Flip Your Script is a podcast about life’s critical turning points and how people find the inspiration and motivation to move forward and rewrite their unique stories. The show is hosted by Kristi Piehl, who flipped her script from an Emmy-winning journalist to a successful entrepreneur (Media Minefield) and speaker.
Many leaders wonder if a social media presence is worth the effort, but Mark Peters believes it's one of today's most powerful leadership tools. As CEO of Butterball Farms, founder of The SOURCE and author of The Retention Trap, Mark has embraced social media to build trust, share meaningful insights and elevate others. In this episode of Flip Your Script, he shares his journey from a social media skeptic to executive influencer and explains why showing up online is no longer optional for today's executives.
When her infant son Lewiston was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Jessica Janzen turned to social media to share updates and let others know how they could support her family. After his passing, it became a space to process grief, find hope and connect with others navigating life's hardest moments. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Jessica shares how using social media with intention can foster healing, build authentic community and inspire others through the power of our stories.
Gerald Stratford never expected a photo of his giant vegetables to change his life. Known today as the Veg King, he built a global following by sharing his passion for gardening and spreading positivity. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Gerald shares how gardening helped him through cancer and the pandemic, why authenticity matters and the simple mindset that guides his life: keep your glass half full, say yes and "try hard with a smile on your face."
Most people don't think "school librarian" and "social media influencer" belong in the same sentence, but Jen Miller is changing that. As the creator of Meet Me In The Media Center, Jen has built a positive online community that has garnered millions of views while advocating for libraries and supporting global book donation efforts. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Jen shares her journey to viral success, the power of taking chances and how she balances life as an educator and content creator.
Jesse and Hollie Erickson are the parents behind the viral Instagram and TikTok account Wonderful Life with Bedford. After their son Bedford was diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder Schwartz-Jampel Syndrome (SJS), they turned to social media searching for connection, support and other families who understood their journey. In this episode of Flip Your Script, they share how their platform became a source of healing, inspired millions through Bedford's joy and resilience and helped launch an inclusive playground project.
Matt Eicheldinger is a middle school teacher turned bestselling author and viral creator. He built his platform by sharing classroom stories and middle school humor. During the pandemic, he began posting on TikTok and everything changed. A viral video in a flooded parking lot brought millions of views and expanded his reach far beyond the classroom. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Matt shares why he chooses authenticity over trends and how he thinks about his digital legacy in everything he posts online.
Isabel Klee started using social media to share her journey fostering rescue dogs and daily life with her dog, Simon. What began as a personal outlet on her @simonsits account grew into a viral storytelling platform, a bestselling book and a TV show that is now in development. Her authentic, unfiltered fostering content built a deeply engaged audience that follows each foster like a new season of a TV series. In this episode, she shares how honesty, storytelling and a love for dogs connect people across backgrounds and experiences.
Joyce Toti is the founder and CEO of Collective Women's Leadership, a community helping women build confidence, connect authentically and grow their careers. She began using social media to share personal updates, but during grad school realized younger generations needed mentorship. Now she uses it for connection, empowerment and leadership. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Joyce shares tips on networking, consistent content, authenticity and stepping confidently into leadership and influence.
McKenna DeVelbiss, better known as Cowboy Kenna, is on a mission to prove that choosing kindness can be revolutionary. Her simple, positive TikTok videos even grabbed the attention of The Today Show. From painful childhood comments to unexpected compliments from strangers, she is passionate about the power of words. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, McKenna shares how she's using her social media platform to build a supportive online community and ensure no one feels alone.
Maddy Goldberg has always been a foodie. A trained chef with high-end restaurant experience, she started sharing simple, affordable meals through her Cook Eat account, and her online following began to grow. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Maddy shares how she uses social media to educate others about the realities of food insecurity by pulling back the curtain and bringing her online audience into the kitchen as she volunteers at a food shelf.
When Paul Holte began posting about life during layovers, it was a passion project, not part of a corporate social media strategy. Now a pilot for United Airlines, he's part of a growing group of employee content creators supported by the company. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Paul shares how authentic, behind-the-scenes storytelling builds trust, attracts future talent and strengthens brand loyalty in ways traditional advertising cannot.
When his CBS Sports job unexpectedly ended, Adam Llorens leaned into his hobby: posting tours of New York City Catholic churches on social media. By educating people about architecture and history, Adam gained a large social media following, which eventually led to his current role as a digital streaming host and producer in a major TV news market. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Adam explains why he continues creating content to share stories and educate others.
Lucia Knell is the Vice President of Upworthy, a media brand on a mission to share uplifting stories that foster positive connections, and the co-author of Good People: Stories from the Best of Humanity. She has spent her career proving social media can uplift, connect and inspire rather than amplify negativity. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Lucia talks about Upworthy's mission of kindness, the power of authentic storytelling and the importance of setting boundaries online.
Grandma Joy and her grandson, Brad Ryan, turned a single road trip into a journey to see all 63 U.S. National Parks. Now with a global following, they show how authentic social media storytelling can spark healing, forgiveness and connection. In this episode of Flip Your Script, they discuss Brad's upcoming book, their adventures and using social media with intention. This episode is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to rewrite your story.
In this episode of Flip Your Script, Kristi Piehl welcomes back Matt and Sloan Bowen five years after their first appearance on the podcast. They share how their family and social media platforms have grown and how social media has become a way to help others. Matt and Sloan talk about vulnerability, life with a disability, the realities of IVF and staying intentional online. They also discuss balancing family, content creation and brand partnerships while staying true to their purpose and values.
The Flip Your Script podcast is back, sharing stories about the positive power of social media and reframing how we think about the stories we tell and the influence we have. Every post, every comment, every story we share becomes part of our digital legacy. In this relaunch episode, host and author Kristi Piehl shares highlights from her live book launch event with speaker, podcaster and leadership expert Jo Saxton. If there's one takeaway Kristi hopes you get from each episode of Flip Your Script, it's this: Your story matters.
The Flip Your Script podcast launched in 2020, and our first episode featured host Kristi Piehl’s journey from Emmy Award-winning TV reporter to entrepreneur. Since then, over 150 guests have shared stories of struggle and resilience. As we close this chapter of the podcast, Kristi shares another personal story as she sits down with her son Alec to discuss how a knee injury taught him the power of perseverance, faith and perspective, reminding us that setbacks can lead to new beginnings.
Janice Kaplan is a gratitude expert and author of the New York Times bestseller, The Gratitude Diaries. Her new book, What Your Body Knows About Happiness, explores the mind-body connections to happiness and shares insights on how small environmental changes and physical actions, like sitting up straight or holding a warm cup, can influence mood and perceptions. In this episode, Kristi Piehl and Janice discuss the power of gratitude, the mind-body connection to happiness and small changes that can transform your mindset.
Sharing his own struggles with mental health and addiction, Patrick J. Kennedy has spent his career fighting to end discrimination against people with mental health conditions. He founded the Kennedy Forum and spent 16 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. He often compares today’s mental health efforts to the goals set by his uncle, President John F. Kennedy. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Patrick discusses the power of personal stories in breaking stigma and advocating for policy change.
Dr. Amy Attas is a veterinarian and the founder of City Pets Vets in Manhattan. Over the years, she has cared for over 10,000 pets, including those of everyday people and celebrities like Billy Joel, Cher and Joan Rivers. In her new memoir, Pets and the City, Dr. Amy reflects on the challenges and rewards of her unique career, sharing memorable stories from her work. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Dr. Amy discusses her journey of revolutionizing the veterinary industry with house-call vet services.
Chynna Clayton was raised by her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother while her father was in prison. After graduating from college, she interned at the White House where she began working closely with First Lady Michelle Obama. Over nearly a decade as Mrs. Obama’s bodywoman, Chynna learned the importance of valuing assistant roles. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Chynna shares how Michelle Obama encouraged her to start her own company and how she advocates for these often-overlooked positions.
Matt Allen, known as “Nur-D,” is a key figure in the Minnesota hip hop scene. He has performed at Paisley Park and U.S. Bank Stadium, shared the stage with artists like Jaden Smith and Tyler the Creator and toured with Brother Ali. The murder of George Floyd was a pivotal moment for Nur-D, deepening his commitment to social justice. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Nur-D emphasizes the importance of authenticity in his work and the responsibility artists have to use their platforms to create change.
Sophie Grace Holmes was born with cystic fibrosis and was told she wouldn’t reach her teenage years. Despite the challenges, she has made it her mission to show what’s possible with a healthy lifestyle. Now a fitness coach and athlete, she has accomplished feats like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, paddleboarding 80 miles from the Bahamas to Florida, and running 36 marathons in 36 days. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Sophie shares her inspiring journey and the importance of setting ambitious goals.
