The Powerhouse Diaries

When a Sunshine Girl Learns to Glow in the DarkIn this electric and deeply human episode of The Powerhouse Diaries, Yaela Raber sits down with Kimberley Crossman, an actor, comedian, producer, creator of Pretty Depressed, grief survivor, mental health advocate, marine biology nerd, and the woman who somehow lives ten lives at once without losing the plot or her light.For years, the world saw Kimberley as the sunshine girl. Cheerful. Bubbly. Always on. But what most people never saw was the grief she was carrying through auditions, deadlines, miscarriages, and the pressure to stay “fine” on screen and online. This episode opens the curtain on that truth but not in a tragic way rather in a way that shows how softness and strength can co-exist in one woman who absolutely refuses a small life.We explore the wildly parallel worlds she moves through. Los Angeles sets. New Zealand bush walks. Comedy stages. Shark tagging adventures. Solo healing. Creative entrepreneurship. And a career built on resilience that would break most people long before the ten thousandth no.This conversation is bright, funny, disruptive, emotional, and full of moments that make you feel like you are sitting with a woman who has lived enough for three seasons of her own show. Kimberley brings receipts on what it means to keep going after loss, to redefine resilience, to stop performing for approval, and to let your messy and magnificent parts all have space at the table.If you’ve ever felt split between who the world sees and who you actually are or ever carried grief while still building a big life this episode feels like oxygen.---In This Episode We Explore00:00 Episode trailer02:10 The duality of being Kimberley in Hollywood and Kimberley at home07:40 How 10,000 rejections shaped her optimism without hardening her12:15 The quiet heartbreak of miscarriage and the identity rebuild that followed18:20 Why joy became her compass and not a personality trait23:50 The moment she stopped performing for approval and started choosing truth28:30 Finding purpose beyond visibility and the story behind Pretty Depressed35:10 The sunshine reputation and the shadows people never see41:20 Bees, sharks and the passions that keep her grounded and alive48:00 Living parallel lives and the freedom of being multidimensional55:40 Letting herself be loved in the mess instead of the performance01:03:00 Boundaries that saved her from burnout and performative wellness01:08:45 What resilience and delusion really look like behind the scenes01:15:00 How she chooses a big life without apology01:21:30 What she hopes her audience feels, not just sees01:24:00 Closing reflections---Episode LinksKimberley Crossman on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/kimcrossmanPretty Depressed Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/04dZVSSbP7A3hQAyHx4s2B---Follow The Powerhouse DiariesListen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-powerhouse-diaries/id1791081472Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3ExGnkttIzhK8NMjyWLINwInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/powerhousediaries

Designing the Dream, Then Dismantling ItThis is what happens when ambition meets awakening.Yaela Raber sits down with Mia Feasey, founder of Siren Design Group, to talk about what success really costs when you’ve spent your life chasing it.Mia built one of the most celebrated design studios in Asia Pacific, leading teams, winning awards, and creating spaces that shaped culture. From the outside it looked perfect. Inside, it was a slow collapse of identity, ego, and exhaustion.In this raw and unguarded conversation, Mia opens up about the reckoning that followed the burnout that forced her to rebuild from soul instead of status. She shares how she learned to lead without losing herself, why she dismantled the version of success she once worshipped, and what happens when you finally stop performing and start becoming.This episode isn’t about walking away. It’s about walking home.--In This Episode We Discuss00:00 Episode trailer01:10 The rise of Siren Design and the architecture of ambition06:00 When achievement becomes addiction12:30 Burnout, identity, and the ego that built the empire18:45 The power and pain of letting go25:00 Motherhood, leadership, and the cost of proving yourself31:15 Rebuilding from alignment instead of exhaustion37:20 What success looks like when peace becomes the goal43:40 Creativity after collapse48:00 How to design a life that finally fits--Episode ResourcesGuest Website: https://sirendesigngroup.comGuest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mia_FeaseyGuest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miafeasey--Follow Us OnApple Podcast: The Powerhouse DiariesSpotify: The Powerhouse DiariesInstagram: @powerhousediaries

