Using Life’s Grit to Find Your Joy!

Finding Your Rhythm Again: Starting Over, Letting Go and Dancing Forward

In this episode, Laura sits down with performer, choreographer, teacher, and newly published author Julie O'Connell for a candid conversation about reinvention, resilience, and the courage to keep moving forward. With a career spanning more than five decades, Julie has performed around the world, taught some of Hollywood's most recognizable stars, choreographed countless productions, and raised a Broadway performer of her own. But behind the applause and glamorous credits were seasons of uncertainty, difficult relationships, financial setbacks, and the challenge of rebuilding her life more than once. Julie shares lessons learned from navigating major life pivots, recovering from a toxic relationship, rediscovering her independence, writing her memoir Winging It Every Step of the Way, and embracing a simpler, more intentional chapter of life. This conversation is a reminder that no matter your age or stage, there is always another dance waiting for you. * Reinvention is not a one-time event. It happens throughout life. * Financial freedom and emotional freedom are deeply connected. * Sometimes the bravest move is walking away from a life that looks successful from the outside. * Simplicity can create more happiness than status or appearances. * Trying new things is often the fastest path to clarity. * The word "could" creates possibility while "should" creates pressure. * Creativity and purpose do not have an expiration date. * Writing can be a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery. 00:00 - Welcome and Meet Julie O'Connell * Laura introduces dancer, choreographer, teacher, and author Julie O'Connell. * Julie's remarkable career journey and Broadway connections. 06:20 - Born to Dance * Julie reflects on a lifetime in dance. * Why dance has always been part of her identity. 10:45 - When Relationships Change Your Direction * Julie discusses a difficult relationship that slowly altered the course of her life. * Recognizing manipulation and emotional dependency. 16:00 - Breaking Free and Starting Over * How distance, reflection, and writing helped Julie reclaim her life. * Learning to trust herself again. 18:40 - Choosing Happiness Over Appearances * Letting go of the country club lifestyle. * Why freedom became more important than status. 21:30 - From Big Houses to Small Spaces * Downsizing, simplifying, and redefining success. * Discovering what really matters. 28:30 - Dancing for Gene Kelly * Julie shares one of her favorite career memories. * Performing directly in front of Gene Kelly and receiving encouragement from a legend. 31:00 - Raising a Broadway Star * The story of how Julie's daughter Kelly landed an opportunity with Donald O'Connor at just five years old. * Life as a performer and parent. 36:00 - What's Next? * Navigating life transitions in midlife and beyond. * Staying open to new opportunities while remaining true to yourself. 40:00 - Writing 'Winging It Every Step of the Way' * How a simple library writing class sparked Julie's memoir. * Lessons learned from the publishing process. 46:30 - From Should to Could * Julie shares one of her most powerful mindset shifts. * Replacing obligation with possibility. 49:00 - Why Trying New Things Matters * Bartending, Weight Watchers coaching, golf, teaching, and discovering what truly fits. * The importance of experimentation. 53:30 - Final Advice for Women in Reinvention * Authenticity, resilience, health, purpose, and continuing to grow at every age. Julie's Book [https://amzn.to/4w27IME] Julie on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TheJulieOConnellDanceExperience] Connect with Laura: Connect with Laura laura@lauranozicka.com www.unhookedwomen.com https://www.facebook.com/UnhookedWomenPodcast https://www.instagram.com/unhooked_women_podcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@unhookedwomen https://www.youtube.com/@Unhooked_Women_Podcast

Using Life’s Grit to Find Your Joy!

Join me in this enlightening episode where Leslie Sann, a seasoned teacher and pearl cultivator of human joy, shares insights from over four decades of guiding people through life's grit toward gleaming pearls of joy. Discover how to turn adversity into blessings, the importance of acceptance, and practical tools for cultivating happiness, regardless of circumstances. She talks about midlife, her divorces and what she was thinking when she found herself alone on a snowy, winter night. Key Topics: The metaphor of pearl cultivation to transform adversity into joy Defining grit as unexpected circumstances and how to dance with life's change The role of acceptance and response in awakening and joy The significance of mindset reframing versus drastic external changes Practical strategies to embrace aloneness, loss, and life's unpredictable shifts How to identify and expand your personal joy portfolio The importance of self-honoring, forgiveness, and gratitude in the journey to joy Living intentionally and authentic joy beyond societal expectations Leslie’s personal stories of resilience, including her snowblower story and solo journey Practical tools to move beyond pity parties and cultivate a joyful attitude Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Leslie Sann, joy teacher and pearl cultivator 00:28 - Grounding meditation to receive joy and blessings 03:32 - What does it mean to be a pearl cultivator? Turning grit into blessings 04:40 - The metaphor of irritation and growth in oysters as a life lesson 07:24 - How Leslie defines grit: life's unexpected changes and our dance with them 09:16 - How awakening sparks through responding, not reacting, to life's circumstances 12:14 - The role of reframing mindset around joy, success, and life purpose 14:52 - Joy as authenticity versus societal standards and external achievements 18:06 - Personal stories of divorce and resilience as catalysts for growth 23:04 - The snowblower story: reframing challenges with humor and acceptance 27:01 - Moving from victim stories to gratitude and empowerment in hardship 32:38 - Recognizing our true identity beyond thoughts and circumstances 37:03 - Tools for letting go of judgment, practicing kindness to oneself 42:14 - The process of evolving joy with age and authenticity 46:24 - Nourishing joy through living aligned with our passions and essence 50:05 - Identifying feelings associated with joy to deepen awareness 54:28 - The importance of joy as a choice, not a circumstance 55:34 - Leslie’s role as an educator in cultivating consciousness and skills for joy 59:10 - Embracing change as a friend and a catalyst for new possibilities 60:51 - Connecting with Leslie and exploring her upcoming programs Resources& Links: Connect with Leslie: LeslieSann - Official Website [https://lesliesann.com/] Workshop:Go Pearl Yourself [https://lesliesann.com/events] Meditation & Grounding Techniques [https://lesliesann.com/resources] Newsletter Signup [https://lesliesann.com/newsletter] Connect with Laura laura@unhookedwomen.com www.unhookedwomen.com https://www.facebook.com/UnhookedWomenPodcast https://www.instagram.com/unhooked_women_podcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@unhookedwomen https://www.youtube.com/@Unhooked_Women_Podcast

