348. What 2025 Taught Us About Flourishing, and how it can help you ring in a happier 2026!

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.

SHOW NOTES Episode 345: Hidden Forces That Shape (and can Sabotage) Your Leadership, and how to tame themGuest: Dr. Jaime GoffTHIS WEEK’S TOPICDo you ever find yourself micromanaging, replaying conversations, or avoiding asking for help even when you’re overwhelmed? You’re not alone, and nothing is “wrong” with you.In this episode, Laura Cox Kaplan sits down with executive coach and author Dr. Jaime Goff, whose new book The Secure Leader reveals how early emotional patterns and attachment styles shape how we show up at work. If you’ve ever felt stuck, “off,” or unsure why your leadership isn’t landing the way you want, this conversation offers a clearer roadmap and practical tools to move toward grounded, confident, secure leadership.ABOUT THIS WEEK’S GUESTDr. Jaime Goff is the founder of The Empathetic Leader and author of The Secure Leader. With roots in couple and family therapy and years of experience as an executive coach, Jaime brings a rare blend of psychology and leadership strategy. She helps leaders understand how early relational patterns influence their management style—and how to update those patterns to build healthier, more trust-filled organizations.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODETHE BACKBONE OF YOUR LEADERSHIP STORY: How early relationships shape your leadership patterns, and why understanding your backstory matters.ATTACHMENT-INSPIRED LEADERSHIP STYLES: Jaime explains the difference between Secure leaders, Insecure-anxious leaders, and Insecure-avoidant leaders, and why “secure” is a direction, not a box. HOW TO SPOT YOUR OWN PATTERNS: and how those triggers, stress responses, and habits can hold you back even when some of those behaviors might have worked previously.GENDER, PERFECTIONISM & CONTROL: A candid look at why many women struggle with asking for help, relinquishing control, and rewriting perfectionist tendencies.TOOLS FOR SELF-REGULATION: Jaime shares some practical, simple strategies, including: Noticing emotional cues, “Security priming” (like hand-on-heart grounding),Pausing, or taking a break when things escalateWhether you’re leading a team, managing up, or simply trying to understand yourself better, this episode offers a powerful lens to elevate your influence and strengthen your leadership.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 checkoutFEEDBACK & COMMUNITY:Which part of this episode resonated with you most? What’s your biggest nutrition, wellness, or reinvention challenge right now? 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 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!Note: She Said/She Said Podcast is a weekly production of She Said/She Said Media.

SHOW NOTESEpisode 344: How Two Women Built a Wellness Business that Fuels the Energy, Focus, and Confidence of their clientsGuests: Katelin Dial, Anne Alfano, co-founders, Clean Life CollectiveTHIS WEEK'S TOPIC:Confused by what to eat, how much protein is right, or how to feed a busy family in a healthy way? This week, Laura Cox Kaplan is joined by the co-founders of Clean Life Collective, Katelin Dial and Anne Alfano for a deep dive into building a purpose-driven wellness business from scratch.This lively conversation serves up practical, science-based advice to cut through nutrition noise and social media fads. It’s also a celebration of reinvention, collaboration, and the power of partnership—especially when your business partner brings chef skills AND a detective’s investigative curiosity to the table!ABOUT THIS WEEK’S GUESTS:Katelin Dial: A certified integrative health coach passionate about using food as true fuel for energy and wellness—without overwhelm or guilt. She’s built a coaching practice and continues to guide clients through life pivots and nutritional challenges.Anne Alfano: After a career as a private detective, Anne followed her passion for food into the world of professional kitchens, working in culinary hotspots from San Francisco and Napa to New York and New Orleans. Her journey embodies risk-taking and following your purpose.KEY