with Crystal Smith—a devoted wife, mother of two, and wellness enthusiast—as she opens up about her journey through transition, self-discovery, and emotional healing. After two decades of constant movement tied to her husband’s railroad career and working since the age of 14, Crystal shares what it’s been like to finally pause and reflect. From her love of sunsets, travel, and horses to the deep work of personal healing, this candid conversation shines a light on the power of stillness, growth, and rediscovering purpose through life’s hardest seasons.

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In this episode of Defying the Odds, Abby sits down with the inspiring Hope Blanchard—a singer-songwriter who's been living out of her van for the past five years to fully invest in her music. With over half a million followers and a debut EP that earned her a feature in Cosmopolitan Magazine, Hope shares how choosing freedom over comfort led to her most authentic work yet.

We talk van life, vulnerability, viral moments, and what’s next for this rising indie artist. If you've ever dreamed of chasing your passion, this episode will light your fire.

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In this inspiring episode of "Defying the Odds," host Abby Vaden sits down with Rebekah, the founder of Golden Growth Vitamins. Rebekah shares her personal story of overcoming hair and health challenges, leading her to develop the Hair Growth + Immune Support Vitamins that have changed her life and helped many others achieve remarkable results.

Rebekah opens up about her struggles with thinning hair, fallout, and a weakened immune system, and how these issues impacted her confidence and well-being. Through perseverance and determination, Rebekah embarked on a journey of research and development, culminating in the creation of the unique golden formula of Golden Growth Vitamins.

Listeners will learn about the incredible benefits of the vitamins, including unprecedented hair growth rates of up to 1cm per week, the power of Adenosylcobalamin Vitamin B12, the importance of Vitamin D for overall health, and the avoidance of side effects like numbness in fingers and toes.

Join Abby and Rebekah as they discuss how Golden Growth Vitamins are not only effective for women but also for men, catering to anyone looking to combat hair thinning, boost their immune system, or support their overall health. Rebekah shares her personal testimony of the transformative effects of the vitamins, promising listeners a fuller, healthier hair, increased energy, and robust health.

So tune in to this episode as Abby Vaden and Rebekah invite you to join the Golden Growth family, try the vitamins for yourself, and witness the difference they can make in your life. Here's to healthy hair and a strong immune system – because sometimes, defying the odds is the first step to transformation.

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Episode Description: In this inspiring episode, guest speaker Kayla Matthews shares her incredible journey from a small town in Illinois to embracing a whole new life at the beach. She recounts her story of hard work, determination, and following her heart, guided by her faith. Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, Kayla's resilience has led her to experience the highest of highs and feel immensely blessed with her current life. Tune in to hear how Kayla defied the odds and achieved a remarkable transformation.

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