Holly Hardman started her career as a researcher for Rolling Stone, PBS and Twentieth Century Fox before moving into writing, directing and producing short films. After a personal experience with the dangers of prescribed benzodiazepines, Holly began her latest project, As Prescribed, a documentary that shares the problems linked to these drugs. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Holly shares her advocacy for patients and the importance of understanding the risks of some prescriptions.
Cullen Jones was rescued from a near-drowning incident when he was just five years old. This experience sparked his passion for swimming, leading him to become an Olympic gold medalist and the first African American to hold a world record in the sport. Cullen is now dedicated to promoting water safety and drowning prevention. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Cullen shares his journey from nearly drowning to becoming a renowned swimmer and advocate for inclusivity in water sports.
Yasmine Arrington Brooks grew up with her parents behind bars. When she started applying for college, she noticed a lack of scholarships for students in her situation. She founded the nonprofit ScholarCHIPS, which offers scholarships, mentorship and a peer support network for students with incarcerated parents. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Yasmine discusses how ScholarCHIPS started and the inspiring stories from some of the scholars who are changing their life trajectory.
Steve Hoffman is a tax preparer who loves writing and the French language. Looking to reignite those passions, he moved his family from Minnesota to the French countryside. Steve started journaling about his experiences connecting to the food, the wine and the people. He found a new version of himself and is rewriting his middle-aged story. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Steve talks about his recent memoir and how his perspectives changed after his move to France.
Maggie Nichols trained as an elite-level gymnast with hopes of competing in the 2016 Olympics. Her dreams were crushed when she didn’t make the team, but she went on to become an 8-time NCAA national gymnastics champion. She’s now an advocate for young athletes after bravely speaking out about years of sexual abuse by her team physician. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Maggie talks about her memoir, Unstoppable!, the sexual abuse scandal and her relentless pursuit of justice.
Devan Kline started Burn Boot Camp in a parking lot with his last few hundred dollars after his baseball dreams with The San Francisco Giants were shattered. He grew up in abuse and chaos but used baseball as his escape to freedom and changed the direction of his life. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Devan shares how he overcame mental challenges through physical exercise and inspires others to adopt resourcefulness and a proactive mindset.
Isaac Saul grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, one of America's most politically divided counties. After spending years as a political reporter, Isaac wanted to fix how people consume news. Isaac is the founder of Tangle, an independent, non-partisan politics newsletter that offers both sides of the biggest news stories. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Isaac shares how the newsletter has evolved, advice for conversations about politics and his thoughts on the upcoming election.
Beth Rodden began climbing at a young age and quickly gained recognition for her accomplishments. However, Beth’s journey took a dramatic turn when she and three others were kidnapped by militant rebels and held captive for six days while on a climbing trip in Kyrgyzstan. This experience changed Beth’s perspective on life and climbing. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Beth shares her experience with perfectionism, seeking therapy and confronting trauma as an elite athlete.
Grandma Joy and her grandson Brad Ryan have visited all 63 National Parks in the U.S. and are now on a new challenge to visit all seven continents. Their journey isn’t just about traveling; it’s also about forgiveness and overcoming difficult family dynamics. They’re inseparable nowadays but the grandma-grandson duo were estranged for about a decade. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Grandma Joy and Brad share their remarkable journey of travel, aging, forgiveness and personal growth
Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour had a childhood dream of being a police officer on horseback, a dream that evolved into becoming America's first Black female combat pilot. She served two tours in Iraq, piloting an attack helicopter and now travels the country as a speaker and consultant. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, FlyGirl shares her journey of persistence, resilience and hunger for success and how she faced rejection multiple times before achieving her goals.
Phil Catudal was diagnosed with leukemia as a child and lost his father to cancer when he was 12 years old. Both experiences significantly impacted his life and shaped his wellness journey. Phil is now a celebrity personal trainer with a philosophy centered on accountability, education and dedication. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Phil shares how his childhood gave him a unique perspective on health and fitness and how he uses his story to help others prioritize their well-being.
A life-threatening car accident changed Jenn Drummond’s outlook on life. She knew she was given a second chance and started prioritizing personal fulfillment and embracing experiences. Jenn broke a Guinness World Record by becoming the first woman to climb the Seven Second Summits. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Jenn emphasizes the value of perseverance and determination and shares how she overcame her car crash and developed the mindset to become a mountain climber.
Carol Han Pyle is a former fashion and beauty editor at Elle and now the founder of a luxury fragrance and candle brand. NETTE combines inspiration from her childhood with her passion for clean ingredients and a desire for a safe home following fertility struggles. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Carol shares her journey from remembering her mom’s homemade candles to creating a successful luxury brand focused on clean ingredients, sustainability and mental well-being.
Stacy Lyn Harris started her career as a lawyer. When she met her husband, Scott, who is an avid outdoorsman, she got a taste of a different way of life. His passion became her passion, and she left her job to care for their seven children and a vegetable garden. Now, she is a southern lifestyle guru, chef and author. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Stacy talks about what inspired her to write cookbooks to share stories and how her cooking philosophy goes back to her childhood.
Meir Kay is best known for spreading positivity and happiness on YouTube. He is the founder of Super Soul Party, a non-profit dedicated to bringing people together and providing comfort to those facing homelessness. During the Super Bowl, they host Super Soul parties in cities across the U.S. and offer a meal, haircut, clothing and an opportunity to connect with others. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Meir shares the positive impact of small acts of kindness.
Cheryl Hunter was a teenager when she left her family’s horse ranch in Colorado to travel across Europe. While abroad, she met two men who promised to make her a model but instead abducted her, held her captive and eventually left her for dead. She survived the life-changing event and now uses her story to help others overcome adversity and own their stories. In this episode of Flip Your Script, host Kristi Piehl and Cheryl talk about the importance of sharing personal stories to help others.
Golf has always played a large role in Christine Fraser’s life. She grew up on her family’s golf course and played competitively in college. Christine spent five years in England practicing golf course design under architect Dr. Martin Hawtree and recently became the first woman in golf history to hold a lead design role on a golf course in Canada. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Christine shares her design philosophy centered on sustainability and her goal to make golf accessible.
Donald James began his career as an intern at NASA with plans to stay a couple years. However, when the space shuttle Challenger exploded in 1986, it set off a series of events that changed the direction of Donald's career. He retired from NASA after 35 years and is now a public speaker, mentor, business coach and author of Manners Will Take You Where Brains and Money Won't. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Donald shares how he’s using his experiences to inspire the next generation.
As 2023 comes to an end, we are reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the next. In this bonus episode of Flip Your Script, host Kristi Piehl gets vulnerable, talking about intentionally saying “no” in 2023 in order to say “yes” to new opportunities. This transformative mindset shift led her to meet Lisa Valle. Lisa joins Kristi to talk about how getting outside of our comfort zones and saying “yes” to vulnerability can bring so much into our professional and personal lives.
LeeAnn Walton was teaching yoga when she had a massive stroke. After years of being angry and not understanding why, LeeAnn discovered her strength and purpose. Now, LeeAnn is the author of Every Stroke Survivor has a Warrior Within and founder of the nonprofit organization, Stroke Warriors Inc. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, LeeAnn vulnerably shares the emotional and physical challenges she has faced and her mission to support stroke survivors on their journey.
Antonio T. Smith Jr. lived in a dumpster from ages six to 14. Despite a lack of resources and support, he put himself through school and later became a spy in the U.S. Army, an innovative tech CEO in the AI industry and a self-made millionaire. He is a bestselling author, celebrity business advisor and inspirational speaker. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Antonio shares his dedication to uplifting individuals and reshaping society.
Despite no musical or vocal training, Todd Tilghman made it through NBC’s The Voice blind audition with all four celebrity judges wanting to coach him. The former pastor went on to win season 18, however, there is much more to his story than just winning the popular primetime singing competition. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Todd talks about leading with love and why being authentic is so important to his journey.
Leonard Kim went from being on the verge of homelessness to a nationally recognized public figure and personal branding expert featured in publications like Inc. Magazine and Fortune. After opening up about his hardships, Leonard let his failures fuel his success. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Leonard openly shares the importance of being your true, authentic self and how to accept and prepare for life's unknowns.
An inspirational speaker, author and former Wall Street executive, Jim Owen was 70 when he found a new passion in life and decided to get physically fit. Since his fitness journey began 13 years ago, Jim has been sharing his wisdom and inspiring other aging adults through his books and documentaries. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Jim talks about how his positive mindset has played a role in his life and shares advice for those willing to look at life and aging differently.
