The Martial Arts Woman Podcast

Content Creator / Podcast / Show / Fitness / Martial Arts

This podcast is devoted to martial art women who make a difference!

by Andrea Harkins

The Martial Arts Woman Podcast

About The Martial Arts Woman Podcast

This podcast is devoted to martial art women who make a difference! Host, Andrea F. Harkins, interviews fascinating martial art woman all over the world to explore their journeys as they navigate through life, difficulties, distractions and obstacles but emerge renewed, capable, and strong thanks to martial arts. Andrea is an author, columnist, blogger, podcaster and martial artist.

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Episodes

67 episodes
  1. Aug 14, 2026 · 35 min

    Mindy Ruddock - Helping Others Thrive!

    Mindy's desire to help others thrive utilizing her numerous talents (dance, physical therapy, yoga, martial arts and more) is inspiring and motivating which makes this a feel-good interview that we all need to hear! I had so much interviewing Mindy - from learning how to say "Massachusetts" in Mindy's way, to exploring her growth in her martial art school and wellness programs, to discovering how women finally have…

  2. Jun 26, 2026 · 31 min

    Mary Lou Daczka - It Is NEVER Too Late

    Imagine discovering martial arts in your late 60s after attending your very first self-defense class. Then imagine earning your black belt, becoming an instructor, and refusing to let two knee replacement surgeries stand in the way of your passion. That remarkable journey belongs to today's guest, Mary Lou Daczka. Mary Lou's story is a powerful reminder that age doesn't define our limits—our mindset does. Whether…

  3. Feb 16, 2026 · 34 min

    Janelle Gabriel - Empowered by Krav Maga

    Janelle Gabriel shares how Krav Maga prepared her to face an unexpected assailant who harassed her and her husband while they were on vacation. Her heightened awareness and mental preparedness gave her the confidence and advantage she needed to protect herself. She opens up about what first drew her to Krav Maga and how her dedication to the discipline helped her grow from a student into a lead instructor. Finally,…

  4. Jan 26, 2026 · 39 min

    Darlene Quinn - From Pain to Power

    Darlene Quinn was enrolled in a karate class at an early age—around five years old—as a way for her mother to manage her rebelliousness. However, her childhood karate training was abruptly interrupted when she was hit by a car while walking home from class one day. Even at such a young age, karate had a lasting impact on her. She learned a deep lesson about respect that positively influenced her life moving…

  5. May 13, 2024 · 41 min

    Haley Walden - Step In to Your Power

    Haley Walden is a copywriter, brand voice strategist, fantasy author, and martial artist with a background in Korean martial arts. At age 14, she discovered Tang Soo Do and a love for both traditional and creative forms. After a 12-year hiatus, she returned to martial arts. In 2021. She earned her first-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. As a multi-passionate geek, she has many obsessions, including music, history,…

