Defying The Odds
Abby Vaden's podcast, "Defying the Odds," is a compelling and empowering platform that offers a unique blend of personal experiences, practical advice, and inspiring stories. As a survivor of SKIDS, Abby's resilience and unwavering hope shine through in her storytelling, empowering listeners to find strength and courage in the face of adversity. By sharing her own journey of overcoming health challenges and embracing life's joys, Abby invites her audience to join her in a space of growth, connection, and inspiration.
Episodes
In this powerful episode of Defying the Odds, Madison Myers from Married at First Sight (Season 18, Chicago) opens up about her journey from reality TV to building true mental strength. From navigating the highs and lows of fame to developing resilience in the face of online criticism, Madison shares what life is really like after the cameras stop rolling.
We dive into her background growing up in Colorado, her move ...
In today’s episode of Defying the Odds, I’m sitting down with Kaitlyn, a 25-year-old foster mom, wife, and marketing manager from Central Arkansas. Kaitlyn shares her personal foster care journey with honesty and heart—working to break down common misconceptions, normalize foster parenting, and encourage more compassionate conversations around caring for children in foster care.
We talk about what foster care really ...
In this episode, Abby sits down with Galen Roberts, a narrative analyst of supernatural television, to explore how shows like Charmed and Buffy the Vampire Slayer go far beyond fantasy and magic. Galen shares how character-driven storytelling, emotional arcs, and moral complexity in supernatural series mirror real-life growth, resilience, and self-discovery.
The conversation dives into Galen’s journey as a conte...
Ivana Hamilton, Mrs. Tennessee American 2025, is a shining example of resilience, service, and women’s empowerment. With deep roots in both healthcare and community advocacy, Ivana has built a life centered on helping others feel confident, cared for, and seen. She holds two Bachelor of Science degrees — one in Nursing from Delaware Tech and another in Culinary Arts & Food Service Management from Johnson & W...
In this episode of Defying the Odds, host Abby Vaden sits down with Maya Ramsahoye — international pageant queen, Miss Queen of the World 2024, and powerhouse entrepreneur redefining what it means to lead with both grace and grit.
From the runways of international pageants to the boardrooms of her own modeling and management companies, Maya has turned her crown into a catalyst for change. As the National Director for...
In this episode of Defying the Odds, we sit down with Christina Messer—founder of Clues & Co. Tax Solutions and a creative force with over 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, and business strategy. After facing an unexpected tax bill herself, Christina discovered powerful tax strategies once reserved for corporations and the wealthy. Now, she’s on a mission to make those strategies accessible to...
In this inspiring episode of Defying the Odds, we sit down with Jennifer D’Oliveira, founder of Desert Bloom Wellness Therapies in Phoenix, Arizona. Jennifer shares her remarkable journey from decades as a successful businesswoman to becoming a Clinical Herbalist, Aromatherapist, Yoga Nidra, and Sound Healing practitioner. With training from the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, she now helps clients transform th...
In this episode, we sit down with Lindsey Graham, famously known as The Patriot Barbie. After refusing to comply with Oregon’s COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Lindsey became a viral national figure and unapologetic voice for freedom, faith, and women’s rights. She shares her powerful journey from salon owner to bestselling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of Galatians Girl, a nonprofit supporting women ...
At just 18, Lauren Goldstein was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that reshaped her life overnight. What could have been a barrier became the catalyst for her resilience and purpose. In this episode of Defying the Odds, Abby sits down with Lauren to explore how she navigated years of uncertainty while building a thriving career in tech and later launching a coaching business to empower ambitious women living wit...
In this episode of Defying the Odds, Abby Vaden sits down with executive coach, author, and leader Kirk McCarley to explore what it really takes to unlock your full potential. With over 30 years of executive leadership experience, Kirk has dedicated his life to helping others discover the “ingredients” for success already within them.
Together, Abby and Kirk discuss how to build self-confidence, overcome setback...
In this powerful episode of Defying the Odds, host Abby Vaden sits down with Christina Prokos—renowned psychic medium, trauma healer, and soul guide—for a soul-stirring conversation about reclaiming your power and healing from within. Christina shares how shadow work, soul retrieval, and inner child healing can unlock deep emotional transformation and spiritual alignment.
From her bestselling book Embrace Your S...
In this powerful episode of Defying the Odds, Abby sits down with Anna Love—Intuitive Empowerment & Leadership Coach and creator of The ALIGN Method. Anna shares how she helps visionary leaders break free from subconscious blocks, step into unshakable confidence, and lead from a place of deep alignment and authentic power. From spiritual insight to real-world leadership strategies, this episode is a must-li...
From grooming sheep on a Mennonite farm to styling A-list celebrities, building an award-winning beauty empire, and launching global humanitarian efforts—Bobbi’s journey is powerful, raw, and inspiring.
You’re about to hear what it really takes to defy the odds and wear your crown—inside and out. Bobbi’s journey is anything but conventional. From growing up on a Mennonite farm in Pennsylvania to styling A-list celebr...
In this episode of Defying the Odds, host Abby sits down with Tina Wright, founder of The Heel Sling™—the innovative, doctor-endorsed shoe insert that’s redefining comfort and fit for women everywhere.
Tina shares her inspiring story of going from stay-at-home mom to startup founder after watching her daughter struggle with the same heel slippage that plagued her for years. What started as a DIY solution tu...
This week on Defying the Odds, Abby sits down with Kirsten—Sheriff’s Deputy, Mrs. Knoxville, and fierce mental health advocate. Born in Africa and educated in England, Kirsten’s journey has been anything but ordinary. She learned to fly before she could drive and now serves her Tennessee community with strength and empathy.
In this powerful episode, Kirsten opens up about the emotional toll of being a first responder...
This week on Defying the Odds, Abby reconnects with Kirsten following her crowning as Mrs. Tennessee America. From learning to fly in Africa to serving as a Sheriff’s Deputy in Tennessee, Kirsten’s path has been nothing short of extraordinary. Now, with the esteemed title of Mrs. Tennessee America, she brings even more attention to her mission: breaking stigma around mental health and empowering first responders.
In ...
On this episode of Defying the Odds, host Abby sits down with Crystal Smith—a devoted wife, mother of two, and wellness enthusiast—as she opens up about her journey through transition, self-discovery, and emotional healing. After two decades of constant movement tied to her husband’s railroad career and working since the age of 14, Crystal shares what it’s been like to finally pause and reflect. From her love of sun...
In this episode of Defying the Odds, Abby sits down with the inspiring Hope Blanchard—a singer-songwriter who's been living out of her van for the past five years to fully invest in her music. With over half a million followers and a debut EP that earned her a feature in Cosmopolitan Magazine, Hope shares how choosing freedom over comfort led to her most authentic work yet.
We talk van life, vulnerability, viral...
In this inspiring episode of "Defying the Odds," host Abby Vaden sits down with Rebekah, the founder of Golden Growth Vitamins. Rebekah shares her personal story of overcoming hair and health challenges, leading her to develop the Hair Growth + Immune Support Vitamins that have changed her life and helped many others achieve remarkable results.
Rebekah opens up about her struggles with thinning hair, ...
Episode Description: In this inspiring episode, guest speaker Kayla Matthews shares her incredible journey from a small town in Illinois to embracing a whole new life at the beach. She recounts her story of hard work, determination, and following her heart, guided by her faith. Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, Kayla's resilience has led her to experience the highest of highs and feel immensely ...
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