355. How to Listen So Your Brand Actually Grows with brand expert Emily Dunn, Mackenzie-Childs

SHOW NOTESEpisode 355: How to Listen So Your Brand Actually Grows with guest Emily Dunn, Head of Influencer, Social PR & Brand Partnerships, McKenzie-Childs)THIS WEEK’S TOPIC:Storytelling, brand building, and the power of human connection take center stage in this vibrant episode, which continues our She Said/She Said Podcast x The Southern C collaboration series. Whether you’re growing a business, communicating your value, or simply looking to ground your confidence, this conversation will spark actionable insights for you!Laura's guest, Emily Dunn, brings nearly two decades of marketing experience across agencies, startups, and iconic brands. Currently, she leads awareness marketing at McKenzie-Childs, a beloved heritage brand known especially for its whimsical checkerboard designs (did you catch the gorgeous new lavender collection?). In this episode, we dig deep into the art and science of storytelling, balancing data with intuition, listening closely to your customers (even when feedback isn’t glowing), and practical strategies for protecting your peace and confidence in high-visibility roles.KEY TOPICS AND WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:THE BALANCE BETWEEN DATA & INTUITION: Emily shares how data is the “compass, not the map”, and why human insight truly completes storytelling and marketing strategy.LISTENING TO YOUR COMMUNITY: Discover how brands can turn customer feedback (positive or negative!) into richer messaging, and why listening for insight is more valuable than seeking validation.HANDLING NEGATIVE FEEDBACK & PROTECTING YOUR PEACE: Practical advice for shielding your energy and staying centered, including “blinders on, good vibes only,” and leading with love (even when the comments sting).SELECTING INFLUENCERS & BRAND PARTNERS: Emily reveals the criteria for authentic partnerships and actionable advice for influencers seeking meaningful collaboration. Hint: study the brand, align authentically, and reach out!THE VALUE OF NETWORKING & GATHERINGS: Insights from Emily’s full-circle experience at The Southern C, why investing in connections and follow-up matters, and how attending conferences can spark personal and professional growth.CAUTION & OPPORTUNITY IN AI: Tips for safely leveraging AI in creative and marketing workflows, plus why the human element is still essential.BURNOUT AND TIME MANAGEMENT: Emily’s candid take on navigating burnout, mindful self-care, pocket-sized strategies to recharge, and modeling healthy boundaries for your team.TRENDS & GOING ANALOG: Thoughts on how overconsumption of media is sparking a return to analog, creative, and in-person experiences.There’s so much energy, wisdom, and practical advice throughout this conversation! Whether you’re looking to build a brand, find balance, or nurture your confidence, you’ll find inspiration and actionable takeaways.Please let us know what resonated with you! Share your feedback via the links below or email us directly: [email protected] FOR MORE SHE SAID/SHE SAID? You’ll find all our episodes & lots more content: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comLET’S CONNECT!Instagram: @lauracoxkaplanLinkedIn: Laura Cox KaplanContact: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] SPECIAL OFFERS FOR SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCAST LISTENERS: Use the link below to shop all of our special offers and receive exclusive She Said listener discounts:Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/1w7dBe sure to use our Promo Code: SHESAID at checkoutPLEASE RATE AND REVIEW SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCASTLove the show? Please consider leaving a review on Spotify, iTunes, GooglePlay, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Your feedback helps shape the podcast and brings more amazing content your way!Note: She Said/She Said Podcast is a weekly production of She Said/She Said Media.

