How My Podcast Sparked Change
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
By Dr. Madeline Ann Lewis
When I first launched the Success 4 Women Radio/TV Show, I wasn’t just starting a podcast, I was creating a platform with purpose. My vision was to give women a place where their stories could be heard, their successes celebrated, and their challenges addressed with real-world solutions. I wanted to show women everywhere that no goal is out of reach if you have focus, determination, and perseverance.
That vision came from my journey. I’ve spent decades serving in the military, working in the federal government, and leading in corporate America. In each environment, I saw how women’s voices were often overlooked or undervalued. I also experienced my own battles, moments when self-doubt crept in, and obstacles seemed impossible to overcome. But I learned that the right mindset, coupled with persistence, could open doors that once seemed locked.
Starting the podcast wasn’t easy. In the beginning, I faced the challenge of building an audience from scratch while learning the technical aspects of broadcasting. I had to balance hosting duties with outreach, promotion, and guest recruitment. There were moments I wondered if anyone was really listening, until the messages started coming in.
One listener’s story still moves me to this day. She reached out after an episode where my guest spoke about breaking free from career stagnation. She had been in the same mid-level role for years, convinced she wasn’t “qualified enough” for leadership. But after hearing that interview, she updated her résumé, applied for an executive role, and got the job. Her message to me said, “Your show gave me the courage to stop holding myself back. I finally believe I belong at the table.”
That’s when I knew, Success 4 Women Radio/TV Show wasn’t just a podcast. It was a catalyst.
Each episode is built to do more than inspire; it’s designed to equip women with actionable strategies they can use immediately. I invite CEOs, entrepreneurs, educators, authors, and community leaders to share their real-life experiences—the wins, the failures, and the lessons in between. These are women who’ve navigated adversity, redefined success, and built legacies, and they speak with authenticity that resonates deeply with our audience.
A pivotal moment in my own journey as a host came during an interview with a guest who had endured personal and professional setbacks but went on to build a global brand. At one point she paused and said, “This show is exactly what women need; honest, unfiltered, and full of strategies we can use right now.” Her words weren’t just encouragement; they were validation.
The show airs live on Thursdays at 2:00 pm EST and Fridays at 7:00 pm EST, and every episode is archived on my YouTube channel for on-demand access. This means women in different time zones and from all walks of life can engage with the content when it’s most convenient for them. Whether a listener is in New York, Nairobi, or New Delhi, she can tune in and leave with tools that could change her life.
Over time, Success 4 Women Radio/TV Show has grown into a movement that’s about more than individual achievement, it’s about collective empowerment. We’re dismantling the belief that success is reserved for a select few. We’re proving that when women are given knowledge, resources, and a supportive network, they can achieve extraordinary things.
As I often say on the show:
“Being proud of your background and unique attributes will ensure continued growth. Recognition provides the opportunity to speak about and showcase our experiences as women exhibiting strength in the business world.”
That belief guides everything I do. I want women to see that their goals are never impossible—they may take time, they may require persistence, but they are always worth pursuing.
If even one woman walks away from an episode believing she can take the next step toward her dream, then I’ve done my job. And from the stories I’ve heard, I know that spark is spreading.
Because when women rise, we all rise.
Connect With Dr. Madeline Ann
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