Today’s episode was born from two recent events: first, when I heard a quote from Michelle Obama that really gave me pause; and then, the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

In today’s podcast, I share some musings on the concept of feminism, how it has evolved in my life, and what I think needs to change for us to live in a world where we can bridge the gap between men and women so that everyone has a powerful voice that is heard.

I discuss:  

• The quote from Michelle Obama that got me thinking about the role of women in our culture
• How Ruth Bader Ginsburg paved the way for women in the justice system and in our society
• Why I would have said, “No Way!” if you’d asked whether I was a feminist even 10 years ago, yet today might even call myself “a raging feminist” (and be proud of it)
• The ways our society influences us to believe that “feminism” is a negative concept
• How my work with the women in the LIGHTBeamers community...

Today, my very special guest and dear friend, Sandra Sky (Scaiano if we’re being official) joins me on the show. When I realized it was my own short-term vision that had kept me from starting this podcast, I knew I had to invite Sandra on to talk about “the long game”—she even has her own podcast with the same name! So of course I invited her to talk more about what “the long game” really means, and spark some ideas for you around where you might need a longer-game vision as well.

Sandra and I uncover so many great nuggets in this conversation. Here’s some of what we discuss:  

• What tripped me up when I started the podcast, and how keeping the long game in mind helped me to finally move forward.
• What is the long game philosophy? Sandra shares her perspective from her own journey and vision.
• What it takes to really solidify your brand and direction in business (and how that relates to the long game).
• Key foundational pieces you need to...

No matter which stories I share each week on this podcast, my hope is that they prompt you to delve more deeply into your own inside stories as a result of listening here. Why? Because my fundamental belief is that we each have an important story to tell—and yours is no different.

Today, I share how my personal philosophy around storytelling developed and why I’ve come to believe that our stories are so important (enough to build an entire podcast around!). So come along for the ride as I venture back to where it all began—my early career as a broadcaster—and how things evolved from there.

In today’s episode, I cover:  

• How, as a young journalist, I became disillusioned with the kinds of stories most networks aired and how my viewpoint shifted when I discovered the work of Steve Hartman at CBS
• What Steve Hartman taught me: How Hartman became my “silent mentor” and showed me the power of stories through his show, Everybody Has a...

Welcome to the first episode of The Inside Story! Thank you so much for tuning in. I’m April Pertuis, and for most of my adult life, I’ve been captivated by the power of stories to connect people. My intention for this podcast is to simply bring insightful, inspiring stories that shine a light back on YOU, and spark something that prompts you to examine your own story and see how valuable it really is—especially when you decide to share it.

I’ll take you behind the curtain to reveal the success stories of entrepreneurs, thought leaders, change makers and others who’ve walked through fire and come out the other side. How did they get there? What were the hurdles? What are their biggest “aha” moments? Plus, we’ll look at the power of story (because your own journey has power to propel you forward in life too), and I’ll be sharing my own stories along the way.

In today’s episode, I talk about how this podcast came to be, as...

I first met Louisa Garrett through a mutual friend on the internet. I was taken immediately by her enthusiasm, bright smile and laugh, and intense determination to "Make Kind Loud" 

Louisa is the epitome of a LIGHTbeamer because she uses her social media channels relentlessly to share her message of Kindness. 

She shows up LIVE every single day spreading a message of compassion and empathy toward others. You can't help but fall in love with Louisa within 2 seconds of meeting her. 

She's infectious.... and a powerful LIGHTbeamer leading the way to make this world a better place. 

I'm honored to feature her for this month's LIGHTbeamers Spotlight! 

_____________________________________________________________________

APRIL: You are the powerful creator behind The Kindness Summit and Make Kind Loud... tell me how that began. 

LOUISA: I started my "Kindness journey" nearly a decade ago. But before that, I was super sarcastic. I lived and breathed...

BRAND NEW FEATURE SEGMENT 
I'm thrilled to bring you a brand new feature to LIGHTbeamers -- a monthly community spotlight highlighting the story and journey of one of our resident LIGHTbeamers. 

INTRODUCING Susan Tomlinson
Susan first stepped into the spotlight at LIGHTbeamers during one of our annual storytelling challenges in the Fall of 2019. Immediately following the challenge, Susan joined our VIP membership, the Visibility Accelerator. 

What I noticed about Susan right away was her tenacity and consistency.
She was eager to learn, and willing to share her story! Every single month since she joined, Susan has showed up for every group strategy call and she's participated in all of our quarterly challenges and ongoing story prompts. I'm so impressed by her willingness to try things new and take action! 

I love an action taker -- and Susan is an action taker!

When I first had the idea to start these monthly Spotlight features, Susan immediately came to mind...

Let talk about VIDEO.....

In case you've been living under a rock -- Video is here to stay.

It's the most powerful tool for communication we have -- and far too many people are underutilizing it.... or not using it at all!

Let me drill it back to the basics for you today in this special training.

Would you like to build a more engaged Audience?

Is Your audience currently talking to you?

Do you feel like your spinning your wheels creating valuable content and rich offers and NOBODY IS TUNING IN????

This is a foundational principle I've implemented in my business since DAY ONE, and it has served me so well -- I can literally pinpoint IT as a key factor to the amazing business growth I've had over the years.

Let's discuss this ONE THING in today's Back to Basics training.

It's so simple, you'll probably roll your eyes. But if your honest, your probably not implementing it enough.

I love finding other people who get storytelling in the same language as me and the things I teach here at Lightbeamers.

Meet Jen Liddy -- a business coach and strategist who helps others get visible with their message!!

This was a power-convo full of top strategies you can use in your visibility plan right now!