SHOW NOTESEpisode 354: Hospitality is a Power MoveGuest: Rebecca Gardner, Founder and Creative Director, Houses and Parties and author of "A Screaming Blast"Part of our She Said/She Said Podcast + The Southern C Collaboration Series for 2026THIS WEEK'S TOPIC:What does it mean to truly gather? How can parties, beautiful tablescapes, and shared experiences become so much more than surface-level socializing? This week’s episode features a conversation that sits at the heart of creativity, connection, and influence, and it’s just plain fun!Drawing from her dual Texas roots and powerhouse design experience, this week’s guest, Rebecca Gardner, joins Laura to bring a master class in hospitality that transcends interior styling or event planning. Rebecca explains how parties and moments of gathering aren’t just luxuries; they are vital strategies for connection in our increasingly busy and isolated world.Rebecca Gardner shares how hosting, whether it’s a lavish event or a cozy dinner for four, becomes an opportunity: to create punctuation and “hot pink” highlights within the monotony of our calendars, to help others feel safe, seen, and energized, and to design environments where stories unfold and true memories are made.If you want inspiration for more meaningful connections — at home, at work, or within your community — this episode will make you rethink how you host, collaborate, and “show up” in every aspect of your life.ABOUT THIS WEEK’S GUEST:Rebecca Gardner is the founder and creative director of Houses and Parties, a design studio that spans event production, interior design, and one-of-a-kind online retail experiences. With a love for gathering that started in childhood, Rebecca Gardner has built a creative brand devoted to intentional gatherings filled with joy, style, and genuine connection. Her book “A Screaming Blast” (with a foreword by Sofia Coppola) is a visual celebration and resource for hosts everywhere.KEY TOPICS AND WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:HOW GATHERING IS A STRATEGY, NOT A LUXURY: Rebecca describes how intentional hospitality breaks up our isolating routines and brings vitality to life, regardless of the occasion's size.DESIGN WITH ABANDON, BUT START WITH GOOD TASTE: Hear how Rebecca’s background in art history and design influences her “bountiful and wild” approach, and why a beautiful event is always about more than the table.THE THREE-RING CIRCUS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Discover how Houses and Parties grew from events to interiors to an e-commerce shop—plus, the lessons Rebecca learned launching an online business during the pandemic.HOSPITALITY SECRETS FOR ANY BUDGET OR SPACE: Get practical tips on lighting, flow, seating, menus, and how to create abundance, plus the overlooked importance of guest research and personal touch.BUILDING YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM: From florists to lighting teams, learn why lasting collaborative relationships, with a dose of humor, trust, and genuine care, are at the core of successful hosting and entrepreneurship.THE MAGIC OF MEMORY-MAKING: Why every gathering is a form of “live theater.”STORYTELLING THROUGH EVENTS: Explore the idea of “social architecture,” how to shape influence in a room, and the critical questions you should ask before every gathering.There’s so much joy, wisdom, and practical advice packed into this conversation: from party-planning rookies to design pros, anyone who wants more connection in their life will find inspiration here!I can’t wait to hear what struck you in this episode. Please share your feedback, questions, or your own hosting stories with me. See the links to connect below!MORE SPECIAL OFFERS FOR SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCAST LISTENERS: Use the link below to shop all of our special offers and receive exclusive She Said listener discounts:Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/1w7dBe sure to use our Promo Code: SHESAID at checkoutFEEDBACK & COMMUNITY:Which part of this episode resonated with you most? We’d love to hear! Contact us using the links below.LOOKING FOR MORE SHE SAID/SHE SAID? You’ll find all our episodes & lots more content: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comLET’S CONNECT!Instagram: @lauracoxkaplanLinkedIn: Laura Cox KaplanContact: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] RATE AND REVIEW SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCASTLove the show? Please consider leaving a review on Spotify, iTunes, GooglePlay, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Your feedback helps shape the podcast and brings more amazing content your way!Note: She Said/She Said Podcast is a weekly production of She Said/She Said Media.

