In the Season 1 finale of I Am MUCH Woman, CortneyJo is joined by Clarissa Buckley, Taleen Dunlap, and Shawna Martinez for a heartfelt conversation on authentic friendship. They explore what it means to be fully seen, accepted, and loved, without performing. Through stories of faith, growth, and shared experiences, the women reflect on letting go of the need to fix others, honoring personal capacity, and showing up with honesty and grace. Together, they embody what it means to be a MUCH Woman in friendship: measured, unafraid, captivating, and heroic. Their message is clear, real friendship is ministry.

Show Notes:

(3:12) Clarissa, Taleen, and Shawna’s thoughts on the episode title

(11:20) How CortneyJo’s guests have learned to stop performing in friendships and be themselves

(19:41) Clarissa’s experience of having a hard conversation that changed her for the better

(22:36) How to know when you don’t have the capacity for a friendship, and how to honor that

(33:25) Do we always have to relate to what others are going through?

(39:12) The importance of realizing that you’re not always going to get it right

(41:04) What being a MUCH Woman means for CortneyJo’s guests

(48:10) Closing thoughts

Host CortneyJo sits down with her "friendgirls" Dr. Jill Zambito and Dr. Jada Russell for an intimate lunchtime conversation about the essential practices of pausing, healing, and resetting. These three colleagues from the University of Tennessee share personal stories and practical wisdom about why self-care isn't a luxury, it's necessary for sustainable living.

Show Highlights:
00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:46 Meet My Friends: Dr. Jills and Dr. Jada Russell

02:25 The Importance of Pausing

03:10 Personal Stories of Pausing

12:58 Recognizing When You're on Empty

17:53 Physical Wellness and Healing

25:45 Yoga and Roller Skating Adventures

26:52 Finding Your Thing

27:04 The Concept of Grace and Self-Care

28:48 Spiritual Connection and Personal Growth

30:21 Embracing the Pause and Celebrating Rest

34:09 Audience Questions and Caregiving Advice

43:52 Supporting Self-Care in Relationships

47:30 Final Thoughts and Blessings

CortneyJo sits down with her dear friend and neighbor, Emily Savard, for a conversation on faith, health, and healing on this episode of the I am MUCH Woman podcast. Emily shares her journey from postpartum depression and feeling dismissed by doctors to reclaiming her wellness through small, consistent steps. With a background in public health and a passion for helping others, she now leads a vibrant women’s fitness community grounded in faith, accountability, and joy. Together, CortneyJo and Emily explore self-care, body image, and the power of showing up for yourself and for others with honesty, compassion, and intention.

Show Highlights
(2:58) Why Emily didn’t develop body image issues until after her first child

(11:18) How she got started on her health improvement journey

(18:40) How Emily was impacted by her first fitness challenge

(22:39) What her fitness routine and lifestyle look like today

(27:08) How working out brought Emily closer to God

(35:19) Why spiritual balance is so important for Emily’s journey

(37:36) What fitness has taught her about sisterhood and jealousy

(44:01) How being a MUCH Woman relates to health, fitness, and nutrition

(47:12) Emily’s encouragement for women struggling to get started

(53:10) Testimonials from women about how Emily has helped them

Links Referenced

• Emily’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alejandra.savard.1/
• Emily’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilysavard90/
• Emily’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-savard-512205142/
• Emily’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@emilysavard90
• Emily’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emilysavard90