Real Women's Work Podcast

Most of us read books, articles, websites, and training materials every day without ever thinking about the people behind the scenes who make them clear, consistent, and easy to understand. This week, I'm joined by freelance editor Joni McNeal, who pulls back the curtain on a profession many of us know almost nothing about. Joni explains what editors actually do (it's much more than fixing grammar), how she helps authors and organizations communicate more clearly, and why seeing a project through the eyes of the reader is the heart of her work. But this conversation becomes about much more than editing. We also talk about building a freelance career, finding meaningful work, creating community for creative professionals, writing her first children's book, and what it feels like when the work you do finally aligns with who you've always been. Whether you've ever wondered how books are polished before they're published—or you're searching for work that feels like a natural fit—you'll come away seeing both writing and careers a little differently. In this episode we discuss: What freelance editors actually do Why editing is much more than correcting grammar How editors think like readers Working with authors, nonprofits, and educational organizations The realities of freelancing and self-employment Building a creative community through the Kahoots Collective Writing a children's book inspired by Portsmouth, New Hampshire Why reading can shape an entire life Finding work that truly fits who you are Find Joni here: On LinkedIn Kahoots Collective

What happens when the life that looks successful on paper no longer feels fulfilling on the inside? In this episode of Real Women's Work, Jen sits down with business and mindset coach Lesa Frye for an honest conversation about ambition, burnout, identity, purpose, and redefining success as women move through different seasons of life. Before becoming a coach, Lesa spent decades building a highly successful real estate career — selling 41 homes in her first full-time year and becoming a top producer in a competitive industry. But behind the success was exhaustion, pressure, and the realization that achievement alone wasn't enough. Together, Jen and Lesa explore: the difference between success and fulfillment hustle culture and burnout mindset and self-worth why boundaries matter the pressure women feel to be everything for everyone what it means to build a "peaceful business" how to stop operating from survival mode and why it's never too late to create a life that actually feels aligned Lesa also shares the deeply personal moments that pushed her toward coaching, the concept of the "Inner CEO," and why she believes women can have successful businesses and lives they love. This conversation is thoughtful, grounding, and full of reminders for anyone who has ever looked successful externally while quietly feeling overwhelmed inside. In This Episode Why success and fulfillment are not always the same thing The emotional reality of hitting a ceiling in corporate life Transitioning from corporate America into real estate Selling 41 homes in one year — and the cost of that success The unseen work behind real estate Why mindset drives everything The fear many women feel around wanting "more" Burnout, overwhelm, and hustle culture Creating balance and boundaries without guilt What Lesa means by "The And Life" The power of self-worth and self-forgiveness Building a business that feels peaceful instead of chaotic Family, purpose, legacy, and redefining success later in life Memorable Quotes "You cannot beat yourself up into success." "We can have highly successful businesses and lives that we're obsessed with." "It's not about the stuff. It's about the relationships." "Take the mask off." "What if it does work?" Connect with Lesa Frye Website: lesafrye.com Podcast: The Balanced Business Woman LinkedIn: Lesa Frye About Real Women's Work Real Women's Work is a podcast about how women work, live, lead, build, struggle, pivot, and grow — and what their stories reveal about being human. Hosted by Jen Keefe.

In this episode, I step back from interviewing and instead reflect on what I learned while hosting my three-part series on the Salem witch trials. These conversations left a mark on me—deeply, unexpectedly—and today I'm sharing the insights that stayed long after the microphones were turned off.

Deep down, I think we all know that history matters. Yet for many of us, the way we learned it in school made it feel distant and inaccessible. It was out of context — abstract, detached from real people and real lives. But when we recall a story from the past centered on an individual, something shifts. Suddenly, we're interested. The details stop feeling like a "history lesson" and become a human story — something that happened to someone. We lean in, curious, engaged, wanting to know more. Paula Richter, curator of the Salem Witch Trials 1692 exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum, brings that human element to life. She not only personalizes the experiences of both the accusers and the accused, but also models a powerful way of thinking: that learning new perspectives matters. Evaluating information through a fresh lens can broaden our understanding and reshape our views. Recognizing that every story is influenced by countless factors — circumstances, relationships, and individual choices — helps us feel more connected to one another and to reality itself. By exploring the Salem Witch Trials more deeply, I've come to realize that we're learning about far more than the late 1600s in what would become the United States. Gaining a clearer sense of what life was like then, how events unfolded, and how people responded in the aftermath reminds me that nothing is ever purely black and white. Living in the gray gives me more space for compassion, curiosity, and acceptance. Make no mistake: this episode focuses on the facts of the Salem Witch Trials as they're currently understood. There was no intention to make it about anything else. Yet what I took away from this conversation — and from this entire series — has truly shaped me into a better version of myself. Listen in as Paula helps us uncover more about the individuals at the heart of the Salem Witch Trials — the accused, the accusers, the murdered, their neighbors, ministers, and government officials. They were all real people, and we talk about all of them. We also explore how we know so much about this period, and how our understanding of history continues to evolve as historians discover more and technology advances. Listen in now!