SHOW NOTESEpisode 353: How to turn your side hustle into the next multi-million dollar brand? Guest: Bianca Gates, Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer, BirdiesHost: Laura Cox KaplanTHIS WEEK'S TOPIC:Have you ever had a side hustle or an idea that you just can’t get out of your head? Maybe you aren’t sure whether it could be “the real thing”? Or is it worth quitting your job to pursue it full-time? This week’s episode dives deep into that pivotal question through the journey of Birdies shoes co-founder Bianca Gates. From launching Birdies as a side hustle while working at Facebook (now Meta), to co-founding a multimillion-dollar brand, to building community and successfully selling her company, Bianca’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. If you’ve ever wondered when (and how) to take the leap, how to navigate the tough stuff and find support, or how to turn feedback (good and bad) into fuel for business growth, this conversation is for you.This episode also celebrates the kick-off of our fifth year collaborating with the Southern C, a network built on connecting, collaborating, and creating as creative founders and entrepreneurs. ABOUT THIS WEEK’S GUEST:Bianca Gates is the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Birdies, the direct-to-consumer brand best known for its stylish, comfortable slipper-shoes (and the now-iconic moment Meghan Markle wore them, a pivotal game changer for Birdies!). Bianca’s path to entrepreneurship is rich with hard-earned lessons on leadership, founding with partners, finding the right moment to jump in full-time, and, most importantly, building and leveraging deep community. As a daughter of immigrants and a mom herself, Bianca’s story stands as an authentic example of grit, creativity, and purpose.KEY TOPICS AND WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:IDENTIFYING A “WHITE SPACE” AND ACTING ON IT: Bianca shares how her own pain point around entertaining at home, and not being able to find stylish slippers, turned into a business idea she couldn’t let go of.THE SIDE HUSTLE JOURNEY: QUITTING A FULL-TIME JOB: Hear how Bianca finally gave her the conviction to step away from her sales job at Facebook and go all-in.THE IMPORTANCE OF PARTNERING & CHOOSING CO-FOUNDERS: From her “yin and yang” partnership with co-founder Marisa Sharkey to the tough, early conversations about roles, titles, and equity, Bianca offers actionable insight for anyone considering starting a business with a partner.LISTENING TO CUSTOMER FEEDBACK, BUT SETTING BOUNDARIES: Learn how early prototypes led to surprising (not always kind!) customer reactions, and how Bianca built processes and eventually hired help to filter and act on meaningful feedback, striking a balance between humility and self-protection.KNOWING WHEN TO CHANGE COURSE SCALING FROM SCRAPPY TO SUSTAINED: Birdies’ fast growth, fueled in part by Meghan Markle’s princess moment, brought with it growing pains, from brand identity, to buying the “Birdies.com” domain, to navigating investor relationships and rapid hiring.LEADING THROUGH CHANGE, AND THE CHALLENGES OF PEOPLE MANAGEMENT: Bianca opens up about the struggle to balance likability and accountability, and the hard-won lesson that “it’s not a sorority, it’s a business.”THE EXTRAORDINARY POWER OF COMMUNITY, AND ‘LEAN IN’ CIRCLES: Discover how Bianca’s involvement with Lean In circles (thanks to her mentor Sheryl Sandberg) became her entrepreneurial safety net, her “cone of safety,” for advice and solidarity. KNOWING WHEN TO SELL: Walking through the emotional decision to sell her business to private equity, Bianca explores what it feels like to hand over her “baby,” remain involved, and adjust to new realities.THE ORIGIN OF ‘BIRDIES’: The name’s secret story There is so much honest, practical advice and perspective in this episode—whether you’re thinking about your own side hustle, at a crossroads in your career, or just looking for a nudge to connect with others who “get it.”I’d love to hear what resonated with you from this conversation? Please reach out and let me know!  Email the team and me directly: [email protected] more about our special collaboration partner for this series: The Southern CMORE SPECIAL OFFERS FOR SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCAST LISTENERS: Use the link below to shop all of our special offers and receive exclusive She Said listener discounts:Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/1w7dBe sure to use our Promo Code: SHESAID at checkoutFEEDBACK & COMMUNITY:Which part of this episode resonated with you most? We’d love to hear! Contact us using the links below.LOOKING FOR MORE SHE SAID/SHE SAID? You’ll find all our episodes & lots more content: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comLET’S CONNECT!Instagram: @lauracoxkaplanLinkedIn: Laura Cox KaplanContact: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] RATE AND REVIEW SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCASTLove the show? Please consider leaving a review on Spotify, iTunes, GooglePlay, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Your feedback helps shape the podcast and brings more amazing content your way!Note: She Said/She Said Podcast is a weekly production of She Said/She Said Media.

SHOW NOTESEpisode 352: Science-backed ways to navigate the hardest part of goals with motivation expert Ayelet FishbachGuest: Ayelet Fishbach, PhD, award-winning Professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and author of "Get It Done."THIS WEEK'S TOPIC:Are you feeling your motivation start to wane as January rolls along? You’re not alone! This week we dig into strategies for closing the gap between the goals you set…and actually reaching them—especially when the excitement has worn off, and you find yourself slogging through the “messy middle.” Laura’s guest is renowned motivation expert Ayelet Fishbach, whose research and best-selling book, “Get It Done,” offer practical, research-backed actions you can take starting today.We discuss why the middle phase of goal pursuit feels the hardest, what science says about willpower (hint: it’s not your best strategy), how to build a support system that genuinely works, and how to recover from setbacks without the self-blame spiral. Whether your goal is health, business, family, or anything else, this episode is about designing motivation that works with your