The archive: 62 older episodes
  1. Mar 23, 2024 Cristine Pyle - No Limits, No Excuses
    When Cristine was 14 years old, she suffered an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) hemorrhage in her brain. To save her life, the neurosurgeon removed 6 cm of her motor cortex. She was not supposed to survive. The doctors told her family she would be bedridden and probably never walk or talk again. Fast forward to today. How did Cristine go from that devastating diagnosis to becoming a martial art champion? It’s a…
  2. Feb 11, 2024 Denise Plowman - Lead by Example
    Denise leads by example! Her Kenpo training began in 1994 at the Boise Kenpo Karate school. Today, she holds a 6th-degree black belt. Her 1st-degree rank was significant, as she was the first woman to be promoted to a black belt in a Kenpo organization in the state of Idaho at that time. She later took over this school, which she operated for many years until a promotion at her day job at the Veterans Health…
  3. Jan 12, 2024 Barbara White - We Battle and Persevere
    Barbara White, a long time martial art woman, shares about her martial art journey and her loving relationship with her husband, Bob White, who recently passed away. He was her husband and best friend as well as a well-known martial artist in the martial art community. I also learned that Barbara has been a nurse for 40 years which allowed her to care for her husband! What a giver! Barbara is the creator of a…
  4. Oct 15, 2023 Audrey Hussey - Tenacious Martial Art Entrepreneur
    Audrey Hussey is a super fit conscientious high achiever type martial artist! That's a mouthful, but I think when you hear her talk about her martial art journey you will agree that she has a spunk and spirit that outshines many. From learning a martial art alongside some of her kids (and she has 6 kids, btw), to coming to a near screeching halt when she saw the perfect and affordable location for her martial art…
  5. Jul 29, 2023 Stephanie Dunham - Making a Positive Difference For Others
    This exceptional woman, Stephanie Dunham , faced childhood trauma and torment for years, but today finds healing in martial arts. She is a black belt who teaches her own program a couple of times a week, and on the side, helps other women heal from their tragedies and is involved in a ministry to combat sex trafficking. Amazing, right? She is a reminder that we can all make a positive difference in the world…
  6. Jul 16, 2023 Jane Larkin-Meiser - Positive Martial Artist and Friend
    Jane and I became friends a few years ago after she invited me to be a co-host on her podcast, The Java Buzz Morning Talk Show. Since then, I learned that Jane is a true friend to many. She is selfless in many ways and reaches out to those who need encouragement, a smile or just a quick hello. Aside from this, she is an accomplished martial artist, a business owner, and a positivity enthusiast. Her down to earth…
  7. Apr 29, 2023 Dr. Jean Kanakogi - Get Up and Fight
    Dr. Jean Kanakogi is an amazing positive force not only in martial arts but in all that she does. She holds a B.S. and M.S in Criminal Justice/Protection Management and a PhD in Psychology. She is a recently retired Senior Special Agent for the US Government with extensive experience in conducting criminal and administrative investigations. With a career spanning for over 25 years in law enforcement, Jean has been…
  8. Mar 30, 2023 Lisa Palacio - Still Going, Still Growing
    Sabotage. Sexualization. Misplaced loyalty. At what point do you realize your martial art experience is not what it should be and how do you change that? Lisa shares how she ended up in a dojang that demeaned her and diminished her ability to achieve her black belt after the appropriate amount of training. Yet, she eventually found her way through this negative experience to the other - and more promising side - of…
  9. Jan 31, 2023 Rachelle Cassetta - Everything Is Martial Arts
    Rachelle's lifelong ambition of becoming a school teacher came to an abrupt stop early on in her career when she was attacked in the hallway of a public school by a male teenage student who "lifted her off the floor by her throat." When she complained to the Principal, he called her melodramatic and he told her to just calm down. She wasn't a martial artist then...not yet, and this was not even the…
  10. Dec 18, 2022 Joelle White - Strive to Reach Your Limits
    Joelle White has been an online friend of mine for years. The one thing I always enjoy about her is her sense of perseverance from her journey from white belt to black belt in martial arts to her unwavering desire to overcome the hardships she faces in her life. I'm happy that she began her blog so many years ago after reading her eloquent responses to my blog. I knew immediately that she needed to share her…
  11. Nov 8, 2022 Emily Darlage - Battling a Devastating Diagnosis