From Breaking Point to Breakthrough: Jody Boshoff on Reinventing Success and Building a Business With IntegrityIn this episode of The Powerhouse Diaries, Yaela Raber sits down with Jody Boshoff founder of Launch PR, communications strategist, and storyteller to unpack the raw truth behind starting over when life and business fall apart.From navigating motherhood and burnout to rebuilding her life from scratch after losing everything, Jody’s story is one of courage, reinvention, and radical self-belief. She shares how she turned crisis into creativity, walked away from corporate PR, and built an agency that thrives on transparency, results, and human connection.This episode is for every woman who’s ever hit rock bottom and wondered if she could start again. Jody proves you can and come back stronger than ever.In This Episode We Discuss:00:00 - Episode Trailer01:15 - From corporate comms to chaos: when everything collapsed at once05:20 - Bathing the kids in a bucket and the moment everything changed09:00 - Rebuilding from the ground up and redefining success12:45 - Why “having it all” nearly broke her16:10 - Building Launch PR: doing business differently20:30 - The ethics of storytelling and getting results with integrity24:00 - From invisibility to leadership: reclaiming her voice28:45 - The truth about burnout and balance33:20 - Using failure as fuel for reinvention36:40 - What it really means to be a powerhouse womanEpisode Resources:Guest Website: https://launchpr.co.nz/Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodyboshoff/Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodyboshoff/Uri Hasson TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/uri_hasson_this_is_your_brain_on_communicationUri Hasson TED Talk Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDhlOovaGrIFollow Us On:Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaela.raber/Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerhousediaries/Spotify: The Powerhouse DiariesYouTube: The Powerhouse Diaries

She Built an App That Broke the Internet While Recovering From SurgeryIn this electrifying episode, Yaela Raber sits down with Nicole Retter, co-founder of PAM, the revolutionary app easing the invisible mental load carried by parents particularly mothers. What began as a duct-taped prototype created by a burnt-out mum has become one of the fastest-growing tools for families worldwide.Nicole opens up about the day PAM went viral while she was in the hospital recovering from surgery, the chaos of scaling overnight, and the deep personal burnout that almost broke her. Together, she and Yaela unpack the dark side of high-achieving entrepreneurship, the addiction to productivity, and how Nicole rebuilt both her health and her leadership by finally slowing down.This is a brutally honest conversation about motherhood, mental load, ADHD, and the hidden emotional toll of building something that matters and how reclaiming your own wellbeing is the ultimate act of power.In This Episode We Discuss:00:00 - Episode Trailer01:22 When the app “broke the internet” overnight03:50 The mental load parents carry and why PAM had to exist06:30 Solving a problem 20 years overdue07:56 ADHD, motherhood, and building a product for your past self10:15 From burnout to body breakdown: the wake-up call12:22 The scariest moment and the lesson it forced14:50 The addiction to doing more and how it’s rewarded17:00 Finding the line between obsession and burnout19:42 Relearning to rest the hardest skill21:20 Setting boundaries as a founder and mother23:03 The guilt of “doing it wrong” and finding grace again25:19 Recognizing the “have to” mindset as a warning sign27:20 The myth of productivity and redefining success30:10 The burnout loop: never feeling “enough”33:42 Childhood patterns and the high-achiever trap35:44 Reconnecting to the body after years of disconnection38:12 Building PAM: from wine nights to beta testing42:15 Turning messy steps into massive impact46:10 Data, safety, and protecting what matters most50:20 The lesson from her biggest business mistake54:00 Full-circle moments: from wanting kids to building PAM for parents56:00 The real measure of impact and the power of following intuitionEpisode Resources:Guest Website: https://nicoleretter.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleretter/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-retter/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.retter/Follow Us On:Apple Podcast: The Powerhouse DiariesSpotify: The Powerhouse DiariesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/Website: https://www.drdanielkirkbride.com/