Sasha DiGiulian is a two-time world champion rock climber who dominates the traditionally male sport. Sasha stepped into a climbing gym for the first time at the age of six and was competing within a year. She has gained global attention and has been on the cover of 27 magazines and features, including Oprah, Good Morning America and The Today Show. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Sasha shares how she navigates imposter syndrome, physical and mental challenges.
Despite Doug Dane’s painful past, he now lives a life of freedom, gratitude and hope. Doug is an international keynote speaker, mentor and author. He uses his experiences with adoption, child abuse and kidnapping to help people discover their true self and live a life free of guilt or shame. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Doug shares how he learned the truth about his story and how he encourages others to come to terms with their own stories so they can move forward and heal.
Christine Ha lost her vision due to a medical condition almost two decades ago and had to re-learn how to cook. Now known as The Blind Cook, she is a New York Times best-selling cookbook author and the chef behind three restaurants: The Blind Goat, Xin Chào and Stuffed Belly. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Christine shares how MasterChef launched her culinary career and how creativity and determination can turn challenges into extraordinary achievements.
Jason Arday was diagnosed with autism as a child and couldn't read or write until he was 18. Facing many challenges growing up, Jason wrote a list of personal goals on his parents’ bedroom wall. One goal said: “One day I will work at Oxford or Cambridge.” Now, Jason is the youngest black professor at the prestigious University of Cambridge. In this inspiring episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Jason shares his story and talks about the people who got him to where he is today.
Amanda Brinkman is a small business champion and marketing expert. She has worked on campaigns for brands like BMW, Reebok and Sony. But it was a role as Chief Brand Officer at Deluxe that gave her the chance to launch her boldest career move. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Amanda shares her “Do Well By Doing Good” philosophy, the reality show she created, produced and hosted, Small Business Revolution, and how she flipped her script by shining a light on small businesses.
Their friendship began during elementary school recess. Now, Maggie Brown and Grace Moore are the founders of the wildly successful brand Recess Pickleball. They launched the company in 2021 and grew it from a pandemic passion project to a renowned pickleball gear company with fun and trendy paddles and accessories. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Maggie and Grace share how a simple game turned into a successful business and how they navigate running a business as friends.
Few people want to talk about their failures, but Christina Wallace has built a career talking about hers. The failure of her first company made headlines and became a case study used in business schools around the world. As a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School, Christina now shares the value of learning from our failures. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Christina talks about how she started telling the truth about her failed business and became an author and educator.
After being diagnosed with PTSD, Christy Warren retired as a fire captain from the Berkeley Fire Department in California. The diagnosis didn't stop her from achieving new goals: She became a triathlete and completed the Escape from Alcatraz swim five times. Christy is the author of Flash Point: A Firefighter's Journey Through PTSD and hosts The Firefighter Deconstructed podcast. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Christy shares her struggles with PTSD and the healing process.
Jimmy Choi was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s disease at 27 years old. After years of denial, an accident pushed Jimmy in a new direction and he no longer let his diagnosis hold him back. Jimmy is now a Guinness World Record holder, endurance athlete, ultra marathoner, American Ninja Warrior, motivational speaker and Parkinson’s advocate. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Jimmy shares his personal journey with Parkinson's and the power of social media.
With hundreds of millions of TikTok views, the Savannah Bananas are not your average baseball team. Through skits, dances and unique rules, the Georgia-based team takes the field with one mission: make baseball fun and put fans first. Head Coach Tyler Gillum dreamed of becoming a baseball coach in high school, and now he's helping the team flip the script on the sport. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Tyler shares his journey to the Savannah Bananas and the concept of Banana Ball.
Nadia Liu Spellman left her career in investment banking to pursue her passion for good food. With the support and guidance of her parents, Nadia launched the popular restaurant Dumpling Daughter. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Nadia talks about her entrepreneurial journey and her family legacy. Nadia’s mom also joined this episode to share how she encouraged her daughter to start a business after owning and operating one of Boston’s most renowned Chinese restaurants.
Jenny Smith was 16 years old when a spinal cord injury left her paralyzed from the chest down. Despite being faced with a new life she could've never imagined, Jenny leaned on her support system and never gave up. She now educates the public and advocates for people with spinal cord injuries and distributes wheelchairs internationally. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Jenny tells her story of living with a spinal cord injury and her message that we are capable of more than we think.
Debra Vines struggled to find resources and support when her son Jason was diagnosed with autism. After years of feeling helpless, Debra started The Answer Inc., a nonprofit that supports families impacted by autism. Debra has been acknowledged numerous times for her work, including being named one of the Top 10 CNN Heroes. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Debra shares the emotions that come with raising an autistic child and her hopes for everyone to open their hearts and minds.
Christine Handy began modeling at age 11, working for brands like Guess, J. Crew, Pepsi and Target. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to flip her script when she underwent chemotherapy and eventually lost her breasts. Christine shifted from surviving to thriving and started modeling again for New York Fashion Week and Victoria's Secret. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Christine talks about the importance of sharing your story to help others understand they are not alone.
Josh Meredith was a queer youth growing up in West Virginia and struggled with his mental health. The hardships he faced helped him discover a passion for mental health advocacy. Josh is now the Chief of Staff for the Born This Way Foundation, co-founded by Lady Gaga and her mom. The foundation promotes kindness and conversations about mental health. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Josh shares how Lady Gaga changed his life and his passion for mental health and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Kechi Okwuchi was only 16 when she and one other person survived a plane crash that killed 107 people. Throughout her recovery, Kechi was supported by her family, friends, faith and music. Kechi later became a finalist on America's Got Talent and received Simon Cowell's golden buzzer. She has continued to release her own music and wrote a memoir titled 'More Than My Scars’. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Kechi shares her inspiring story filled with courage, resiliency and hope.
Amanda Burrill has been a rescue swimmer in the Navy, a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef, a copy editor for the New York Post and a sponsored triathlete and marathon runner. Through it all, she was living with an undiagnosed brain injury. It took a second brain injury for her to realize what was causing her health issues. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Amanda shares her experiences with a traumatic brain injury and how she is advocating for veterans and others with TBIs.
J.R. Martinez was serving in Iraq when his Humvee hit a roadside bomb and exploded, leaving him with severe injuries and burns on more than one-third of his body. Now, after three dozen surgeries, J.R. travels the world to share his story and teaches people to adapt and overcome. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, J.R. shares his experiences as a burn survivor, Army veteran, actor, motivational speaker, New York Times best-selling author and Dancing with the Stars season 13 champion.
Like any good Disney story, Katie Evans has had to overcome obstacles to find her happy ending. While struggling with postpartum depression, Katie moved her family to Disney World. She also wrote a book, The Magic of Hope, where she shares her personal struggles and triumphs and inspires others to always follow their dreams. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Katie talks about how the magic of Disney changed her life and her family.
As 2022 comes to a close, we are reflecting on the past year and looking forward to a new chapter in all our stories. Over the past year, 44 people shared their inspirational Flip Your Script stories about finding the strength and motivation to turn the page. In this special Flip Your Script bonus episode, host Kristi Piehl unveils never-before-heard insights from some of our most popular guests of 2022 to help motivate and remind you that you are capable of more than you think in the new year.
Rob Kenney's dad left when he was just 14. Without a father figure in his life, Rob had to navigate some of life’s challenges on his own. He started a Youtube channel called Dad, How Do I? by creating videos on how to tie a tie and unclog a sink. He now has more than 4 million subscribers who are drawn to his practical advice, how-tos and dad chats. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Rob shares how he moved on from his painful childhood to help and encourage people around the world.
Eddie Swartzentruber was just 17 years old when he ran away from the Amish community in rural Minnesota where he was raised. He grew up very sheltered, not knowing about simple things like electricity or cell phones. Eddie is now married, owns his own business and uses social media to share about his former life and answer questions about the Amish. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Eddie shares what it was like growing up Amish, why he left and what his life is like now.
You might know Sharon McMahon by her Instagram handle, @sharonsaysso. With more than one million followers on social media, Sharon shares her expertise as a high school government teacher to battle political misinformation. She uses social media and her podcast to answer questions and share nonpartisan facts about the government and democracy. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Sharon talks about how she went from teaching in the classroom to educating the country through social media.
After making the difficult decision to leave her international banking career, Amalia Moreno-Damgaard harnessed her passion for culture and cuisine to launch her own business. Today, Amalia is an award-winning author, speaker and chef entrepreneur. Her mission is to help people understand Latin American culture through culinary experiences and storytelling. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Amalia shares her experiences growing up in Guatemala and how she is using her passion today.
Renee Seevers sold her 3,300 square foot, five bedroom, four bathroom house and moved into an 87 square foot home on wheels. Renee is the CEO and Founder of TinyFest, a tiny home and nomadic living festival that started in Iowa before expanding across the country. TinyFest is the celebration of sustainability, human connection, adventure and freedom. In this episode of Flip Your Script with host Kristi Piehl, Renee shares what it's like living in a tiny home and how it’s impacted all aspects of her life.