    Martial art woman, Emily Darlage, has been an online friend of mine for a long time. She is a beautiful person with a warrior spirit who teaches martial arts at her school. Emily's positivity and kindness always warms my heart and in this interview these very traits shine through as she shares her martial art background and love for teaching. As we know, even the most kind people face struggles, obstacles and…
  12. Oct 2, 2022 Zosia Gorbaty - Fascinating Life Story
    A child to Holocaust survivors, Zosia Gorbaty candidly shares the story of how her parents survived the most bleak and hopeless times of their lives. They were literally walking to their deaths at a death camp and somehow miraculously found each other thanks to her father's whistling of a few notes of a familiar song. They were able to escape. The story is amazing.  Zosia's father was a concert…
  13. Aug 26, 2022 Ariel (Arley) Farley - Martial Arts are an Uplifting Experience
    Ariel Farley ("Arley") is a vibrant martial art woman. She lives in the smoky mountains of Tennessee and practices Krav Maga as well as Tai Chi and self-defense. In some ways, she is a beginner as she began practicing Krav Maga in 2019. However, she has come a long way in her training and is an assistant instructor at her school now, also. She understands the important benefits martial arts offers her and other…
  14. Jul 9, 2022 Sabrina Bliem - The Karate Shrimp
    "We can all grow together and be stronger for it." - Sabrina Bliem.  Today's interviewee, Sabrina Bliem, a/k/a The Karate Shrimp, highlights how martial arts changed her life, improved her mindset, provided unexpected opportunities and allowed her to heal through difficult personal situations. This exuberant YouTuber and blogger shares vulnerable moments as a woman who was harassed by one of her martial…
  15. May 28, 2022 Abbey Rickman - The Power to Overcome
    Abbey Rickman is an inspiring woman with an amazing martial art mindset who overcame several life challenges. She tore her ACL not once, but twice. The initial one caused a  disappointing honorable discharge from the military where she dreamed of being a military police officer (security forces). Somehow, she landed exactly where she needed to be and found happiness in her current career as a criminal…
  16. Mar 27, 2022 Dalia Vitkus - Overcoming a Traumatic Past to Martial Art Success
    Where do I begin? Dalia Vitkus has an array of astounding stories that will blow your mind. She grew up in a rough part of town in Chicago dealing with peeping toms, gangs and bullies. At age 15 she was very nearly raped in France by the manager of a disco club (a buxom French woman stormed into the bathroom to save her!). She defended her boyfriend in a fight by kicking the assailant with her boots on! Sometime…
  17. Feb 13, 2022 Jackie Bradbury - Engaging Modern Arnis Practitioner and School Owner
    Jackie Bradbury began martial arts just shy of her 40th birthday. She was a two pack a day cigarette smoker at the time and realized she had to change her ways. She also needed to find a way to deal with a stressful job. She decided to begin martial art training with her family and the rest is history. She and her long-time husband, to whom she refers as her best friend, train together and recently opened their own…
  18. Jan 11, 2022 Lynda Hatch - Remarkable Role Model
    Lynda Hatch was born with a hearing impairment that was discovered around 6 months of age. So, don't be shocked when you hear a male voice on this podcast! Her husband, David Hatch, graciously translates throughout the interview. Lynda wanted to make sure that listeners knew she was the one answering the questions and her husband is translating so you will on occasion hear her respond verbally before…
  19. Nov 26, 2021 Joan Cather - Ambitious Mastership Journey
    Joan Cather: "Martial arts for women are a safe haven, a place where they can grow at their pace."  Joan Cather is a passionate, determined and goal-oriented individual who does not accept barriers from preventing her from being the best person she can be in all areas of her life. She is a martial artist, instructor, and school owner who truly wants the best, not only for herself, but for all. Joan began…
  20. Nov 2, 2021 Michelle Schramm - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Saved Me
    Michelle Schramm's life story has some shocking twists and turns. But, today, she copes with her traumatic past with a new perspective, thanks to martial arts. By profession, Michelle is a school teacher who recently opened her own private schoolhouse, a pretty impressive gesture that fulfilled one of her personal goals. This ambitious teacher's past, however, is filled with debilitating abuse began when…
  21. Oct 10, 2021 Lena Smith - Be Fearless
