We were lucky to catch up with Abby Vaden recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Abby, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Honestly, I think I found my purpose by paying attention to what pulled at me — not just what I was good at, but what I couldn’t stop thinking about. For me, it was storytelling. I’ve always been drawn to real, raw stories of perseverance and people who rise up despite the odds — and I realized that not only did I want to hear those stories, I wanted to amplify them.
It wasn’t an overnight discovery. It came from seasons of trying different things, asking myself what truly mattered, and being willing to pivot. But once I started sharing stories through my podcast, something just clicked. It felt like alignment — like this was what I was meant to do.
Now, I see purpose as less of a destination and more of a compass. It keeps me grounded and reminds me why I do what I do, even on the hard days.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m the founder and host of the Defying The Odds podcast — a platform dedicated to amplifying powerful, real-life stories of people who rise above adversity and redefine what success looks like on their own terms. What excites me most about this work is the impact. I get to sit across from some of the most resilient, inspiring humans and give them space to share their truth — and the ripple effect it creates is real. People feel seen, heard, and reminded they’re not alone in what they’re walking through.
Since launching in 2024, we’ve been blessed with over 400 reviews and 60,000+ downloads, and we’re just getting started. Season 3 is now in the works, and we’re opening up new guest spots, including feature interviews and even live conversations on Instagram.
Beyond the podcast, my mission is about building community — a space where stories are honored, and healing and transformation can happen through connection.
If you’re someone with a story to tell or a heart to hear, this space was built for you.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, authenticity, and curiosity.
Resilience has been everything. There were so many moments where I could’ve quit — when things felt too hard, too uncertain, or like no one was listening. But learning to keep showing up, even when it was uncomfortable or messy, made all the difference.
Authenticity helped me stand out and build trust. People connect with real — not polished, not perfect — and I’ve learned that owning my story, even the hard parts, creates space for others to do the same.
And curiosity kept me growing. I asked questions, listened to other people’s stories, tried new things, and stayed open to learning. That mindset has opened more doors than any strategy ever could.
For anyone just starting out, my advice is:
1. Don’t wait until it’s perfect — just start.
2. Get clear on your why — it’ll carry you through the hard seasons.
3. Surround yourself with people who remind you of what’s possible.
Growth takes time, but if you stay rooted in who you are and keep showing up, you’ll be amazed at where the journey takes you.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Right now, the biggest challenge I’m facing is managing growth while staying grounded in the mission. As the podcast gains traction and more opportunities come in, it’s easy to get pulled in a hundred different directions — collaborations, content, social media, events — all amazing things, but also a lot to carry.
I’m learning that growth doesn’t just require strategy, it requires structure. So I’ve been working on building systems behind the scenes, bringing in support where I can, and setting better boundaries with my time and energy. Most importantly, I’m reminding myself that I don’t have to hustle to prove anything — I just need to stay aligned with why I started in the first place: to amplify real stories, build community, and create impact.
It’s a work in progress, but I truly believe that the way we grow matters just as much as the growth itself.
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