289: What a Year! Reflections on 2025 - Kate Milligan

On this week's episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Katherine Vockins — founder of Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA). Katherine is a changemaker, visionary, and advocate who saw the power of the arts to transform lives — even behind prison walls. In 1996, she walked into Sing Sing Correctional Facility to support a group of men who wanted to put on a play, and from that spark, Rehabilitation Through the Arts was born. Nearly three decades later, RTA has grown into a thriving nonprofit that now operates in multiple prisons across New York State and elsewhere — and their reach continues to grow. Through programs in theater, dance, music, creative writing, and visual arts, RTA helps incarcerated men and women develop critical life skills, heal from trauma, and discover their full potential. The results are astounding: while the national recidivism rate hovers around 60 percent, fewer than 3 percent of RTA alumni return to prison. RTA's inspiring story has reached even more people through the Oscar-nominated film Sing Sing, which was inspired by the program and features both professional actors and RTA alumni. Katherine's work is about dignity, humanity, and the belief that every life has value and the capacity to change. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ Katherine's journey to founding Rehabilitation Through the Arts; ✨ How the arts empower incarcerated men and women to grow, heal, and transform their lives; ✨ The real impact of RTA — including why participants are so much less likely to return to prison; ✨ Stories of hope, redemption, and second chances from inside prison walls; ✨ How the film Sing Sing shines a light on this powerful work; ✨ And how you can support RTA and be part of this movement for change. Follow + Learn More: Follow Rehabilitation Through the Arts on Instagram @rta_arts and visit RTA-Arts.org to learn more, donate, or get involved. 🎧 Listen + Subscribe: Don't miss this powerful and moving conversation — and so many others! Listen to The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and be sure to subscribe to stay up-to-date with our latest episodes. ✨ Join the movement to empower women and girls — and change the world, one story at a time. For more information, visit: 1GirlRevolution.com

10 Syys 202554min

On this week's episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we're celebrating the 5-year anniversary of our Emmy-nominated short documentary The Girl Inside — with two very special guests, Dr. Laura Biagi and Miss. LiLi Queen Motivational. The Girl Inside is 1 Girl Revolution's Emmy-nominated short documentary (available on YouTube), in partnership with BEHOLD, and takes viewers inside Cook County Jail to witness the transformative power of a course called Storytelling as a Healing Art, taught by Dr. Biagi. The short film reunites Dr. Biagi with five of her former students for one unforgettable day of reflection, storytelling, and healing — and among those students was Miss. LiLi Queen Motivational. This short documentary shines a light on the resilience of women, the power of storytelling, and the reminder that every woman has value, purpose, and a voice that matters. Five years later, The Girl Inside continues to inspire audiences around the world — and today's conversation brings that story full circle. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ The story behind The Girl Inside and how it came to life; ✨ Dr. Biagi's journey with Storytelling as a Healing Art and the power of using story for healing and transformation; ✨ Miss. LiLi Queen Motivational's inspiring personal journey and reflections on being part of The Girl Inside; ✨ The impact this film has had over the past five years — on the women who were featured, on audiences, and beyond; ✨ The importance of listening to and elevating women's stories, especially those too often left unheard; ✨ And so much more! Follow + Learn More: Learn more about Dr. Laura Biagi's work at: https://en.soulsound.it  Follow Dr. Biagi on Instagram.  🎥 Watch + Share: Celebrate the 5th anniversary of The Girl Inside by watching and sharing the film on YouTube and at 1GirlRevolution.com. 🎧 Listen + Subscribe: Don't miss this powerful and heartfelt conversation — and so many others! Listen to The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and be sure to subscribe to stay up-to-date with our latest episodes. ✨ Join the movement to empower women and girls — and change the world, one story at a time. For more information, visit: 1GirlRevolution.com

3 Syys 20251h

On this week's episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Lindsay Gill — founder of The Napkin Network. Lindsay is a powerhouse mom, advocate, and nonprofit leader who saw a need in her community and stepped up in a big way. When Lindsay realized that countless mothers in the D.C. area were struggling to access the most basic baby essentials — diapers, wipes, formula, and more — she decided to do something about it. And so, The Napkin Network was born. The Napkin Network is a movement of moms helping moms — connecting women with resources, mobilizing communities, and ensuring that no mother or child goes without the essentials they need. What started as a simple idea has quickly grown into a powerful force for good, supporting thousands of families and inspiring others to step up and take action in their own neighborhoods. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ Lindsay's life journey to founding The Napkin Network; ✨ The struggles mothers face in accessing diapers, wipes, and formula — and why this crisis matters for every community; ✨ How The Napkin Network mobilizes moms, families, and communities to meet these needs; ✨ Inspiring stories of hope, resilience, and community from women she's worked with; ✨ How you can get involved — whether you're in D.C. or anywhere in the country; ✨ And so much more! 👶🏽 Follow + Learn More: Follow The Napkin Network on Instagram @thenapkinnetwork and visit TheNapkinNetwork.com to learn more, donate, or get involved. 🎧 Listen + Subscribe: Don't miss this inspiring, heartfelt, and empowering conversation — and so many others! Listen to The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and be sure to subscribe to stay up-to-date with our latest episodes. ✨ Join the movement to empower women and girls — and change the world, one story at a time. For more information, visit: 1GirlRevolution.com