After an abusive relationship and difficult divorce, Chaz Sandifer hit a low point. She set out on a journey of healing, wanting to become the best version of herself. Chaz is passionate about health and wellness and is building a community around those passions as the founder of theNEWmpls. In this episode of Flip Your Script with host Kristi Piehl, Chaz shares how her life experiences, the pandemic and racial reckonings impacted everything from her career to her friendships.
Bob Dahm grew up on a farm and watched his dad, grandfather and many others die of cancer; he knew that toxic agricultural chemicals had to be the culprit. As a grounds manager at a children's hospital, Bob watched as chemicals were applied to the playground where immunocompromised children played. He knew there had to be a safer way. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Bob shares how his early love and respect for the farm inspired him to start his own business, Organic Bob.
Desmond Blair is an artist who is missing one tool nearly every other artist has: hands. Despite the challenges, he is creating art and inspiring others. As a child, his mom and grandma encouraged Desmond to find his own way of doing things. He taught himself how to write with a pencil and how to use crayons with his wrists. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Desmond talks about how he is using art to overcome challenges and share some of the life lessons he's learned along the way.
A hundred years ago, we moved from working six days a week to five, and now Andrew Barnes and Charlotte Lockhart are preaching the positive effects of shifting to a four-day workweek. They are the founders of the nonprofit organization, 4 Day Week Global. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Andrew and Charlotte talk about how the pandemic shifted work-life balance and how the four-day workweek increases productivity and decreases stress.
A hundred years ago, we moved from working six days a week to five, and now Andrew Barnes and Charlotte Lockhart are preaching the positive effects of shifting to a four-day workweek. They are the founders of the nonprofit organization, 4 Day Week Global. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Andrew and Charlotte talk about how the pandemic shifted work-life balance and how the four-day workweek increases productivity and decreases stress.
John Kriesel lost two of his best friends and both legs when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle on military patrol in Iraq. His life flashed before his eyes as he lay on the sand, thinking he wouldn't survive. Determined to make the most of his second chance at life, John is now an author and motivational speaker who shares his story with positivity and humor. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, John talks about everything from war to a difficult divorce to his stint in politics.
John Kriesel lost two of his best friends and both legs when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle on military patrol in Iraq. His life flashed before his eyes as he lay on the sand, thinking he wouldn't survive. Determined to make the most of his second chance at life, John is now an author and motivational speaker who shares his story with positivity and humor. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, John talks about everything from war to a difficult divorce to his stint in politics.
Quintina Sonnie’s difficult childhood included abandonment, sexual assault, abusive relationships and domestic sexual exploitation. She is a lived experience expert now living in Ghana, Africa, using her trauma and experiences to teach women how to heal so they can experience joy and love. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Quintina shares her personal story and the importance of healing trauma to make conscious choices.
Quintina Sonnie’s difficult childhood included abandonment, sexual assault, abusive relationships and domestic sexual exploitation. She is a lived experience expert now living in Ghana, Africa, using her trauma and experiences to teach women how to heal so they can experience joy and love. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Quintina shares her personal story and the importance of healing trauma to make conscious choices.
Faatemah Ampey is an award-winning hair stylist, salon owner and Bravo TV reality star who has found a new purpose. Following the murder of George Floyd, the streets near her salon were vandalized. With pain and destruction happening in Minneapolis, it became her mission to bring beauty back to the community. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Faatemah talks about the impact George Floyd's murder had on her community and why she is challenging others to think differently about beauty.
Faatemah Ampey is an award-winning hair stylist, salon owner and Bravo TV reality star who has found a new purpose. Following the murder of George Floyd, the streets near her salon were vandalized. With pain and destruction happening in Minneapolis, it became her mission to bring beauty back to the community. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Faatemah talks about the impact George Floyd's murder had on her community and why she is challenging others to think differently about beauty.
Martha Rossini is the founder of one of the most iconic brands at the Minnesota State Fair: Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar. With three booths at the State Fair, her team bakes 3 million cookies each day. But baking cookies isn’t Martha’s only passion; she worked as an elementary school art teacher for years. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Martha shares how Sweet Martha's went from a yogurt shop to a cookie empire and how she wouldn’t change a thing in getting to where she is today.
Martha Rossini is the founder of one of the most iconic brands at the Minnesota State Fair: Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar. With three booths at the State Fair, her team bakes 3 million cookies each day. But baking cookies isn’t Martha’s only passion; she worked as an elementary school art teacher for years. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Martha shares how Sweet Martha's went from a yogurt shop to a cookie empire and how she wouldn’t change a thing in getting to where she is today.
Juliana Brandt is an author and kindergarten teacher with a passion for storytelling. After graduating from college, Juliana traveled the country before starting her teaching career in North Carolina. A car accident left her with a lot of time to start writing some stories. She dreamt about becoming an author for a decade and wrote 14 books before her debut book was published. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Juliana talks about following your dreams and the magic in her writing.
Jasna Burza grew up in the middle of the Bosnian war. When she was nine years old, her family was split up; she went to a refugee camp and her father was sent to a concentration camp. Jasna and her family eventually left their country and came to Minnesota. In this episode of Flip Your Script with host Kristi Piehl, Jasna talks about growing up during a war, her experiences with loss and miscarriage and how she has turned her past tragedies into a career of positivity and helping others thrive.
Stephen Stearman was laid off and fired from several jobs early in his career. Feeling like he didn't fit into the corporate world, Stephen found his place as an entrepreneur in the cannabis industry. He is now the CEO and Co-Founder of Elevate Holistics, a cannabis technology company focused on creating a better medical marijuana experience. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Stephen tells host Kristi Piehl how his past experiences have shaped him into the entrepreneur and leader he is today.
Some artists use paint or clay to create, but award-winning artist Nathan Sawaya uses LEGO® bricks. Nathan began his career as a corporate lawyer on Wall Street. However, his desire to do something more creative led to a new career - one that includes clients like Lady Gaga and Tony Hawk. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Nathan shares how he gained the courage to take a leap, leave his life as a lawyer behind and create a profitable career out of his favorite hobby.
Jack Jablonski was checked from behind in a high school hockey game and went head first into the boards, fracturing two vertebrae and severing his spinal cord which left him paralyzed from the chest down. Ever since, Jack has set out to prove doctors wrong and started a foundation to fund research in paralysis recovery. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Jack talks about the life-changing injury, the Jack Jablonski Foundation’s mission and his career with the Los Angeles Kings.
Randi Neal has overcome some of the most difficult challenges in life. Sexual abuse lead to drug addiction, physically abusive relationships, homelessness, alcoholism, rehab, suicide attempts and criminal charges. After years of working through her trauma, Randi was able to turn her life around. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Randi talks about her past and how sharing her story made her realize she was not alone and could help those who have been in similar situations.
Kev Crane is a plumber in England who loves to sing while he works. He was crooning the right tune at the right time, landing a record deal after a client overheard him singing on the job. Now, Kev has signed a deal with a Hollywood filmmaker and sold the rights to his story to The Hunger Games writers Stacy Sherman and Billy Ray. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Kev shares what it’s been like to live out his dream in the recording studio and on the big screen.
Running 100 marathons in 100 days. Kate Jayden shares how she accomplished this feat to raise money and awareness for refugees. Kate is facing surgery on a fractured femur and can’t continue to run like she used to. However, running was never the main purpose of her challenge. Running gave her the opportunity to use her platform to impact others and raise money for charity. In the 100th episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Kate talks about motivation, discipline and the power of vulnerability.
Growing up with two moms didn't seem out of the ordinary to Sidney Barnette. But in elementary school, she started noticing her family was different from the other kids. They told her she couldn't have two moms and that she had to have a dad. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Sidney shares her experiences growing up and what she hopes people will take away from her story. In honor of Pride Month, Sidney and Kristi also talk about how society has flipped its script on gay marriage.
Jay Ernest loved the voice of Johnny Cash and baled hay to save money for his first guitar. While wanting to continue his idol’s legacy, he formed the Church of Cash, a Johnny Cash tribute band. Jay brings Johnny Cash to life in the Folsom Prison Experience, an interactive musical and re-creation of one of the most important days in Johnny Cash’s career. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Jay shares the story behind the Church of Cash and his plans for the Folsom Prison Experience.
Andy Buerger’s sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004. Her courage and strength motivated Andy to turn his pain into a passion. He started a non-profit, Jodi's Climb for Hope, to raise money for cancer research by climbing mountains. When Andy’s wife was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Climb for Hope expanded their efforts to include MS research. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Andy talks about his climbing adventures, personal struggles and how to find your purpose.