If you've ever been to the Portsmouth Halloween Parade, you know — it's one of the most connected nights in Portsmouth. People are a little kinder to each other, more curious, quicker to laugh and accommodate. It's so, so special. And this is just the beginning. From Monster Troupe to Thriller dancers, Mrs. Ropers, and countless imaginative costumes in between, creativity shines everywhere — inspiring even those who didn't expect to feel it. The night takes on a magical energy, a collective spirit we all help create, drawing us together in the most beautiful way. For years, I've wondered how this happens — how a volunteer-run, community-driven event flows so smoothly and joyfully. Why do even those of us who simply come to watch feel so deeply invested in its success? Amanda Giles gives her time each year to help make this incredible night come to life. In this episode, she shares her thoughts on where this energy comes from — and what it really takes to make the parade happen year after year. They say it's small groups of people who create real, meaningful change. To me, there's no better example of that than the Portsmouth Halloween Parade — a night filled with connection, creativity, love, joy, and community that truly changes the world, one October evening at a time. Listen in — and if you haven't been, come join us this year! Here is the website for the Portsmouth Halloween Parade!

Have you ever wondered who writes the articles in your favorite magazines? How do they know what to say? What makes you read it? Where do they find the courage to be vulnerable and how do they know where to draw the line? Are you yourself a writer (maybe even secretly)? Do you want writing be your work? Do you wonder how to effectively pitch a publication, how to submit, and how to get your writing noticed? If any of these strike a chord you do not want to miss today's episode! Estelle Erasmus found herself fired from her first job. Want to guess why? She was caught reading at the library (true story!). This was the beginning of what would turn into her life's work; surrounding herself with words and stories, turning them into music on a page, getting paid for it, and helping others learn how to do the same. It's not all business, though. Estelle also shares personal and professional experiences -such as becoming a mother during midlife and guesting on the soap opera Guiding Light- as they relate to her life and career. In her recent release "Writing that Gets Noticed", Estelle gives us access to the information she shares with her students at Writers Digest and New York University School of Professional Studies. She explains both the business and craft of writing. From what makes a pitch effective and how to tighten up our work to explaining the different genres of essays, Estelle reveals a path flooded with light and support for those of us who have always dreamed of getting our writing noticed. Where to Find Estelle: Click here to learn about and order "Writing that Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published" Click here for Estelle's website. Click here for Estelle's Online Pitching Class with Writers Digest.

Did you know that the US has a shortage of welders? Me either. But after reading a NYT article in 2009, Pa'Trice Frazier took a trip to her local school to ask if the statistics were true. Sure enough, the instructors confirmed that the US had a shortage of 150-200K welders on their hands. Pa'Trice signed up on the spot to become a welder. After becoming a certified welder, Pa'Trice spent the next years of her life traveling the US. How did she find work? She showed up where project job crews ate. She'd tell them she was a badass welder and asked if they needed one. This is how Pa'Trice began her career and how she gained the skills to become an award winning welder. From Mercedes Benz Stadium and Seaport Musuem in Atlanta to submarines, Pa'Trice has worked in tight spaces, fun spaces, and on time crunches. Pa'Trice is really, really good at what she does. In fact, Pa'Trice believes women have an advantage when it comes to welding. Pa'Trice could have stopped there; kept working hard, earning an excellent income, and excelling at her career. But this is not in Pa'Trice's nature. In 2019 Pa'Trice founded Weld Jointed to guide young people who are looking for something more from life. She saw a path for youth who were looking for it; fill the gap that our nation needed to secure our infrastructure and give these young people a solid path as a welder. Now, when Pa'Trice isn't letting it burn, baby, she serves as a self designated Welding Ambassador. She visits schools and events to talk to young people about welding. She mentors youth by helping them get into a welding program, find a job when they come out, and even get their PPE to get them started. She guides these young people into an incredible career! Imagine having had a Pa'Trice in your life?! Pa'Trice is one of these people who just keeps doing the work she is doing. She has too much to do to kick back admiring her life. Our interview was almost over before Pa'Trice causally mentioned the curriculum she is developing for prisoners! While Pa'Trice recognizes the importance of this work, she sees it as no big deal that she is the one doing it. In her opinion God gave her the ability to help, so she does. And "oh yeah". Pa'Trices latest work was BUILDING A HOT WHEEL- like a real, life size Hot Wheel, in Europe, with NBC and Peacock! Getting to know Pa'Trice is a gift. Her wisdom, experience, and get shit done mentality remind me that forward motion is always possible. Do yourself a favor and don't miss this conversation with Pa'Trice Frazier; Master Welder and founder of Weld Jointed. Find Pa'Trice here: Weld Jointed On Instagram

In twenty years and beyond it will be interesting to look back and see the good that came out of the pandemic. Yes, it was a long and awful ride. It also gave us things we may not have found otherwise. Ready or Not! Media is one of those things. The pandemic gave Lori Frisher a new view. Lori was the first recipient of Cochlear Implants and relies extensively on lip reading. When masks suddenly covered the mouths of those she was speaking with, the world changed. Lori also became seriously ill during the pandemic. Communication was complicated at best and Lori understood the importance of accessilibty in a new way. Hence, Ready or Not! Meida was born. Now, Lori spends her days bringing disability and diveristy inclusion to the forefront of businessses and organizations. Her method is one of open heartendness and curiosity. Through reaching out to people to talk about their DEI+A (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, plus accessibility) plan, Lori is bringing awareness through conversation and it doesn's stop there. In addition to marketing and branding campaigns, public speaking, and event management serivces, Lori offers companies and individuals the opportunity to engage in experiential trainings. Trainings that allow us to better understand disability to make accessiblity and inclusion tangible. Listen in as Lori and I talk about her story, her work, and her views for the future. Lori Frisher is powerful. This is how she works. You can connect with Lori Frisher and Ready or Not! Media here: Ready or Not! Media Website Top Shelf Baskets Website Lori Frisher on LinkedIn