SEASON ONE: EPISODE SEVENTEEN
WHY MOVING FROM THE SIDELINES TO THE SPOTLIGHT MATTERS FOR WOMEN
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There’s a powerful line from the overture of Chika’s Samson: The Album, featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda, that perfectly captures the essence of this episode: "Our stories are all we got, so if you’re going to tell it, tell it boldly. Tell the truth, without fear." This lyric serves as a reminder of the strength that comes from telling our stories, no matter how difficult or imperfect they may seem.
Chika continues, "We may do a little bending, but you’ll never see us breakin’, this world is all ours, it’s ready for the takin’—behold the flow and watch me grow. They say I’m chosen, I say I know." Then Lin-Manuel concludes with, "And if you happen upon a story that serendipitously aligns with your own, don’t hesitate to explore it. That’s what it’s there for. Our stories are all we’ve got."
Every time we hear this, it lifts our spirits—it reminds us of the power of our stories. But, for so long, many of our stories went untold. Women have often been pushed to the sidelines, their voices silenced or diminished. The fear of judgment, rejection, or simply not being heard has led many women to shy away from sharing their own narratives.
In this episode, Sally Zimney helps us dive deep into why so many women hesitate to step into the spotlight and share their stories. We explore the societal conditioning that often encourages women to stay in the background, to play small, and to let others take center stage. This silence, we believe, not only limits individual growth but also stifles the power that comes from connection and representation.
We talk about how taking up space—whether in the boardroom, on a stage, or in a conversation—can lead to a ripple effect of empowerment. By owning our voice and telling our stories boldly, we encourage others to do the same. We explore the transformative power of storytelling, and why it’s so important for women to step from the sidelines into the spotlight, where they belong.
Owning our story and stepping into the spotlight isn’t just about self-promotion; it’s about empowering ourselves and others. When we share our truth, we create space for other women to do the same. It’s about breaking free from the belief that our stories aren’t important or worthy of being heard. Just like Chika’s anthem suggests, we may bend, but we won’t break. When we own our narrative and take up space, we not only uplift ourselves but also inspire those around us to do the same.
So, take a moment to reflect on your own story. Is there a part of you that’s been hesitant to share it? Or have you been holding back for fear of not being “good enough” or “qualified enough”? It’s time to step up, speak your truth, and embrace the power of your own narrative. After all, as Chika and Lin-Manuel remind us: “Our stories are all we’ve got.”
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Guest: Sally Zimney | IG: @sallyz_bemoved & @permissionslipconference | Website: Be Moved & Permission Slip Conference
Host: Dawne Hanks | IG: @dawnehanks & @eliminate_girl_hate & @wait.holdup.what
Sound Editing & Mixing: Epiphany Recording Studio | IG: @epiphany_recording_studio