Phil Terrill totaled his car in a drunk driving accident in 2014. Instead of letting that moment define him, he listened to the wake-up call and turned his mistake into motivation. Phil is passionate about sneakers and began his entrepreneurial journey by founding SoleSafe, an asset management company for sneakerheads. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Phil explains it’s never too late to rise above the mistakes of your past and follow your dreams.
Katie Chonacas (aka Saint Kyriaki) is a Greek-American actor with over two decades of experience in Hollywood, including working with A-list actors like Morgan Freeman and Robert DeNiro. Katie is also a filmmaker, voice over actor, author, podcast host and the first NFT artist to release a love poem and a podcast on the blockchain. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Katie shares her journey through many different careers, her work creating NFTs and the future of art on the blockchain.
When Roger Williams quit his job, he changed his title to Head Crosser Offer. After surviving two heart attacks, he’s now taking what he calls an adult gap year to travel and cross items off his bucket list. Roger is the host of The Crossing It Off podcast where he interviews guests about their bucket lists and encourages others to live with intention. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Roger shares advice for starting your bucket list and a few things he has on his list.
From a college basketball player to hostage negotiator, Terry Tucker has reinvented himself frequently over his professional career. Along with most recently becoming an author and motivational speaker, Terry added cancer warrior to his list after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Acral Lentiginous Melanoma. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Terry shares his inspiring story of courage and strength and how he uses his experiences to support others.
From adoption and abandonment to abuse, death and suicides of loved ones, Sue Lundquist’s life was filled with tragedy. An extremely traumatic childhood left Sue asking herself "why me?". Sue turned her pain into power with a successful business platform to help others live a more abundant life. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Sue shares her powerful story and explains how she is using her passion to create a positive personal transformation while helping others do the same.
Daniel Tolson faced countless setbacks when he was diagnosed with a linear sequential learning disability that led to years of mental and physical therapy. Daniel realized his passion for helping others and founded the Tolson Institute, specializing in emotional intelligence and resilience. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Daniel shares his journey of overcoming challenges, how he became a three-time Australian wakeboard champion and what he’s doing now to help others succeed.
Jeremy Grater and Zach Tucker have pushed themselves to learn more about their physical, emotional and mental health. They learned to manage depression and anxiety and lost nearly 200 pounds combined. They are now using their knowledge and sharing the challenges they have faced to help others through their podcast, The Fit Mess. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Jeremy and Zach discuss the importance of managing your wellness and how to strengthen your health through vulnerability.
From a young age, Mehdi Akbary has faced countless obstacles. He was unable to move his legs as a child, lost several family members while escaping the war in Afghanistan and was a refugee with no money. Despite a lack of support and resources, he traveled the world at 16 and settled in Toronto. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Mehdi shares the strength it took to overcome many challenges and how his experiences are helping others find completion in their lives.
Elena Mellara reached her breaking point in 2019 when she experienced extreme corporate burnout. Elena followed her heart and started working with people instead of numbers. Today, she is an International Career Coach, working with professionals at a crossroads in their careers to help identify their superpowers. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Elena shares her journey and gives advice to people who are feeling stuck or burnt out in their current roles.
With a mission to help homeless cats, Kanchan Singh founded Crumbs & Whiskers, the first cat cafe in the U.S. While her business was thriving, Kanchan was suffering from depression and anxiety. Through her struggles with mental health, Kanchan wrote a poetry book titled “Dear Me, I Love You: Healing Trauma and Finding Self-Love.” In this powerful episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Kanchan shares her remarkable journey of healing and self acceptance.
Jessica Malone had a successful corporate career before leaving her job at a Fortune 10 company and starting Nacho Average Fro, a company that helps people to declutter their spaces, habits and goals. After learning about decluttering and minimalism, Jessica decided to make a change. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Jessica shares how she decluttered her life and how a minimalistic mindset has played a major role in self discovery and self care.
Gavin Kaysen is an award-winning chef and owner of Spoon and Stable, Bellecour Bakery and Demi, all located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. But before coming home, Gavin made his mark in world-class restaurants across the U.S. and is recognized for his leadership in the culinary industry. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Gavin tells us what makes a great restaurant, how he feeds the Minnesota Timberwolves, Lynx and Wild and his plans to open a new Minneapolis dining experience.
When Oznur Demirhan and her husband left Turkey for a safer life in Australia, she never dreamed of starting her own business. When the pandemic hit, Oznur and her son, Lennon, made a handmade rainbow for her neighbors to find on walks, kickstarting her macramé business, Lennon + me. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Oznur shares how her small business started with the help of Migrant Women in Business and Made By Many Hands and the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone.
Terry Esau is a composer, producer, author, biking enthusiast and guitar-giver. Terry has written and produced thousands of pieces of music used in TV commercials for companies such as McDonalds, Target, Pepsi and Harley Davidson. Terry has also founded two non-profit organizations, Free Bikes 4 Kidz and Free Guitars 4 Kids. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Terry shares his love for biking and music and how he has used his passions to make a difference in children’s lives.
When Chey Eisenman usually tells her story, she begins in 2009 when she started driving a taxi after losing her job at a tech firm. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Chey shares parts of her past she's never shared publicly before. Chey bravely explains how she flipped her script from working as a call girl with a four-year gap on her resume to starting her own luxury car service.
Dr. Stanley Andrisse grew up in Ferguson, Missouri and started selling drugs at a young age. In his early 20s, Dr. Andrisse was sentenced to 10 years in prison on drug trafficking charges. The prosecutor said he had no hope for change. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Dr. Andrisse shares how his father inspired him to pursue further education, proving it's never too late to do good as he became an endocrinologist, author, mentor, husband, father and founder of a nonprofit organization.
At the age of 18, Aiesha Robinson was diagnosed with vitiligo, a disease that causes skin to lose its pigment. She was depressed, failed out of school and struggled to find a job. After years of letting vitiligo define her, she decided to make a change. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Aiesha shares how she was able to overcome her many hardships, shift her mindset to one of positivity and self-love and how she is using her Born to Rise platform to educate and encourage others.
After seven years at her full-time job, Brittany Shillingford made the decision to turn her side hustle of making headbands into a career. When Brittany launched Bizzybcrafts, she had no idea how to sew. She never gave up, quickly learned and eventually fell in love with sewing. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Brittany dives into her motivational entrepreneurial journey and shares advice for people who are ready to take the leap and take their side hustle to the next level.
From entrepreneurs and New York Times best-selling authors to Peloton instructors, everyone has a story to share. Over the last year, we had the privilege of hearing stories from people who had the motivation and inspiration to find the strength to turn the page. In this episode of Flip Your Script, host Kristi Piehl shares updates on some of our past guests and revisits some of the most memorable quotes and stories from 2021.
After working a corporate job for several years, Tomas Hromjak decided it was finally time to embark on the international backpacking trip he'd always dreamt of. However, after only a few months, Tomas was forced to change his travel strategy completely as the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc across the world. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Tomas discusses the decision to leave his comfortable life and stable job behind and what he's learned during his two years of traveling.
Michael George didn't go to college with plans to become the Notre Dame Leprechaun or a Disney Imagineer, but he found success by saying yes to exciting opportunities and stepping out of his comfort zone. His path proves incredible things are possible when you embrace all the opportunities life has to offer. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Michael shares the importance of living a great story.
Morys’ story shows just how hard it is for people to understand and accept that men can be victims of sex crimes. After escaping human trafficking, Morys was in desperate need of resources for survivors. He stumbled upon AnnieCannons, a nonprofit that helps survivors of human trafficking become software engineers. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Morys bravely shares his incredible story in hopes of being a positive role model for other male trafficking and sexual assault survivors.
Amy and Pete Johnson founded Rock from the Heart to raise awareness about heart conditions. Following Pete's aortic valve disease and aneurysm diagnosis, they realized how few resources were available to people struggling with aortic conditions. Through concerts and events, Rock from the Heart uses rock music to inspire and provide hope. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Amy opens up about their story, Rock from the Heart, and how she took small steps to reach a big goal.
As a young girl, Jean Abbott was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. After 33 years of countless doctor appointments, medications and surgeries, a visit to a new doctor flipped her script in a way she never could have prepared for. Jean was diagnosed with dopa-responsive dystonia, a condition that can be effectively treated with medication. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Jean shares her story of being misdiagnosed and the importance of support systems and resiliency.
From getting a toy washing machine for Christmas at the age of three to bonding over laundry with his grandmas, Patric Richardson’s love for one of America’s least favorite chores started at a young age. Patric has a laundry list of reasons why he loves this commonly-hated chore. Most importantly, Patric views laundry as an act of service. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Patric discusses his unique passion, the importance of pursuing your dream and some laundry room tips and tricks.
