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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What if permanent makeup was about far more than beauty?

In this inspiring episode of Interrupted: Act 2 – Reinventing Your Legacy, Laurie Hardie sits down with internationally recognized permanent makeup artist, educator, and entrepreneur Tanny Diep, founder of Sway Brows, to explore how cosmetic tattooing can restore confidence, transform lives, and create meaningful impact.

Tanny shares how she built a thriving beauty business from the ground up, the lessons she's learned as an entrepreneur, and what it takes to grow a successful brand in a competitive industry. From marketing and leadership to customer experience and perseverance, her business advice is valuable for entrepreneurs in any field.

The conversation also shines a light on one of the most meaningful aspects of her work—helping cancer survivors, people living with alopecia, and others regain confidence through natural-looking permanent makeup. Tanny explains how services like microblading, nano brows, lip blush, eyeliner, scalp micropigmentation, and paramedical tattooing can be part of a person's healing journey, restoring not only appearance but also self-esteem.

Whether you're curious about permanent makeup, interested in starting or growing a beauty business, or simply love hearing stories of purpose-driven entrepreneurship, this episode offers inspiration, practical wisdom, and a fresh perspective on confidence and resilience.

In this episode you'll discover: • What permanent makeup really is—and who it helps • The difference between microblading, nano brows, and other cosmetic tattoo services • How Tanny built a successful beauty business and international training brand • Marketing and business strategies for entrepreneurs • Why serving cancer survivors and people with alopecia has become such an important part of her mission • How confidence and compassion can change lives

Connect with Tanny Diep

Sway Brows & Sway Inked https://swaybrows.com/

Instagram: @swaybrows

lacoach@comcast.net

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If the thought of speaking in front of a room makes your palms sweat, you're not alone—but it doesn't have to stay that way.

In this inspiring episode, Laurie sits down with Donna Riccardo, founder of Red Stiletto: Get to the Point!, speaker, trainer, coach, and best-selling author, to talk about how public speaking can transform both your confidence and your business.

Donna shares why great speakers are made—not born—and how learning to communicate with clarity, confidence, and authenticity can open doors to new opportunities, greater visibility, and stronger client relationships. Whether you're speaking on a stage, appearing on podcasts, networking, or leading meetings, your ability to communicate effectively directly impacts your influence.

In this episode you'll discover: • How to overcome the fear of public speaking • Why entrepreneurs need a signature talk • The biggest mistakes speakers make—and how to avoid them • How speaking positions you as an expert and attracts ideal clients • Tips for creating presentations that people remember • The power of storytelling, preparation, and authentic connection • Why "getting to the point" is one of the greatest communication skills you can develop

If you've ever wanted to become a more confident speaker, grow your business through public speaking, or simply communicate your message with greater impact, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and encouragement.

Connect with Donna Riccardo: Website: https://www.donnariccardo.com Company: Red Stiletto: Get to the Point!

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a 5-star review, and share it with someone who's ready to find their voice and make a bigger impact.

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What does it take to build a successful business while staying true to your values and investing in your community?

In this inspiring episode Laurie visits with Laycee Gwyther, Mrs. Everett, entrepreneur, mentor, and owner of Executive Beauty Suites, to talk about leadership, entrepreneurship, mentoring young people, and creating a business that makes a lasting impact.

Laycee shares her journey from business owner to community leader, discussing the lessons she's learned about perseverance, confidence, and building meaningful relationships. She explains why mentoring the next generation is one of her greatest passions and how servant leadership has shaped both her business and her life.

Of course, no conversation with Laycee would be complete without hearing about Mr. Pickles, her beloved pet goat who has become a memorable part of her story and reminds us that sometimes the most unexpected things bring the biggest smiles.

Whether you're a woman in business, an entrepreneur, a small business owner, an aspiring leader, or someone looking for encouragement to pursue your dreams, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom, inspiration, and heart.

Connect with Laycee Gwyther: Executive Beauty Suites Mrs. Everett Mr. Pickles 🐐 https://linktr.ee/LayceeG

lacoach@comcast.net

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What Prison Taught Me About Freedom: Judy Burr's Story of Hope and Redemption

Life After Prison: Judy Burr on Finding Purpose Through the Hardest Chapter of Her Life

The Truth About Federal Prison: Judy Burr's Journey from Conviction to Transformation

How One Prison Sentence Changed Everything: Judy Burr on Resilience, Hope & Healing

From Wire Fraud to Wisdom: Judy Burr Shares the Lessons That Changed Her Life

Second Chances Are Earned: Judy Burr's Story of Prison, Perseverance and Purpose

Finding Hope Behind Bars: Judy Burr on Prison, Personal Growth and Redemption

Can Your Worst Mistake Become Your Greatest Teacher? Judy Burr Says Yes

The Life Lessons I Never Expected to Learn in Prison | Judy Burr

Can your darkest chapter become the beginning of your greatest purpose?

In this powerful episode, Laurie sits down with author Judy Burr, whose life took an unexpected turn when she was convicted of wire fraud and entered the federal prison system. Instead of allowing prison to define her, Judy used the experience to discover resilience, accountability, hope, and a completely new perspective on life.

Drawing from her memoir Lion Song, Judy shares what life behind bars was really like, the relationships that changed her, the lessons she never expected to learn, and how she rebuilt her life after prison.

Together they discuss:

• What life inside federal prison is really like
• The emotional impact of incarceration
• Finding hope in impossible circumstances
• Personal responsibility and second chances
• Resilience through adversity
• Healing after life's biggest setbacks
• Faith, forgiveness, and moving forward
• Why our mistakes don't have to define our future

Whether you've experienced hardship yourself or simply love stories of resilience and transformation, Judy's journey is a powerful reminder that hope can be found in the most unexpected places.

Learn more about Judy Burr and her books: JudyBurr.com

lacoach@comcast.net

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Have you ever wondered if you're actually stuck—or simply conditioned to believe you are?

In this thought-provoking conversation, Laurie sits down with Jo Kelly, a de-conditioning companion, filmmaker, and guide who helps people reconnect with their natural creativity, authentic expression, and instinctive wisdom.

Together they explore why so many high-achieving people struggle with overthinking, perfectionism, creative blocks, and feeling disconnected from themselves. Jo shares her unique approach to de-conditioning—a process of letting go of learned patterns that keep us performing instead of truly living.

They also discuss:

• Why the real problem isn't a lack of talent—it's conditioning • How to move from overthinking into flow state • Reconnecting with creativity and authentic self-expression • Emotional freedom and nervous system regulation • What dancing through cancer taught Jo about being fully alive • Why our world is hungry for genuine human connection

If you've ever felt like you've lost touch with yourself, your purpose, or your creativity, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to become fully human again.

Connect with Jo Kelly

Website: lacoach@comcast.net

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