busy life (not against it!).ABOUT THIS WEEK’S GUEST:Ayelet Fishbach is one of the world’s leading experts on the psychology of motivation and goal pursuit. As a professor at Chicago Booth, she’s earned numerous awards for her work and carved a reputation for translating academic insights into actionable takeaways for daily life. Her book “Get It Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation” is a practical guide to picking the right goals, making progress visible, and reframing struggles as valuable information—not signs of failure.KEY TOPICS AND WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:WHY THE “MESSY MIDDLE” IS SO HARD:Professor Fishbach explains why enthusiasm fades midway through a goal, and what to do about it.STRATEGIES BEYOND WILLPOWER: You actually DON’T need to “try harder”. Find out how designing your environment and finding the “easy way” is more effective than muscling through.THE POWER (AND LIMITS) OF ACCOUNTABILITY: How to set up social support that’s encouraging, not controlling, and what makes for feedback that pushes you forward rather than making you want to give up.TURNING SETBACKS INTO STEPPING STONES: Why anticipating setbacks (rather than being surprised by them!) is crucial, and how to recover when you inevitably hit an obstacle.RETHINKING INCENTIVES & SELF-CONTROL: The surprising downsides of rewards and how to keep your “big why” front and center so incentives support (not sabotage) your purpose.TEMPTATIONS AND LONG-TERM SUCCESS: How to outsmart temptation by changing how you frame decisions and the best way to strengthen your “goal muscle.”INTRINSIC MOTIVATION: The most important (and overlooked) predictor of whether you’ll stick with your goals, plus actionable ideas to make your resolutions more appealing and achievable in everyday life.There’s so much wisdom and encouragement in this conversation. As Laura and Ayelet candidly share (even the expert doesn’t always hit her own goals perfectly!), you’ll come away better equipped to navigate your own journey...one intentional, realistic step at a time.Be sure to share what resonated with you most! Connect with us via the links below.FEEDBACK & COMMUNITY:Which part of this episode resonated with you most? We’d love to hear! Contact us using the links below.LOOKING FOR MORE SHE SAID/SHE SAID? You’ll find all our episodes & lots more content: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comLET’S CONNECT!Instagram: @lauracoxkaplanLinkedIn: Laura Cox KaplanContact: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] RATE AND REVIEW SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCASTLove the show? Please consider leaving a review on Spotify, iTunes, GooglePlay, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Your feedback helps shape the podcast and brings more amazing content your way!MORE SPECIAL OFFERS FOR SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCAST LISTENERS: Use the link below to shop all of our special offers and receive exclusive She Said listener discounts:Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/1w7dBe sure to use our Promo Code: SHESAID at checkoutNote: She Said/She Said Podcast is a weekly production of She Said/She Said Media

Show NotesEpisode 351. A Better Way To Measure Success: Setting Goals That Help You ThriveGuest: Solo episode with host Laura Cox KaplanTHIS WEEK’S TOPIC: Ever find yourself wondering if your accomplishments should be more impressive, profitable, or visible, even when you love the work you’re doing? This week, Laura Cox Kaplan tackles the often quiet, persistent pressure to prove the worth of our efforts and makes the case for redefining success on our own terms. Drawing on personal experiences, including her transition out of a high-powered corporate role and her journey building She Said/She Said Podcast, Laura explores how goal-setting, identity, and thriving are deeply intertwined, especially during big transitions.In this thought-provoking solo episode, Laura helps you wrestle with questions such as:Are your goals truly serving your well-being…or are they quietly turning into verdicts on your worth?How can you tell the difference between a stretch goal that helps you thrive and one that turns your passion into a pressure cooker?And what does it mean to design goals that align with your current season of life, not just your resume or past milestones?Packed with practical reflection prompts, this episode invites you to rethink the rules of goal-setting, evaluate what drives your ambition, and give yourself permission to thrive, not just achieve.KEY TOPICS AND WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:WHY WE FEEL THE NEED TO JUSTIFY OUR PASSIONS:Laura shares her own inner dialogue when asked, “What are you hoping to accomplish with this podcast?” and breaks down why these seemingly innocent questions can feel so loaded.GOAL-SETTING THROUGH DIFFERENT LIFE SEASONS: Whether you’re in a survival mode or entering a new chapter, your goals (and your approach to them) should adapt to fit your real life.DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STRETCH GOALS AND “STRAIN” GOALS: Discover how to tell if your stretch goal is supporting your growth, or wearing you down.IDENTITY & MILESTONES: How attaching your identity to measurable outcomes can blur the lines between achievement and self-worth.FRAMEWORK FOR REASSESSING YOUR GOALS:Laura shares concrete questions and strategies for examining if your goals bring energy, joy, and meaning or simply drain you.REDESIGN GOALS TO SUPPORT YOUR THRIVING: Learn how to pivot and reframe