In this episode of Rise, Heal, and Grow, Leah M. Hill sits down with Susan Baracco, founder of Story Architect for Women, to explore the transformative power of storytelling. With over a decade of experience collaborating on more than 30 books, Susan shares how writing can become a pathway to healing, self-discovery, and personal empowerment—especially for women who have long held their stories inside. Together, they discuss the fears that keep people from starting, the emotional release that comes from putting truth on the page, and the unexpected lessons no one tells you about writing a book. Through heartfelt insights and practical guidance, this conversation invites listeners to embrace their voice, trust the process, and discover that even one sentence a day can open the door to profound growth and lasting impact.

On this episode of Rise, Heal, and Grow with Leah M. Hill, Leah sits down with Liz DiFiore, Community Engagement Manager at BevCam, for a powerful conversation about courage, connection, and the impact of community storytelling. Liz shares her unconventional career journey—from children’s book illustration to community media—and unpacks why meaningful relationships are at the heart of every successful business and thriving community. Together, Leah and Liz explore why courage must come before confidence, how networking is a learned skill anyone can develop, and why access to unbiased, local media matters now more than ever. This episode is an inspiring reminder that when people are given the tools, education, and access to tell their own stories, entire communities rise, heal, and grow together.

Today’s guest is Leslie Saba, a Certified Positive Intelligence® coach who believes that staying quiet to keep the peace is one of the fastest ways to lose connection in a relationship. For decades, Leslie lived what so many women experience—holding things in, avoiding conflict, and carrying the quiet emotional weight of unspoken needs. On the outside, everything looked fine, but inside there was tension, disconnection, and a heaviness she couldn’t ignore. After learning the communication and mental fitness skills that transformed her own relationships, Leslie now helps high-functioning women express themselves with clarity and confidence—without guilt or fear—so they can feel calm, respected, and deeply connected again.

Leslie, what have you found is the real cost for women who keep things in to avoid conflict? And can you help us understand—what is emotional weight?