Dr Nancy O'reilly

Lifelong broadcaster Ann Thomas joins Dr. Nancy in a conversation about her journey as a professional woman in a field that has seen numerous changes for women since she began as an intern at WJR 760 in Detroit. Lucky to be in a business that she instantly loved, Thomas pursued her dream in many capacities as producer, news reporter, anchor, executive producer of the award-winning “Paul W. Smith Show,” and creator and host of “Women Who Lead.” In its eleventh year, “Women Who Lead” has three components: a podcast that features women making a difference, a monthly award recognizing outstanding women in Michigan, culminating with a special show in their honor.Thomas discussed various aspects of her career, including the importance of mentorship. Since there were so few women in the profession when she started, she felt fortunate to have men willing to mentor her from the start. Her advice for young people starting out is not to be afraid to ask for what you want. Management will respect you for speaking up for

Welcome to Smart, Amazing Conversations with Dr. Nancy, a podcast that examines the stories of life and leadership for smart, amazing women (and men). Each episode features powerful conversations with people who are changing the world and making a difference in their communities. Our guests share their personal stories, insights, and advice on how to break through barriers and achieve success and, in the process, provide access to new ideas, resources, and expertise that can expand opportunities for us all.Show Notes:Dr. Nancy talks with Tony Porter and Kimya Motley about domestic violence and abuse – and how their work with A Call to Men is changing the conversation around violence against women and girls. Porter traces the problem to the “Man Box,” a set of social rules, laid down early, that dictates how men are supposed to treat women and each other. From boyhood, he explains, boys are taught they are strong, and girls are weak; that women have less value, and that men can own women. Violence, in this vie

This episode is all about the future and how we can support the young leaders who will shape it. Highlights from previous interviews with inspiring changemakers show the work that’s being done to empower and equip today’s youth to become leaders and create the change they want to see in the world.Show Notes:First, DeNora Getachew and Keely Quinn, leaders of DoSomething.org, discuss how their organization was originally founded to make volunteering cool and has since evolved into the largest online platform for young people to make a difference. Do Something has mobilized millions of young people worldwide to take action on the issues they care about most. These range from safety from gun violence and mental health issues to equity and justice. Meeting young people where they engage online, Do Something gives them a resource, an opportunity to get involved, find and use their voice, and equips them with the tools for effective leadership.Second, Tracy Evans Land, three-time Olympian and freestyle skiing pionee

Today we’re exploring one of the most powerful forces for connection and change - the stories we tell and the ones we choose to preserve. Throughout history, stories have shaped our understanding of who we are and what’s possible. But too often, the voices of women, changemakers, and diverse communities have been overlooked or forgotten.In this episode, Dr. Nancy revisits some of our favorite conversations with three influential leaders who promote the power of personal stories to drive cultural change. Together, their voices remind us that storytelling isn’t just about history or entertainment. It’s about legacy, identity, and empowerment.Adam Torres believes so strongly in the power of stories that he’s made it his life’s work to help people tell their own. Stressing that it’s not just famous people who need a platform. He urges everyone to share their stories, reminding listeners that the platform is the story, and everyone has one. Share it to inspire others and drive your own mission forward.Erika Alexan

Dr. Nancy welcomes four powerful young activists fighting for women’s rights. First, Asha Dahya and Monica Morales-Garcia stop by to talk about their podcast series, “Green Tide Rising.” Borrowing the title from the Green Wave, a movement started by feminists and organizers across Latin America to champion reproductive freedoms, the podcast features a human rights attorney and shares the stories of women suffering from the criminalization of abortion in several countries. Both Dahya and Morales-Garcia hope the movement and podcast will serve as both a warning of what could happen if there is no action and a blueprint for the United States to turn the tide on reproductive rights.Second, Dr. Sophia Armen of the Feminist Front and Rosie Couture, co-founder of the Young Feminist Party, are also on hand to discuss their passion for being the next generation to take up the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment as their own. They join the 100-year fight to secure women’s constitutional protection, once and for all. A