your ambitions for greater alignment and fulfillment.THE ROLE OF SEASONAL CONTEXT: Why it’s so important to determine whether your goals match your current life circumstances, not just old scripts or cultural expectations.There’s so much wisdom, practical advice, and honest reflection in this episode. You’ll come away better equipped to design goals that support your growth, not just your résumé.A FEW REFLECTION PROMPTS FROM THIS EPISODE (for your journal or next coffee chat!):Does this goal bring me energy or drain it?Am I doing this out of joy and curiosity, or out of fear and comparison?If I didn’t tell anyone, would I still want to pursue this goal?Is my definition of success evolving with my life season, or is it stuck in old rules?FEEDBACK & COMMUNITY:Which part of this episode resonated with you most? We’d love to hear! Contact us using the links below.LOOKING FOR MORE SHE SAID/SHE SAID? You’ll find all our episodes & lots more content: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comLET’S CONNECT!Instagram: @lauracoxkaplanLinkedIn: Laura Cox KaplanContact: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] RATE AND REVIEW SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCASTLove the show? Please consider leaving a review on Spotify, iTunes, GooglePlay, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Your feedback helps shape the podcast and brings more amazing content your way!BE SURE TO CHECK OUT SPECIAL OFFERS FOR SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCAST LISTENERS: Use the link below to shop all of our special offers and receive exclusive She Said listener discounts:Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/1w7dBe sure to use our Promo Code: SHESAID at checkoutNote: She Said/She Said Podcast is a weekly production of She Said/She Said Media

SHOW NOTESStop Making Your Setbacks Your IdentityEpisode 350Host: Laura Cox KaplanTHIS WEEK’S TOPIC:It’s the second week of January, and while you may still be motivated by those fresh New Year goals, life is starting to get busy, and maybe a little messy. Have you ever missed a workout, deviated from your plan, or slipped up at work and immediately thought, “This is who I am. I always fall off”? You’re not alone. In this episode, Laura Cox Kaplan dives into the links between our setbacks and our self-identity. Rather than obsessing about “fixing your goals,” she explores how to change the stories you attach to your slip-ups, so you can reset, recover, and thrive no matter what life throws at you.This episode unpacks research-backed strategies for reframing setbacks, discusses why the “messy middle” of pursuing any goal is so normal (and necessary!), and delivers powerful, actionable tips to return to your goals without letting one rough week define you. If you’re tough on yourself when you “fall off track,” don’t miss this empowering pep talk.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SETBACK AND AN IDENTITY STORY:Discover why experiencing a slip and internalizing that slip are two entirely different things.HOW THE MESSY MIDDLE FUELS PROGRESS (NOT FAILURE):Learn why feeling stuck, unmotivated, or unsure is often a normal, healthy sign you’re actually doing hard, meaningful work.RESEARCH-BACKED FRAMEWORKS TO SUPPORT YOUR GOAL JOURNEY:Laura shares insights from psychologists like Daphna Osserman on identity-based motivation, and ideas like “possible selves” from Hazel Markus and Paula Nurius to help you see setbacks as data, not verdicts.THE POWER OF LANGUAGE AND SELF-COMPASSION:Discover how shifting from negative labels to empowering ones can spark resilience and sustainable growth.PRACTICAL TOOLS TO RESET FASTER:Implementation intentions (also known as “if-then” plans), growth mindset reframes, and asking “am I backsliding or am I building?” will help you bounce back with less self-criticism.WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO PRACTICE (NOT PERFECT) YOUR GOALS:Laura explains how practicing your word of the year and celebrating small wins builds true self-influence and the resilience needed to thrive.THERE’S SO MUCH INSIGHT AND ENCOURAGEMENT IN THIS EPISODE!If you struggle with inner criticism after a setback, these ideas will help you reset your narrative, reset your plan, and celebrate who you are becoming, not just what you do. Which part of this episode resonated with you most? We’d love to hear! Contact us using the links below.RESOURCES & LINKS:Previous episode on scaffolding your goals: Episode 349Laura’s free downloadable workbook with more than 100 reflection prompts: lauracoxkaplan.comCarol Dweck’s book “Mindset” Kristin Neff’s research on self-compassionLOOKING FOR MORE SHE SAID/SHE SAID? You’ll find all our episodes & lots more content: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comLET’S CONNECT!Instagram: @lauracoxkaplanLinkedIn: Laura Cox KaplanContact: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] OFFERS FOR SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCAST LISTENERS: Use the link below to shop all of our special offers and receive exclusive She Said listener discounts:Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/1w7dBe sure to use our Promo Code: SHESAID at checkoutPLEASE RATE AND REVIEW SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCASTLove the show? Please consider leaving a review on Spotify, iTunes, GooglePlay, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Your feedback helps shape the podcast and brings more amazing content your way!Note: She Said/She Said Podcast is a weekly production of She Said/She Said Media.