    In 2013, Lena Smith's son was murdered when she was just beginning martial arts and was a yellow belt. Her son struggled with mental illness and addiction and she was worried about him. Though just a yellow belt when he was murdered, Lena found comfort in the dojo and a chance to heal through her martial art practice. She says, "Karate helped me fill the void in my mind." Her martial art story begins at 50…
  22. Sep 10, 2021 Vicky Green - The Power Within
    Vicky Green has been involved in martial arts for nearly 40 years! She shares why she began martial arts, what it was like competing against men, and why her goal is to simply change one life through her teaching. Of course, she has changed many lives over the span of her career. Listen in to how she uses a martial art mindset in life, especially fairly recently with the loss of her husband of 48 years. She…
  23. Aug 8, 2021 Christy Anne Padigimus - "Karate Chose Me"
    Christy Anne Padigimus has had her share of life's difficulties. Her first marriage ended partly because her husband forbade her to learn martial arts. Even more heart-wrenching, her son took his own life nearly three years ago. Martial arts helped her overcome all and move forward in a positive direction. Christy recently earned her black belt at age 50. Christy says that she did not choose karate; rather,…
  24. Jun 25, 2021 Martial Arts Helped Me Overcome Fears - Andrea Harkins
    We all have fears. Fear of rejection, the unknown, or even strange nightmares that wake us up in the middle of the night. I am right there with you!. Time and time again in my life I allow fear to rule my direction. Fear ironically kept me safe from failure. Then again, I never quite felt fulfilled...until I learned a martial art. Martial arts are physical. However, when you step back and look at your practice and…
  25. May 8, 2021 Melanie Gibson - Coping With Mental Illness Through Taekwondo
    Author, Melanie Gibson, explains how she found a way to renew herself and cope with her mental illness through her Taekwondo practice. She recently published her memoir, Kicking and Screaming, a memoir of madness and martial arts, in which she shares a brutally honest, yet inspirational and witty account of her intimate struggles with multiple mental illnesses, substance abuse, and poor relationship skills. We talk…
  26. Apr 16, 2021 Christine Bannon-Rodrigues - Inspiring World Champion
    Christine Bannon-Rodrigues and I grew up in the same town in Rhode Island and went to the same high school just couple of years apart. Small world, right? I'm sure she didn't know then that she would be a martial art world champion one day, nor did I know that I would interview her on my martial art podcast, but here we are. Christine is a world champion many times over and runs a school with her husband…
  27. Mar 26, 2021 Patricia "Pat" Williams - Positive Martial Art Warrior
    Pat Williams is a positive martial art warrior. She is a 10th degree black belt who began training in the 1960's. Many know and love her for her  positive daily Facebook posts. Although she has been in a wheelchair for 4 to 5 years because of her knees, she continues to train and teach. She practices martial art techniques from a wheelchair perspective. She says, "This wheelchair does not stop me." Pat…
  28. Mar 6, 2021 Bethany June Dillon - Inspired by Native American Warriorship
    Overcoming incapacitating medical issues and a survivor of sexual abuse at the hands of her doctor, Bethany June Dillon perseveres through the strength of her Native American heritage and culture. She creates Native American jewelry and weaponry and researches and writes about Native American warfare (she has authored two books on this topic). She is beginning a new magazine that delves into others'…
  29. Jan 30, 2021 What Women Need to Know About Effective Self-Defense with Tiffany Richards
    *Some disturbing stories are shared in this episode* Today's show is a little different in that it does not focus on a martial art woman, but rather effective self-defense for women. Tiffany Richards of Peaceful Warrior Women's Self-Defense guides us through the reasons why most women students prefer a woman self-defense instructor; how she overcame her own physically abusive situation in her twenties…
  30. Jan 26, 2021 Rebecca Durr Moffett - Far From Ordinary
    Meet Rebecca Durr Moffett, an ambitious Judo practitioner who practices transcendental meditation and has worked in a battered women's shelter for more than 30 years. She also earned a master's degree in Public Administration while working. Rebecca refers to herself as an ordinary martial artist and in many ways, I understand. I, too, am the every day type ordinary martial artist who pushes and plods…
  31. Jan 6, 2021 Lynn Varghese - A Brain Tumor Survivor Dedicated to Martial Arts
    Lynn Varghese was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2003. After three surgeries and a shunt, it was found to be benign. In 2012, she began training martial arts in her basement for a full year before finally joining a martial art class. She is a devoted wife & mother as well as an energetic and determined martial art woman and instructor. Listen in to her inspiring story about overcoming her brain tumor and why…
