Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans

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

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 most powerful step is often the simplest one: asking for help.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How anxiety can show up as “being fine” on the outside

• Why addiction does not discriminate

• What a sober house is and how structure supports change

• The myth that you need to know the “why” before you can heal

• Jack’s biggest message for teens and parents: talk to someone, ask for help, start small

If this conversation resonates, share it with a parent, educator, or teen who needs to hear it.

How to connect with Jack

Phone: 744.402.0225
Website: https://livefreerecoverynh.com/
Manchester location: https://livefreerecoverynh.com/locations/detox-inpatient-rehab-manchester-nh/
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/jack-oconnor-behavioralhealth

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

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 health care must be integrated into everyday pediatric care. She also shares what ultimately changed her path, what teens and parents need most, and why hope can still exist even when it feels like it doesn’t.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear

• What Leah was like as a child and how her mental health shifted around age 10

• Why depression can show up even when life looks “perfect” from the outside

• How guilt and shame can fuel substance use and keep the cycle going

• The misconception that addiction is always obvious or immediately “destroys” someone’s life

• The difference between feeling hopeless and being hopeless

• Why stigma is dangerous, even inside healthcare settings

• How Leah’s lived experience shaped her path toward pediatric and psychiatric care

• What parents can do to support teens without judgment, fear, or shame

Key Takeaway

Feeling completely hopeless is different than being completely hopeless. If you do not get help the first time you ask, ask again. The right support exists, and it can change everything.

How to Connect

Leah Rothchild

• Email: rothchild.leah@gmail.com

The Wind Makes the Roots: Raising Resilient Teens Without Bubble Wrapping (with Kelly Hurd)

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 helped her heal and the practical strategies she now teaches teens, parents, and educators to build resilience, self-compassion, and emotional regulation.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• How people-pleasing and overachieving can become a coping strategy for anxiety

• Why avoiding hard things can reinforce stress and make it grow over time

• The powerful “wind and trees” metaphor and why challenge builds strong roots

• How parents can support teens without accidentally sending the message “you can’t handle this”

• Simple nervous system tools, including breathwork and noticing your body’s cues

• Why self-compassion works better than self-criticism (and the research that backs it)

• How life coaching differs from therapy and why some teens benefit from future-focused tools

• “Walking toward the monster”: a practical way to face stressors with support and strategy

• How adults modeling self-respect and confidence teaches kids to do the same

Memorable takeaways:

• You don’t need to eliminate the hard things, you need the tools to handle them.

• Your body gives you early warning signs when you’re shifting into a stress response.

• Confidence grows when teens learn, “I can feel this and still move forward.”

Connect with Kelly Hurd:

Kelly works with clients in person (Dover NH area) and virtually.

• Website: uplevelformore.com

• You can also find her on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook (search “Uplevel For More”).
  Kelly also offers a free conversation to help people understand what coaching looks like and whether it’s a good fit.

From Self-Doubt to Nutrition Advocate: Whitney Cardosi’s Journey to Wellness

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 connection between nutrition, emotions, and mental health
🔹 The impact of food choices on family well-being and how parents can model healthy habits
🔹 Equipping kids with social and emotional skills through nutrition and conversation tools
🔹 The role of authenticity, self-acceptance, and resilience in personal growth

Whitney also shares insights from her work, including her kids' cooking classes, her Mom & Tween conversation cards, and the upcoming Bloom Retreat for girls and their mothers.

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how making small, intentional choices can transform our well-being and leadership.

Follow Whitney on Instagram at @whitney_cardosi and @bloomnorthshore

#LeadersOfToday #Podcast #TeenLeadership #NutritionAndMentalHealth #SelfWorth #ParentingTips #HealthyEating #GrowthMindset

Are you a Leader or a Follower? Redefining Leadership with Keyana Cellucci

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, inner strength, and the courage to seek help.

Together, Lorraine and Keyana discuss the significance of reshaping leadership perceptions in schools, the power of delegation, and the importance of facing challenges head-on.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

1. Keyana’s Journey of Self-Discovery:

• How her teenage years were shaped by the question, “Who do I want to become?”
• The impact of being a middle child and the lessons she wished she had learned about asking for help earlier in life.

2. Shifting Leadership Perceptions in Schools:

• The need to redefine leadership beyond academic and athletic achievements to include delegation, humility, and teamwork.
• Why parents and educators should model vulnerability and normalize seeking help.

3. The Role of Delegation in Leadership:

• Keyana’s experience moving from Pennsylvania to Maine and how it taught her to trust others with responsibilities.
• How delegation helped her business flourish and broadened her leadership perspective.

4. Embracing an Unconventional Leadership Path:

• Keyana’s decision to follow her instincts rather than conventional routes, and how this led to her becoming a leader by example.
• Lorraine’s affirmation that leadership is about making intentional, goal-aligned choices.

5. Self-Discipline as a Key to Success:

• Why showing up for yourself, even on hard days, is essential for growth and leadership.
• The difference between self-discipline and fluctuating motivation.

6. Inner Strength and Growth:

• Keyana’s advice to teenagers: Everything you need is already within you—embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth.
• The powerful analogy of a buffalo running toward challenges to illustrate resilience.

7. Turning Hardships into Superpowers:

• How overcoming struggles can become a defining strength.
• Keyana’s personal story of resilience and how it fuels her passion to help others.

