199|Public Speaking, Personal Branding & Powerful Elevator Speeches with Lorraine Howell

199|Public Speaking, Personal Branding & Powerful Elevator Speeches with Lorraine Howell

Whether you're networking, interviewing, building a business, or simply trying to introduce yourself with confidence, your elevator speech can open doors—and few people know that better than Lorraine Howell. In this engaging episode of Interrupted: Act 2 – Reinventing Your Legacy, Laurie Hardie sits down with author, speaker, and media professional Lorraine Howell to explore the art of public speaking, creating a memorable elevator speech, and communicating with confidence in any setting. Lorraine shares practical strategies from her book, Give Your Elevator Speech a Lift!, explaining how to craft a concise, authentic message that helps people instantly understand who you are and what you do. Whether you're an entrepreneur, job seeker, speaker, or professional looking to build stronger connections, you'll come away with actionable communication tips you can use immediately. The conversation also takes some delightful turns as Lorraine shares her love of the Seattle Mariners, memorable stories from the world of baseball, and the unforgettable day legendary actress Debbie Reynolds gave her a phone call. In this episode you'll discover: • How to create an elevator speech that feels natural and memorable • Public speaking tips to build confidence and credibility • Communication strategies for networking and business growth • Why storytelling is one of your greatest leadership tools • Behind-the-scenes stories involving the Seattle Mariners and Debbie Reynolds If you've ever struggled to explain what you do—or wished you felt more confident speaking in front of others—this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and inspiration. Connect with Lorraine Howell Book: Give Your Elevator Speech a Lift! https://www.amazon.com/Give-Your-Elevator-Speech-Lift/dp/1887542396 [https://www.amazon.com/Give-Your-Elevator-Speech-Lift/dp/1887542396]   lacoach@comcast.net [lacoach@comcast.net] Ready to Podcast? Quiz [https://podcrafter.net/podcrafter-quiz-page]

198|From Firefighter to Freedom: A Story of Healing, Adventure & Self-Discovery

Sometimes the greatest adventure isn't found on a map—it's the journey back to yourself. In this inspiring episode of Interrupted: Act 2, Laurie Hardie sits down with author, adventurer, former firefighter, and coach Kristy Halvorsen to explore the extraordinary story behind her memoir, Perfect Unfolding: Seven Years of Life-Changing Solo Adventure, One Year That Broke Me Open. After leaving behind a successful career, selling nearly everything she owned, and moving into an Airstream, Kristy spent years traveling across North America. Along the way she discovered that the greatest wilderness wasn't outside—it was learning to trust herself, heal old wounds, embrace uncertainty, and live a life that felt deeply authentic. Whether you're facing a major life transition, dreaming about a different future, or simply wondering if there's something more waiting for you, this conversation will remind you that sometimes the biggest leaps of faith lead to the most meaningful life. Connect with Kristy Halvorsen 🌐 Website: https://perfectunfolding.com [https://perfectunfolding.com] 📖 Learn more about Perfect Unfolding: https://perfectunfolding.com [https://perfectunfolding.com] 🎬 Book Trailer: https://perfectunfolding.com/book-trailer/ [https://perfectunfolding.com/book-trailer/] If this episode encouraged you, please follow the show, leave a 5-star review, and share it with someone who may be standing at the beginning of their own perfect unfolding. Lacoach@comcast.net [Lacoach@comcast.net] Ready to podcast? Quiz [https://podcrafter.net/podcrafter-quiz-page]

197|The Care Conversations Every Family Needs | Victoria Johnston on Home Care, Aging Parents & Starting a Podcast