At the age of 13, LeAnn Steffl ran away from home. She left with nothing but the thought that life had to be better somewhere else. After spending time in shelter homes and foster care, she found her family, by chance and choice. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, LeAnn talks about her childhood in foster care, the importance of safety and security and how one decision changed the trajectory of her life and left a blueprint of success for her family to follow.
Annette McNamara never imagined she would be traveling the country in a school bus she transformed into a one-of-a-kind photo studio, utilizing her talents to help someone afford a wheelchair or find a kidney donor. As an award-winning photographer, Annette is using her project, Beautiful Strength, to help others be seen, heard, valued and loved. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Annette explains how she became an impacter and how she's helping others find beauty in their stories.
Amanda Jacobson and her two childhood friends have combined their love for crime, comedy and wine into the hit podcast, Wine & Crime. With hundreds of episodes and tens of thousands of loyal listeners, Amanda is sharing more about how the three navigate friendship and business. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Amanda talks about what it was like to leave her career to pursue her passion and how friendship and authenticity are some of the surprising main themes of the podcast.
Dee Hays loves shattering stereotypes. She is the President and CEO of Excellence Engineering, and now an innovator in the fashion industry. When a back surgery nearly forced her to give up her 500+ pairs of high heels, Dee invented HeelzFirst, a first-of-its-kind product that hugs your foot to your high heel shoe for comfort and support. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Dee shares her passion for helping others, the importance of relationships and not being afraid to fail.
He dropped out of high school with a 0.9 GPA and worked 10 minimum wage jobs to support his wife and kids, including one of the worst jobs imaginable just to make $1 more an hour. So how did Todd Rose turn his life around to become an honors student, Harvard professor, author and think tank founder? In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Todd shares his journey and why he is now committed to helping people live more fulfilling lives.
Luke Carlson started his career as a trainer for professional athletes and is now using his knowledge to help everyday people live better lives. Luke is the Founder and CEO of Discover Strength, a boutique fitness studio that focuses on evidence-based exercises. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Luke shares his mindset as a business owner, how he was able to keep every team member employed and paid during the pandemic. This conversation will change the way you think about fitness.
From server to CEO, Julia Stewart’s resume spans each end of the restaurant industry. If you’ve eaten at Taco Bell, Applebee’s or IHOP, you’ve likely experienced her work. Julia is now adding entrepreneur to her career achievements. She recently launched Alurx, a wellness hub with information, advice and products all in one place. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Julia talks about her unique career, her passion for helping others and her mission to make a difference.
When ELLE.com columnist R. Eric Thomas released his first book, everyone from Lin Manuel Miranda to Jenna Bush Hager raved about it. His memoir, Here for It, or How to Save Your Soul in America, brings humor to difficult topics as he shares his experience from struggling as a gay Christian to finding his soulmate in church (spoiler alert: he married the pastor). Flip Your Script host Kristi Piehl laughs and learns with R. Eric Thomas about sharing truth, spreading joy and bringing people together.
The road to Harvard Law School was not an easy one for Rehan Staton. For years, Rehan and his family struggled. He provided for his family and paid for college by hauling trash and cleaning dumpsters. While many would say it was hard work that got him into Harvard Law, Rehan says it was luck, his attitude and the people he met along the way - like a stranger at Starbucks and even Tyler Perry! In this episode of Flip Your Script, Rehan shares his story of exactly who and what got him into law school.
Kristy Sidlar was fit and active when she passed out while teaching an aerobics class. Doctors dismissed her concerns for years until she was rushed to the hospital after noticing an abnormal heartbeat while on a bike ride. Kristy was diagnosed with a rare heart condition and eventually had a heart transplant. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Kristy talks openly and emotionally about her difficult journey to wellness and her passion for helping others understand women’s heart health.
Kara Robinson Chamberlain was 15 years old when she was abducted in broad daylight and sexually assaulted for 18 hours. After escaping to save her life, she helped police find her abductor only to learn he was a serial killer, murdering at least three women prior to abducting Kara. Nearly two decades later, Kara sat down with Flip Your Script host Kristi Piehl to explain why she’s using social media to share her story and what it truly was like to survive a serial killer.
Shawntan Howell is a tall, confident and powerful Black woman whose mission is fueled by her own experiences and her daughter’s experiences with body image, bullying and racism. Shawntan founded the nonprofit Girls Are Powerful to help girls and young women embrace their individuality and empower one another. She talks with Flip Your Script host Kristi Piehl about the joy that comes from believing in your power and the role each of us can play in creating a generation of confident women.
Marisa Schulz has an impressive resume that revolves around helping people. She's a writer, urban planner, co-founder of the creative agency All Together in Chicago and has taught courses at DePaul University. But it wasn't until recently that Marisa started sharing her own story and private struggles. She had three miscarriages after having her first two children. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Marisa talks about dealing with traumatic experiences, the power of community and joy of adoption.
Stephanie Reece became one of the most successful tennis players at Indiana University and was a five time All-American athlete. Professionally, she competed at the French Open, US Open, Australian Open and Wimbledon. Stephanie had no idea how her physical, mental and emotional strength would be tested when her ex-husband killed her two children before committing suicide. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Stephanie shares how she is overcoming her grief and honoring her children, Harrison and Shelby.
Pastor Stephanie Williams O’Brien, or Pastor Steph, knew as a young girl she was destined to lead. She grew up as the daughter of a Billy Graham pastor but didn’t see women in leadership roles within her faith. Hearing her calling loud and clear, she decided to forge her path as a female religious leader and eventually opened her own church. The tattoo-loving, stereotype-breaking social justice advocate joined Flip Your Script host Kristi Piehl to discuss the power of faith and leading with love.
The pandemic had a devastating impact on nearly 10 million working moms in the U.S. Chandra Sanders is a single mom, and like many, was laid off. Rather than scrambling to find a job, she decided to wait and let the perfect job come to her! After connecting with The Mom Project, Chandra became the Director of RISE, a program that helps moms access professional training courses. Chandra and Flip Your Script host Kristi Piehl discuss the power of positivity and how to successfully pivot your career.
Beloved Peloton instructor and former Buddhist monk Sam Yo shares his journey from embracing his culture to motivating fitness enthusiasts around the world. Listen in as Sam talks about his experience in the monastery, the power of silence and the importance of showing up with positivity in this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl.
After graduating from college, Jennifer Dumke thought she had her eating disorder under control. The disease reared its ugly head after giving birth to her first child. In a frank conversation about a difficult topic, Dumke shares her road to recovery and remission on Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl.
Known as the “Diva of Disaster,” Maryann Bruce has earned her nickname. From a tsunami to a plane crash to avalanches and earthquakes, Bruce has experienced everyone’s worst nightmares and has lived to tell the tales. She tells Flip Your Script host Kristi Piehl what event prompted her to change the trajectory of her life.
Dr. Maja Zelihic has a long list of professional achievements, including being named a Fulbright Specialist, becoming a published author and serving as Department Chair at the Forbes School of Business and Technology. While her resume is impressive, it doesn’t list her most incredible accomplishments: escaping war-torn former Yugoslavia and living for years in a refugee camp before coming to America. She explains how she’s used her life experience to teach others with Flip Your Script host Kristi Piehl.
Flip Your Script is dedicated to sharing inspiring stories of how people have responded to the unexpected and rewritten their own unique stories. For the 50th episode, we are flipping the script on host Kristi Piehl! She won’t be asking the questions in this episode. Instead, she’s in the hot seat answering them.
Gang raped by two young men at the age of 13, Madeleine Black’s life felt broken beyond repair. Filled with fear and shame, she sought refuge in drugs and alcohol and also battled an eating disorder and suicidal ideations. Black shares how she found inspiration to turn her life around and forgive her rapists on Flip Your Script with host Kristi Piehl.
By the age of 36, Syn Martinez was a self-made man, climbing his way up from working in the mailroom to traveling the country as a successful sales consultant. The grind took a major toll on his body. He soon tipped the scales at 315 pounds and was faced with serious health issues. Rather than give up, Martinez found lasting fitness and family at the gym. He shares how he took his love for athletics and used it to build a successful brand on Flip Your Script with host Kristi Piehl.
Do you hate going to work or dread doing certain tasks? Julia Waller wants to help people discover the key to a happy, successful life by unlocking their unique abilities. On the anniversary of Flip Your Script, she explains the process that sparked host Kristi Piehl to start her own podcast.
On paper and on social media, Nancy O’Brien’s life looked pretty close to perfect. But on the inside, she was absolutely miserable, beyond burned out and suicidal. Together with one of her closest friends, she founded The Happiness Practice™, a wellness program that aims to reduce stress and increase happiness. She shares her journey to self love and self worth with Flip Your Script host Kristi Piehl.