  32. Dec 20, 2020 Fran Charlton - A Woman's Tumultuous Upbringing Morphs into a Budo Mindset
    Today I have the honor of presenting probably one of the most compelling interviews of a woman whose life is filled with ups and downs but who seems to conquer all, Fran Charlton of Sweden. Fran's interview is compelling. She will capture you with her beautiful story-telling and captivating personality. She was born into a family of creative individuals; however, her childhood was riddled with trauma, drama…
  33. Dec 5, 2020 Kristy Hitchens - Empowering Women Through The Pink Belt Scholarship Program
    Kristy Hitchens talks about how and why she founded the Pink Belt project in Australia, a  martial art scholarship for women in need, especially victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. A journalist and media officer by trade, and a blogger on the side, Kristy has a sprite enthusiasm about martial arts and makes a positive difference as a martial art woman. She is a Taekwondo black belt, karate…
  34. Nov 22, 2020 Lady Lallaine Reed - A Candid and Lighthearted Martial Art Master
    This lighthearted and laughter-filled interview matches Lady's personality perfectly. Listen in as she shares about martial arts, movies, holistic health, writing and even belly dancing! She also provides insights about online teaching and what advice she would give to a woman interested in learning martial arts.  Links & Info: Lady's School & Website: https://www.reedsactivemartialarts.com/…
  35. Nov 16, 2020 Penny Pitassi - Multi Martial Art School Owner and and Active Shooter Trainer
    Penny Pitassi is a multi- martial art school owner and an active shooter training trainer. She began martial art training in 1989 and holds rank in several different martial art systems. She worked in the Air Force as a B52 crew chief (only 2 of the 400 in this position were women!) then later became an Air Force Historian and part of the Honor Guard. Seven months before retiring from the Air Force in 2007, and…
  36. Nov 7, 2020 Alena Turley - Insights and Inspiration from a Hapkido Perspective
    Alena Turley understands the power of Hapkido training.  As just a white belt, she fended off two attackers and later overcame a brief imprisonment at home by knife. With her own experience of trauma and abuse behind her, she is uniquely qualified to work with women to develop strength and confidence on the mats with warmth and determination. Today, she is the founder of one of Australia's first…
  37. Oct 31, 2020 Megan Westerman - Motivated by Martial Arts
    Listen to Kung Fu practitioner Megan Westerman' s  insights on why sometimes losing is winning and why she thinks more women should learn a martial art. Megan overcame anxiety, depression and an eating disorder in her teens by going to martial art classes where she did not have to worry about anything but training. Martial arts push her to reach her goals. As result, she says, "I want every woman to do…
  38. Oct 24, 2020 Terri Green - A Groovy Black Belt from the 1970's
    Terri Green began practicing martial arts as a teenager in the 1970's. She decided to forego the traditional, expected lessons back then of sewing and cooking in exchange for semi-contact street fighting and earning a black belt. Terri was a teenager, about 14 years old, when she started. Her parents signed her brother up for lessons to help toughen him up. After watching him take the classes she asked her…
  39. Oct 17, 2020 Maca Navas - The Sword Woman
    Practicing a sword form in the park during COVID times, Maca Navas is known to the locals as "The Sword Lady." They don't know her name but they see her grace and commitment to her practice. Maca practices Kung Fu and Tai Chi.  In this Podcast, she shares how she struggled for many years of her life with an eating disorder, anorexia. She describes it as a "disease of her soul" where she did not feel…
  40. Oct 10, 2020 Gwendolyn Wilkins - Eclectic Martial Artist and COVID Nurse
    A year out of nursing school, Gwendolyn volunteered to be a COVID nurse when the floor in the hospital where she worked became the COVID unit. Her years of martial art practice taught her very valuable lessons - fearlessness and confident commitment- and she vigorously uses them in life and in nursing. Gwendolyn shares her insights on being a woman in martial arts, overcoming and understanding societal…
  41. Oct 3, 2020 Rebecca Knight - Anything is Possible
    Overcoming a religious cult for the first ten years of her life, Rebecca Knight found a promising future in martial arts. Read Rebecca's full bio here: www.themartialartswoman.com  Rebecca's Story: My childhood was difficult at best. I grew up in a religious cult (in Mexico) and endured physical, mental/emotional and sexual abuse for the first 10 years of my life. After moving back to the states when…
