Claire in a Chair

Have you ever wondered how much you're missing simply because you never got curious enough to ask? In this episode of Claire in a Chair, I'm talking about the importance of curiosity in a world that seems to be losing it. From the growing literacy crisis to the embarrassing fact that I went two whole years not realizing I could skip a song because I was too lazy to look it up, I've been realizing...

What does it really mean to make an impact? In this episode of Claire in a Chair, I sit down with Cassy Cox, Executive Director of Global Newborn Solutions, to talk about the life changing work being done to help premature and vulnerable babies around the world. As someone whose was born premature , this conversation is especially close to my heart. Cassy shares the mission behind Global Newborn S...

This week on Claire in a Chair, I sit down with our high school youth leader at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, Mark Bogart, to talk about faith, doubt, friendship, and what it's really like being a teenager today. We discuss the challenges teens face, why community matters, what Workcamp means to so many students, and the one thing he hopes every teenager remembers. Whether you're strong...

In this episode of Claire in a Chair, I talk about trying something called rejection therapy and what it taught me about putting myself out there. I share a few moments that surprised me, like reaching out to people I admire and actually getting responses, and realizing that opportunities open up way more often than we expect when we just ask. I also talk about how I used to stop myself from tryin...

This is your first time living… so why do we expect ourselves to have it all figured out? In this episode of Claire In A Chair, I talk about why teenagers feel everything so deeply and why that’s not a bad thing. We’re all going through things for the first time: friendships, heartbreak, pressure, identity, all of it, and somehow we’re expected to handle it perfectly when we’re literally still lea...

In this episode of Claire in a Chair, I talk about 5 lies I think teenagers believe about friendship. From expecting our friends to be perfect, to thinking friendships have to last forever, to feeling like we owe our friends every detail of our lives, I’m talking about all of it. I also talk about guy/girl friendships, why real friendship actually takes effort, and how we need to stop putting so m...

Everyone says “it takes a village” but what if the real challenge is becoming one first? In this episode of Claire in a Chair , I talk about what it actually means to show up for the people in your life, especially when it’s inconvenient or not “your thing.” I dive into why friendship isn’t about perfection or constant communication, but about consistency, effort, and choosing to care out loud. Th...

This week on Claire in a Chair, I’m sitting down with my friend Leighton Luffburrow to talk about something we all say we should do, but almost never actually follow through on: taking a real break from social media. Leighton gave up Instagram and Snapchat for 40 days during Lent no scrolling, no posting, nothing. And we get into what that was actually like. Not just the highlight version, but the...

I used to hear people say they hated small talk and I never really got it. In this episode, I’m breaking down my “Claire Conversation Formula” the simple ways I start conversations, avoid awkward silence, and actually build real connections with anyone. It’s not about having the perfect script, it’s about being curious, genuine, and making people feel seen. Dwell and Adorn- https://www.dwellandado...

In this episode I sat down with three very special guests starring my guy friends Jacob, Fausto, and Sosa to ask real questions about their biggest stresses, how sports affects them, and how guy friendships compare to girl friendships. We also talked about advice guys need to hear and what they don’t usually say out loud. This episode is different than any other Claire In A Chair Episode and shine...

Today on Claire in a Chair, I sit down with the incredibly talented Holden Hagelberger to talk about his journey from community theatre to Off-Broadway, what performing has taught him, and how he stays grounded while chasing big dreams. From Trevor the Musical to senior year and what’s next, this episode is all about passion, growth, and staying true to yourself. Holden's Website: https://www.hold...

In this episode of Claire in a Chair, I talk about the idea that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, but sometimes it actually is. I share a conversation I had with my mom about how every stage of life can feel like the best one until you step into something new. This episode is all about how fear can keep us stuck in what’s comfortable, why I think growth usually happens outside of...

What if the secret to being happier is choosing amusement over annoyance? In this episode of Claire in a Chair, I talk about how shifting your “default emotion” can change the way you experience everyday life. From awkward moments to small inconveniences, I share why I've started pretending i'm in a sitcom, and how it’s made life a lot funnier and a lot less frustrating. Amusement over Annoyance....