27 Elo 202542min

On this week's episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Collette Divitto — entrepreneur, baker, author, speaker, and founder of Collettey's Cookies and Collettey's Leadership Program. You may know Collette from her inspiring story that went viral in 2016, when she turned rejection into fuel for her mission and built a cookie empire. After facing countless job rejections because she was born with Down Syndrome, Collette decided to create her own path and founded Collettey's Cookies — not only to share her delicious "Amazing Cookies" with the world, but also to create meaningful jobs for people with "different abilities." Since then, Collette has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, ABC World News, People Magazine, BBC, and many other media outlets. She's sold over 500,000 cookies, built a thriving company in Boston that now employs 15+ people (several with disabilities), and continues to grow her mission of empowerment and inclusion. But Collette's story doesn't end with cookies. Through her nonprofit, Collettey's Leadership Program, she provides entrepreneurship and leadership training to people with disabilities, helping them discover their abilities, build confidence, and pursue their dreams. She also travels the country as a speaker and advocate, and one of her ultimate goals is to work with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to create more employment opportunities for people with disabilities. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ Collette's journey growing up with Down Syndrome and discovering her passion for baking; ✨ The story behind her now-famous Collettey's Cookies; ✨ How she turned rejection in the job market into an opportunity to launch her own business; ✨ The growth of Collettey's Cookies and its mission to employ people with disabilities; ✨ Her advocacy work and her dreams for systemic change in the world; ✨ And so much more! 🍪 Learn more + support Collette's mission: Visit colletteys.com to order cookies. Learn more about Collette or book her as a speaker at: collettedivitto.com. And learn more about her nonprofit, Collettey's Leadership Program: colletteysleadership.org   🎧 Listen + Subscribe: Don't miss this inspiring, heartfelt, and empowering conversation — and so many others! Listen to The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and be sure to subscribe to stay up-to-date with our latest episodes. ✨ Join the movement to empower women and girls — and change the world, one story at a time. For more information, visit: 1GirlRevolution.com

20 Elo 202556min

On this week's episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Leia Hunt — cancer survivor, inspirational speaker, author, and founder of Leia's Kids - a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and families battling cancer. Leia's own cancer journey began when she was just two years old, after being diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer. She endured 26 surgeries and multiple rounds of chemotherapy, ultimately losing sight in one eye. But instead of letting her struggles define her, Leia turned her pain into purpose — speaking at the White House, working alongside the American Cancer Society and the Eye Tumor Research Foundation, and inspiring countless others through her story. At just 18 years old, while still in high school, Leia founded Leia's Kids — a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and families battling childhood cancer. As a survivor herself, Leia knows firsthand the challenges these children and their families face. Her organization provides financial grants, hosts dream parties, organizes mental health retreats, and so much more — offering not just support, but joy, hope, and a sense of community during some of life's hardest moments. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ Leia's incredible journey as a child with cancer and now as a cancer survivor; ✨ How her childhood experiences inspired her to start Leia's Kids at just 18; ✨ The heart and mission behind Leia's Kids — and the life-changing impact they have on families; ✨ Stories from the dream parties, retreats, and programs she's created; ✨ How faith and resilience have guided her through challenges; ✨ What she's learned about life, hope, and community from the children she serves; ✨ And so much more! 💛 Follow Leia's Kids and Leia's continued journey: Follow @leias_kids and @leiahunt_ on Instagram and visit Leiaskids.org to learn more, get involved, or support her mission to bring joy, hope, and community to children battling cancer. Listen + Subscribe: Don't miss this heartfelt, inspiring, and powerful conversation — and so many others! Listen to The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and be sure to subscribe to stay up-to-date with our latest episodes. ✨ Join the movement to empower women and girls — and change the world, one story at a time. For more information, visit: 1GirlRevolution.com

14 Elo 202556min

On this week's episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Amanda Booth — model, actress, advocate, and mother. You may know Amanda from her incredible modeling career, from national campaigns for Lancôme, Target, and True Religion, or from her appearances in Parents, Harper's Bazaar, and People magazines. But in this deeply personal and powerful episode, Amanda opens up about a very different part of her journey — motherhood, advocacy, and life with her son Micah, who has Down Syndrome and nonverbal autism. When Amanda and her husband, Mike, became parents to Micah, their world shifted — and so did their purpose. Instead of hiding behind the camera, they stepped into the spotlight to share their story, spread love and awareness, and break down harmful stereotypes around Down Syndrome and disability. Through storytelling, modeling, fashion, and everyday family life, Amanda has become a leading voice in the Down Syndrome community and a fierce advocate for inclusion and representation. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ Amanda's journey from international fashion model to proud mother and advocate; ✨ Micah's birth story — and how his life changed Amanda's perspective on life and purpose; ✨ How Amanda uses storytelling, photography, and social media to raise awareness and build community; ✨ The beauty and joy of life with Micah — and what he teaches her every day; ✨ The importance of inclusion in fashion, media, and society; ✨ Amanda's advice to parents navigating a diagnosis or raising a child with different needs; ✨ And so much more! Follow their journey: Follow Amanda @amanda_booth and Micah @lifewithmicah on Instagram to see their beautiful family, learn more about advocacy, and join the conversation around inclusion and love. Listen + Subscribe: Don't miss this heartfelt, honest, and inspiring conversation — and so many others! Listen to The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and be sure to subscribe to stay up-to-date with our latest episodes. ✨ Join the movement to empower women and girls — and change the world, one story at a time. For more information, visit: 1GirlRevolution.com