From Pastor to Building Empire: Natalie Williams on Trauma, Real Estate, and Building Generational WealthIn this episode, I sit down with Natalie Williams speaker, coach, and founder of Wealth Creators whose journey has been anything but ordinary. From her early years as a pastor and suicide prevention advocate in New Zealand to becoming a luxury real estate entrepreneur in Dubai, Natalie’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless ambition.We dive into the trauma and transformation that shaped her path, including losing her father, facing depression, and learning to turn pain into power. Natalie shares how she built a multi-million-dollar real estate business in one of the world’s most competitive markets, why financial literacy and wealth creation are essential for women, and the mindset shifts that allow anyone to step into their next level.This conversation is packed with practical insights, raw truth, and a powerful reminder that you are the architect of your own life.In This Episode We Discuss:00:00 - Episode Trailer01:00 - From pastor to entrepreneur: Natalie’s unlikely beginning05:00 - Losing her father, depression, and the power of forgiveness10:00 - Building resilience through grief and trauma14:00 - Creating a national suicide prevention tour18:00 - Transitioning into PR, coaching, and real estate22:00 - Pitching and winning the biggest property deal in New Zealand28:00 - Moving to Dubai: why a one-way ticket changed everything33:00 - The truth about financial freedom, wealth, and contribution38:00 - Money mindset: shifting from scarcity to abundance42:00 - Female founders, tall poppy syndrome, and building global empires48:00 - Why pain can be your greatest teacher53:00 - Final reflections: success, sacrifice, and legacyEpisode Resources:Guest Website: https://nataliewilliams.komi.io/Guest Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/nataliewilliams.coach/?hl=enGuest Instagram (Wealth Creators): https://www.instagram.com/wealthcreators.ae/?hl=enGuest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-williamsFollow Us On:Apple Podcast: The Powerhouse DiariesSpotify: The Powerhouse DiariesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/Host Website: https://www.drdanielkirkbride.com/

She Walked Away From the “Perfect Life” to Reclaim Her TruthChoiwee Moon built the white picket fence dream - marriage, children, career, and all the boxes checked. But beneath the surface, she was unraveling. Choosing to leave it all behind meant being cast as the villain in other people’s stories, but it was the only way to finally discover her own.In this powerful conversation, Choiwee shares what it means to burn down the illusion of perfection, heal deep-rooted trauma, and reclaim pleasure, intuition, and embodied leadership as tools for life and business. This episode is raw, real, and full of wisdom for every woman who’s ever wondered: what if the life I built isn’t the life I’m meant to live?In This Episode We Discuss:00:00 - Episode Trailer01:00 - Becoming the “villain” to save herself06:00 - Cracks in the perfect life and walking into the unknown12:00 - Surviving judgment, shame, and motherhood through upheaval18:00 - Discovering somatic practices and energy work24:00 - Nervous system regulation as the missing link in personal growth30:00 - Releasing shame around sexuality and feminine power36:00 - Pleasure as a pathway to manifestation and abundance42:00 - Redefining intimacy, self-trust, and conscious relationships48:00 - Why honoring your body is the ultimate business strategy54:00 - Final reflections: self-worth, sustainability, and liberationEpisode Resources:Guest Website: https://www.mamachowholistichealing.com/Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamachowwellnessGuest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChoiweeGuest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/choiwee-moonFollow Us On:Apple Podcast: The Powerhouse DiariesSpotify: The Powerhouse DiariesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/

She Built New Zealand’s First Crowdfunding Platform And Changed the Game for FoundersIn this episode of The Powerhouse Diaries, Yaela Raber sits down with Anna Guenther, co-founder of PledgeMe, New Zealand’s first crowdfunding platform, to explore the radical shifts happening in how entrepreneurs raise money, find community, and scale their vision.From writing a master’s thesis on crowdfunding to building a platform that has helped thousands of founders, artists, and innovators raise millions, Anna shares the highs, lows, and pivotal lessons she’s learned along the way.This is a conversation about resilience, equity, and rewriting the rules of funding especially for women founders who have traditionally been shut out of investment opportunities. Anna also opens up about solo motherhood, building a business with heart, and why inviting people into your journey is the key to success.In This Episode We Discuss:00:00 - Episode Trailer04:08 - The master’s thesis that sparked a movement05:33 - Building PledgeMe and the first million raised07:26 - When your payment provider declares crowdfunding “illegal”09:00 - How transparency built trust in the early days11:57 - From rewards-based crowdfunding to equity investment13:43 - Why funding feels overwhelming and how to simplify it15:12 - The gender gap in venture capital18:33 - How women are raising through crowdfunding19:57 - The power of asking for help21:10 - Outsourcing your knowing vs. trusting your gut22:29 - Solo motherhood and recalibrating priorities24:17 - Building community and friendships through business25:39 - The proudest legacy of PledgeMe27:14 - Success stories: from kitchen table to global exit29:17 - Why now is still a great time to invest30:30 - Crowdfunding as the modern co-op model31:00 - Becoming a solo parent by choice33:25 - “Women can do anything, but not everything”37:25 - The $2M campaign that broke the platform39:25 - Reframing asking for money as inviting people inEpisode Resources:Guest Website: https://linktr.ee/pledgemeGuest Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/whereisannaGuest Instagram (PledgeMe): https://www.instagram.com/pledgemeGuest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaguentherFollow Us On:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/Website: https://www.drdanielkirkbride.com/