Key Takeaways:

• Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Leadership is more than a title—it’s about behavior, trust, and collaboration.
• Self-discipline is the foundation for achieving success and navigating challenges.
• Facing challenges directly can lead to quicker resolutions and greater personal growth.

Resources Mentioned:

• Keyana’s Podcast: Trust Me
• Connect with Keyana on Social Media:
  • Instagram: @KeyanaCellucci
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trustme_the_podcast
  • LinkedIn: Keyana Cellucci

Connect with Us:

• Peers Not Fears: www.peersnotfears.com
• Instagram: @PeersNotFears
• LinkedIn: Lorraine Connell

Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories of leadership, growth, and resilience!

Thank you for listening!

She Aged Out of Foster Care, Went to Prison, Then Built What Teens Desperately Need with Shannon Thompson

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 really costs, how to build a dream career, and how to avoid the financial traps she fell into.

You’ll hear:

• How aging out of foster care with no safety net shaped Shannon’s path

• Why so many young people feel 10–20 years “behind” in adulthood

• The 3 core pillars of her Dream Bigger curriculum

• Her message for any teen who feels like their past defines their future

Connect with Shannon

• Website: https://www.dreambiggerpublishing.com

• Books on Amazon: search “Dream Bigger Shannon Thompson”

• Instagram & Facebook: Dream_bigger_publishing

• LinkedIn: Dream Bigger Publishing / Shannon Thompson

Unmasking Resilience: Naomi Andrick's Journey to Thrive

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 "why" is crucial for a fulfilled life.

Key Takeaways:

Naomi's early struggles and how they shaped her work today. The importance of vulnerability and self-acceptance. How to transform challenges into opportunities for growth.

Connect with Naomi:

Email: fittolivenutrition@gmail.com

Facebook: Thrive

Instagram: @ThriveMeals1

Location: Rawlinsford, NH

Hashtags: #Resilience #ThriveMeals #Vulnerability #Transformation

How Katie Grimes Turned Bullying, Body Shame, and Trauma Into Bold Leadership

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 burning themselves out or abandoning their needs. Together, we explore how the patterns we learn as teens, people pleasing, perfectionism, hyper-independence, and hiding our feelings, quietly shape our leadership as adults… and how we can change the story.

If you’re a teen, parent, educator, or leader who’s ever felt “too much,” “not enough,” or like your past disqualifies you from leadership, this episode will hit home in the best way.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How bullying, body image struggles, and growing up around addiction shaped Katie’s self-worth

• The moment she realized perfectionism is not a flex, it’s a survival response

• What no one tells teens about nervous systems, freeze/people-pleasing, and why we pretend everything is “fine”

• How Katie rebuilt her life after sexual assault, grief, and being let go from corporate

• The shift from “I’m a burden” to “I’m allowed to ask for help”

• Finding safe and trusted adults, and what that actually looks and feels like

• Why the things that come easiest to you are your greatest leadership gifts

• How Katie went from all of this… to building a $550k+ coaching business and helping 100,000+ people

Connect with Katie Grimes

• Instagram & TikTok: @kg.katiegrimes

• Podcast – Anything for Love: https://www.katiegrimes.com/podcast

• Website & Coaching: https://www.katiegrimes.com/

If something in this episode resonated and you’d like a free coaching session with Katie, email support@katiegrimes.com and mention this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans.

The Moment That Changed Everything: Olivia Howell’s Rise Into Leadership

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 the stage for a deeper discussion with Olivia about navigating life’s transitions, both in school and beyond.

Olivia shares her journey from feeling like an outsider in a private school to finding purpose through mentorship, art, and leadership. She reflects on the power of supportive teachers, the role of empathy in school transitions, and the importance of redefining popularity. Together, Lorraine and Olivia explore how connection and mentorship shape young leaders, and how parents and educators can foster spaces where every student feels seen.

The conversation takes a deeper dive into Olivia’s mission with Fresh Starts Registry, a platform designed to support individuals through major life changes. She shares how her personal experiences with transition and resilience inspired her to build a community of support, and why staying true to oneself is key to navigating change.

Join us for this powerful discussion on embracing fresh starts, shedding negative labels, and leading with authenticity.

🎧 Listen now and be inspired to navigate your own transitions with confidence!

Fresh Starte Website

Olivia on Istagram

#FreshStarts #Leadership #TeenLeadership #Empowerment #StudentSuccess #Authenticity #Mentorship #SchoolTransitions

From Bullying to Empowerment: Tim Flynn's Story

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 bullying, encouraging them to seek supportive environments and pursue their interests.

takeaways

• Tim Flynn's journey began with bullying but evolved into a mission to empower youth.
• Martial arts provided Tim with a sense of belonging and confidence.
• Tim's program, Karate Chop Bullying, aims to teach kids how to stand up for themselves.
• Experiencing bullying can lead to feelings of worthlessness, but support is crucial.
• Tim emphasizes the importance of community and connection in overcoming challenges.
• Finding a passion or interest can help kids build confidence and friendships.
• Tim's approach to teaching adapts to the individual needs of each child.
• Acknowledging children's discomfort can help them feel more secure in learning environments.
• Martial arts teaches kids to compete with themselves rather than against others.
• Tim encourages kids to seek out supportive groups and activities.

Connect with Tim Flynn

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timflynn98/

Podcast – Breaking Bullying:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-bullying/id1686206144