The Art of Badassery with Jenn Cassetta: Mindset, Motivation and Empowerment for Women

Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment feeling dismissed, unheard, or questioning your own body?In this episode of The Art of Badassery, I sit down with Nikki Sapiro Vinckier—OB-GYN physician assistant, reproductive health advocate, and author of the upcoming book We Deserve More to unpack medical gaslighting, power dynamics in healthcare, and how to confidently advocate for yourself.Nikki shares how her personal experiences from gaps in postpartum care to surviving childhood sexual abuse have shaped her work and the online community she’s built. Together, we explore the complex history of U.S. gynecology, disparities in care for Black women, and real-life examples of gaslighting, including delayed endometriosis diagnoses.We also dive into navigating perimenopause and menopause, and discuss practical ways to protect yourself in medical settings like requesting a chaperone or declining an exam if something doesn’t feel right.This conversation is both eye-opening and empowering, leaving you with the knowledge and confidence to trust your body and demand the care you deserve.Connect with Nikki Sapiro VinckierWebsite - https://www.nikkivinck.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nikkivinckBook - We Deserve More - https://www.nikkivinck.com/wedeservemoreEpisodes MentionedEp. 59: Have No Fear - Explore Death and Dying with Hospice Nurse Julie - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/59-have-no-fear-exploring-death-and-dying-with/id1692809626?i=1000755909660Ep. 58: Unraveling Patriarchy with Anna Malaika Tubbs - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/58-unraveling-patriarchy-with-anna-malaika-tubbs-a/id1692809626?i=1000753032394Ep. 56: The New Rules of Women’s Health with Meghan Rabbit -https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/56-the-new-rules-of-womens-health-with-meghan/id1692809626?i=1000748006819

What is dying really like—and could understanding it help us live more fully?In this episode of The Art of Badassery, I’m joined by Julie McFadden—better known as Hospice Nurse Julie. A former ICU nurse turned hospice educator, Julie has helped millions rethink what the end of life actually looks like. Her honest and compassionate approach to talking about death has made her a trusted voice online and led to her New York Times bestselling book, Nothing to Fear.Julie shares how her TikTok unexpectedly exploded, leading to major media coverage and a book deal. More importantly, she explains what she’s learned from thousands of patients about the natural dying process—and why it’s often far more peaceful than people imagine.We talk about:What actually happens in the body during a natural deathWhy people often lose hunger and thirst at the end of lifeCommon end-of-life regrets people sharePractical ways to prepare, from advance directives to organizing important informationThis conversation is thoughtful, eye-opening, and surprisingly empowering. By understanding death a little better, we can learn how to live—and love—the time we have.Connect with Julie McFaddenWebsite - https://www.hospicenursejulie.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hospicenursejulie/Book - Have No Fear https://www.hospicenursejulie.com/book

Have you ever wondered why women’s stories keep disappearing from history—and what that means for our lives today?In this episode of The Art of Badassery podcast, I talk with two-time New York Times bestselling author and sociologist Anna Malaika Tubbs about her book Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden From Us and how patriarchy was intentionally designed into the United States’ founding structures to keep power with white elite men through rights like land ownership and voting. Anna shares how her global, nomadic upbringing shaped her belief that change is possible, and she opens up about personal hardships, including losing her mother at 29 and facing sexism, racism, and ageism in the spotlight as her husband rose in politics. We discuss how American history is a constant tug-of-war between those defending the original social order and those fighting for a real democracy, why Black women have been central to recognizing the system as constructed, why some women still defend patriarchy through proximity to power, and what it looks like to stay spiritually grounded while taking action. Connect with Anna Malaika TubbsWebsite - https://annamalaikatubbs.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/annamalaikatubbsNew Book Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden From US First Book The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped A Nation

Have you ever wondered why networking feels so… icky and yet so necessary?In this episode of The Art of Badassery podcast, host Jenn Cassetta sits down with keynote speaker, networking renegade, and author of This Sh!t Works, Julie Brown, to blow up everything you think you know about networking.Together, they dive into why traditional networking makes people cringe, how human-centric connection actually creates real opportunities, and why being unapologetically yourself is the ultimate career advantage. Julie shares her unexpected path from the construction industry to becoming a sought-after speaker, along with how a challenging childhood shaped her grit, resilience, and no-BS approach to success.Expect laughs, real talk, and plenty of mic-drop moments, plus practical advice you can actually use. If you’re ready to ditch the awkward small talk and build relationships that actually move the needle, this episode proves one thing: authentic connection isn’t just powerful… it works. Connect with Julie BrownLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliebrownspeaks/Website - https://juliebrownbd.com/speaking/Book - This Sh!t Works - https://juliebrownbd.com/book/

