Dani Holliday, current Mrs. Colorado 2023, is a trailblazer in many ways. Aside from her title-winning persona, she carries abundant wisdom forged from the life experiences that shaped her into the strong role model she is today. In her conversation with Marney, Dani pulls back the curtain to reveal her unique story through heartbreak and healing. In her youth, Dani’s first love was competitive gymnastics. When she suffered a series of life-altering injuries, she made the difficult decision to give up her dream of becoming a college gymnast. Spiraling from chronic pain and her severed identity, Dani became dependent on opioids. Her highly functioning addiction took her on a journey of self-discovery that changed her life.

Falling in love with her now husband and becoming a bonus mom was the turning point Dani needed to deal with her opioid dependency. Utilizing therapy and self-reflection, she was able to free herself from the grip of opioids. Now she uses various platforms to share her story in hopes of helping others experiencing similar struggles. Building a non-traditional family has only strengthened her resolve to set appropriate boundaries and live in alignment with her authentic self. Dani is now an advocate for those struggling with infertility as she draws from her own journey with IVF. While earning the title of Mrs. Colorado boosted her reach, Dani’s mission to support women extends far beyond her platform as a pageant competitor.

Main Topics

Marney finds her platform in the pageant world (04:30)

The woman behind the title of Mrs. Colorado (08:40)

Dani Holliday beyond her public persona (11:44)

Dani’s early life as a competitive gymnast (13:15)

Multiple surgeries led to an opioid addiction (18:50)

Becoming a bonus parent inspired her sobriety (21:45)

Uncovering core wounds through counseling (24:45)

Support for opioid dependents (28:20)

Using personal struggle as inspiration for others (31:40)

Dani’s journey with infertility and non-traditional family life (34:30)

Parenting a multiracial child (41:00)

Episode Links

https://mrscolorado.com/mrscolorado

Connect with Dani:

https://www.instagram.com/mrs_colorado_2023

https://www.facebook.com/daniellemuss

Connect with Marney:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marneyandes

https://www.instagram.com/marneyandes

https://www.facebook.com/marneyandesauthor

https://www.tiktok.com/@marneyandeslessons

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

Marney pauses to reflect on the lessons she’s learning and practicing and to thank listeners for walking this journey alongside her. In a relatively short span of time, she published a book, left her job in executive leadership, and started a podcast. Investing time and energy into building new platforms is a deeply rewarding experience. Marney is now taking the time to reflect back on her process and glean valuable lessons from her successes and mistakes. Much in alignment with the theme of her book, she believes we all have wisdom inside us from our life experiences. Harnessing that wisdom as a resource for building the next phase of life requires stillness and honesty. In pushing herself to new growth edges, Marney announces a new direction for her podcast. She will continue sharing her own and other people’s stories, but now she wants to dive deeper into even more impactful territory. After a short hiatus with the podcast, she’ll be back with a fresh name and laser-sharp focus on asking hard questions and exploring truths.

Main Topics

Marney reflects on her book Start With the Give-Me Shots (00:30)

Her reasons for starting her podcast (02:30)

The shift from a corporate job to running her own consulting business (04:00)

New direction for diving deep with the podcast (06:15)

Episode Links

https://www.marneyandes.com/the-book

Connect with Marney:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marneyandes

https://www.instagram.com/marneyandes

https://www.facebook.com/marneyandesauthor

https://www.tiktok.com/@marneyandeslessons

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

CEO, keynote speaker and self-development coach Jaime Taets keeps it real about what it feels like to be stuck and how to move forward through life’s greatest challenges. After hosting a successful podcast for several years, Jaime realized she had many stories she still needed to share. Inspired by lessons from her own seasons of change, she poured wisdom and inspiration into her first book You Are Here. In it she encourages readers to use roadblocks as launching pads for building lives of purpose. Instead of resisting difficult situations, adjust your mindset to see the potential lessons from going through hard times. These lessons will change you as a person and remind you that you have the power to build a life you love.