How do you get and stay rich in the United States? That’s the question Bill Danko answers in his book, “The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy.” But Danko’s road to becoming a New York Times bestselling author wasn’t paved with diamonds and caviar. He shares how he turned his passion for consumer behavior into finding out what makes a millionaire with Flip Your Script host Kristi Piehl.
Dead or in jail. That’s how Darrion Cockrell thought he would end up after joining a gang at the age of 10. In and out of foster care, his life turned around after his football coach and his wife adopted him. Now, Cockrell is known as “Mr. DC” by his students and as Missouri’s Teacher of the Year. He shares how he was able to break free from his past with Flip Your Script host Kristi Piehl.
Natasha Miller, an event planning entrepreneur, focuses on what people see in front of the curtain. For her, that was a successful multi-million dollar business. In this episode, Natasha pulls back the curtain with host Kristi Piehl and shares how she overcame a pandemic-induced panic attack to fight for her business and life.
Who knew when Nathan Apodaca’s, a.k.a Doggface208, truck broke down that his life was about to change? The factory worker jumped on a longboard and made a TiKTok while drinking Cran-Raspberry Ocean Spray and lip-syncing “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac. His video went viral bringing joy to millions around the world. The fame turned Doggface into an influencer, investor and has given him the opportunity to give back. You can’t help but smile as Doggface shares his story with Flip Your Script host Kristi Piehl.
After experiencing addiction, divorce and eating disorders, Aubree Nichols discovered her superpower - vulnerability! Her honest take on her experiences and message of self love resonates with thousands on Instagram and readers of Vogue and Elite Daily. The self love advocate and writer joined host Kristi Piehl to discuss the power of vulnerability and why feelings shouldn’t be feared.
Grab a tissue because Sheletta Brundidge’s story will bring you to tears. Five relatives were killed in a tragic accident and three of her four children received autism diagnoses. However, Sheletta’s story won’t have you crying from sadness. The radio host, TV personality and businesswoman will have you laughing as she, a comedian, shares her story of finding strength in faith and joy in giving back. Kristi Piehl and Sheletta talk about how to laugh when you want to cry and how to use your gifts for good.
What would you do for financial freedom? For Nikita Crump, she decided to live out of her Honda Civic. Limited by her finances, Nikita moved into her car, cutting out her largest expense - housing. Over time, she’s grown to love the simplicity of her lifestyle and wants to upgrade to the #VanLife. Her popular TikToks and YouTube videos have intrigued millions, and in this episode of Flip Your Script, Nikita and host Kristi Piehl discuss the freedom that comes from a simple life.
After a summer spent working at Starkey, Brandon Sawalich left college to pursue a career with the hearing aid company. Brandon worked through the ranks of the only American-owned hearing aid manufacturer and in 2017, was named President. His natural leadership skills helped him navigate challenging times keeping Starkey focused on their mission, “Hear Better. Live Better.” Now the President and CEO, Brandon joins host Kristi Piehl to discuss work ethic, forgiveness, and the necessity of human connection.
Barbara Hamburg was murdered outside her home in 2010. The police investigated, but no one was charged. As her family grieved, her son, Madison Hamburg, began digging into and documenting his mother’s investigation for a school film project. In 2020, Madison’s docuseries “Murder on Middle Beach” premiered to rave reviews on HBO. Kristi Piehl sat down with Madison to discuss how loss can be the inspiration to turn the page.
Known for his sports commentary and dedication to talking about the issues on local radio, Henry Lake made headlines for his emotional on-air comments during the unrest after George Floyd’s murder. Henry became a national voice on issues like race, diversity and inclusion. This was nothing new for Henry; he’s been passionate about these topics for years and is glad to be having the conversations now. In this episode, host Kristi Piehl and Henry discuss the importance of adopting a “we” mindset.
Mike DelGuidice grew up on Long Island looking up to the one and only, Billy Joel. Mike knew he was meant to be a musician, and began playing piano bars and fronting Big Shot, a Billy Joel tribute band, as well as working on his own music. Everything changed when Billy Joel heard Mike play and personally invited Mike to tour with his band. In this episode, Kristi Piehl, a fan of both Billy and Mike, talks with Mike about finding his passion for music and the importance of being open to opportunity.
We’re grateful to have sat down with the New York Times bestselling author, Janice Kaplan. Before writing “The Gratitude Diaries,” Janice worked for Good Morning America and was Editor-In-Chief at Parade. After joining a gratitude research project, Janice penned her experience and inspired a new wave of gratefulness. In 2020, Janice released her book, “The Genius of Women,” redefining who a genius is. Host Kristi Piehl and Janice discuss how reframing your mindset can inspire you to flip your script.
In a newsroom in South Dakota, Tony Fleecs was creating on-screen graphics for newscasts. After hours, Tony would use the equipment to work on his passion, comics. After new management deleted his work, Tony took a leap of faith into his comic art and moved to L.A. He hustled for any job he could and has gone on to draw for comics like My Little Pony and Star Wars. Now, Tony is releasing his first comic book, “Stray Dogs.” In this episode, Kristi and Tony discuss the importance of evolving your dreams.
Melissa Johnston’s Flip Your Script story began when she had her first-born daughter, Audrey, only to lose her at just 43 days old. Audrey was born with Trisomy 18, and as the first-time parents navigated the NICU and Audrey’s life-limiting condition, they noticed a lack of resources for their family. Three years later, Melissa learned of Crescent Cove, one of three respite and hospice facilities in the U.S. for children. Listen in as Melissa explains her passion for sharing Crescent Cove’s mission.
What do cheesecake and music legend Prince have in common? Vanessa Drews. Vanessa is the founder of Cheesecake Funk and credits Prince for naming her business. While working part-time at Paisley Park, Vanessa would make and leave cheesecake in the fridge for the musicians. One day Prince tweeted about Vanessa’s cheesecakes and later named them Cheesecake Funk. In this episode, Vanessa shares how Prince’s outward support took her by surprise and how the Prince Effect motivated her to flip her script!
Skip Rohde always had a passion for art. After retiring from the Navy in 1999, Skip went back to school to be an artist, but he couldn’t resist the call of civic duty. He went overseas as a civilian to serve in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan. While traveling, he would sketch people in what he calls “diplomacy through art.” The artwork he created while away has been accepted into the Smithsonian. Host Kristi Piehl and Skip discuss how finding self-confidence can give you the strength to turn the page.
TIME Magazine declared 2020 the worst year ever. In a year of loss and grief, each of us learned lessons that will last the rest of our lives. In this episode of Flip Your Script, host Kristi Piehl helps us look back so we can look forward with hope. This episode is dedicated to providing positivity and inspiration to kickstart the new year. At the end of each podcast, Kristi asks, “Is there a quote or song that motivated you to flip your script?” and this episode reflects on each guest’s response.
From the UK to Nigeria to London to Minnesota, Rosemary Ugboajah’s journey to her career in marketing shaped who she is today. Her background could have made her an outsider in the U.S., but instead, she used her perspective to challenge stereotypes in marketing. In 2013, she founded Neka Creative, a brand development agency devoted to inclusivity marketing. In this episode, you’ll learn what book Rosemary credits for her fearless transition to the U.S. and what it means to be truly inclusive.
A stewardess and flight attendant might seem like one and the same, but Flip Your Script host Kristi Piehl sat down with retired flight attendant Jeannie White to share how different they are. Jeannie began her 43-year career in 1969 when airlines only hired single women who met weight and age limits. They discuss everything from the strict rules to smoking on airplanes to the first attempts at security. Jeannie’s stories bring to life how the airline industry evolved into what travelers experience today.
Are you ready for a sweet episode? Beth Kimmerle, food author and expert, joins Kristi for a mouthwatering conversation about Beth’s passion for the artistic and scientific aspects of food. Currently, Beth works with companies to create flavorful foods and teaches the art of food tasting. In this episode, Beth shares how her soft spot for sweets flipped her script and gave her the title of food expert. Bonus: Beth shares what ingredients make up the perfect bite of food, hitting all five basic tastes.
How did a New York-born, Chicago playwright and LA screenwriter end up interviewing farmers in rural communities? In this episode of Flip Your Script, host Kristi Piehl is joined by expert storyteller and author Daniel Rubin as they dive into his journey of quitting his job as a Hollywood writer to work with farmers in the heartland of America. Daniel shares how the change in scenery and pace taught him to communicate without glitz and glam, reigniting his love for story.
