Advertise on podcast: Team Peri Step Out of Line

Not only is Dr. Michael Vitale one of the top-rated orthopedic surgeons in the country, but his impact extends far beyond the operating room.  Under his leadership, the orthopedic program at Columbia’s Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital and NewYork-Presbyterian has thrived and grown tremendously. From expanding bracing clinics and prioritizing mental health to advancing fellowship training, research, and innovative surgical techniques, Dr. Vitale continues to push the field forward. As an internationally recognized speaker, he shares his expertise with audiences across the country and around the world. But beyond his incredible accomplishments, Dr. Vitale holds a special place in our hearts. Peri met him as a little girl, trusting Dr. Vitale and his colleagues completely with her care, and he still sees Peri every year to make sure she is doing well. He has exceeded every expectation, becoming not only Peri’s doctor but also a friend and someone we all deeply admire. And honestly, he might be the only man in the universe who can truly multitask! Tune in to the podcast titled “Meet The One Man Who Can Multitask" for a conversation about innovation, compassion, his foundation to honor his daughter’s memory, and the remarkable man that he is.

Taking a stand against racial bias in the workplace was a big Step Out of Line moment for Catharine Montgomery. Knowing when to walk away and start a new chapter is never easy, but Catharine has reinvented herself and launched The Better Together Agency, a Black woman-founded and AI-forward communications agency that creates integrated campaigns for mission-driven work. Catharine never stops learning and is a champion of AI technology, while also being determined to keep a close eye on social media in this rapidly evolving tech space that continues to place stereotypes on marginalized groups. Catharine has found her confidence. If she could go back and talk to her younger self, she would tell her she is worthy of so much more and to be self-assured at a younger age. In this episode of the Step Out of Line Podcast, “The Chasing Challenges Mindset,” we talk about racial bias, AI technology, and why sometimes you have to step out of line, embrace the challenge, and create your own path. Catharine is principled and committed to her mission. And sometimes, adversity makes you a better entrepreneur. It teaches you how to bounce back, pivot, and keep moving forward.

“You’re creating change just by being you.” — Stephanie Kaplan  Losing her father at 14 was a defining moment for Stephanie Kaplan. The monarch butterfly became her beacon of light on her wedding day in 2020, and she was escorted down the aisle with a kaleidoscope of monarch butterflies serendipitously. It was a sign to Stephanie that her father was indeed with her.  After working in tech and sales, Stephanie took the leap into entrepreneurship and became a coach, helping founders, executives, and investors navigate the personal side of leadership, growth, and success. In this episode of the Step Out of Line Podcast, “Learning How To Define Happiness,” we talk about recognizing your potential, trusting your path, and knowing that no one can take away your gifts or what you’re capable of creating. Because happiness might just begin with seeing yourself and your possibilities more clearly. 🦋

"Life is preparing you for something bigger." That’s what Taylor Clarke’s mom told her at age 7, in the middle of recovering from her first of three brain surgeries that she would endure throughout her childhood and into her early 20s. Years later, the roles reversed: when her mom got cancer, Taylor became her caretaker. That kind of reciprocity, showing up for each other when it matters most, is what has shaped everything about who Taylor is today. Now Taylor is the founder of Amborella Organics, alongside her husband, a botanical candy brand built on that same resilience. Its eco-friendly lollipops carry the message: eat one, then plant the stick to grow your own herbs and flowers. Taylor didn’t study business but majored in literature. As she put it, that course of study was basic entrepreneurship training: find a point of view, then build the case to prove it. Sound familiar? And she hasn’t compromised her business values, as sustainability runs through every stage of production, no exceptions. In this episode of the Step Out of Line Podcast, “All You Need Is a Lollipop and a Dream,” we talk about adversity turned into purpose, from growing up in and out of hospitals to caregiving, life as a mom, having a husband who is both a dreamer and business partner, and more.

It took more than 30 years for Lynn Power to find her way back to her creative self, and the journey was anything but linear. After leaving her role as CEO of a leading advertising company, Lynn stepped away from the ad world and reinvented herself as an entrepreneur, founding MASAMI, a clean, premium haircare brand, as well as Isle de Nature, a home fragrance company, and the Power Beauty Collab, a clean, sustainably minded indie beauty and wellness business community. Then came a cancer scare that changed everything. It forced Lynn to take a hard look at her priorities and redefine what truly mattered. Her takeaway? Chase joy. Make room for creativity. Have more fun before it’s too late. For Lynn, stepping outside the lines is second nature. She stays busy, stays curious, stays creative, and most importantly, is committed to living life to the fullest. In this episode of the Step Out of Line Podcast, “The Reinvention of Lynn Power", we talk about reinvention, creativity, entrepreneurship, and what it means to finally give yourself permission to follow your own path...which might just make you move to Italy.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Mary-Ann Massad has rebuilt her life time and again to become the woman she is today: CEO of Knowsys Group Ltd., author, and a compassionate, empathetic leader. Mary-Ann learned the true meaning of care and compassion at a young age while looking after her brother. Throughout her life, she has endured profound loss, fear, heartbreak, and countless battles that tested her resilience. Yet she has never separated her heart from her role as a CEO, leading with both strength and empathy. Forced to put away her dolls and childhood far too soon, Mary-Ann's early experiences became the foundation of her entrepreneurial journey. From caring for her brother and aging parents to supporting a husband with mental illness, facing her son's cancer diagnosis, and recovering from a devastating bike accident, she has endured more than most can imagine. In this episode of the Step Out of Line Podcast, "The Phoenix Shall Rise Again," Mary-Ann shares her remarkable journey. We talk about her childhood, what it was like to be a caregiver before finding herself on the receiving end of care, the lessons she's learned through unimaginable adversity, and why she continues to choose hope, resilience, and life. Mary-Ann’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience isn't about avoiding hardship; it's about rising every time life knocks you down.