According to Jaime, one of the greatest barriers to success is our busyness. Silence is important for problem solving, especially for entrepreneurs. She advises clients to schedule unstructured time throughout the week for uninterrupted contemplation. When people slow down and access the unconscious mind, abundance flows. Specific practices Jaime recommends for mindfulness are meditation, breath work, and body movement that serves your needs. Take inventory of where your energy is going. It might be time to make the hard decision to remove people or activities from your life in order to free up time and energy for your priorities. Finally, become aware of fears when they come up and choose to redirect them with faith. Building inner resilience means that when difficulties arise, you remain confident in your ability to handle hard things and be a better person because of it.

Main Topics

Setting authentic examples for children

Tools for managing tough circumstances

Busy is the new stupid

Jaime’s recognition awards and upcoming second book

Episode Links

https://jaimetaets.com

http://superpower-success.blubrry.net

Connect with Jaime:

https://www.facebook.com/JaimeTaets

https://www.instagram.com/jaime_taets

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimetaets

Connect with Marney:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marneyandes

https://www.instagram.com/marneyandes

https://www.facebook.com/marneyandesauthor

https://www.tiktok.com/@marneyandeslessons

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

CEO, keynote speaker and self-development coach Jaime Taets keeps it real about what it feels like to be stuck and how to move forward through life’s greatest challenges. After hosting a successful podcast for several years, Jaime realized she had many stories she still needed to share. Inspired by lessons from her own seasons of change, she poured wisdom and inspiration into her first book You Are Here. In it she encourages readers to use roadblocks as launching pads for building lives of purpose. Instead of resisting difficult situations, adjust your mindset to see the potential lessons from going through hard times. These lessons will change you as a person and remind you that you have the power to build a life you love.

According to Jaime, one of the greatest barriers to success is our busyness. Silence is important for problem solving, especially for entrepreneurs. She advises clients to schedule unstructured time throughout the week for uninterrupted contemplation. When people slow down and access the unconscious mind, abundance flows. Specific practices Jaime recommends for mindfulness are meditation, breath work, and body movement that serves your needs. Take inventory of where your energy is going. It might be time to make the hard decision to remove people or activities from your life in order to free up time and energy for your priorities. Finally, become aware of fears when they come up and choose to redirect them with faith. Building inner resilience means that when difficulties arise, you remain confident in your ability to handle hard things and be a better person because of it.

Main Topics

Jaime’s inspiration for writing her book (02:10)

Lessons for the younger self (06:25)

Jaime’s practices for mental and emotional wellbeing (10:50)

Feeling stuck is a catalyst for change (15:30)

Empowering ourselves by pursuing purpose (17:15)

Accepting big life changes (19:35)

Episode Links

https://jaimetaets.com

http://superpower-success.blubrry.net

Connect with Jaime:

https://www.facebook.com/JaimeTaets

https://www.instagram.com/jaime_taets

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimetaets

Connect with Marney:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marneyandes

https://www.instagram.com/marneyandes

https://www.facebook.com/marneyandesauthor

https://www.tiktok.com/@marneyandeslessons

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

The most powerful women in the world, both currently and historically, are landowners. Real estate guru Lori Pace has discovered how this one facet of stability can change everything for women seeking to build their independence. Because of a lack of education around financial investments, many women believe buying property is a complicated process. Lori coaches clients that they can get started with only $1000. As part of her mission to equip women with authority over their own lives, she spends much of her time educating them on the basic steps for moving towards their dreams. Regardless of a client’s specific goals, real estate can play a role in helping them get there. From unhoused to high-end clientele, Lori uses her personal experiences to guide others to financial freedom.

One of the biggest challenges women face in the world of property investment today is antiquated biases that continue to plague the system. Timeshares are a great way for women to begin their investment journey, but many companies require owners to be coupled. The best way to thrive in spite of these limitations is by surrounding yourself with people who are willing to share their wealth of knowledge, much like Lori. Women educating women is a powerful tool for networking and tailoring your real estate experience to your specific needs. Once women discover this timeless tool for becoming their own bank, they are unstoppable. In this way, independence can be seen as a privilege rather than a burden.

