Trust Your Voice

Latest Episodes:

Freedom to Excel: How Illinois HB2827 Could Stifle Educational Innovation and Parent Choice Apr 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Trust Your Voice podcast, hosted by Sylvie Légère, the focus is on educational choice and the challenges faced by homeschooling families in Illinois due to the House Bill 2827. The show brings together Leslee Dirnberger and Aziza Butler, two leaders in the homeschooling community, to discuss the implications of this bill. Leslee and Aziza share their personal journeys in homeschooling and the benefits of individualized education for their neurodiverse children. The conversation emphasizes the flexibility, diversity, and tailored nature of homeschooling as opposed to traditional public schooling.

The episode delves into the content of House Bill 2827, which mandates homeschooling families in Illinois to register with local school districts and submit curriculum reviews, sparking concerns about increased government oversight and limited parental choice. Utilizing SEO-focused keywords, the discussion highlights key issues such as government overreach, educational innovation, and the constitutional rights of parents. Aziza and Leslee articulate their viewpoints on how the bill might stifle educational innovation and infringe on parental rights, encouraging listeners to engage with legislators to voice opposition.

About the Guests:

Leslee Dirnberger is the founder of Aspire Education, a consultancy dedicated to helping families create individualized education plans for their children. As a former homeschooler of four neurodiverse children who are now thriving, Leslee combines her personal experience with her professional expertise to support parents seeking alternative educational paths.

Aziza Butler is a homeschool mom of six and the founder of We School Academy, a flexible schedule learning community based in Chicago. A former Chicago Public Schools teacher, Aziza is committed to removing barriers for families choosing to homeschool or privately educate their children. Her diverse teaching experience and passion for educational choice make her a leading advocate in her community.

Resources:

Aspire Education: Aspire Education US

Illinois Christian Home Educator Association (organization engaged in the bill discussion)

Illinois Homeschool Association (organization engaged in the bill discussion)

Homeschool Legal Defense Association: A national organization providing updates on homeschooling legislation.

Owning Your Journey Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of "Trust Your Voice," host Sylvie Légère invites Melinda Oakes, to explore a fresh approach to New Year's resolutions. Sylvie discusses her past habit of setting resolutions and words for the year, she dives into how "owning your journey" provides an empowering alternative by highlighting personal growth and success through positive acknowledgment of one's journey, as inspired by Melinda’s book.

Sylvie and Melinda address setting clear, measurable goals and evaluating risk tolerance regarding career choices. They reflect on examples like Dolly Parton's incremental success, emphasizing the importance of perspective in career planning and life. With a nod to societal changes, they discuss adapting to the rapid pace of innovation and the evolving job market, encouraging listeners to embrace civic engagement and nurture community connections for broader personal and professional impact.

Key Takeaways:

Owning Your Journey: Embrace positivity by focusing on current successes and learning from past experiences rather than merely fixing what's broken.

Reflective Evaluation: Maintain awareness of career direction, risk tolerance, and how personal goals align with broader industry trends.

Relationship Dynamics: Differentiate and nurture relationships with family, friends, and community for a well-rounded support system.

Personal Growth and Faith: Invest time in self-reflection, confidence-building, and spirituality to enrich personal development.

Health as a Priority: Establish a simple, consistent routine for physical activity and balanced nutrition to sustain well-being on your journey.

Resources Mentioned:

The Cheerleader's Guide to the Workplace by Melinda Oakes

The Everyday Philanthropist by Dan Pallotta

ChatGPT - Suggested for career advice and exploration

Toastmasters - Organization for improving public speaking skills

Bible Recap by Tara-Leigh Cobble - Bible study resource

The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy

You Are A Spark Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Trust Your Voice podcast, Sylvie and Melinda examine the contexts of personal achievements, leadership roles, and community involvement, advocating for positive communication and emphasizing the importance of lifting others through sincere compliments and acknowledgment. Throughout, they underscore the power of individual influence, stressing that even small actions can spearhead significant changes, thereby igniting a ripple effect of positivity and growth in various spheres of life.