She Left Corporate To Teach Women AI And Discovered It Was Never About the TechIn this episode, I sit down with Amanda Jeffs founder of SheisAI and a fierce advocate for women stepping into the AI revolution with confidence and creativity. From navigating a career in corporate leadership to building a platform that demystifies artificial intelligence for women entrepreneurs, Amanda’s journey is proof that the most powerful transformations often begin with a leap into the unknown.We dive deep into how she went from working in male-dominated industries to creating a global learning community, why women can’t afford to sit out the AI conversation, and how embracing tech can also mean reclaiming your voice, your authority, and your place at the table.This conversation is both a practical roadmap for women wanting to integrate AI into their businesses and a powerful reminder that your value is never just in what you know but in how you use it.In This Episode We Discuss:Episode Resources:00:00 Episode Trailer01:30 Amanda’s leap from corporate to AI entrepreneurship04:20 The gender gap in AI and why it matters now more than ever08:15 Demystifying AI for non-tech women11:45 How fear of technology holds women back in business15:00 Practical AI tools to save time, money, and energy20:10 Why mindset is just as important as skillset in tech adoption24:40 Building SheisAI into a global learning platform29:00 Stories of women transforming their businesses with AI33:50 The biggest myths about AI (and the truth behind them)38:20 The intersection of creativity, confidence, and technology42:00 Amanda’s advice to women ready to embrace AI nowFollow Us On:Guest LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandajeffs/Guest Instgram:https://www.instagram.com/amandajeffsnz/?hl=enGuest Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/sheisaiofficialHost Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-powerhouse-diaries/id1791081472Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/

What does it look like to walk away from a life that looks good on the outside but is quietly destroying you from within? Rochelle Moffitt knows. After leaving an emotionally abusive marriage, losing her footing in the traditional workforce, and navigating the chaos of a blended family with six kids, Rochelle started again this time, on her terms.In this explosive and deeply human conversation, Rochelle opens up about how she built a brand with no website, launched one of New Zealand’s most exciting business events, and redefined what it means to be bankable as a woman in business. If you’ve ever questioned your worth, sat in a pile of highlighters trying to figure it out, or felt the pull toward something more this one’s for you.00:00 – Why she walked away from the life everyone else wanted04:01 – What people don’t know about starting from nothing10:45 – The truth about believing in yourself when no one’s watching18:01 – How she went from ‘hobby business’ to building a legacy23:01 – What being “bankable” really means for women in business30:01 – How she launched NZ’s boldest business event with no roadmap36:01 – Why your name is the most powerful currency you own42:01 – How to build a personal brand that actually stands out46:01 – What to do when you’re not ready… but know you need to startGuest Website: https://www.tickledpink.agency/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rochelle.was.here/?hl=enApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-powerhouse-diaries/id1791081472Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ExGnkttIzhK8NMjyWLINw?si=184cc0b3c89d440fInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/

Welcome to the relaunch of The Powerhouse Diaries, a raw, rebellious, soul-stirring journey into what happens when women burn the rulebook and build something even better.If you've ever asked yourself “How the hell did I end up here... and what now?” … this is your invitation.