7 Elo 202558min

On the latest episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome James Hamilton — personal security expert, founder of Hamilton Security Group, and one of the most powerful voices in personal protection and empowerment today. James is only the second man ever to be featured on The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, and for good reason — his work is saving lives, protecting families, and giving women the tools to reclaim their power. This episode wraps up our special month-long series on SASSGO and the life-changing I Will Survive Weekend. SASSGO is a nonprofit organization that protects women and girls from assault and exploitation through education, self-defense, and empowerment — and James is one of the elite instructors committed to that mission. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ James' personal journey — how he went from a kid in rural South Carolina to a top personal security expert trusted by high-profile clients, celebrities, and everyday families alike; ✨ What it means to be a personal security expert and how James started his own company, Hamilton Security Group, after years of working alongside legendary safety expert Gavin de Becker; ✨ The critical tools women already have — and how to use them to navigate threats and stay safe (spoiler: it starts with intuition… and a flashlight); ✨ How James became involved with SASSGO and the I Will Survive Weekend — and why this work is so close to his heart; ✨ Practical tips for protecting yourself, your children, and your community in everyday situations — from walking to your car at night, to staying safe in an Uber, to how to respond in an active shooter scenario; ✨ How to teach kids about safety and the online world, how to create "white space" in your life, and what advice James has for the "good guys" who want to stand up and protect the women and girls in their lives; ✨ And so much more. This episode is a MUST LISTEN for everyone! You don't want to miss it.  Learn more about Hamilton Security Group and James Hamilton's work at: hamiltonsecuritygroup.com Subscribe to James' YouTube channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@SafetySecondswithJames  Read "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin De Becker: https://a.co/d/enfdS3j  Learn more and support the mission of SASSGO: SASSGO.org 🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Don't miss this powerful and empowering episode — and so many others! Listen to The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and join the movement to empower girls and change the world — one story at a time. 🎉 SPECIAL OFFER: Register for SASSGO's I Will Survive Weekend during the month of July 2025 and use promo code 1GIRL to receive $100 off this all-inclusive weekend! Bonus: Book a group of four and use the same code (1GIRL) to save an additional $75 per person! 🌟 Register now at: sassgo.org/iwillsurvive For more information on 1 Girl Revolution, visit: 1GirlRevolution.com

30 Heinä 20251h 31min

On the new episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome the first man ever to be featured on the show — Olyn Sexton. Olyn is a retired law enforcement officer, tactical firearms instructor, and the CEO of the Lindsey Pilkington Memorial Foundation. This is a powerful and inspiring conversation about empowering women, protecting women, and carrying on the legacy of someone you love. This episode continues our special month-long series on SASSGO and the life-changing I Will Survive Weekend. SASSGO is a nonprofit organization that protects women and girls from assault and exploitation through education, self-defense, and empowerment — and Olyn is one of the dedicated instructors helping to elevate that mission. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ Olyn's journey from law enforcement officer to instructor — and how his experiences in life and on the job transformed the way he serves and protects others today; ✨ How he became involved with SASSGO, Fortis Tactical, and the I Will Survive Weekend — and why he's so passionate about empowering women through tactical firearms training, self-defense, and situational awareness; ✨ The story of Lindsey Pilkington — a bright light, fierce fighter, and dear friend — whose life was tragically cut short, but whose legacy lives on through the Lindsey Pilkington Memorial Foundation; ✨ How grief and loss led Olyn to a deeper purpose, healing, and mission — and how he now walks alongside others through their own journeys of training and healing; ✨ The importance of showing up, listening, and standing in the gap for others — especially women and survivors; ✨ And so much more. 🌟 Learn more and support the mission of SASSGO: SASSGO.org 🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Don't miss this powerful, moving episode — and so many others! Listen to The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and join the movement to empower girls and change the world — one story at a time. 🎉 SPECIAL OFFER: Register for SASSGO's I Will Survive Weekend during the month of July 2025 and use promo code 1GIRL to receive $100 off this all-inclusive weekend! Bonus: Get a group of four girls together and book a room — use the same code, 1GIRL, and save an additional $75 per person! 🌟 Register today at: sassgo.org/iwillsurvive 💜 Learn more about the Lindsey Pilkington Memorial Foundation and support the mission at: linzfoundation.com For more information on 1 Girl Revolution, visit: 1GirlRevolution.com

23 Heinä 202558min