The SoulFire Sessions

The SoulFire Sessions: At the intersection of passion and purpose - where you align with what sets your soul on fire. Welcome to The SoulFire Sessions —smart, soulful, and unapologetically bold. Each episode is a deep dive into the moments, mindsets, and movements that ignite your inner fire. Through real talk, powerful stories, and soul-led strategy, we explore what it means to live and lead with purpose. This isn’t just self-growth—it’s a full-body yes to passion-fueled ambition, clarity, and alignment. Because the fire within you is ready to rise.

The SoulFire Sessions is a business podcast hosted by Alex Widener & Mariah Newman, with 27 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Alex Widener & Mariah Newman hosts The SoulFire Sessions, a business show with 27 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #7

  Spark Series, Episode 7: Empathy, Authenticity, & People

  Aug 13, 202643 minS1

  Introduction The Sparks Series is a special series within The SoulFire Sessions. While our regular episodes explore a wide range of conversations around purpose, leadership, and growth, the Sparks Series is dedicated to spotlighting purpose-driven leaders who are creating meaningful impact in their work and communities. Each episode centers on their story, their leadership, and the moments that sparked the work they're doing today. Summary In this episode of the Sparks Series, Alex Widener sits down with August Spark, Paul Kilsch, an experienced people leader, problem solver, and self-described “Swiss Army knife” whose career has spanned more than two decades across creative work, strategy, operations, product management, and leadership. Together, they explore the experiences that shaped Paul's people-first approach to leadership and why empathy, authenticity, and trust are at the center of how he shows up for others. Paul shares why leadership isn't defined by a title, how leaders can create environments where people feel safe to contribute and grow, and what it means to develop an authentic leadership “brand” people can trust. They also dig into the balance between empathy and accountability, the importance of investing in relationships, and why the impact of a leader often lasts much longer than the projects or deadlines they complete. At the heart of Paul's story is a simple reminder: people matter. When we take the time to see them, invest in them, and create space for them to discover what they're capable of, we have the opportunity to make an impact that extends far beyond the workplace. Takeaways ~ Leadership is about how you show up, not your title. ~ Authenticity builds trust and consistency. ~ Psychological safety creates space for people to grow. ~ Great leaders help others discover their potential. ~ Empathy and accountability can coexist. ~ Invest in people, not just the work. ~ Projects end. Relationships and impact last. ~ Your spark lives where strengths, interests, and purpose intersect. ~ Don't wait for a title to lead. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Sparks & Meet Paul Kilsch 02:06 A High School Talent Show & Paul's First Leadership Moment 06:21 Getting Your Hands Dirty & Leading by Doing 08:49 Building Your Authentic Leadership Style 11:24 Creating Trust & Psychological Safety 16:11 Creating Opportunities for People to Grow 18:30 Leadership Isn't a Title 20:34 Authenticity & Your Leadership Brand 23:00 What It Means to Over-Index in Empathy 26:03 Empathy vs. Enablement 28:48 “Life's a Garden, Dig It” 32:08 Relationships, People & the Impact That Lasts 34:35 What Compassion Looks Like in the Small Moments 37:08 Finding What Sets Your Soul on Fire 41:38 Don't Wait to Be Labeled a Leader 42:51 Connect with Paul & Closing Connect with Paul LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kilsch/ Keywords Paul Kilsch; Sparks Series; SoulFire Sessions; leadership podcast; people-first leadership; authentic leadership; empathy; authenticity; compassion; purpose; psychological safety; trust; accountability; people development; workplace culture; relationships; personal growth; leadership without titles; finding your spark; finding purpose; leadership brand; community Connect with The SoulFire Collective Website: thesoulfire.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/

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  Episode #4

  Financial Series, Episode 4: Protecting What Matters Most: Life Insurance Made Simple - What You Need & Why It Matters