Janine Grainger is living proof that bold vision, grit, and conviction can change the game. From high school dropout to co-founder of one of New Zealand’s largest crypto platforms, Janine built Easy Crypto from a wild idea into a multimillion-dollar empire and then walked away on her own terms. In this episode, she unpacks what it takes to lead in a male-dominated industry, navigate burnout, and trust your gut in the face of massive uncertainty. This conversation is equal parts entrepreneurial insight and deeply personal growth.About our guest:Janine Grainger is a fintech founder, speaker, and advocate for financial literacy and inclusion. As the co-founder and former CEO of Easy Crypto, Janine led the company through record-breaking funding rounds, global expansion, and massive industry shifts all while championing equity, access, and ethical innovation. With a background in traditional banking and a passion for democratizing finance, she now focuses on empowering others to take control of their financial futures.Follow Our Guest:Guest LinkedIn: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/janine-graingerFollow Us On:Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/Host Website: https://www.drdanielkirkbride.com/Episode Highlights:00:00 - Episode Trailer01:00 - From crypto empire to exit: Janine’s story behind the sale05:45 - Starting a fintech business with her brother from a hammock10:00 - The regulatory firestorm and building a bankless business15:10 - Owning her voice in a male-dominated industry20:00 - Why imposter syndrome doesn’t have to win24:30 - Crypto 101: what every founder should understand about digital assets29:00 - Burnout, identity loss, and life after your business34:15 - The dark side of raising capital and what she’d do differently39:30 - Redefining success after external validation fades43:00 - Janine’s one message to the woman she was when it all began

Krishna Botica’s story is a masterclass in bold reinvention. After building an iconic hospitality career in New Zealand, Krishna is pivoting everything career, location, and life path to chase the dreams she once thought were impossible. In this episode, she shares the messy, powerful reality of change, why fear is never a reason not to act, and how letting go can lead to your greatest adventures.About our guest:Krishna Botica is a celebrated entrepreneur, hospitality leader, and transformational coach. Known for co-founding Café Hanoi, Ghost Street, and Saan, Krishna has spent decades shaping New Zealand’s dining landscape. Now, she’s stepping into a bold new chapter—relocating to Europe to embrace uncertainty and creativity on her own terms. Krishna is passionate about leadership, resilience, and building a life fueled by authenticity, not expectation.Follow Our Guest:Guest Website: https://www.krishnabotica.com/Guest LinkedIn: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/krishna-boticaFollow Us On:Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/Host Website: https://www.drdanielkirkbride.com/Episode Highlights:00:00 - Episode Trailer01:00 - Krishna’s bold life pivot: selling it all to start again06:00 - Breaking free from financial security as the main driver12:00 - The risk aversion trap and how to break through it18:00 - COVID, crisis, and building a restaurant from recycled scraps24:00 - Burnout, grief, and the brutal realities of leadership30:00 - Reclaiming compassion and authenticity in business36:00 - How grief radically reshaped Krishna’s approach to life42:00 - The connection superpower and why leadership must evolve48:00 - Letting go of alcohol, scarcity, and outdated narratives53:00 - Redefining success: why mistakes are a natural part of the adventure

Mela Lush is rewriting the rules for women in the workforce. What started as a personal challenge navigating solo motherhood, a broken system, and impossible expectations became a full-blown movement. In this episode, Mela shares how she built Jobs for Mums from her living room into a national platform that’s already impacted over 10,000 families and helped shift the conversation around motherhood, equity, and identity. Expect raw truth, hard-won lessons, and the empowering reminder that systemic change starts with one bold choice.About our guest:Mela Lush is the founder of Jobs for Mums, a social enterprise helping parents especially mothers access flexible, meaningful employment. With a background in marketing and leadership, Mela’s mission is to dismantle the outdated systems that penalize parenthood and make work, well… work, for everyone. Her platform is now a catalyst for economic growth, gender equity, and deeply personal transformation.Follow Our Guest:Guest Website: https://www.jobsformums.co.nz/Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jobs_for_mums_newzealandFollow Us On:Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/Host Website: https://www.drdanielkirkbride.com/Episode Highlights:00:00 - Episode Trailer01:00 - Mela’s truth: Losing herself in motherhood, finding herself in work05:10 - The motherhood penalty and systemic challenges for working parents08:30 - How Jobs for Mums was built from the couch (with babies in tow)14:00 - From side hustle to media coverage and a 3M-person livestream18:45 - Why the system was never built for us and why it’s time to rebuild22:30 - Burnout, identity, and redefining what “success” really means28:00 - Imposter syndrome, visibility, and daring to lead rooms you feared34:50 - Rest, micro-moments, and the myth of “doing it all”40:05 - Critical thinking, social pressure, and the power of showing up45:15 - Why asking for help is the next level of leadership49:30 - Mela’s biggest lesson: Trust yourself more than you fear the unknown