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.

https://susanmetzger.org/

lacoach@comcast.net

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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

lacoach@comcast.net

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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

📖 Learn more about Perfect Unfolding: 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

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