SHOW NOTES Episode 349: New Year Reset: Building Scaffolding for Your GoalsHost: Laura Cox KaplanTHIS WEEK'S TOPIC: It’s a fresh start—welcome to 2026! Like so many of us, Laura Cox Kaplan is armed with a brand new planner, a stack of favorite notebooks, and big ambitions for the New Year. But after years of goal setting, she’s learned that dreaming big isn’t enough. To reach the finish line, we need more than good intentions; we need the right scaffolding around our goals to make them achievable—even when life gets chaotic.In this episode, Laura shares her personal beginning-of-year reset process which includes a blend of reflection prompts, traditions, and practical strategies to build the kind of momentum that helps embed your goals deeply into your daily life. Whether you’re excited for a clean slate or overwhelmed by the pressure of starting anew, this episode will help you turn resolutions into results by connecting your intentions to what truly matters.KEY TOPICS AND WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:The Critical Importance of Goal Scaffolding: Most goals don’t fail simply because you quit. They may lack stable support to anchor your intentions.Year-End Review Made Actionable: Laura walks you through her process for reviewing the past year to mine for clues about moments that mattered most, progress, setbacks, and the patterns you want to either keep or leave behind.Laura Shares Eight Dimensions for Reflection: Awareness, Intention, Mindset, Relationships, Engagement / Flow, Meaning, Accomplishment / Progress, Wellbeing / Positive Emotion, and how these categories map to scientifically-proven keys for flourishing.Three Simple Questions That Change Everything: What do I want to keep? What do I want to release? What do I want or need to create more of?Choosing Your Word of the Year: Learn best practices for picking a meaningful “Word of the Year” that guides your practice, not just the outcome. Laura shares her choices for 2026: Alignment and Discernment.Practical Anchoring Techniques: How to use your daily habits (like your morning coffee or closing out the day) to anchor your word in your life, and weekly check-ins to realign when you drift.Don’t forget to download Laura’s Complimentary Reflection Workbook! It’s filled with 100+ prompts based on last year’s episodes. You likely don’t need an extreme life overhaul. With a few simple practices, routines, and self-checks, you can start where you are and build momentum for 2026. Don’t forget to share your word of the year, your feedback, and what you discover as you go through this process!LOOKING FOR MORE SHE SAID/SHE SAID?All episodes and content are available here: She Said/She Said PodcastMORE SPECIAL OFFERS FOR SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCAST LISTENERS: Use the link below to shop all of our special offers and receive exclusive She Said listener discounts:Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/1w7dBe sure to use our Promo Code: SHESAID at checkoutFEEDBACK & COMMUNITY:Which part of this episode resonated with you most? What’s your biggest goal for 2026? We’d love to hear! Contact us using the links below.LET’S CONNECT!Instagram: @lauracoxkaplanLinkedIn: Laura Cox KaplanContact: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] RATE AND REVIEW SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCAST Love the show? Please consider leaving a review on Spotify, iTunes, GooglePlay, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Your feedback helps shape the podcast and brings more amazing content your way!She Said/She Said Podcast is a weekly production of She Said/She Said Media.She Said/She Said Podcast Reflection Worksheet

SHOW NOTES348. What 2025 taught us about flourishing, and how it can help you ring in a happier 2026! Host: Laura Cox KaplanTHIS WEEK'S TOPIC:As 2025 comes to a close, Laura invites listeners to pause, reflect, and celebrate another year of great conversation and insight on She Said/She Said Podcast. This special solo episode weaves together favorite moments, insights, and some top lessons from a remarkable lineup of guests, connecting these experiences to the science of human flourishing and the question “What does it truly mean to thrive?” If you’re seeking inspiration, actionable tools, or simply a sense of connection and hope as you look to 2026, this recap episode is for you. Get ready to reimagine celebration as a leadership practice, learn why “busy” can undermine your influence, and rethink accomplishment and the stories you tell yourself. Plus, hear about special guests like Birdie's founder, Bianca Gates, coming in 2026 and what you’ll take away from She Said/She Said’s ongoing collaboration with The Southern C!KEY TOPICS AND WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:THE SCIENCE OF HUMAN FLOURISHING: Discover the five pillars of wellbeing and how positive psychology tools can transform your choices, relationships, and outlook for 2026.CELEBRATION AS STRATEGY: Why savoring small wins is far from frivolous, the essential leadership lesson from celebration expert and former Martha Stewart Weddings’ editor Darcy Miller, and why joy can be a powerful success multiplier.REFRAMING