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PODCAST

Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans

Lorraine Connell, www.peersnotfears.com

Welcome to Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans, the podcast where we dive into the experiences of current Titan leaders to uncover how their teenage years shaped their paths to success and how a coach might have helped them along the way. Hosted by Lorraine Connell, Teen Leadership Coach and founder of Peers Not Fears, this show offers parents, teens, and aspiring leaders invaluable insights and practical advice.In each episode, we candidly talk with leaders who reflect on their challenges,

education parenting

All Episodes

45:55

Stephanie Malia Krauss on Why Kids Are Struggling...

Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans ·

2026/04/02

In this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, we’re joined by Stephanie Malia Krauss, author, speaker, and strategist focused on helping young people truly thrive in today’s world.This conversation is powerful, honest, and incredibly relevant for anyone supporting teens. What we talked about Stephanie shares her personal story and how it shaped her work, along with what she’s seeing across schools and communities today. One thing is clear: Young people aren’t lacking potential… they’re

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44:08

How Mentorship and Safe Spaces Help Teens Become...

Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans ·

2026/03/19

In this episode, Lorraine sits down with Steve Pappajohn, Director of the Dover Teen Center, to talk about the impact of mentorship, belonging, and leadership development in the lives of young people. Steve shares how his own experiences shaped the way he supports teens today, why acceptance matters first, and how creating safe spaces helps young people build confidence, connection, and leadership skills. This conversation also explores risk-taking, peer influence, and the power of helping teens

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31:14

From Perfectionism to Personal Brand: Lily Grace York...

Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans ·

2026/03/12

In this episode, Lorraine Connell talks with Lily Grace York, personal brand strategist and creative entrepreneur, about how her teen years shaped the leader she is today. Lily shares what it was like to be seen as the “perfect” student while quietly struggling with anxiety, self-pressure, and fear of making mistakes. Together, they explore perfectionism, confidence, leadership, and how finding your voice can change everything.What they cover: Perfectionism and pressure as a teen Anxiety and

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40:31

From Silence to Strength: Building Emotionally Safe...

Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans ·

2026/03/05

In this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine sits down with Maria Natapov, a step-parenting and co-parenting expert and Vice Chair of the Sparrow Collective.Maria shares how her teen years, shaped by immigration and “stay small, stay quiet” messaging, impacted her confidence, intuition, and early relationships. She opens up about overcoming an unhealthy relationship and how those experiences led her to support families navigating conflict, divorce, and blended family dynamics. In

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31:51

Taking Off the Mask: Lynn Hughes on Grief, Courage,...

Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans ·

2026/02/26

What happens when a kid has to keep it together while their world falls apart? In this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, host Lorraine Connell talks with Lynn Hughes—founder of Comfort Zone Camp, the nation’s first free bereavement camp for grieving kids.Lynn shares the moment her life changed forever: losing both parents young, walking into junior high the day after her father died, and learning to “blend in” behind a mask. That same experience became the seed of her mission—creating a

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40:13

Trusting Your Inner Compass with Dr. Jennifer Edwards

Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans ·

2026/02/19

Dr. Jennifer Edwards shares how early independence helped her build self-trust, follow her intuition, and become the kind of leader who listens inward first. We talk about the stories our minds create (lowercase truth vs capital T Truth), how quiet helps you hear your inner compass, and why there are no wrong choices, only next steps.Key Takeaways You don’t need a perfect plan. There are no wrong choices, only next steps. The stories in your mind may feel true, but they are not always the

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38:26

From Unsafe to Unstoppable: Josh Colwell’s Journey...

Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans ·

2026/02/05

In this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine Connell speaks with Josh Colwell, a leader in the recovery and criminal justice support space in New Hampshire. Josh shares what his teenage years were really like growing up in instability, entering the juvenile system, and navigating environments that didn’t feel safe.They explore how early experiences shape identity, the survival habits teens develop, and what it takes to rebuild trust, purpose, and leadership later in life. Josh

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45:52

From Anxiety to Recovery: Jack O’Connor’s Story

Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans ·

2026/01/22

In this episode of Leaders of Today, Teens to Titans, Lorraine Connell sits down with Jack O’Connor, a devoted dad of two and recovery advocate who has spent the last decade supporting individuals and families in New Hampshire.Jack shares his story from being a “middle of the pack” teen battling anxiety, to coping through substances, to hitting a turning point in college and eventually finding long-term recovery. You’ll hear what helped him change, what sober living actually looks like, and why the

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44:18

Leah Rothchild on Recovery, Stigma, and Whole-Person...

Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans ·

2026/01/15

In this episode of Leaders of Today, Teens to Titans, Lorraine sits down with Leah Rothchild to talk about the hidden reality of teen depression, substance use, and what it actually takes to heal. Leah shares how she went from being a joyful, high-achieving kid to silently struggling with depression, self-harm, and addiction, all while still “looking fine” on the outside.Leah breaks down why substance use is not always obvious, how stigma and shame keep people from getting help, and why mental

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34:14

The Wind Makes the Roots: Raising Resilient Teens...

Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans ·

2026/01/08

What if the things you struggled with as a teen became the exact reason you can help others now?In this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine Connell sits down with Kelly Hurd, a health coach, life coach, and educational consultant with 20+ years of experience teaching K–8. Kelly shares her personal story of growing up with anxiety, navigating a chaotic home environment, and becoming a high-achieving people pleaser just to feel “good enough.” Then she breaks down the tools that

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30:52

She Aged Out of Foster Care, Went to Prison, Then...

Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans ·

2025/12/18

In this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine Connell sits down with Shannon Thompson, founder of Dream Bigger Publishing. After aging out of foster care, becoming a young mom, and spending time in prison, Shannon had to learn every part of “adulting” the hard way – from rent and credit to careers and money management.Now she’s turned those painful lessons into a practical life skills curriculum that helps teens (especially those aging out of systems) understand what life

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38:10

How Katie Grimes Turned Bullying, Body Shame, and...

Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans ·

2025/12/04

What if the very things you’re most ashamed of are actually your superpowers?In this powerful conversation, business coach and podcast host Katie Grimes opens up about growing up in a home impacted by alcoholism, being relentlessly bullied, hating her body, and surviving sexual assault, and how she turned all of it into fuel for the life and business she has now. Katie now helps entrepreneurs (especially those with ADHD) build businesses that feel safe, spacious, and wildly successful, without

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30:59

From Bullying to Empowerment: Tim Flynn's Story

Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans ·

2025/11/20

In this conversation, Tim Flynn shares his transformative journey from being a bullied teenager to becoming a martial arts instructor and advocate for youth empowerment. He discusses how his experiences with bullying shaped his mission to help young people build confidence, discipline, and self-respect through martial arts. Tim emphasizes the importance of community, connection, and finding one's passion as essential elements in overcoming adversity. He also offers practical advice for teens facing

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43:16

Turning Pain Into Purpose with Robert Lewis Jr.

Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans ·

2025/11/06

Community builder and Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston President and CEO Robert Lewis Jr. shares how growing up in East Boston public housing, surviving a firebombing during the busing crisis, and being lifted by mentors shaped his life’s mission to unite people and invest in youth as Boston’s future talent. We talk assets over deficits, redefining “poor,” belonging, narrative, and how adults can listen, love, and create real opportunity.Key takeaways Belonging beats scarcity. Community,

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36:39

From Survival to Safe Spaces with Kim Russell Part 2

Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans ·

2025/10/30

In this episode, Lorraine sits down with trauma-informed mentor, speaker, and The Survivors Chair host Kim Russell to explore how growing up in foster care and being adopted shaped her leadership, resilience, and calling to create safe spaces for healing. Kim opens up about the realities of substance use as a teen, why behavior is communication, and how consistent, caring adults can change a young person’s life. Together, they discuss how to build trust with youth, what educators and mentors can do

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40:39

From Survival to Safe Spaces with Kim Russell

Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans ·

2025/10/23

Stylist, salon owner, and trauma-informed mentor Kim Russell shares how foster care, adoption, and early survival patterns shaped her empathy, leadership, and mission to create safe spaces. We talk behavior as communication, complex vs. single-event trauma, and how adults can better support teens.Key takeaways Behavior = communication from the body. Trauma lives in the body; safety comes first. “People-pleasing” often begins as protection. Belonging changes trajectories (her vo-tech turning

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44:08

Finding Your Voice: How Krystal Hicks Turns Struggle...

Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans ·

2025/10/16

In this episode, Lorraine sits down with career strategist and JobTalk founder Krystal Hicks to explore how early challenges, from growing up fast and navigating divorced parents to overcoming bullying shaped her empathy, leadership, and purpose-driven work. Krystal shares how she found her voice through journalism, learned to transform hardship into power, and now helps others reclaim agency, confidence, and belonging in their careers. Together, they unpack how childhood experiences shape our

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34:49

Transformative Leadership: Insights from Winnie...

Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans ·

2025/10/09

In this episode, Lorraine Connell interviews Winnie da Silva, an executive coach and leadership strategist, about her journey and insights into leadership and resilience. Winnie shares personal stories from her teenage years, her career path from social work to executive coaching, and the importance of resilience and trying new things. The conversation also touches on parenting, the power of reframing challenges, and the role of confidence in personal growth.Keywords Winnie da Silva, leadership,

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42:59

Quiet Strength: Brady Barre on Inclusive Leadership...

Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans ·

2025/09/25

In this episode of Leaders of Today, Lorraine Connell interviews Brady Barre, Development and Communications Coordinator for New Hampshire Outright. Brady shares their journey of self-discovery and leadership, emphasizing the importance of representation and inclusive leadership for LGBTQ+ youth. They discuss their personal experiences with identity exploration, the impact of supportive adults, and their work in advocating for LGBTQ+ youth.Keywords LGBTQ+, leadership, identity, representation,

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34:02

Unraveling the Past: Francine Tirrell on Empowerment...

Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans ·

2025/09/18

Join host Lorraine Connell as she sits down with Francine Tirrell, a spiritual business and mindset coach, energy healer, and founder of Forever Changed Coaching. In this episode, Francine shares her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a beacon of empowerment for women seeking clarity and confidence. Discover how Francine's personal experiences have shaped her approach to helping others break free from overwhelm and embrace their true selves.Key Topics: The impact of childhood beliefs

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136 results

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