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In this episode of Defying the Odds, host Abby Vaden sits down with Maya Ramsahoye — international pageant queen, Miss Queen of the World 2024, and powerhouse entrepreneur redefining what it means to lead with both grace and grit.

From the runways of international pageants to the boardrooms of her own modeling and management companies, Maya has turned her crown into a catalyst for change. As the National Director for Queen of the World Canada and Director of MIЯROR Management International, Maya shares how she built an empire grounded in empowerment, authenticity, and development.

Maya opens up about her journey from a small-town girl in Alberta, Canada, to a global advocate for inclusivity in beauty and fashion. Through her EveryBODY Fashion Show and MIЯROR Consulting, she’s championing confidence, representation, and real growth — proving that power and purpose go hand in hand.

This episode dives deep into:
✨ How Maya transformed her pageant platform into a global movement
✨ The business principles behind her leadership success
✨ Why authenticity is the foundation of sustainable influence
✨ What it takes to lead women — and an entire industry — with heart

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning passion into purpose, this episode will leave you inspired to rise, lead, and redefine your own version of success.

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In this episode of Defying the Odds, we sit down with Christina Messer—founder of Clues & Co. Tax Solutions and a creative force with over 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, and business strategy. After facing an unexpected tax bill herself, Christina discovered powerful tax strategies once reserved for corporations and the wealthy. Now, she’s on a mission to make those strategies accessible to entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and high-income families. With her detective-like approach, Christina helps clients uncover hidden tax savings, build financial clarity, and turn stress into strategy. Tune in to learn how Christina continues to defy the odds by transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and success.

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In this inspiring episode of Defying the Odds, we sit down with Jennifer D’Oliveira, founder of Desert Bloom Wellness Therapies in Phoenix, Arizona. Jennifer shares her remarkable journey from decades as a successful businesswoman to becoming a Clinical Herbalist, Aromatherapist, Yoga Nidra, and Sound Healing practitioner. With training from the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, she now helps clients transform their health and well-being through holistic therapies rooted in compassion and care. Discover how Jennifer continues to defy the odds, blending herbalism, aromatherapy, yoga, and sound healing to nurture both body and spirit.

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In this episode, we sit down with Lindsey Graham, famously known as The Patriot Barbie. After refusing to comply with Oregon’s COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Lindsey became a viral national figure and unapologetic voice for freedom, faith, and women’s rights. She shares her powerful journey from salon owner to bestselling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of Galatians Girl, a nonprofit supporting women and children.

Lindsey opens up about her fight against government overreach, her bold activism for Christian and conservative values, and how she balances life as a wife, mother of three, and powerhouse businesswoman. With candor, faith, and fire, she challenges us to live courageously, stand up for our convictions, and embrace resilience in the face of adversity.

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At just 18, Lauren Goldstein was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that reshaped her life overnight. What could have been a barrier became the catalyst for her resilience and purpose. In this episode of Defying the Odds, Abby sits down with Lauren to explore how she navigated years of uncertainty while building a thriving career in tech and later launching a coaching business to empower ambitious women living with autoimmune and chronic health conditions.

Lauren shares how she blends nervous system regulation, mindset shifts, and micro-habit building into her proprietary coaching approach—offering not just strategies, but solidarity. Her message is clear: you don’t have to go it alone, and you don’t have to sacrifice your ambition because of a diagnosis.

If you’ve ever faced a challenge that felt bigger than you, this episode will remind you that resilience and transformation are possible—even when the odds seem stacked against you.

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In this episode of Defying the Odds, Abby Vaden sits down with executive coach, author, and leader Kirk McCarley to explore what it really takes to unlock your full potential. With over 30 years of executive leadership experience, Kirk has dedicated his life to helping others discover the “ingredients” for success already within them.

Together, Abby and Kirk discuss how to build self-confidence, overcome setbacks, and lean into accountability as you pursue your God-given purpose. You’ll also hear insights from his book Thoughts for My Kids…and Other People’s Kids, plus practical ways to embrace resilience, faith, and focus when life doesn’t go according to plan.

If you’ve ever doubted yourself or wondered if you have what it takes—this episode is your reminder that everything you need to succeed is already inside you.

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In this powerful episode of Defying the Odds, host Abby Vaden sits down with Christina Prokos—renowned psychic medium, trauma healer, and soul guide—for a soul-stirring conversation about reclaiming your power and healing from within. Christina shares how shadow work, soul retrieval, and inner child healing can unlock deep emotional transformation and spiritual alignment.

From her bestselling book Embrace Your Shadows to her transformative Soul Thrive platform, Christina empowers others to break generational cycles, integrate past wounds, and embody their truest essence. Together, Abby and Christina dive into topics like karmic healing, divine feminine energy, and the importance of emotional integration on the path to self-liberation.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected, stuck in survival mode, or ready to reconnect with your soul—this episode is your sign.

Topics Covered:

• Shadow emotions & emotional alchemy
• The power of soul retrieval and intuitive healing
• Breaking generational trauma cycles
• Embracing the divine feminine
• Living in alignment with your soul's truth

Tune in and start your healing journey today.

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In this powerful episode of Defying the Odds, Abby sits down with Anna Love—Intuitive Empowerment & Leadership Coach and creator of The ALIGN Method. Anna shares how she helps visionary leaders break free from subconscious blocks, step into unshakable confidence, and lead from a place of deep alignment and authentic power. From spiritual insight to real-world leadership strategies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to reclaim their inner authority and build a life that truly feels like home.

Plus, hear the story behind her own transformation and her mission behind the Wild and Free with Anna Love podcast. Get ready to lead, live, and love—fully aligned.

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