Dr. Nancy welcomes Mona Sinha, CEO of Equality Now, who shares her journey from growing up in India and volunteering with Mother Teresa’s all-girls orphanage, to learning the value of women supporting women at Smith College, to leading a global organization that drives the legal and systemic change needed to end violence and discrimination against all women and girls. Sinha discusses the rising challenges and systemic backlash against women’s rights globally, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action and collaborative leadership to protect women and girls, and the importance of building strong legal frameworks that promote universal equality. Through her inspiring work and vision for the future, she calls on everyone to listen, learn, support each other, and demand equal rights in their communities. Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Denise Dunning joins the conversation to share her transformative journey as the founder of Rise Up Together, an organization dedicated to the global empowerment of women and girls by supporting local leaders in solving problems and driving impactful change. Dr. Dunning discusses the challenges women face in accessing resources and power, emphasizing the need for collective action and solidarity to reach gender equality in the U.S. and globally. Through her inspiring work, she calls on listeners to support initiatives that amplify women’s voices and create equitable opportunities. Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Nancy welcomes Dr. Krishauna Hines-Gaither, a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and women’s empowerment, to discuss her inspiring journey from North Carolina to Los Angeles. Dr. Hines-Gaither shares how mentors, like her mother and other influential women in her life, shaped her path and ignited her mission to advance gender equity through women’s education. She highlights the transformative work at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles, including The Report on the Status of Women and Girls in California, and the signature career-readiness program, (M)POWER, which helps students identify their passions and career aspirations, and provides academic guidance, career coaches, and more. The conversation explores the evolving status of women, the power of storytelling, and the importance of partnerships in driving change. Dr. Hines-Gaither emphasizes the need for collective action to create opportunities and foster a brighter future for women and girls. Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and

Dr. Nancy welcomes The Honorable Carolyn B. Maloney, former U.S. Congresswoman, to share her inspiring journey of public service, focusing on her unwavering commitment to gender equality and the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). She discusses her upcoming “Driving the Vote for Women’s Equality” campaign, modeled after historic suffragist efforts, to raise awareness and mobilize support for the ERA. Rep. Maloney highlights the critical need to enshrine women’s rights in the Constitution to protect against rollbacks on equality and justice. Through her passionate advocacy, she calls on listeners to take action, emphasizing that civic engagement is essential to securing equal opportunities for all. The time to act is now. Notify your representative of your support for the ERA by signing at https://www.sign4era.org/ Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Nancy welcomes Francine Mbvoumbo, founder of Mothers to Daughters, for an inspiring conversation about empowering women through intergenerational mentorship and support. Mbvoumbo shares her journey, highlighting how her upbringing and her mother’s entrepreneurial spirit shaped her mission to lift women up. She discusses the alarming lack of funding for women and girls, the importance of resilience, and the power of mentorship in creating opportunities for young women. Through Mothers to Daughters, Mbvoumbo has matched hundreds of women with mentors, fostering confidence, economic empowerment, and a sense of community. She emphasizes the need for actionable support—whether through capital, resources, or connections—to help women thrive and leave a lasting legacy. Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Leah Robinson: Optimal Health for an Optimal Life Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Nancy welcomes Michelle Milford Morse, Vice President for Girls and Women Strategy at the United Nations Foundation, for an inspiring conversation about advancing global gender equality. Milford Morse shares how her Texas roots and influential women leaders have shaped her journey, and highlights the UN Foundation’s critical role in fostering global cooperation to address challenges such as gender-based violence, climate change, and health inequities. She emphasizes the transformative power of women’s leadership and youth engagement in creating durable solutions. Together, they discuss the importance of hope, collaboration, and the UN’s impact on women’s rights worldwide. This episode is a powerful reminder of the progress we can achieve when women and men unite for a better future.Subscribe to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Nancy sits down with David G. Smith, PhD, a sociologist, author, and leading expert on the benefits male allies bring to women in the workplace. Sharing his unique journey from Navy pilot alongside his wife to be to passionate advocate for male allyship and gender equity in the workplace. It was through her experiences, especially surrounding a lack of mentor and resources that transformed the way he saw gender in the workplace He discusses how his personal experiences versus hers shaped his work and led to his acclaimed books, "Athena Rising: How and Why Men Should Mentor Women" and "Good Guys: How Women Can Be Better Allies for Women in the Workplace," both of which he co-authored with W. Brad Johnson, PhD.Dr. Smith explains the concept of systemic allyship and why it's a leadership issue that benefits everyone. He offers practical, actionable steps for men who want to become better allies, mentors, and sponsors for women. This conversation explores how to move beyond good intentions

