Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans

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 subs...

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 beco...

In this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine sits down with Whitney Cardosi to discuss her transformative journey from struggling with self-worth to becoming a passionate advocate for nutrition and mental health. Inside This Episode: 🔹 Whitney’s personal struggles with self-esteem, addiction, and family challenges as a teen 🔹 How the pandemic led to her epiphany about the conne...

In this inspiring episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine sits down with Keyana Cellucci, entrepreneur and podcast host of Trust Me, to explore the transformative power of self-discovery, asking for help, and redefining leadership. Keyana shares her personal journey from a middle child who often overlooked her own needs to a leader who empowers others to embrace self-discipline, inn...

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 s...

Description: Join us in this powerful episode of Leaders of Today as we dive into the inspiring journey of Naomi Andrick, founder of Thrive Meals. From a challenging childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur and coach, Naomi shares her story of resilience, transformation, and the power of vulnerability. Discover how food, movement, and mindset can create lasting change and why finding your "...

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 (es...

In this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine Connell welcomes Olivia, co-founder and CEO of Fresh Starts Registry, for an insightful conversation on transitions, leadership, and the impact of past experiences on personal growth. Lorraine opens up about a stressful morning, juggling her child’s school application process while ensuring leadership in her own commitments. This sets...

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...

Show Notes: In this special episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, we switch things up, Courtney, Director of the Center for New Americans, steps into the interviewer role and sits down with Lorraine Connell for a powerful conversation about mentorship, leadership, and the experiences of immigrant youth. Courtney brings her unique perspective as someone who was once a high school mentee, th...

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...

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...

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. “...

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, con...

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 refra...

In this episode, Lorraine welcomes Bryant Mitchell, an Enterprise Account Executive at Ace Up and a seasoned coach, to discuss the intersection of personal experiences, athletics, and leadership development. Together, they explore how resilience, self-reflection, and meaningful connections can shape athletes, students, and coaches alike. Topics Covered: Bryant’s Journey in Football Overcoming the...

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, an...

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 othe...

In this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine sits down with Melissa, co-founder of Women’s Business League (WBL), to dive deep into the power of building genuine connections, overcoming challenges, and fostering confidence in leadership. Melissa shares her personal journey, from facing rejection in high school cheerleading to finding her unique way to stand out and be part of a t...

Join Lorraine Connell as she sits down with Kevin Mecchella, a former educator and professional musician turned youth advocate. Kevin shares his transformative journey from being the class clown to becoming a nationally recognized speaker, using music and humor to empower students in building strong mental health foundations. Key Takeaways: Kevin's teenage years and the quest for validation The pi...

Show Notes: In this episode, Lorraine reconnects with her high school student, Luke, now the Brand Activation and Events Manager at Woodward Park City. They dive into Luke’s inspiring journey from an unconventional teen to a leader in the action sports industry. Here are the highlights: 🎯 Luke's Leadership Journey: Luke shares how his non-traditional path, personal challenges, and passion for sno...

Description: Join Lorraine Connell as she welcomes Iuri Melo, a licensed clinical social worker, author, and co-founder of School Pulse. In this episode, Iuri shares his journey from Portugal to the U.S., his innovative approach to therapy using adventure-based activities, and the creation of School Pulse, a proactive student support service. Discover insights on positive psychology, the importanc...

Show Notes: In this inspiring episode, Lorraine sits down with Reverend Dawn Adams, Senior Minister at 1st Congregational Church, Wolfborough, UCC. Dawn shares her profound journey into ministry and leadership, offering valuable insights into self-perception, personal growth, and the importance of finding one's true calling in life. Together, they explore: 🔹 Dawn's early experiences in ministry a...

In this episode, Lorraine Connell, founder of Peers Not Fears, sits down with mental health expert Abbey Sangmeister to explore the critical challenges teens face, including burnout, mental health, and societal pressure around career choices. The conversation highlights the importance of self-care, reflection, and open communication for teens navigating school, future aspirations, and personal gro...

Hannah McMahon is the owner and lead photographer at Hannah Mac Studios, a New Hampshire boudoir studio focusing on making women feel like the most confident version of themselves. Through the art of boudoir photography, Hannah allows women to reconnect with their self-image, in a photoshoot experience that is both wildly grounding and radically liberating. Hannah firmly believes in the power held...