A writer, speaker, and mother of 5 living in New York, working with women globally.
VANESSA CORNELL
hello, i'm
Voicenotes From A Friend delivers unfiltered reflections, sometimes raw and ridiculous, but always real.
Each week, I’ll send you a voicenote on Substack, just like we’re chatting friend to friend. I talk about things like “I Had A Six-Pack. I Also Had Chronic Pain” and “I Was Ready To Burn It All Down. Then I Bought Yarn,” along with other sometimes-taboo musings for women moving through midlife.
New York 1
Practice you podcast
The Washington Post
Motherly
Drew Magazine
featured in
Join me for a free virtual session on how to build the friendships and support you’ve been craving in 2026.
This workshop will offer simple, actionable steps to begin building your virtuous circle of support, filled with friendships that nourish you, understand you, and help you feel more grounded and connected.
Building Your Circle of Friendship
January 30, 12-1 pm
Virtual, zoom
Join me for a sweet, low-pressure stitching circle designed for anyone craving a little creativity and community. You can come with your own craft or learn to crochet with guided instruction; both are welcome!
Stitching Circle
January 27, 5-7 pm
In-Person, NYC
Upcoming Events
I threw a bomb into my life, and as I picked up the pieces, I searched far and wide for teachers and guides who could help me, only to realize I had the answers within all along. I just needed to create the conditions to remember them.
In the process, I went from sleepwalking through life and feeling disconnected to a life that feels purposeful and alive. And that’s what I want for you.
I had everything I could have ever dreamed of–a loving husband, five children, abundance and success–and felt trapped in a crushing and debilitating loneliness.
get it here
A weekly voicenote from me to you. Sometimes deep, sometimes ridiculous, always human. Think of it like the kind of voicenote I’d leave my best friend—the messy, unfiltered version of me, saying the things we don’t usually say out loud. Now I’m sending them to you.
A weekly voicenote from me to you.
Sometimes deep, sometimes ridiculous, always human. Think of it like the kind of voicenote I’d leave my best friend—the messy, unfiltered version of me, saying the things we don’t usually say out loud. Now I’m sending them to you.
Voicenotes From A Friend
REAL TALK FOR REAL WOMEN
I work with individuals who are deeply committed to profound self honesty and desire rapid change. It is my greatest honor to participate in someone’s journey home to themselves.
Mentorship
I love to talk about motherhood, identity, and the journey of rediscovery many women embark on in midlife.
Speaking
work with me
I love to share my ups, my downs, and everything in between. I write weekly(ish) newsletters because telling the truth about my life and the thoughts inside my head is the personal practice that keeps me both sane and inspired. I also love to share free resources, prompts for reflection, and introduce the teachers, products, and offerings I can’t get enough of.
Newsletter
love letters
messy, beautiful, Humorous truths about life, friendship, and everything in between.
Voicenotes from a friend
resources for the woman who chooses to show up and believe in herself every single day