TOPICS AND WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:ENTREPRENEURIAL REINVENTION: The fascinating paths Katelin and Anne took—pivoting careers, overcoming personal challenges, and merging very different backgrounds into a collaborative health-focused business.PROTEIN MYTHS & REAL-LIFE SOLUTIONS: how much protein do you actually need? (hint: you don’t have to count every gram!)NAVIGATING NUTRITION OVERWHELM: With fads, supplements, and confusing trends everywhere, the ladies cut through the noise, avoid unnecessary rigidity, and focus on balanced, real-food eating.PARTNERSHIP & COLLABORATION: How Anne and Katelin forged and formalized a strong, values-based business partnership—including advice for picking and prioritizing your “lane,” conflict resolution, and staying true to your mission.GROWING A PURPOSEFUL BUSINESS: Behind the scenes of Clean Life Collective: fostering community, evolving your product based on customer feedback, and the importance of connection and service.TIPS FOR BUSY FAMILIES & ENTREPRENEURS: From time management hacks (timers, task lists, kitchen timelines) to mindset shifts on balance and personal wellness for business leaders.There’s plenty of actionable advice whether you’re in a career pivot, looking to eat healthier, or considering launching a business with a friend—or all three!Learn more about The Clean Life CollectiveSPECIAL OFFERS FOR SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCAST LISTENERS: Use these links to receive discounts from our sponsors: AfueraCoffee.Com = 15 % off your purchase with promo code: SHESAID (The Teddy Roosevelt roast is Laura’s fav!)EricJavits.com = 20 % off your purchase with promo code: SHESAIDCozyEarth.com = 40% off your purchase with promo code: SHESAIDHyperNaturalStyle.com: https://hypernaturalstyle.com/discount/SHESAID = 20% off your purchase with promo code: SHESAID or all the men in your life. These polos are fantastic! FEEDBACK & COMMUNITY:Which part of this episode resonated with you most? What’s your biggest nutrition, wellness, or reinvention challenge right now? We’d love to hear! Connect 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 343: Your Pre-Holiday Survival Guide: How to generate more joy and balance amidst the chaos Host: Laura Cox KaplanTHIS WEEK'S TOPIC:The holiday season can feel like a marathon of obligations, decisions, and to-do lists that leave us feeling stretched, overwhelmed, and sometimes even a bit resentful. But what if there were a better way? This week, Laura Cox Kaplan explores how you can approach the holidays with greater intention, joy, and, most importantly, equipoise. Drawing on insights from positive psychology and her own journey as a parent and leader, Laura Cox Kaplan shares a framework to help you navigate these busy months with more balance—and less burnout.KEY TOPICS AND WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:THE “EQUIPOISE” MINDSET: Discover the concept of equipoise—a state of active, intentional balance—and why it’s essential for thriving (not just surviving) through the holidays.POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY MEETS PRACTICAL PLANNING: Laura Cox Kaplan introduces the PERMA framework (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Achievement) and shows how grounding your holiday decisions in these five elements supports true well-being.FIVE POWERFUL REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS: Learn the five essential questions to ask yourself before saying yes (or no) to invitations, obligations, and traditions. These are designed to help you align your time and energy with what actually matters to you.INFLUENCE & INTENTIONAL CHOICES: Explore why influence isn’t about doing more, but about being centered and present—and how making aligned decisions empowers you to show up with greater impact.SPECIAL OFFERS FOR SHE SAID/SHE SAID LISTENERS: Get a jump on your holiday shopping and support your favorite podcast with these amazing offers: Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com/discount/SHESAIDEric Javits: https://ericjavits.com/discount/SHESAIDEssoc: https://essoc.shop/discount/SHESAIDThis episode is your permission slip to