In 2014, Jody LaVoie’s husband, Steve, was shot in an act of workplace violence. Three months after the accident, Steve passed away. Without a succession plan for his business, Jody took over ArrowStream and grew the company before selling it. Now, Jody is the CEO of the non-profit Female Strong, an organization on a mission to enable girls to be future leaders. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Jody shares the importance of community and the determination it takes to rewrite your story.
Women earned the right to vote 100 years ago! Do you know what suffragists endured to ensure this right? Elaine Weiss, a politically active and proud voter, realized she never knew the whole story. Using her journalism skills, Elaine uncovered the decades-long journey suffragists took to secure the 19th Amendment detailing the efforts in her book, “The Woman’s Hour.” With her novel set to be a television event, Elaine joined Kristi Piehl to discuss how the suffragists flipped the script for American women.
Growing up on the West Side of Chicago, Arshay Cooper struggled to find a place devoid of gangs, drugs and sirens. Little did Arshay know a rowing program would flip his script. Now, the award-winning author of “A Most Beautiful Thing” and the focal point of a documentary, Arshay recounts being a member of the first all-black high school rowing team. Kristi Piehl and Arshay discuss his mission to increase opportunities and accessibility and his story of finding belonging in the most unlikely of places.
In high school, Maggie Aldrich excelled at writing, but as an adult, pursued a career as a government analyst. Shortly after the birth of her daughter, Maggie became a full-time stay-at-home parent. Facing pressure to return to the workforce, Maggie realized she had the opportunity to do whatever she wanted to do. Maggie surprised everyone by picking up a pencil and writing her first book. The indie author joined host Kristi Piehl to discuss discovering the strength to follow her passion.
Sean McCabe spent years working 18-hours days. The extreme hours took their toll. When he realized the people he considered friends were all on his payroll, including his wife, the script flipped. Sean found the solution to his workaholism was taking a seventh-week sabbatical to recharge and open himself to possibility. In preparation for Kristi’s own sabbatical, they discuss Sean’s mission to change employers' perceptions of sabbaticals and the power of taking time away.
When Laura Sobiech’s son Zach faced a battle with Osteosarcoma, she encouraged him to find a way to share what was in his heart. Zach did that by writing the song, Clouds, which quickly became an international ballad of hope. After his passing in 2013, Laura has dedicated her life to helping families battling cancer. Laura joins host Kristi Piehl to discuss her family’s motivation to keep Zach’s memory and story alive and the Disney+ release of Clouds, a movie based on the final year of Zach’s life.
In 2016, on a girls’ trip in Atlanta, Taylor Hayden died when a stranger used her as a human shield during a gunfight. After her tragic passing Joyce Hayden, Taylor’s mother, made it her mission to share Taylor’s story by starting an organization, Stand 2 Oppose Gun Violence and advocating for justice in her daughter’s death. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Joyce and Kristi discuss the realities of gun violence and how Joyce hopes hearing Taylor’s story will motivate you to make a positive impact.
After being born with no legs and put up for adoption, Jen Bricker-Bauer grew up in a midwest home learning everything is possible. This mentality shaped Jen into an adventurous, thrill-seeking, state championship-winning gymnast who looked up to Olympic gold-medalist Dominique Moceanu - only to learn Dominique is her biological sister. Now a speaker, author and aerial artist, Jen joins Kristi Piehl to discuss her unbelievable story and how finding your purpose can help you flip your script.
At 12 years old, Tate Maurer was diagnosed with Stage 3 Burkitt Lymphoma. After beginning his treatment, Tate and his mom, Katie, realized the power of accepting help and how the little things can make a big difference. Now cancer-free, Tate and Katie flipped their scripts and work to repay the generosity their family was given by speaking at awareness events and schools. Through their conversation with Kristi, Katie and Tate share tangible ways you can support those who are struggling.
Mike and Gaby Grinberg weren’t expecting the arrival of their daughter at just 24 weeks into their pregnancy. When she was unexpectedly let go from her job, Gaby quickly transformed into a stay-at-hospital mom caring for her premature daughter. Frustrated by the lack of family-focused policies from companies, Mike and Gaby started their own business. Mike and Gaby sat down with Kristi to discuss the value of a family-first culture and how their daughter, Lana, helped them flip their script.
From a young age, Elizabeth Tumulty was curious about television and how it worked. Little did she know her habit of asking “why?” would lead to a successful career in broadcast television, starting as an assistant, eventually becoming a founding member of the CW and then President of CBS Television Network. Liz joins Kristi to reflect on how a difficult childhood doesn’t define you, highlight the importance of mentorship and share how you can flip your script by turning your curiosity into a career.
After suffering an injury on spring break in 2015, Matt Bowen’s life changed forever. Now a C6 quadriplegic, Matt and his wife, Sloan, navigate their life together as an interabled couple, sharing their story in a series of YouTube and TikTok videos. The couple’s date night videos have gone viral, spreading their message of hope and joy. Matt and Sloan sat down with Kristi Piehl to share with us how they flipped their script and are now the ultimate in couple goals.
Pam Borton, the most winning women’s basketball coach in University of Minnesota history, was fired from her coaching position. Pam flipped her script, taking her skills from the basketball court to boardrooms across the country as an executive coach. Kristi Piehl and Pam discuss the pressures of working in the public eye, how to surround yourself with people who will make you better and the important role resilience plays in turning the page.
Timi Ogunpide’s “all in” attitude led to some of his biggest challenges and successes in life. During his youth, Timi struggled with anger issues, and as a young adult served time in jail. Determined not to be a statistic, Timi flipped his script to launch a business, focus on his family and become a voice for those who’ve experienced police brutality and racial profiling. Listen in as host Krist Piehl and Timi have an open conversation about race, mental health, redemption and entrepreneurship.
Roshini Rajkumar, C-Suite Crisis Coach and Strategist, doesn’t often share her story of losing not one but two fathers. Loss challenged the Minneapolis radio host to evolve as a woman, wife and parent figure. Roshini shares how her journey through grief helped her redefine the family unit and understand the integral role communication plays in flipping your script.
The same day news anchor Angela Kennecke was covering a story on the opioid crisis in her community, she lost her daughter, Emily, to a fentanyl overdose. In this poignant episode, Angela shares how she turned her pain into purpose to help other families struggling with addiction find hope and healing.
Entrepreneur Chris Maxson got the call no business owner imagines -- his company was going up in flames. Even before he saw the destruction, Chris was determined to rebuild. In this episode, Chris shares how he found the strength to start over and why he says the devastating fire is actually the best thing that happened to his business.
For more than a decade, Corey Koskie made a name for himself in major league baseball. Then a concussion cut his career short and forced him to think about his next career. Corey shares how he found the courage to pursue a new passion, the mistakes he made along the way and why he now coaches everyone from young athletes to entrepreneurs about the power of their own potential.
Inspired by his daughter, Maddie, who died from a rare childhood cancer, Scott Kramer launched a joy movement. In this hope-filled conversation, Scott opens up about his mission and reminds us that in all circumstances, you have the power to own your mindset and keep dancing.
Michelle Lawless never imagined she would fall in love with an alcoholic. For years, she hid his addiction and her pain from family and friends. Michelle candidly shares what she had to do to rebuild her life, find her worth and love again.
Minneapolis radio host Cory Hepola is well known for his upbeat personality, but his attitude is the byproduct of struggle and rejection. In this episode, Cory shares how he persevered and discovered his purpose. Cory also openly talks about the painful reality of depression, the importance of his faith and the power of family.
Best-selling author and speaker John O’Leary wasn’t expected to live when a fire burned 100% of his body. He was just a child when he fought for his life and endured countless surgeries. John says what he learned holds the key for adults to unlock joy and awe in any circumstance, even a global pandemic.
In 2006, a brutal domestic violence attack orphaned four children and made national headlines. The victim was Vicki Swenson’s sister. Her nieces and nephews moved in, and Vicki dedicated herself to protecting women who live in fear of domestic violence. Vicki candidly shares what helped her unlock the unique perspective to find hope in all circumstances.
For years, Miami news anchor Eric Yutzy searched for answers to the mystery surrounding his birth and the teen who gave him up for adoption. One day, while sitting on the news set, his birth mother sent him a Facebook message, and it changed everything. Eric shares his journey into the unknown and the truths he uncovered about acceptance, identity, love and family.
Couldn’t we all use some inspiring stories right now? When host Kristi Piehl lost her job as a TV reporter, her dream died. She flipped her script and is now a successful entrepreneur and speaker. She’s realized everyone falls victim to unexpected circumstances and has a choice about how to rewrite their story. Flip Your Script is a podcast dedicated to sharing stories of hope, inspiration and motivation, and in this introduction, Kristi shares more about the podcast’s purpose. Subscribe now for updates.
https://www.flipyourscriptpodcast.com/