  42. Sep 26, 2020 Michelle Manu - Powerfully Embrace Who You Are
    "Own your space. Powerfully embrace who you are. Don't apologize for what you know. Continually strive to become more than who you are." -Michelle Manu. Michelle Manu's interview is captivating and inspiring, from her practice of a Hawaiian Combat Art to wellness, womanhood, and weaponry. Don't miss her discussion about training airline professionals after the September 11 incident (and she has a…
  43. Sep 19, 2020 Karen Eden Herdman - Inspirational 7th Degree Martial Artist & Author
    From her days in journalism, radio and broadcasting, to her martial art movie experiences, heritage, faith, martial arts practice, community service and inspirational writing, this Podcast interview covers the gamut of this "real deal" martial artist! Find out WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW about this empowered and inspirational martial art woman.  Bio ( see full bio at www.themartialartswoman.com ):  Karen…
  44. Sep 12, 2020 Odette Russell - Grandmaster and Empowered Self-Defense Expert
    Stalked by a drug dealer as a teen and young woman, Odette Russell knows a thing or two about the importance of protecting yourself and being a strong woman. Since her early years, she has dedicated much of her life to training in martial arts and teaching self-defense, as well as being a mother, wife, and a professional in the workplace.  Today, she is a Grandmaster with more than 41 years of martial art…
  45. Sep 6, 2020 Violet Li - Prolific Tai Chi Author, Instructor, and Practitioner
    Meet Violet Li, an established Tai Chi practitioner, instructor, and author of hundreds of articles about Tai Chi. Violet shares about her background and experiences, explains Tai Chi principles, theories and techniques, and discusses why martial arts are important for women. Listen to this fun and enlightening podcast. Violet's enthusiasm will make you want to try Tai Chi, too! Tai Chi offers profound…
  46. Aug 29, 2020 Mary Stevens - UK Instructor & Project Manager of FairFight (India)
    Martial Arts give women permission to be powerful. -Mary Stevens Listen in to my engaging interview with UK martial artist, Mary Stevens. Mary is a dynamic instructor and martial art woman, an author of children's books, a mother, and project manager for FairFight, an Nonprofit Organization that uses martial arts as a vehicle to empower vulnerable women in Zimbabwe and India. Her full bio with the podcast link…
  47. Aug 22, 2020 Adette Rice - A Passion for Martial Arts
    With a passion for teaching and a natural talent for martial arts, Adette Rice felt a strong desire to break down the gender barriers and change the public impression of martial arts training. She set out to create a learning environment in which all members are welcomed, supported and accepted. Since opening the doors in 1999, Adette has positioned Driftwood Martial Arts as the premier training centre in…
  48. Aug 15, 2020 Lucie Marsh - From Trauma to Triumph
    Lucie Marsh is currently one of the few females ranked as 6th Dan i n the SKIF organization. She lives in the UK and has run her own dojo and competed in more than 7 World Championships, several European championships, and hundreds of National Championships.  While her background and achievements seem completely normal, Lucie's background and journey in martial arts is riddled with traumatic events…
  49. Aug 8, 2020 Collegiate Karate Views - Andy, Marissa, Gabby & Cameron
    Collegiate karate perspectives from four martial art women! Listen in as these women share why collegiate karate is so important and why their instructor, Sensei Swanson, is so instrumental in their love and participation in this martial art. These women share a perspective rarely discussed, how practicing karate during their college years helped them achieve and grow into the accomplished women they are…
  50. Aug 6, 2020 Martial Arts Saved Me From Failure - Commentary
    Do you think you would be the person you are today if not for martial arts? Martial arts saved me from being negative, unhappy and miserable. Before martial arts, I was not confident or secure in who I was. Now, I have goals & dreams and martial art friendships that are deep in my heart. I have the confidence to step out and share my stories and the stories of other martial art women because it is my passion…
  51. Aug 1, 2020 Tiffany Richards - School Owner, Holistic Health, Master Ken & More
    Martial artist, entrepreneur, holistic health, Cirque Du Soleil, Master Ken, Speaker, Self-Defense expert and school owner, Tiffany Richards. Tiffany Richards is a martial art school owner and holistic health practitioner.  Listen in as she shares her experiences in all of these topics, and more!  Tiffany is the Co-Founder of Peaceful Warrior Martial Arts with Sensei Richard Poage who passed away in 2017.…