pause, reflect, and step into the holiday season with more self-awareness, intention, and grace. Laura Cox Kaplan offers both the inspiration and the practical tools you need to survive—and thrive—during the busiest time of the year.Try out the questions and let us know what changes for you! LOOKING FOR MORE SHE SAID/SHE SAID?You’ll find all episodes and content here: 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 342: The Ghosts That Haunt Your Confidence, and how to let them go!Guest: (Solo episode with host Laura Cox Kaplan)THIS WEEK'S TOPIC:Happy Halloween! This special edition of She Said/She Said Podcast takes a seasonal spin as host Laura Cox Kaplan explores the “ghosts” that haunt our confidence and our influence — not the spooky supernatural kind, but the psychological saboteurs that keep us stuck and silent. If you’ve ever wrestled with perfectionism, comparison, or the pressure to appear overconfident, this episode is for you. Laura walks us through three of the most common “influence ghosts” that can sabotage our impact and offers practical, evidence-based tools to help you reclaim your voice and grow your confidence, no matter the season.Forget the Halloween decorations — these ghosts will follow us all year long unless we learn to name, understand, and finally let them go.KEY TOPICS AND WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:THE GHOST OF PERFECTIONISM PAST:How perfectionism masquerades as a strength but can become a cage, keeping you from taking action and connecting authentically.Learn why iteration and progress, not polish, are the real builders of confidence and momentum.MICRO TOOL: Capture small “micro wins” each day to shift your focus from perfection to progress.THE DARK SHADOW OF COMPARISON:How comparison can instantly shrink your sense of accomplishment.Why comparison isn’t always negative, if you use it as data to get curious about what you truly value.MICRO TOOL: Try the “Curiosity Reframe”: replace “I could never” with “What can I learn?” and tap your unique “experience equity.”THE MASK OF OVERCONFIDENCE:Why projecting certainty can be a self-protective strategy that actually stifles trust and collaboration.The powerful impact of admitting you don’t have all the answers and modeling strategic vulnerability.MICRO TOOL: Reflect on and share moments when things didn’t go perfectly, and what you learned.“EXORCISE” YOUR INFLUENCE “GHOSTS” FOR GOOD:See perfectionism, comparison, and even overconfidence as outdated strategies that you can thank and then release.Learn practical ways to use self-awareness to spot these “ghosts” and choose new patterns that build lasting influence.How to use your “experience equity” and micro-wins to create a more authentic version of success—one that aligns with your values and season of life.There’s power in naming what haunts us—and even more in learning to choose courage, connection, and curiosity over outdated scripts. Laura’s practical advice and personal honesty will help you move forward with greater self-awareness and confidence, whatever ghosts you might be facing this season.Take a moment this Halloween week (or anytime) to reflect: Which “ghost” is haunting your influence lately? Name it, thank it, and let it go. Your boldest, most authentic self is waiting.WHAT DID YOU THINK?Which “ghost” resonated with you most? Do you have your own story of overcoming perfectionism, comparison, or the need to wear a mask? Laura would love to hear your thoughts! You can reach out using the link in the episode notes at shesaidshesaidpodcast.com or email the She Said team directly at [email protected] FOR MORE SHE SAID/SHE SAID?You’ll find all episodes and content here: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comLET’S CONNECT!Instagram: @lauracoxkaplanLinkedIn: Laura Cox KaplanContact: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] RATE AND REVIEW SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCASTIf you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you listen. Your feedback helps us grow and serve even more growth-minded leaders. Thank you!Note: She Said/She Said Podcast is a weekly production of She Said She Said Media. Happy Halloween!

