*By Carlo Versano* Call it the "sandwich generation" ー people, often women, in their 30s and early 40s juggling demanding careers and increasing demands of caring for aging parents. Those are some of the stories Emmy Award-winning journalist Laura Ling is hoping to highlight in her podcast "Everyday Bravery." Ling said she noticed that many of the stories of hardship she encountered were brought on by a sudden financial challenge. The gender pay gap is also evident she said ー especially as more women leave their jobs to raise children. "Women often take on that burden," she said. But she is energized by recent advances in the women's movement and the many who are speaking out about their own struggles. Ling was famously held captive in North Korea for 140 days in 2009. After her release ー brought after Bill Clinton visited Pyongyang ー she said she was often called brave and courageous. "I didn't feel brave at all," she said. Yet she was able to look to the strength of others, particularly other women, who were oppressed ー or worse ー around the world. "We all have it inside us to find that strength." For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/womens-voices-are-getting-stronger-laura-ling-on-female-leadership-in-america).