What if everything you thought you knew about women’s health was outdated or incomplete?In this episode of The Art of Badassery, Jenn Cassetta sits down with award-winning journalist and author Meghan Rabbit to unpack the real, often-ignored truths behind women’s health at every age. Drawing from her groundbreaking book, The New Rules of Women’s Health, Meghan breaks down what women actually need to know about breast cancer, menopause, heart disease, and more without fear-mongering or fluff.Meghan also shares her own powerful health journey and why self-advocacy isn’t optional, it’s essential. Together, Jenn and Meghan explore the role of intuition, why movement matters more than perfection, and how being informed can be one of the most empowering acts of resistance in a system that often overlooks women.Connect with Meghan Rabbit:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-rabbitt-04b80116/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meghanrabbittHer book: The New Rules of Women’s Health - https://newrulesofwomenshealth.com/See Meghan at Zibby’s Bookshop on Feb. 13thTyrer Cuzick Breast Cancer Assessment - https://magview.com/ibis-risk-calculator/

How can joy become your leverage when life feels like it’s falling apart?In this solo episode of The Art of Badassery, Jenn invites you to rethink joy, not as something frivolous or optional, but as a powerful form of leverage and an act of resistance in the face of chaos. As we step into a new year, Jenn explores how intentionally cultivating joy can help you feel stronger, safer, and more grounded, even when the world (or your personal life) feels heavy.Jenn shares a deeply personal story about getting married shortly after the unexpected death of her father, and how choosing joy in that moment became emotional leverage—proof that joy and grief can coexist, and that joy can help carry us through our hardest seasons.You’ll hear practical ways to create and protect pockets of joy through daily rituals, creativity, and artistic expression, along with a reminder that safeguarding your inner light is not selfish; it’s necessary. This episode is an invitation to use joy as fuel, as resistance, and as a strategy for continuing to move toward your dream life, no matter what you’re navigating.Let’s create joy on purpose—and use it to move forward, together. Sign up for Jenn Cassetta's newsletter for a boost of badassery to your inbox and never miss an episode: pages.jennifercassetta.com/newsletter

What does it really take to stand up for women’s rights—no matter where you live?In this episode of the Art of Badassery podcast, host Jenn Cassetta sits down with Lina AbiRafeh, a globally recognized women’s rights activist and author, to explore her lifelong mission to advance gender equality.Together, they dive into Lina’s experiences working in more than 20 countries, her unexpected path into activism, and the deeply human stories behind her work in conflict zones. Lina shares why small, consistent acts of resistance matter, the transformative power of economic empowerment, and how each of us—regardless of our careers or backgrounds—can meaningfully contribute to feminist movements.Tune in for Lina’s powerful insights, a preview of her upcoming projects, and practical ways to show up as your own feminist firestarter in everyday life.Connect with Lina AbiRafeh:Lina’s website - Better4Women.com Lina’s TED Talk -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-v71cYvkSg Lina’s e-book - https://betterforwomen.mysamcart.com/burn-it-down-build-it-better-workplace/ Lina on LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/lina-abirafeh-28774867/Links mentioned in this episode:Jenn’s Destiny Dojo Workshop - https://jennifercassetta.com/destinydojo/AOB Ep. 40 with Josie Cox - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/40-women-money-power-a-journey-through-economic/id1692809626?i=1000711140714

Have you ever hit a point where you knew you were meant for more—but couldn’t quite figure out what was holding you back?In this dynamic episode of The Art of Badassery podcast, host Jenn Cassetta welcomes back powerhouse guest Andrea Owen—global keynote speaker, life coach, and bestselling author. Andrea gets real about navigating setbacks like divorce and grad school rejection, and how those detours revealed unexpected gifts.Together, they dive into what strong women truly wrestle with: confronting fear head-on, setting unshakeable boundaries, and managing relationships when your personal evolution outpaces those around you. Andrea also gives a sneak peek into her upcoming fourth book, packed with tangible guidance for women committed to continuous growth.Tune in for an empowering, joy-filled conversation about choosing yourself, protecting your energy, and rising stronger through every season of life. Connect with Andrea Owens:Andrea’s website - https://andreaowen.com/Andrea’s podcast - Make Some NoiseAndrea’s New Book - Live Like You Give a Damn

Have you ever had a boss who taught you exactly how not to lead? In this episode of The Art of Badassery podcast, host Jenn Cassetta sits down with Mita Mallick, author of The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses. Mita shares how she turned countless rejections into a bestselling book and became a leading voice in diversity and inclusion. Together, Jenn and Mita unpack lessons from difficult bosses, the role of grief in leadership, and practical strategies to navigate tough workplace dynamics. Mita reminds us that true leadership is built on community, storytelling, and the courage to be vulnerable.Connect with Mita Mallick:Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mita-mallick-2b165822/Website - https://www.mitamallick.com/Book - The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn From Bad Bosses

Feeling ready to finish 2025 strong—or wondering how to get there? In this solo episode of The Art of Badassery podcast, Chief Badassery Officer Jenn Cassetta shares a roadmap for surviving the year and stepping into 2026 with confidence. Drawing from her martial arts experience, Jenn introduces “White Belt Month”—a reset to strip away titles, revisit the basics, and reconnect with your inner strength.She guides listeners through creating a “Greatest Sh*ts List” to honor tough lessons, uncovering secret weapons built through adversity, and building a “Greatest Hits List” to celebrate wins and joyful moments.This episode is your guide to ending the year grounded, empowered, and ready to tackle the next chapter with clarity and courage.