Dr. Nancy welcomes Heidi Sieck and Dr. Nicole Haggard for a powerful compilation on the topic of equality. Sieck shares her insights on the decades-long political strategy to limit reproductive freedom, and its critical role in empowering women to step into leadership. She also weighs in on the importance of local political engagement to protect these rights. Haggard highlights the necessity of intersectionality, comprehensive data, and the inclusion of men in the fight for gender equity. Together, they explore pathways to equality through representation, narrative research, coalition building, and actionable steps to create lasting change. This episode is a call to action and looks at the ways we can support one another, engage politically, and reimagine a future where equality is the foundation for progress. Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Nancy welcomes Janine Firpo, investor, author of Activate Your Money, and co-founder of Invest for Better. Firpo shares the story of her unconventional path from tech and international development to pioneering values-aligned investing for everyday women. She introduces the Sheconomy, a collaborative national campaign that reframes what’s possible when women control capital and create impact while expanding returns. Firpo breaks down practical steps to align cash, stocks, bonds, and private investments with your values, and why shifting where money flows drives the products, policies, and outcomes that serve everyone. She also previews a 100-day action challenge to help women take financial control, build wealth with purpose, and shape a more equitable future. Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Nancy welcomes Natalie Byrne, founder of the impact strategy firm blank space and the social profit blank space collaborative. Byrne shares her journey from journalism to advising global leaders, brands, and philanthropists on activating their purpose. She details the launch of BE Human at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), an initiative to re-center humanity in the age of AI. Byrne discusses how to build and live your legacy now, the importance of collaboration across business and philanthropy, and what horses can teach us about presence and connection. She explains how her work is creating a framework for the next generation of leaders to build a more conscious, human-centered world driven by purpose. Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Nancy welcomes Sara Lomelin, founding CEO of Philanthropy Together and a global catalyst for democratizing philanthropy. Lomelin shares her journey from her childhood in Mexico City to becoming a visionary leader, named to the TIME100 Philanthropy list and Forbes 50 Over 50 for her work expanding the power of collective giving. She explains how giving circles—groups of people who pool their resources to support causes they care about—are transforming who gets to be a philanthropist. Discussing how the "Five T's" of giving (time, treasure, talent, testimony, and ties) have inspired hundreds of thousands of people to create giving circles that contribute to their communities, Lomelin also details their donor education, women-led initiatives, and hyper-local impact, building a more equitable and community-driven world. Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Nancy welcomes Andreas Pettersson, author of Power Without Permission and longtime advocate for women’s leadership. Having been raised by a single mother in Sweden where equality is the norm, he expresses his shock at finding such extreme inequality in leadership in the U.S. He shares how his life’s mission has become focused on empowering women and challenging self-doubt and imposter syndrome, which he sees as a way to pay it forward. His book—co-authored with 13 women leaders—offers practical tools and real-life stories to inspire confidence and action for advancing women in leadership. Pettersson also describes how male allies can support women and urges participation in his free mentorship community designed to create a vast network of women and men to advance women’s leadership. Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Nancy welcomes Sarah Haacke Byrd, a visionary leader in philanthropy and CEO of Women Moving Millions, to discuss her mission of advancing gender equality through bold investments, collective leadership, and systems-level change. With over two decades of experience, Haacke Byrd has mobilized nearly $300 million to support women and girls globally, earning her recognition on the TIME100 Most Influential People in Philanthropy list. She shares her journey building a mission-driven life and creating coalitions of powerful women leaders to improve the lives of women and girls. Haacke Byrd’s leadership at Women Moving Millions highlights the transformative power of feminist philanthropy and the importance of investing in women-led initiatives to create a more just and equitable world. Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Nancy welcomes Hali Lee, a trailblazing philanthropist and founder of the Asian Women Giving Circle, to discuss her mission of transforming generosity into community-driven change. As a co-founder of the Donors of Color Network and Philanthropy Together, Lee champions the power of giving circles to unlock collective impact through community giving. She shares insights from her new book, The Big We, which critiques our view of philanthropy as giving from wealthy donors and highlights grassroots stories of generosity. Named to the inaugural Time100 Philanthropy list, Lee’s journey—from consulting global foundations to reshaping how communities give—illustrates how innovative approaches to giving can inspire lasting change. Get full access to Dr. Nancy O’Reilly and the Women Connect4Good Foundation at drnancyoreilly.substack.com/subscribe