  Aug 5, 202630 minS1

  Introduction This Money Matters for Real People series is designed to explore the intersection of financial strategy, mindset, and long-term decision making. Each episode breaks down complex financial topics into clear, actionable insights to help individuals, families, and business owners make more confident financial decisions. Summary In this episode of Money Matters for Real People , Cristina Easterling and Josh Montanez simplify one of the most misunderstood areas of financial planning: life insurance. Together, they explain the differences between term and whole life insurance, how to determine the right amount of coverage, and why life insurance is about protecting the people and goals that matter most—not simply purchasing a policy. Throughout the conversation, Josh shares practical guidance for evaluating life insurance needs based on debt, income replacement, future goals, and major life transitions. They also discuss common mistakes people make, including relying solely on employer-provided coverage, waiting too long to purchase insurance, and failing to review beneficiaries or update coverage as life changes. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of how life insurance fits into a comprehensive financial plan and why protecting your family's future is one of the most important financial decisions you can make. Disclosure Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk, including the potential loss of principal invested. No investment strategy can assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets. Indexes and/or benchmarks are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly. Returns represent past performance, are not a guarantee of future performance and are not indicative of any specific investment. Members use Montanez Wealth Advisors as a marketing name for doing business as representatives of Northwestern Mutual. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries, including Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (Investment Brokerage Services), a subsidiary of NM, registered investment adviser, broker-dealer and member FINRA and SIPC and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (Investment Advisory Services) , a federal savings bank. NM and its subsidiaries are in Milwaukee, WI. To view detailed disclosures regarding individual representatives, view their information at www.montanezwealth.com. Key Takeaways ~ Life insurance is designed to protect your family and financial goals if the unexpected happens. ~ The right type and amount of coverage depends on your unique stage of life and financial needs. ~ Employer-provided life insurance is valuable but may not be enough on its own. ~ Your coverage should account for debt, income replacement, final expenses, and future goals. ~ Review your life insurance and beneficiaries regularly, especially after major life events. ~ Estate planning and beneficiary designations are important parts of protecting your loved ones. ~ Waiting to purchase life insurance can increase costs and reduce your options. ~ A comprehensive financial plan balances wealth building with protecting what matters most. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:45 Why Life Insurance Feels So Confusing 02:25 Term Life vs. Whole Life Insurance 05:00 Employer Coverage vs. Private Policies 07:00 How Much Life Insurance Do You Need? 11:00 Common Life Insurance Mistakes 15:15 When to Review Your Coverage 18:20 How Life Insurance Fits into Your Financial Plan 20:45 Beneficiaries, Estate Planning & Probate 27:30 Final Advice: Protecting What Matters Most Connect with Josh Montanez Scheduling Link: 15 Minute Phone Call with Josh Montanez Instagram: Montanez Wealth Advisors Instagram Facebook: Montanez Wealth Advisors Facebook LinkedIn: Josh Montanez LinkedIn Keywords Life insurance; term life insurance; whole life insurance; financial planning; income protection; estate planning; beneficiaries; financial security; family protection; risk management; employer life insurance; debt protection; legacy planning; financial wellness Connect with The SoulFire Collective Website: thesoulfire.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/

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  The SoulFire Sessions

  Spark Series, Episode 6: Story, Purpose, and Impact

  Jul 7, 202639 min

  Introduction The Sparks Series is a special series within The SoulFire Sessions. While our regular episodes explore a wide range of conversations around purpose, leadership, and growth, the Sparks Series is dedicated to spotlighting purpose-driven leaders who are creating meaningful impact in their work and communities. Each episode centers on their story, their leadership, and the moments that sparked the work they're doing today. Summary In this episode of the Sparks Series , Mariah Newman turns the microphone around to interview July Spark, Alex Widener, a coach, consultant, podcast host, and storyteller who believes every person has a story worth telling. Together, they explore the experiences that shaped Alex's leadership philosophy, the role faith and healing have played in her journey, and why she believes leadership is more about influence than titles. From higher education and coaching to Celebrate Recovery and storytelling, Alex shares how learning to ask better questions has transformed the way she leads and serves others. This conversation is a reminder that purpose isn't something you have to have all figured out before you begin. Sometimes it's been woven through your story all along. Takeaways ~ Leadership is about influence, not titles. ~ Every person has a story worth telling. ~ Asking better questions is often more powerful than giving advice. ~ Purpose doesn't require having everything figured out. ~ Healing begins when people feel safe enough to be honest. ~ Authenticity creates connection, courage, and growth. ~ The greatest impact we leave is often found in how we make people feel. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Sparks & Turning the Microphone Around 02:10 A Different Definition of Leadership 07:55 "She's Just a Secretary": A Defining Leadership Moment 14:20 Influence, Relationships & Becoming the Leader You Needed 22:45 The Impact We Leave on Others 27:30 Storytelling, Faith & Discovering Purpose 32:40 Coaching Through Questions Instead of Answers 37:15 Purpose While You're Still Figuring It Out 39:10 Closing Reflections Connect with Alex Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexmwidener/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alex.musgrove.9 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandriamwidener/ Keywords Alex Widener; Sparks Series; SoulFire Sessions; leadership; leadership podcast; authentic leadership; purpose; storytelling; influence; coaching; personal growth; faith; healing; Celebrate Recovery; emotional intelligence; curiosity; career transitions; women in leadership; identity; community; finding your spark Connect with The SoulFire Collective Website: thesoulfire.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/