  52. Jul 25, 2020 Sarah Tucker - New Children's Book Series on the Benefits of Martial Arts!
    "If this touches one person, I'm blessed!" - Sarah Tucker . Sarah talks about creating this lively book series for children based on martial art tenets. If you are an instructor, parent, or homeschool educator, you need to meet Harry & Friends! This fun Podcast discussion explores the behaviors and relationships of children through this powerful martial art book series that delivers relevant and important…
  53. Jul 18, 2020 AnnMaria De Mars - World Judo Champion, Professor & Entrepreneur - Fight to Win!
    Listen to this fascinating and fiery interview with AnnMaria De Mars, World Judo Champion and Entrepreneur - Owner of 7 Generation Games - games that make you smarter!  AnnMaria says, "you can either fight to not lose or fight to win," and she applies this across the board from competition to life. Learn what she considers a big mistake in her martial art journey and what the only thing is that she ever…
  54. Jul 11, 2020 The Fabulous Four - Jane, Debbie, Emily & Susan
    Meet Debbie Hoplamazian, Emily Darlage, Jane Larkin Meiser and Susan Serota, four martial art women who do not know each other but who share their insights on the importance of being a martial art woman, empowerment, why women should learn martial arts, and how to take the first step into the martial art school. They all manage or own martial art programs or martial art outreach.  Jane shares why being a…
  55. Jun 27, 2020 Trina Pellegrini - Childhood Abuse to Master/Self-Defense Expert
    Listen to my captivating interview with TRINA PELLEGRINI! Currently, Trina co-hosts a new show with Cynthia Rothrock on Facebook. Check it out! Trina's interview is enlightening and is a reminder of the importance of martial art and/or self-defense training. Trina's childhood abuse struggle (not graphic, but emotional) fuels her to train in martial arts and eventually become a martial art master and a…
  56. Jun 21, 2020 Take a Risk, Reap the Reward
    This episode is a positive message about finding success in your life by taking risks, accepting challenges, and following your heart. Martial arts gave me the confidence and tools that I needed to become a writer, motivator, and podcaster and reach my personal goals. What's holding you back? Listen in to an inspirational message that will motivate you to take the risks that can finally lead you to…
  57. Jun 18, 2020 Tag Team Interview with Restita DeJesus and Kathy Long
    I'm thrilled to have my long-time social media friend, Restita DeJesus , to the show. Restita was born and raised in Seattle, Washington and began her martial arts study in 1978. She currently holds certifications in Karate, Eskrima/Kali, Filipino arts, Wushu, and Tai Chi and others. She is a former 3-time USAWKF National Champion and W orld Champion Tai Chi forms competitor. She owns Seattle Wushu Center in…
  58. Jun 3, 2020 Shannon Henry - Faith, Family & Martial Art Mindset
    Shannon Henry is a 4th Degree Black Belt, school owner, and homeschool mom of four. Find out Shannon's views about the challenges women in martial arts face as martial artists and role models. She was recently on the local news explaining why martial art schools are essential during COVID-19 times.  Can you believe that she drove herself to the hospital when she was in labor with one of her children? Now…
  59. Jun 3, 2020 A Champion for Women in Martial Arts - Chrissie Howard
    Chrissie's fascinating journey includes a 15 year stint as a police officer and prison guard in the UK where she honed her skills in control and restraint training. Her story begins as a youngster who eventually overcame severe shyness. As a young adult woman training in the early 1980's, Chrissie acheived her black belt, 2nd and 3rd dans between the age of 15 and 23.  She often won competitions, but…
  60. Jun 3, 2020 83 Year-Old Karate and Krav Maga Practitioner, Pam Neil
    Meet 83 year old Pam Neil currently training for her 5th degree black belt test in January, 2021. Have you ever wondered if age matters in martial arts? Pam Neil is your answer! She also actively trains in Krav Maga. Pam began martial arts 20 years ago in her 60's. When asked what it is like to train with men, we both laughed when she mentioned that the men in class don't punch her hard enough! Martial…
  61. May 16, 2020 Why Martial Art Women Are Important - Welcome!
    This episode  is jam packed with information, advice, and inspiration.  First - W hy martial art women are so important in our world today! Next - An invitation to be on the podcast! If you are a martial art woman with a story to tell that is inspirational or describes how you make a difference in the world, contact me to chat about it.  Finally - A very personal story about how martial arts and a…
  62. May 9, 2020 The Martial Arts Woman Podcast (Trailer)

Page updated October 30, 2026.