In this episode of Claire in a Chair, I talk about the kind of passion that lights people up, whether it’s a teacher, a friend, or someone you meet in everyday life. I share why it’s so important to let people see that you love what you do, and how that energy can ripple out into the world. Shoutout to Dwell and Adorn for sponsoring this episode, a boutique that’s all about thoughtfully curated pi...

You know when you say something you’re convinced is funny and it just… hangs there? Total silence. Airball. In this episode, I’m talking about what it actually means to figure out your sense of humor, not the polished, socially approved version, but the one that’s genuinely yours. Why do we fake-laugh? Why do we edit our jokes depending on who we’re with? And when did we start curating our persona...

In this episode of Claire in a Chair, I sit down with Lily, the founder of Lily’s Toy Box, a Houston-based foundation that began in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and has since brought comfort, joy, and a sense of normalcy to children facing some of life’s hardest moments. We talk about the moment that inspired Lily to take action, why play and toys matter so much during times of crisis, and wh...

In this episode, I sit down with Meredith Otness and Edie Mayan, the co-founders of The Beehive Foundation, a teen-led organization creating community and inclusion for teens with special needs. We talk about how The Beehive started, what inspired them to co-found it, and why inclusion and understanding matter so much, especially in high school. We also talk about Meredith's blog Share the Rare, i...

In this episode, I sit down with Kori De Leon , the founder of Adoring Christ Ministries , to talk about what it really means to stand strong in your faith as a teen. Kori shares the heart behind her ministry, how she’s creating space for girls to grow spiritually without pressure, and why community matters so much in today’s world. We also talk about her Bible study Unshaken , which I’ve personal...

In this episode of Claire in a Chair, I’m sitting down with Anna Thielemann to talk about following your passion and using your gifts in meaningful ways. We dive into Anna’s journey as a songwriter, how she finds inspiration, and what it looks like to pursue creativity with intention. We also talk about balancing personal growth, creative work, and staying connected to what matters most while chas...

In this episode, I talk about a realization I had that kind of shocked me… I might be high maintenance. I’m not super flexible, I get overstimulated easily, and little things like being hot, cold, or needing water can totally throw me off. I share how I’ve started noticing this about myself, where it comes from, and how I’m trying (slowly) to become more of a go-with-the-flow person. This episode...

In this episode, I talk about how I realized I had a huge fear of trying new things and how it showed up in ways I didn’t even notice at first. I share how I started pushing myself to try new foods and new experiences, even when it made me uncomfortable or anxious. I didn’t love everything I tried, but I learned that trying was the important part. This episode is about getting out of your comfort...

In this episode, I’m sharing the random little things I figured out in 2025 that genuinely made my life easier, especially during my first semester of high school. This isn’t advice or a how-to, just the stuff that actually worked for me. From making a Google Sheets assignment tracker and downloading the Kindle app on my phone, to bringing headphones everywhere, using Google Calendar, and doing th...

In this episode, I talk about something we don’t do enough, giving ourselves credit. After asking you on Instagram what you were most proud of yourself for in 2025, I was reminded how much growth often goes unnoticed. From good grades and new friendships to growing in faith and simply making it through hard seasons, this episode is about recognizing how far you’ve come. I reflect on toxic motivati...

In this episode of Claire in a Chair, I’m sitting down with my friend Addie Dwyer to talk about something we both had to learn the hard way: what NOT to do during your first semester of high school. From overbooking yourself to joining 90,000 clubs just because everyone else is, we get real about burnout, balance, and why “doing everything” does not equal success. I share my own chaos moments, Add...

Lately I’ve been feeling like my whole life is one giant loading screen — always waiting for the next test grade, the next Friday, the next weekend, the next big milestone. These first few days of break I literally couldn’t sit still… like Rapunzel-level “When will my life begin?” energy mixed with Alabama’s “I rush and rush till life’s no fun.” In this episode, I talk about what it feels like to...