Resources:

Melinda Oakes' Book: "The Cheerleader's Guide to the Workplace"

Sylvie Legere's Book: "Trust Your Voice: A Roadmap to Influence and Focus"

Book Mentioned: "The Gap and the Gain" by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Jen Gottlieb's Book: "Be Visible"

Women and Economic Freedom Nov 14, 2024

Show notes

Inspired by the Policy Circle brief on Women and Economic Freedom, this episode navigates through economic models in the intelligence revolution era and explores various dimensions of economic freedom.

Using examples from global cities and historical contexts, the discussion touches on gender mandates, property rights, and addressing poverty, highlighting research from the Fraser Institute, Bridwell Institute, and insights from "She Rises Up," a film about women entrepreneurs.

Sylvie and Melinda reflect on systemic challenges and opportunities, offering insights into the roles and responsibilities that individuals and communities can assume to foster a more inclusive economic environment.

Resources mentioned:

The Policy Circle Brief on Women and Economic Freedom: thepolicycircle.org

Fraser Institute's Economic Freedom of the World Index

She Rises Up Film Website: sherisesupfilm.com

Women Impacting Public Policy

SMU Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom

Getting Ready to Vote Oct 10, 2024

Show notes

No matter your background or the resources available to you, there are many ways to help empower voters and prepare for the next election. In this episode, host Sylvie Légère is joined by Melinda Oakes to discuss the importance of being informed about candidates and issues that allow for more meaningful decision-making that aligns with your values.

Tune in and learn how to actively contribute to shaping the future of your community and country.

Resources mentioned:

The Policy Circle: Provides resources like the Active Voter Guide to help voters prepare. Website

Vote.org - For registration, polling place information, and more.

League of Women Voters - Non-partisan information on voting and elections.

Ballotpedia: A valuable resource for researching ballot initiatives and candidate information. Website

I Side With: Helps voters understand which candidates align with their values. Website

Why the National Debt Matters: A Trust Shot Discussion Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, host Sylvie Légère and Melinda Oakes, discuss the national debt using The Policy Circle’s brief to examine the current state of the U.S. federal debt, the effects of ongoing deficit spending, and potential reforms. The conversation underscores the importance of financial literacy and the role of informed citizens in holding representatives accountable. Tune in for insights on the national debt and how you can contribute to change.

Interested in learning more? Check out these three helpful websites:

Truth in Accounting shows the budget of every state
Open The Books has reports on government spending
The U.S. Treasury shows our debt to the penny

Little Things Matter Jul 18, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Trust Your Voice podcast, host Sylvie Légère engages in an enlightening conversation with Melinda Oakes, author of "The Cheerleader's Guide to the Workplace." They discuss the importance of the little things in the workplace and life, and how these small details can have a significant impact. Melinda shares anecdotes from her career and offers practical advice on how to excel by focusing on the details. The conversation also touches on the concept of compound interest as a metaphor for growth and the importance of reflection and active listening in identifying what truly matters. Tune in for insights on resilience, growth, and the power of owning your story.

People Don’t Quit Their Jobs, They Quit Their Bosses Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, host Sylvie Legere and guest Jennifer-Ruth Green dive deep into the art of effective leadership and team management. Sylvie and Jennifer explore the crucial strategies for developing organizational values, clear communication, and empowering individuals to thrive within their roles. They also unravel the importance of recognizing individual preferences, instilling leadership values from a young age, and balancing affirmation with direction and correction in guiding future leaders.

Jennifer, a military veteran and author, shares practical insights from her extensive experience, emphasizing the profound impact leaders have on their teams' well-being. From discussing her book "People Don't Quit Their Jobs. They Quit Their Bosses" to touching on her company, Battle Proven Leadership, Jennifer reveals the key characteristics of respected leaders and the foundational principles every leader should embody.

This episode promises actionable advice for both new and experienced leaders and is a must-listen for anyone dedicated to improving their organizational impact.