The question, "What are you doing today?" and the response, "Nothing," might not seem like a life-changing moment to most people. But for Sim Shain, it became the catalyst for everything he has built since. As a paramedic, public speaker, entrepreneur, and CEO of Paraflight Aviation, Sim has dedicated his life to showing up for others. His story is one of stepping out of line, standing up for people who need someone in their corner, and proving that one simple decision can change countless lives. We met Sim years ago when Peri was a camper at Camp Simcha Special. She became severely dehydrated and had to be transported from camp to the local hospital for treatment. Sim rode with her in the ambulance alongside her counselor, kept Peri calm through the whole experience, reassured two terrified parents when they got the call, and then brought her back to camp the very next day. From that moment on, Sim has never stopped showing up for our family. If it wasn't for him, Peri never would have made it to her TEDx Talk in Texas in May 2025. He made it happen, just like he has done for so many people over the years. This podcast episode titled “What are you doing today?” is a special one because it is more than just a conversation. It is a conversation between friends, between people whose lives have been intertwined for years, and between people who believe in the power of giving back and how showing up for others can change everything. We're so excited for you to hear Sim's story. We have no doubt it will leave you thinking about the impact one person can have simply by saying yes when someone needs them. So what are you doing today?

Growing up Mormon, Founder/CEO of Hailey Ann Co, Hailey Fernelius left the church as a teenager and has been Stepping Out of Line since the age of 12. Her out-of-line journey has encouraged her to question everything she was taught about success, work, money, and life.  In this episode of the Step Out of Line Podcast, “Don’t Believe In The Hustle Culture,”  we talk about building a life that actually feels good instead of following someone else's blueprint. We dive into why she doesn't believe in hustle culture, how your nervous system plays a bigger role in your finances than most people realize, and why rest is crucial to one’s mental health.  We also get into her four archetypes (and why Peri is definitely the fight archetype), her wanderlust adventures, the lessons she learned working every position in a restaurant, how those experiences built the foundation for the business she has today, and more.  If you've ever felt like there's only one "right" way to build a business, make money, or live your life, this conversation is a reminder that you get to create your own path.

We’re so excited to welcome our friends, Rhonda & Jason Halbert (R.J. Halbert) to the podcast! Their story goes way back, as Jason first noticed Rhonda when he was just 8 years old, but they didn’t start dating until high school. After about a year, Jason knew she was the one. Today, they are authors, creatives, entrepreneurs, and CEOs of a publishing company that has already signed a number of authors. As individuals, they each dislike the restrictions of following rules and are continuously Stepping Out of Line. It’s simply a part of their DNA. R.J. Halbert’s personal trauma led them to write a trilogy, journaling became such a powerful tool for processing emotions for Rhonda, and their books serve as a way to remember life’s defining moments and remain grateful for the journey. In this episode of the Step Out of Line Podcast, “Faith, Creativity, And A Warm Bowl of Mac & Cheese,” we talk about faith, the supernatural strength that helps us face adversity, and the creative process, including how that final 5% of creativity can sometimes unlock the sum of a project, as well as Peri’s upcoming author journey, The Peri Project, and more. While R.J. Halbert’s books aren't a mirror to their own life experiences, the emotions behind them are. The Goodpasture Chronicles series may be fiction, but the heart of the story remains the same. We first connected with Jason when he appeared on the podcast in 2021, and we've all been friends ever since. Today, Rhonda and Jason are two of Peri's closest mentors, which made this conversation all the more special.

If you knew you had to hear 50 nos before getting to a yes, wouldn't you be excited to collect every single no? As the co-host of The Naked Room podcast, CEO of Hey Y'all!, and brand storyteller, Kelly Garthwaite has guided her career by a mindset defined by bold pivots, creative reinvention, and an unwavering commitment to her purpose. We first connected with Kelly through Entreprenista, and from the moment we met her, it was clear she isn't afraid to step outside the lines in pursuit of what truly lights her up. By trusting her instincts, embracing change, and staying connected to her "why," Kelly has navigated multiple career shifts while building a life and business aligned with her values. Whether she's behind the camera, behind the microphone, or helping brands tell meaningful stories, she continually follows the things that make her tick and refuses to lose sight of her North Star. In this episode of the Step Out of Line Podcast, "Never Lose Sight of Your North Star," we talk about entrepreneurship, storytelling, rejection, resilience, and the power of trusting your inner voice. Kelly shares why rejection is simply part of the journey, how unexpected pivots can lead to your greatest opportunities, and what it takes to keep moving toward the life you're meant to build. This conversation is a reminder that success isn't always a straight line, and that every no brings you one step closer to the right yes.