YOUR NARRATIVE: How the stories we tell ourselves affect our confidence, creativity, and ability to connect. Plus: tips on building “influence from the inside out.”DEEP ENGAGEMENT VS. BUSYNESS: learn why protecting time for “flow” is vital, and how being “busy” can sabotage mastery and impact.THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS: Why we never flourish alone and how investing in others helps us grow.FINDING MEANING AND PURPOSE: Hear moving stories about transforming personal experience into community impact, like Jim Towey’s reflections from his work as Mother Teresa’s lawyer and friend, and Yael Goodman’s healing work in Israel after October 7, 2023. We also explored Dr. Anne Welsh’s “ambition paradox” and Laura’s concept of “experience equity,” which claims that every part of your journey is valuable.ACHIEVEMENT (AND THE IMPORTANCE OF REST): Accomplishment isn’t just about goals, but about aligning action, values, and strategic breaks, with tips from McKinsey’s Lorena Yee, and Laura’s perspective on why rest fuels productivity.There’s so much wisdom packed into this episode, tied together with Laura’s personal reflections and encouragement. This is the perfect episode to help you get ready to dive into a new year! GOT FEEDBACK? What struck you most in this conversation? We want to hear from you! Share your word of the year, your favorite moments, your own flourishing tools, or anything else that’s on your mind! Reach out via the links below.MORE SPECIAL OFFERS FOR SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCAST LISTENERS: Use the link below to shop all of our special holiday offers and receive exclusive She Said listener discounts:Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/1w7dBe sure to use our Promo Code: SHESAID at checkoutLOOKING FOR MORE SHE SAID/SHE SAID? You’ll find all our episodes & lots more content: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comLET’S CONNECT!Instagram: @lauracoxkaplanLinkedIn: Laura Cox KaplanContact: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] RATE AND REVIEW SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCASTLove the show? Please consider leaving a review on Spotify, iTunes, GooglePlay, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Your feedback helps shape the podcast and brings more amazing content your way!Note: She Said/She Said Podcast is a weekly production of She Said/She Said Media

SHOW NOTESEpisode 347: When the Holidays Amplify Loss: How to Support (and Be Supported) Through GriefGuest: Samina Bari, Author of "Don't Call Me Widow" and Host of "The Afterlife" PodcastWHY THIS CONVERSATION MATTERS NOWThe holidays are coming. For many of us, that means gratitude lists and celebration. But for someone navigating loss, it means an empty chair at the table, traditions that feel incomplete, and well-meaning friends who don't know what to say.This week, I'm talking with Samina Bari, who lost her husband in a sudden accident while raising young twins. Samina talks about living through the devastating comments ("At least you're young"), awkward silences, and the lonely work of grief. And she's turned that experience into a mission: helping both those who are grieving and those who desperately want to help but don't know how.Whether you're supporting someone through loss right now or want to be prepared to show up when it matters most, Samina's insights will change how you think about grief, presence, and what real support looks like.MEET SAMINA BARISamina is a communications professional who never expected to become an expert on grief. After an accident took her husband's life, she found herself not only navigating unbearable pain but also supporting her twins, rebuilding her sense of self, and discovering that nearly everything people said to her missed the mark. Her book "Don't Call Me Widow" and her podcast "The Afterlife" emerged from her determination to create the guidance she wished she'd had—for the grieving and for those who love them.WHAT YOU'LL TAKE AWAY FROM THIS EPISODEWords That Wound (And What to Say Instead): Discover why phrases like "they're in a better place" and "everything happens for a reason" can feel like daggers, and learn the simple, powerful alternatives that actually provide comfort.How to Show Up When You Don't Know What to Do: Presence trumps perfection. Samina shares the small, tangible actions that meant the most to her: from sitting in silence to taking on specific tasks without asking permission. You'll learn how to help without adding to someone's burden.Understanding the Identity Earthquake of Loss: Losing a spouse isn't just grief, it's a complete identity shift. Samina explains why this is uniquely disorienting and why treating grief like a problem to solve actually makes it worse.Supporting Children Through Grief (Without Making Them Invisible): Kids process loss differently than adults, but they're often overlooked entirely. Learn meaningful ways to acknowledge and support children who are grieving—without making them carry adult emotions.Navigating the Minefield of Holiday Gatherings: As we head into the season of celebration, how do we make space for those experiencing painful