What happens when caring for an aging loved one becomes more than your family can manage alone? In this episode, Laurie Hardie sits down with Victoria Johnston, owner of Right at Home Snohomish County, to have an honest conversation about home care, caregiving, aging with dignity, and the resources families often don't know exist until they're in the middle of a crisis. Victoria shares what makes compassionate in-home care so valuable, the signs that extra support may be needed, and how families can navigate difficult conversations with confidence instead of fear. The conversation also turns to Victoria's exciting new podcast, where she'll continue helping families understand senior care, caregiving, dementia support, aging in place, and the many questions that come with caring for older adults. Whether you're currently caring for a parent, planning ahead for the future, or simply want to understand what quality home care really looks like, this episode is filled with practical advice and encouragement. In this episode: • When it's time to consider home care • How professional caregivers support independence and dignity • Tips for family caregivers navigating difficult decisions • Common misconceptions about in-home senior care • Resources available for aging adults and their families • Why Victoria launched a podcast to educate and support caregivers If you've ever wondered how to help an aging loved one live safely and independently—or simply want to be prepared for the future—this conversation is an excellent place to start. Right at Home Snohomish County   [?%20%20In%20this%20episode,%20Laurie%20Hardie%20sits%20down%20with%20Victoria%20Johnston,%20owner%20of%20Right%20at%20Home%20Snohomish%20County,%20to%20have%20an%20honest%20conversation%20about%20home%20care,%20caregiving,%20aging%20with%20dignity,%20and%20the%20resources%20families%20often%20don] lacoach@comcast.net [lacoach@comcast.net] Ready to Podcast? Quiz [https://podcrafter.net/podcrafter-quiz-page]

196|How to Turn Your Purpose into Impact:Deb Drummond on Reinvention, Entrepreneurship & Showing Up with Confidence

What happens when you stop waiting for the "perfect time" and start saying yes to the mission you've been called to? In this inspiring episode of Interrupted: Act 2, Laurie Hardie sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, media visionary, and Mission Accepted founder Deb Drummond. After building multiple international businesses and helping thousands of entrepreneurs amplify their message, Deb shares the mindset shifts that separate those who dream from those who take action. Together, Laurie and Deb explore what it really means to reinvent yourself, embrace your purpose, and use your voice to create lasting impact—whether you're starting a business, launching a podcast, writing a book, or stepping onto a stage for the first time. If you've ever wondered whether it's "too late," questioned your next chapter, or felt called to something bigger, this conversation will encourage you to stop playing small and start showing up with confidence. Deb Drummond   [https://debdrummond.com/] lacoach@comcast.net [lacoach@comcast.net] Ready to Podcast? Quiz [https://podcrafter.net/podcrafter-quiz-page]

195|When Adult Children Go No Contact: Susan Metzger's Story and Support for Estranged Parents

What happens when your adult child suddenly cuts off contact and you have no idea why? In this powerful and heartfelt episode, I sit down with Susan Metzger, host of the podcast Flip Flops & Freedom, to discuss the growing issue of family estrangement and the emotional impact of adult children choosing a no-contact relationship with their parents. Susan shares her personal story of becoming estranged from her child, the heartbreak of living with unanswered questions, and how that experience led her to create the support community Parents in the Waiting Room. Through her Facebook group, she provides a safe place for parents navigating grief, confusion, loss, and the challenges of being cut off from their children. Together, we explore: 🎙️ Family estrangement and no-contact relationships 🎙️ The emotional impact on parents 🎙️ Coping with grief, rejection, and unanswered questions 🎙️ Finding support and community during family conflict 🎙️ Healing while holding onto hope 🎙️ Resources for parents experiencing estrangement If you are a parent struggling with an estranged child, feeling isolated, or searching for answers, this conversation offers understanding, validation, and hope. Connect with Susan Metzger https://susanmetzger.org/ PARENTS IN THE WAITING ROOM FACEBOOK COMMUNITY: fb.com/groups/parentsinthewaitingroom [http://fb.com/groups/parentsinthewaitingroom]   FLIP FLOPS & FREEDOM PODCAST:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/flip-flops-and-freedom/id1896737161 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/flip-flops-and-freedom/id1896737161] lacoach@comcast.net [lacoach@comcast.net] 7 Day Podcast Pro [http://www.coachlaurie.com/]