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  Episode #3

  Financial Series, Episode 3: Future-Proof Your Finances

  Jun 17, 202630 minS1

  Introduction This Money Matters for Real People series is designed to explore the intersection of financial strategy, mindset, and long-term decision making. Each episode breaks down complex financial topics into clear, actionable insights to help individuals, families, and business owners make more confident financial decisions. Summary In this episode of Money Matters for Real People , Cristina Easterling and Josh Montanez explore what it means to future-proof your finances through every stage of life. From young adults just beginning their financial journey to those approaching retirement, they discuss the key decisions, habits, and mindset shifts that can help create long-term financial confidence. Together, they break down the importance of understanding your personal goals, building strong financial habits early, and adapting your plan as life changes. The conversation covers the power of mentorship, compound interest, intentional financial check-ins, and how major life events, from career changes and marriage to retirement and legacy planning, can impact your financial strategy. Cristina and Josh also discuss common financial mistakes, the importance of balancing both the offensive and defensive sides of financial planning, and why focusing on where you are today is more valuable than comparing yourself to where you think you should be. Listeners will walk away with practical insights for building a financial plan that can grow and adapt alongside their life. Disclosure Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk, including the potential loss of principal invested. No investment strategy can assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets. Indexes and/or benchmarks are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly. Returns represent past performance, are not a guarantee of future performance and are not indicative of any specific investment. Members use Montanez Wealth Advisors as a marketing name for doing business as representatives of Northwestern Mutual. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries, including Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (Investment Brokerage Services), a subsidiary of NM, registered investment adviser, broker-dealer and member FINRA and SIPC and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (Investment Advisory Services) , a federal savings bank. NM and its subsidiaries are in Milwaukee, WI. To view detailed disclosures regarding individual representatives, view their information at www.montanezwealth.com. Key Takeaways ~ Financial planning should evolve as your life, goals, and circumstances change. ~ Starting early allows compound interest and good habits to work in your favor. ~ Major life events are a good time to revisit and adjust your financial plan. ~ Consistent financial check-ins help keep your goals and strategy aligned. ~ Retirement planning is about lifestyle and purpose, not just accumulating money. ~ Legacy planning should reflect your values and long-term priorities. ~ A strong financial plan includes both growth opportunities and risk protection. ~ The best time to start paying attention to your finances is today. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Future-Proofing Your Finances 05:00 Financial Planning Through Life's Transitions 10:00 Building Habits That Last 14:00 Preparing for Retirement 17:20 Common Financial Planning Mistakes 20:00 Legacy Planning and Long-Term Goals 24:00 Balancing Growth and Protection Connect with Josh Montanez Scheduling Link: 15 Minute Phone Call with Josh Montanez Instagram: Montanez Wealth Advisors Instagram Facebook: Montanez Wealth Advisors Facebook LinkedIn: Josh Montanez LinkedIn Keywords Financial planning; investing by age; retirement planning; compound interest; money mindset; financial goals; wealth building; financial habits; financial confidence; legacy planning; mentorship; emergency fund; life transitions; financial wellness Connect with The SoulFire Collective Website: thesoulfire.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/

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  Episode #5

  Spark Series, Episode 5: Purpose, Presence & Reconnection

  Jun 11, 202649 minS1

  Introduction The Sparks Series is a special series within The SoulFire Sessions. While our regular episodes explore a wide range of conversations around purpose, leadership, and growth, the Sparks Series is dedicated to spotlighting purpose-driven leaders who are creating meaningful impact in their work and communities. Each episode centers on their story, their leadership, and the moments that sparked the work they’re doing today. Summary In this episode of Sparks, Alex sits down with June Spark, Alex Hawkins, founder of Wildwood Connections, a nature-based community experience company helping people reconnect with themselves, each other, and the outdoors. After years of pursuing success as a compliance lawyer, Alex found herself burned out, disconnected, and questioning whether the path she had worked so hard to achieve was truly her own. What followed was a season of slowing down, healing, and rediscovering what brought her to life. Together, Alex and Alex explore burnout, perfectionism, identity, entrepreneurship, the healing power of nature, and the courage it takes to choose a different path. They discuss the importance of listening to your body, finding community during seasons of transition, and why resilience sometimes looks less like pushing through and more like stepping back. This conversation is a reminder that purpose isn't always found by doing more. Sometimes it's found by slowing down enough to hear what's calling you forward. Takeaways ~ Burnout can be an invitation to reevaluate what truly matters. ~ The path that looks successful isn't always the path that's right for you. ~ Resilience isn't about pushing through everything—it can also mean resting and recalibrating. ~ Nature has a unique ability to reconnect us with ourselves and what matters most. ~ Community and meaningful connection are powerful catalysts for healing and growth. ~ Small, intentional habits can create lasting change over time. ~ It's never too late to come back to yourself. Chapters 00:00: Welcome to Sparks & Introducing Alex Hawkins 04:45: Life on the Achievement Treadmill 10:40: The Conversation That Changed Everything 17:15: Burnout, Resilience & Choosing a Different Path 16:20: Identity Beyond Job Titles & Leadership Through Influence 26:30: Healing Through Nature 36:00: Building Wildwood Connections 40:55: Advice for Finding Your Spark 47:10: Connecting with Alex & Final Reflections Connect with Alex Website: https://www.wildwoodconnections.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildwoodconnections Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578799715588 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexehawkins/ Email: wildwoodconnections@gmail.com Keywords Alex Hawkins; Wildwood Connections; Sparks Series; SoulFire Sessions; burnout recovery; nature connection; purpose-driven leadership; authentic leadership; entrepreneurship; personal growth; resilience; outdoor wellness; community building; identity and purpose; Northwest Arkansas; women entrepreneurs; finding your spark Connect with The SoulFire Collective Website: thesoulfire.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/

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