Jodie O’Brien: Finding the Story Within at the Influential Women Podcast

For Jodie O’Brien, storytelling is not just a profession. It is a calling. A seasoned interviewer, journalist, and media consultant, Jodie has spent decades helping people uncover the deeper meaning within their experiences. As the host of the upcoming Influential Women Podcast, she brings that same curiosity, warmth, and authenticity to conversations that celebrate women who lead, inspire, and create change.

The Curiosity That Started It All

Jodie describes herself as a lifelong communicator. Her passion for storytelling began early, watching the nightly news with her parents and becoming captivated by the reporters and anchors who made everyday stories feel important and relatable.

“When I was little, those journalists seemed larger than life,” she said. “They became part of our circle, people we trusted for information. That’s where I fell in love with the power of stories to connect.”

That early fascination led her to the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism, where she learned to humanize every story, no matter the subject. “There wasn’t an assignment that couldn’t be made human,” she recalled. “That lesson still holds true today.”

Connection Over Perfection

After building a career across industries from broadcast news and publishing to marketing and development, Jodie learned that storytelling is not about having the perfect question. It is about asking it with intention.

“In every interview, the foundation is trust,” she explained. “You can’t get to the heart of someone’s story unless they feel seen and understood. Authenticity bridges that gap faster than anything else.”

Her diverse experience has helped her connect with people from all walks of life. Whether it is a CEO, an author, or a first-time guest nervous behind the mic, Jodie approaches every conversation with empathy, humor, and genuine curiosity.

The Art of Asking Better Questions

For Jodie, a good question is not the one written in advance. It is the one that comes next.

“A good question is the follow-up,” she said. “It is easy to go through a checklist, but being an active listener is what turns a conversation into a connection. That’s when the real stories come out.”

That approach defines her style on the Influential Women Podcast. Every conversation is guided by curiosity, not a script. “The best stories are the ones that teach, encourage, and help others grow,” she said.

Real Conversations, Real Connection

Empathy is at the heart of Jodie’s work. She believes audiences can sense authenticity and that genuine emotion should never be edited out.

“I’m myself on camera. I can’t be any other way,” she said with a laugh. “I’ll laugh, I’ll react, I’ll interrupt if it feels natural. That’s what real connection looks like. You have to let people see the magic of two humans having a meaningful conversation.”

Her approach reminds us that storytelling is not performance. It is presence. It is about listening deeply and creating space for others to be seen and heard.

Stories That Stay With You

Throughout her career, Jodie has interviewed countless authors, thought leaders, and what she calls world-changers. Some stories stay with her forever.

“One of my most memorable interviews was early in my career when I covered a plane crash that took several lives, including a beloved physician,” she recalled. “I interviewed her husband, who was devastated but wanted people to know how beautiful she was as a person. Giving someone space to speak about love like that is one of the greatest honors of my life.”

A Platform Built on Purpose

When asked what it means to be part of Influential Women, Jodie’s answer comes from the heart.

“It means everything,” she said. “I’ve had incredible women in my life who shaped me. They are trailblazers, and every woman is one in her own way. The stories we share through Influential Women are powerful because they remind us that our voices matter. They can change lives.”

The Influential Women Podcast, launching soon, will showcase those voices. Through honest, heartfelt conversations, Jodie and her guests will explore what it means to lead with authenticity, rise through challenge, and find purpose through connection.

Closing Reflection

At Influential Women Magazine, we believe that storytelling is leadership in its truest form. Through the upcoming Influential Women Podcast, Jodie O’Brien reminds us that influence begins with authenticity and that every story, when shared with courage, has the power to inspire change.

Stay tuned for the launch of the Influential Women Podcast — coming soon.

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