SHOW NOTESTitle: Four Tools To Help You Influence The Most Important Person In The Room: YOUEpisode 341Solo Episode: Laura Cox KaplanTHIS WEEK’S TOPIC:We often talk about “influence” as something that shapes a room, a community, or a boardroom—but the most essential influence starts with ourselves. In this special solo episode, Laura Cox Kaplan, host of She Said/She Said Podcast, shares four essential tools every leader and aspiring leader needs to develop authentic influence—from the inside out.Drawing inspiration from a recent workshop for civic coaches and leaders (and practical examples from her own journey), Laura breaks down how to lead yourself first, build resilience, and cultivate a more powerful, evidence-based narrative about who you are and what you offer—before you set out to influence others. You’ll also learn how to use AI as an ally to deepen your self-awareness and fine-tune your growth strategy.KEY TOPICS AND WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:KNOW YOUR STORY—BUILD EXPERIENCE EQUITYLaura introduces the concept of “experience equity”—the unique combination of your skills and lived experiences. Learn a simple two-part inventory exercise to help you see your real value more clearly, silence your inner critic, and identify your unique strengths.TRACK YOUR MICRO WINS & LEARN TO PRUNEProgress is messy! Find out how to stay motivated by tracking “micro wins”—small steps forward that indicate momentum even in the messy middle of a project. Plus, Laura shares how letting go (or counterbalancing) what drains you can sharpen your focus and fuel your growth.PRACTICE STRATEGIC VULNERABILITYAuthenticity matters, but not all vulnerability is equally effective. Laura explains “strategic vulnerability”: how to share the lessons learned from setbacks (not just the pain) in a way that models growth and builds trust with others.USE IF/THEN PLANNING TO BOOST RESILIENCEHope alone doesn’t build resilience—preparation does. Laura provides a simple “if/then” planning strategy to anticipate obstacles before they arise, and to respond with intention and confidence (including how to talk about setbacks transparently with your team or community).HOW AI CAN HELP YOU REFLECT AND GROWLaura offers practical AI prompts to help you analyze your inventory, spot patterns, surface strengths you might overlook, clarify your focus, and extract actionable lessons from challenges.Authentic influence isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention, awareness, and generosity in sharing what you’ve learned along the way. Which of these four tools do you need to put into practice right now?LOOKING FOR MORE SHE SAID/SHE SAID?You’ll find all episodes and content here: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comLET’S CONNECT!Instagram: @lauracoxkaplanLinkedIn: Laura Cox KaplanContact: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] RATE AND REVIEW SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCASTIf you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen or watch. Reviews help others discover the show—and help us bring you more of the insight and encouragement you’re looking for!She Said/She Said Podcast is a weekly production of She Said/She Said Media.

340. How to Influence Without Authority: What Nina Frost's Fight for Her Daughter Teaches Us About Leading ChangeGuest: Nina Frost, Founder of Rare HopeTHIS WEEK'S TOPIC:How far would you go to save your child’s life — or to change the future for countless others facing rare disease? When confronted with her daughter Annabel’s rare neurological diagnosis, this week’s guest, Nina Frost, decided to rewrite the playbook. In a conversation rich with hope, resilience, and ground-breaking science, Nina shares how she turned personal crisis into a movement, rallied top researchers, and co-authored research that’s shaping the future of rare disease treatment. If you’ve ever struggled to find purpose in uncertainty, to build influence without a roadmap, or to keep gratitude close in the toughest moments, this episode is for you.ABOUT THIS WEEK’S GUEST:Nina Frost is the founder of Rare Hope, a trailblazing organization changing what’s possible for thousands affected by rare neurological disorders. Driven by her daughter Annabel’s diagnosis with alternating hemiplegia of childhood, Nina brought together expert researchers and Harvard scientists, and helped pioneer new approaches by leveraging her unique background, relentless tenacity, and deep compassion for the rare disease community.KEY TOPICS AND WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:BUILDING A MOVEMENT FROM A FAMILY CRISIS: Nina shares her journey from moments of shock and fear after Annabel’s diagnosis, to launching Hope for Annabel (now Rare Hope), and building a scientific and advocacy community.LEADING WITHOUT A ROADMAP: Learn how Nina applied her management consulting skills to navigate scientific complexity—despite no formal background in medicine or research—and why expertise, curiosity, and connection are critical for influence.THE PATIENTS-AS-PARTNERS