#REALTALK with Emma G and Ra

#REALTALK with Emma G and Ra
Podcast Description
REAL TALK: Mental Health Sounds Like This
Hosted by Emma G & Rawinia Judson
What does it really look like to thrive in your zone of genius — without losing yourself in the process?
REAL TALK: Mental Health Sounds Like This is where high-performing humans, creative leaders, and changemakers get honest about the messy, beautiful, and brave work of staying mentally, emotionally, and spiritually well while doing meaningful work in the world.
Hosted by award-winning singer/songwriter, author, and empowerment coach Emma G, and life and leadership coach Rawinia Judson, this podcast is a space for candid conversations about the realities behind resilience. From navigating burnout to healing through music, embracing vulnerability to redefining success — nothing is off limits.
Emma and Rawinia first bonded over early morning CrossFit sessions in New Zealand, where carpool chats quickly turned into soul-deep sisterhood. Now living on opposite sides of the world (Emma in the U.S., Rawinia in Canada), they’re teaming up to bring you a podcast rooted in realness, laughter, and the deep belief that your story matters.
Each episode features intimate, unscripted conversations with guests who are courageously rewriting the narrative around mental health — one story, one strategy, one moment at a time.
This is not therapy. This is not perfection. This is REAL TALK.
And this is what mental health sounds like.
Disclaimer:
This show may discuss topics related to mental health that could be sensitive for some listeners. If you’re struggling, please know you are not alone. Support is available.
New Zealand: Call or text 1737 or Lifeline at 0800 543 354
U.S.: Call or text 988 (National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or text HOME to 741741
This podcast is not a substitute for professional care.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The show focuses on a variety of topics centered around mental wellness, personal growth, and resilience, with episodes addressing themes such as navigating burnout, the therapeutic effects of music, and mission-driven entrepreneurship. For example, guests like Andrew Buerger share their stories of overcoming adversity, while Iliana Radovina discusses the power of music therapy.

REAL TALK: Mental Health Sounds Like This
Hosted by Emma G & Rawinia Judson
What does it really look like to thrive in your zone of genius — without losing yourself in the process?
REAL TALK: Mental Health Sounds Like This is where high-performing humans, creative leaders, and changemakers get honest about the messy, beautiful, and brave work of staying mentally, emotionally, and spiritually well while doing meaningful work in the world.
Hosted by award-winning singer/songwriter, author, and empowerment coach Emma G, and life and leadership coach Rawinia Judson, this podcast is a space for candid conversations about the realities behind resilience. From navigating burnout to healing through music, embracing vulnerability to redefining success — nothing is off limits.
Emma and Rawinia first bonded over early morning CrossFit sessions in New Zealand, where carpool chats quickly turned into soul-deep sisterhood. Now living on opposite sides of the world (Emma in the U.S., Rawinia in Canada), they’re teaming up to bring you a podcast rooted in realness, laughter, and the deep belief that your story matters.
Each episode features intimate, unscripted conversations with guests who are courageously rewriting the narrative around mental health — one story, one strategy, one moment at a time.
This is not therapy. This is not perfection. This is REAL TALK.
And this is what mental health sounds like.
Disclaimer:
This show may discuss topics related to mental health that could be sensitive for some listeners. If you’re struggling, please know you are not alone. Support is available.
New Zealand: Call or text 1737 or Lifeline at 0800 543 354
U.S.: Call or text 988 (National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or text HOME to 741741
This podcast is not a substitute for professional care.
Join us as we chat with Kari Swenson – multi-business owner, leader of 480 employees, and passionate advocate for people-first leadership – for Episode 16 of Real Talk: Mental Health Sounds Like This.
Kari’s career spans decades in both the retail and restaurant industries, including her role as Owner/Operator of 12 McDonald’s restaurants across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. She also owns a thriving e-commerce and retail business importing Polish Pottery from Bolesławiec, Poland.
Her leadership philosophy is simple: treat people well, connect with them, help them grow—and they’ll stick around. She has seen team members go from working the front counter to managing entire stores, living out her personal motto: “As you look to the stars, always try to turn around and bring someone with you.”
In this episode, we explore:
Why people-first leadership is the secret to her business success
How she creates growth opportunities for her team
The importance of focusing on what you can control
How Krav Maga taught her to “get comfortable being uncomfortable”
The connection between creativity, resilience, and leadership
Plus: why process matters more than outcome in both business and life
If you believe great leadership is about empowering people and building community, you’ll love this conversation.
Connect with Kari Swenson
Instagram: @kariswenson
Facebook (Personal): facebook.com/kari.swenson1
Facebook (Business): facebook.com/ThePolishPotteryOutlet
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kariswenson
Hosted by @emmagmusic & @rawinia__judson
Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Roku TV & YouTube.
#RealTalkPodcast #MentalHealthSoundsLikeThis #KariSwenson #PeopleFirstLeadership #BusinessOwner #McDonaldsOwnerOperator #LeadershipInAction #TeamGrowth #KravMagaMindset #WomenWhoLead #CommunityFocusedBusiness #ResilientLeadership #EmpoweringOthers

Disclaimer
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