London 2012 may have broken many runners, but for Shannon Rowbury, it lit a fire that never went out. As an Olympic runner in what is now known as one of the most controversial women’s 1500-meter finals of all time, Shannon refused to let that race define her. Instead, she used it as fuel, building a future that extends far beyond the track and field and into a legacy her children can be proud of. Today, Rowbury is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, sports commentator, and coach who believes there are no limits to what’s possible. Alongside her husband, she co-founded the Imagining More Foundation and running camp, helping the next generation of athletes reimagine their competitive mindset. After co-authoring two books, building community in sport, and teaching leadership and team strategy in the corporate and educational world, Shannon had come to accept that the chance for a fair 2012 Olympic outcome had already passed. Then came the news: she will be awarded a medal at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles for her performance at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Sometimes, even years later, truth finds its way forward, and what was always deserved becomes a full-circle moment. Between now and the 2028 games, Shannon is determined to write her story through her own memoir and create a documentary alongside other creatives and fellow runners. We cannot wait to see where these next few years take her! In this episode of the Step Out of Line Podcast, “This Medalist's Mindset,” we explore the marathon mindset, motherhood, and the athletic journey, the importance of storytelling and sharing our truths, and more. Be sure to tune in!

“If you don’t see it, you can’t dream it, and if you can’t dream it, you can’t be it.” ~ Lawrence Carter-Long Drafted into being a poster child at five, Lawrence soon realized walking was overrated and that making spaces accessible for everyone mattered more. What began as a six-month film screening in New York City featuring disability films led Lawrence to the ReelAbilities Film Festival movement. The industry either chooses to “deal with” disability or avoids it altogether. Peri experienced this while seeking an agent and publisher for her book, ultimately signing with a hybrid company whose inclusive values drew her in. She wanted to be accepted for who she is, not found lacking for who she isn’t. ReelAbilities views disability through a kaleidoscopic lens, where those who write, create, produce, and film these stories are seen in full.  Too often, disability narratives are framed as heroic, tragic, or “inspiring” for simply existing. This festival flips the script, showcasing the full spectrum of the disability community. In this episode of the Step Out of Line Podcast, “Only By Breaking the Rules Can You Create New Ones,” we explore disability in the arts, the barriers to inclusion, and why stepping out of line is second nature and necessary. Tune in! For more information, visit reelabilities.org. This year’s festival runs April 23–30, with many films available to stream afterward.

Elizabeth Mehditach is a living example of what it means to serve your dreams. A survivor of domestic violence, her values as a mother, teacher, and chef are grounded in truth and conviction. When she needed to protect her children, she did whatever it took. We are all stardust (credit to Neil deGrasse Tyson). It’s a miracle we’re here, so we must make the most of our circumstances, move past trauma, and keep going. This entreprenista (a Women Founders Network) calls herself a cockeyed optimist whose glass is always more than full. She keeps a backup plan for her backup plan, pivots when things go south, and thinks ahead, bringing that same mindset to her children. In this episode of the Step Out of Line Podcast, “We ARE Stardust,” we explore trauma related to domestic violence, the importance of women standing up for themselves and their beliefs, and the mindset shifts that helped her rebuild her life, protect her family, and move forward with purpose.

Tiffany Yu’s career journey has been a jungle gym of bold, agile leaps. From Wall Street to becoming a disability advocate, founder of Diversability, entrepreneur, grantmaker, and author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto, she continues to use her voice to create change. Most recently, she’s taken on para climbing, adding yet another adventure to her story. At nine years old, Tiffany survived a tragic car accident that took her father’s life and left her with a permanently paralyzed arm and multiple broken bones in one of her legs. She used a wheelchair for four months and was years later diagnosed with PTSD as an adult. In this episode of the Step Out of Line Podcast, titled “Dear Nine-Year-Old Tiffany,” we explore mental health, disability advocacy, the author journey, and the lived disability experience.

The cultural landscape around disability often overlooks beauty, fashion, and art; they’re seen as “extras,” not essentials. But for many of us in the disability community, those creative pillars are just as vital to identity and self-expression. Xian Horn's nonprofit, Give Beauty Wings, recognizes this truth. Their work reminds the world that inclusion in art and design matters, that everyone deserves to feel seen in beauty. Too often, society assumes disabled people should simply be content with what they have, no matter how limited the options, even something as basic as shoes. Expanding access to beauty and fashion isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a movement toward greater equality, one that ripples far beyond what we wear.