APPROACH: Discover why Nina centers patient experience in research, and how she collects and translates real data from families to guide scientific and clinical priorities.RALLYING SUPPORT & FUNDING INNOVATION: Nina opens up about building relationships, raising pivotal seed funds, and why simply “having” money can sometimes open more doors than spending it. Plus, hear her advice for fundraisers facing big, uncertain challenges.THE IMPACT OF COLLABORATION: Explore the extraordinary work with Nobel-worthy scientist Dr. David Liu and how patient organizations like Rare Hope can directly influence ground-breaking gene editing projects.FAMILY, RESILIENCE & GRATITUDE: Nina discusses the effect of Annabel’s diagnosis on her family — including the challenges facing siblings — and shares hard-won perspective on guilt, grace, and how parents in the rare disease community keep moving forward.TURNING TRAUMA INTO PURPOSE: Hear Nina’s future vision for genetics and disease research—why rare disease isn’t actually “rare,” and how work in this field can unlock insights for everyone.There’s inspiration, practical advice, and a new lens for thinking about advocacy and influence in this week’s conversation. I’d love to know what resonated with you. Please connect with us and share your reflections!LOOKING FOR MORE SHE SAID/SHE SAID?You’ll find all prior episodes and content here: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comLET’S CONNECT!Instagram: @lauracoxkaplanLinkedIn: Laura Cox KaplanFacebook: Laura Cox KaplanContact Laura Cox Kaplan: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] Nina and Rare Hope: rare-hope.orgPLEASE RATE AND REVIEW SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCASTYour reviews on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, GooglePlay, or wherever you listen help us refine our content and ensure you get more of what matters to you. Please consider sharing your feedback!Note: She Said/She Said Podcast is a weekly production of She Said/She Said Media.

SHOW NOTESEpisode 339: How to Create “Reader-First” Thought Leadership That ConnectsA short-form, Toolkit Episode!THIS WEEK’S TOPIC:Are you pouring time and energy into sharing your thought leadership on social media, only to feel like your posts are falling flat or not gaining traction? You’re not alone — and there’s a smart, simple way to change that. In this week’s shorter ToolKit Episode, host Laura Cox Kaplan digs into the critical shift from “me first” to “reader first” and provides actionable advice for anyone looking to build truly meaningful influence, whether you’re just starting out or seeking to deepen your impact.Laura shares her own best practices honed from years of experience, outlining how focusing on what your audience needs can be the difference between being scrolled past and earning lasting trust and attention.ABOUT THIS WEEK’S EPISODE:KEY TAKEAWAYS AND WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:WHY “READER-FIRST” MATTERS: Discover why starting with your audience’s needs and experiences is the fastest way to build trust, spark engagement, and develop real influence.THE “HOOK, HELP, HUMAN” (HHH) FRAMEWORK: Learn how to structure posts so they instantly hook your reader, offer practical help, and create human connection.FLIPPING THE SCRIPT: See how to reframe typical “I’m excited to…” posts into compelling, service-oriented content your audience actually wants.PRACTICAL EXAMPLES FOR ANY POST: Laura shares examples for belief-sharing, team wins, and major announcements — plus, how to add immediate value in every case.KEEPING IT SUSTAINABLE (AND FUN!): Find out how to avoid burnout and maintain creativity by viewing your content calendar as a playlist, mixing practical advice, short stories, reflective questions, and wins.THE 20-SECOND “GUT CHECK”: Before you hit send, Laura’s three-question checklist (So what? Now what? Why you?) ensures your post resonates and offers real, actionable value.These best practices can help you build trust, credibility, and lasting influence with a “reader-first” mindset. You’ll walk away with fresh perspective and a practical checklist (linked in the show notes) to use before your next post.DID YOU FIND THIS HELPFUL?If you found value in this episode, share it with a friend or colleague. Laura would love to hear what resonated most, so be sure to share a review of this episode or reach out to her directly: [email protected] FOR MORE SHE SAID/SHE SAID?Listen to all episodes and access more resources: SheSaidSheSaidPodcast.com !Instagram: InstagramLinkedIn: LinkedInFacebook: FacebookContact Laura Cox Kaplan: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] RATE AND REVIEW SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCASTIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Spotify, iTunes, GooglePlay, or wherever you listen. Your feedback helps shape future content and ensures you get more of what you love.Thank you for listening — see you next week!Note: She Said/She Said Podcast is a weekly production of She Said/She Said Media.