Stop Waiting For Your Life to Show Up!

In this honest and deeply personal episode, Laura explores what it really means to “show up anyway” when life doesn’t unfold as planned. Speaking from her own lived experience, Laura reflects on a nonlinear career filled with unexpected pivots, creative risks, and reinvention. From launching a spray tan business to building a podcast that turned into a keynote platform, Laura shares how every chapter—no matter how messy or uncertain—served as a stepping stone rather than a setback. She introduces the idea of the “spaghetti phase,” a season of trying, experimenting, and discovering what truly sticks. This episode is a powerful call to women navigating transitions, especially in midlife, to stop performing at “fine,” get radically honest about what they want, and trust that their path is still unfolding. With warmth, humor, and real talk, Laura offers five actionable ways to reclaim your energy, redefine your timeline, and build a life that feels aligned—no matter when you start. Connect with Laura laura@unhookedwomen.com www.unhookedwomen.com https://www.facebook.com/UnhookedWomenPodcast https://www.instagram.com/unhooked_women_podcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@unhookedwomen https://www.youtube.com/@Unhooked_Women_Podcast

5 Things You Can Do To Start Reclaiming Your Life Today! Let's Get Unhooked!

Hey girlfriend… welcome to Unhooked. If you’ve been asking yourself: What’s next? Why doesn’t this feel right anymore? What am I missing? You are exactly where you’re supposed to be. This first episode is your invitation to step into something different. Not a complete life overhaul… but a reset. A reframe. A recalibration. Because here’s the truth: You don’t need fixing. You need freedom. In this kickoff episode, Laura introduces the Unhooked movement and what it means to start living life on your own terms. This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a space for women over 40 to unhook from: * Expectations * Roles that no longer fit * The pressure to “have it all together” * And yes… even the bra and the BS You’ll also hear how Unhooked evolved from The Braless Lush—and why that bold, playful, slightly rebellious energy isn’t going anywhere… it’s just growing up with you. You did everything right. So why doesn’t it feel right? If something feels off, it doesn’t mean you’re behind or broken. It means you’re ready for a shift. This episode helps you recognize that quiet nudge and start listening to it instead of pushing it down. Connect with Laura laura@unhookedwomen.com www.unhookedwomen.com https://www.facebook.com/UnhookedWomenPodcast https://www.instagram.com/unhooked_women_podcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@unhookedwomen https://www.youtube.com/@Unhooked_Women_Podcast

Career Clarity is the New Power Move!

In this insightful conversation, Maria Dastur shares her journey and the impactful work she is doing to empower women during a time when pivoting can be stressful, confusing yet exciting! She emphasizes the importance of identifying non-negotiables and needs, and how many people often skip this crucial step. Maria also discusses the significance of networking, stating that 85% of jobs are landed through connections, and advises spending a similar percentage of time building one's network. The discussion is filled with practical advice and personal anecdotes, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to advance in their career. (My apologies but my sound is a little wonky due to mic issues. This episode is still a great listen!)Takeaways- Identify your non-negotiables and needs.- Networking is crucial for career advancement.- Spend 85% of your time building connections.- Many people skip identifying their needs.- Maria's journey is inspiring and impactful.- Practical advice for career growth.- Personal anecdotes enrich the discussion.- Empowerment through self-awareness.- The importance of personal growth.- Maria's work is empowering women.Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariadastur/ Link to your FREE playbook: ⁠⁠2026Screw It Strategy Playbook | The Braless Lush Podcast⁠ [https://www.thebralesslush.com/screwitstrategyplaybook] Resources & Links: Want to connect? Website: www.thebralesslush.com Email: laura@thebralesslush.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠EpisodeDrink Recipes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.thebralesslush.com/copy-of-the-lush-lounge] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561059776575] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@TheBralessLushPodcast] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@bralesslushpodcast] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/the_braless_lush/]