absences? Samina offers practical guidance for being inclusive and thoughtful during emotionally charged times.The Financial Reality No One Talks About: In the wake of loss, Samina discovered a crucial truth: women's financial empowerment isn't just practical, it's essential. She shares why this matters and how to start those conversations before crisis hits.Samina's wisdom is both heart-wrenching and practical. It’s the kind of conversation that stays with you long after it ends.What landed for you in this conversation? I'd love to hear what resonated—reach out through the links below.MORE SPECIAL OFFERS FOR SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCAST LISTENERS:She Said/She Said Podcast listeners get exclusive access to special discounts from our hand-picked holiday partners, including: Eric Javits, Cozy Earth, Afuera Coffee, and more!Use this link to shop all special offers: https://MyDeals.Page/1w7dBe sure to use Promo Code: SHESAID at checkout for your exclusive savings.FEEDBACK & COMMUNITY:Which part of this episode resonated with you most? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Contact us using the links below.LOOKING FOR MORE SHE SAID/SHE SAID?Find all our episodes, community features, and more: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comLET’S CONNECT!Instagram: @lauracoxkaplanLinkedIn: Laura Cox KaplanWebsite/Contact: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] RATE AND REVIEW SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCASTLove the show? Please consider leaving a review on Spotify, iTunes, GooglePlay, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Your feedback helps shape the podcast and brings even more amazing content your way!Wishing you a joyful, resilient, gratitude-filled Thanksgiving—thank you for being part of this community!Note: She Said/She Said Podcast is a weekly production of She Said/She Said Media.

SHOW NOTESEpisode 346: Why Your Brain Loves Gratitude (Especially During Stressful Seasons)Host: Laura Cox KaplanTHIS WEEK’S TOPIC: Why is your brain so wired to respond to gratitude—especially when life gets messy? In this episode, Laura Cox Kaplan digs into the science, strategies, and everyday magic of gratitude, revealing how tiny moments of appreciation can lift your mood, deepen relationships, sharpen your focus, and build real resilience. Whether you’re navigating holiday chaos or everyday stress, you’ll discover practical ways to make gratitude part of how you think, lead, and live.On the eve of Thanksgiving (and She Said/She Said’s eight-year anniversary!), Laura Cox Kaplan shares the powerful impact a single conversation can have, and how you, too, can use gratitude to spark growth and meaning in your own story.KEY TOPICS AND WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:THE SCIENCE OF GRATITUDE: Explore how gratitude instantly boosts your brain’s “feel-good” chemicals—serotonin and dopamine—helping stabilize mood and fuel motivation.ATTENTION TO TINY MOMENTS: Discover why it’s not about the size of the moment, but your willingness to notice and appreciate the small things.HOLIDAY CHAOS TO MEANING: Get actionable, science-backed practices for using gratitude to find perspective, refocus, and anchor yourself when life feels overwhelming.RESILIENCE IN REAL LIFE: Learn how gratitude can shift stress into opportunity, helping you reframe setbacks and lead with intention and flexibility.CONNECTION & INFLUENCE: See how specific, intentional gratitude strengthens relationships and amplifies your influence—at home, at work, and everywhere in between.BUILDING EXPERIENCE EQUITY: Understand how gratitude helps you “connect the dots” in your life, compounding daily experiences into lasting memories and meaning.EASY, EVIDENCE-BACKED PRACTICES: TryLaura’s three-step, two-minute gratitude routine to anchor gratitude — no matter how busy you are!MORE SPECIAL OFFERS FOR SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCAST LISTENERS: She Said/She Said Podcast listeners get exclusive access to special discounts from our hand-picked holiday partners, including: like Eric Javits, Cozy Earth, Afuera Coffee, and more!Use this link to shop all special offers: https://MyDeals.Page/1w7d Be sure to use Promo Code: SHESAID at checkout for your exclusive savings.FEEDBACK & COMMUNITY: Which part of this episode resonated with you most? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Contact us using the links below.LOOKING FOR MORE SHE SAID/SHE SAID? Find all our episodes, community features, and more: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comLET’S CONNECT!Instagram: @lauracoxkaplanLinkedIn: Laura Cox KaplanWebsite/Contact: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] RATE AND REVIEW SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCAST Love the show? Please consider leaving a review on Spotify, iTunes, GooglePlay, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Your feedback helps shape the podcast and brings even more amazing content your way!Wishing you a joyful, resilient, gratitude-filled Thanksgiving—thank you for being part of this community!Note: She Said/She Said Podcast is a weekly production of She Said/She Said Media.