Guest bio

Jennifer-Ruth Green served in the U.S. Air Force and the California Air National Guard, and serves in the Indiana Air National Guard. Green earned a B.S. in foreign area studies (Asia) from the United States Air Force Academy in 2005, a master's degree in ministry from Golden State Baptist College in 2013, and a B.S. in aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science and technology from Liberty University in 2021. Her career experience includes working as the chief information officer with the Indiana Air National Guard, an AFVentures fellow with SecurityScorecard, and the director of the Student Employment Resource Center of Hyles-Anderson College. Green founded and serves as the director of MissionAero Pipeline.

Amazon: People Don’t Quit Their Jobs, They Quit Their Bosses

Visit the Battle-Proven Leadership website

Shining a Light: Examining the Role of Big Tech in Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation May 10, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we explore the direct impact of online platforms and big tech in facilitating various forms of sexual abuse, including the exploitation of minors and the proliferation of deepfake pornography. Insights from our guests highlight significant campaigns aimed at holding major tech companies accountable, the ongoing challenges survivors face in finding comprehensive support, and the complexities of legal frameworks dealing with these heinous crimes.

Personal stories from Brenda and Jessica, who have not only survived exploitation but are now front-line warriors helping others navigate through recovery, emphasize the necessity of sensitive victim support systems that do not compel survivors to relive their trauma.

Moreover, Lina Nealon will critique the role of mainstream corporations in the commercial exploitation industry and shed light on the adverse effects of decriminalizing the sex trade.

Be informed, moved, and motivated to act as we navigate these challenging but crucial discussions aimed at sparking change and offering hope.

Guest bios

Jessica Lamb is a survivor leader and expert in tattoo iconography, specializing in identification and education on trafficking and gang-related tattoos. She founded Atlanta Redemption Ink and built a national network supporting survivors of exploitation and teaches on her experiences, contributing to anti-trafficking advocacy for over a decade. Recognized for her impact, Jessica has received numerous accolades and trained thousands of professionals in the field.

Lina Nealon is the Vice President and Director of Corporate Advocacy at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation. She spearheads the “The Dirty Dozen List” an annual campaign calling out twelve mainstream entities for facilitating, enabling, and even profiting from sexual abuse and exploitation. Lina poses as a teen online to collect evidence of to what and to whom children are exposed in the digital landscape.

📌Read more about Lina Nealon here

The Honorable, Brenda Myers-Powell is based in Chicago and is the founder and CEO of Ernestine’s Daughter that fights human trafficking. She is a dynamic, beautiful POWERHOUSE and survivor. She also sits on the US Advisory Council on Human Trafficking.

Shining a Light: Combating Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation May 09, 2024

Show notes

Episode Overview

Moreover, Lina Nealon will critique the role of mainstream corporations in the commercial exploitation industry and shed light on the adverse effects of decriminalizing the sex trade.

Be informed, moved, and motivated to act as we navigate these challenging but crucial discussions aimed at sparking change and offering hope.

Guest bios

Jessica Lamb is a survivor leader and expert in tattoo iconography, specializing in identification and education on trafficking and gang-related tattoos. She founded Atlanta Redemption Ink and built a national network supporting survivors of exploitation and teaches on her experiences, contributing to anti-trafficking advocacy for over a decade. Recognized for her impact, Jessica has received numerous accolades and trained thousands of professionals in the field.

Lina Nealon is the Vice President and Director of Corporate Advocacy at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation. She spearheads the “The Dirty Dozen List” an annual campaign calling out twelve mainstream entities for facilitating, enabling, and even profiting from sexual abuse and exploitation. Lina poses as a teen online to collect evidence of to what and to whom children are exposed in the digital landscape.

📌Read more about Lina Nealon here

The Honorable, Brenda Myers-Powell is based in Chicago and is the founder and CEO of Ernestine’s Daughter that fights human trafficking. She is a dynamic, beautiful POWERHOUSE and survivor. She also sits on the US Advisory Council on Human Trafficking.

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