Main Topics

Assets become your bank (01:06)

Building a real estate mindset (05:00)

How women can plan for investing in real estate (07:40)

Start with a downpayment (12:30)

Advice for building equity (16:00)

Take the first step to educate yourself (20:10)

Limitations of timeshare system (24:10)

Lori’s current life lesson (30:30)

Episode Links

https://loripace.com

Connect with Lori:

https://www.facebook.com/changingpaces

https://www.instagram.com/theloripace

https://www.linkedin.com/in/loripace

Connect with Marney:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marneyandes

https://www.instagram.com/marneyandes

https://www.facebook.com/marneyandesauthor

https://www.tiktok.com/@marneyandeslessons

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

About Lori Pace:

Lori Pace didn’t set out to make real estate her passion; it just happened that way. Now as a consultant, strategist, community activist and motivational speaker, Lori strives to create a more equitable world. She’s found that one of the best ways to address the wealth gap is by empowering women to invest in real estate. Educating women on how to own their own real estate equips them with financial stability throughout the highs and lows of life.

Connect with Lori:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/changingpaces

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theloripace

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loripace

Dr. Liz Wilson, a behavioral scientist, organizational transformation expert, and founder of Include Inc., shares more about her journey to working with organizations on inclusion, her 8-inclusion needs of all people, and great insights for all of us live by in our day to day interactions with each other.

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Questions to Ask Yourself:

1. What behaviors and attitudes regarding inclusion exist in my personal and professional life, and how can I continue to improve and learn?

2. How can I learn from and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds?

3. In what ways can I use my privilege and influence to advocate for underrepresented groups and promote equity?

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About Dr. Liz Wilson:

Originally from Australia and now based in the United States, Dr. Liz is well known for her authentic, honest, and pragmatic approach to everything she does. This includes her simple yet powerful, Include Change Method that has achieved remarkable results for her clients over her 25+ year career.

Dr. Liz has transformed the ways of working and cultures of dozens of global organizations, including major airlines, banks, consumer goods, telecommunications, mining, rail, tech, and medtech companies.

With a professional purpose that has always centered around the desire to equip individuals, teams, and organizations to thrive, Dr. Liz’s unrelenting curiosity also led her to research and find the solution to inclusion transformation and reducing discrimination, with the development of the 8-Inclusion Needs of all People.

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Connect with Liz:

Website: theincludeinc.com

LinkedIn: @drlizwilson

Podcast: Include with Dr. Liz

Melissa Payne is the bestselling author of four novels, including A Light in the Forest and The Night of Many Endings, who talks about her journey from an early career fundraiser to a full-time career author. Beyond her exceptional writing talent and personal success, she’s an inspiration, believing deeply and reminding us that we have a story to share.

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Questions to Ask Yourself:

1. How can sharing our personal stories benefit us and those around us?

2. How can listening to other people's stories broaden our perspectives and enhance our understanding of the world?

3. In what ways can sharing our stories create a sense of community and connectedness?

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About Melissa Payne:

Melissa Payne is the bestselling author of four novels, including A Light in the Forest and The Night of Many Endings. After a graduate degree in Public Administration and an early career raising money for nonprofit organizations, Melissa dreamed of becoming a published author and decided to write her first novel. Her books, two-time Colorado Book Award finalists and a 2019 Colorado Authors League winner for mainstream fiction, feature small mountain towns with characters searching for redemption, love, and second chances. She’s spoken to book clubs, reading groups, literary festivals, and the occasional podcast about her writing journey and believes everyone has a story to share. Melissa lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with her husband and three children, a friendly mutt, a very loud cat, and the occasional bear.

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Connect with Melissa:

Website: melissapayneauthor.com

Instagram: @melissapayne_writes

Buy Melissa’s Books:

The Night of Many Endings

A Light in the Forest

The Secrets of Lost Stones

Memories in the Drift