Mindfulness stops being a buzzword when kids learn to use it in real time to calm their bodies, name their feelings, and stay connected to their breath when life gets loud.   Leslie sits down with Julie Freeman, Executive Director of KNOWTICE, to talk about how mindfulness for kids can shape the kind of self-awareness that leads to genuine self-confidence. Julie shares how small, repeatable moments, like pausing to notice a feeling or grounding the body before reacting, help children manage stress, stay present, and access their best thinking. When mindfulness starts early, kids learn they have control over their reactions, which builds emotional strength that grows with them through adolescence and adulthood.   The conversation goes beyond quiet moments and breathing exercises to reveal how these early lessons create confident teens who trust themselves and understand their emotions. Leslie and Julie also reflect on how this work ripples forward into adulthood, showing up in the way confident women lead, parent, and care for themselves. By teaching kids mindfulness now, we give them tools to feel steady in uncertainty and connected to who they are - a foundation every confident person stands on.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Mindfulness Matters Now 05:28 KNOWTICE Origin Story and Julie Freeman’s Path 11:32 Why Start Early Mindfulness for Kids and Brain Development 16:54 Classroom Basics Mindful Body Stillness and Calming Techniques 22:23 Mindful Parenting and Raising Confident Teens 31:24 The 90-Second Rule and Managing Anxiety in Real Time 43:17 From Mindful Kids to Confident Women 45:42 How to Bring KNOWTICE to Your School Connect with Julie Freeman: Learn More About KNOWTICE Connect with Leslie Randolph: Help your teen cultivate confidence! Visit Leslie’s website Follow Leslie on Instagram Follow Leslie on Facebook Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Confidence isn’t a personality trait you’re born with but a daily choice you make in the smallest moments.   Self-confidence doesn’t always show up with fireworks. Sometimes it starts as a mindset shift so small no one else can hear it, a quiet decision to replace old self-talk with something kinder. Leslie Randolph sits down with Simone Knego to redefine what it really means to become confident women and raise confident teens, not through perfection or performance but through daily honesty and courage.   Simone’s REAL framework (Respect yourself, Embrace failures, Ask for what you want, Live without limits) turns self-confidence into something you can build like a muscle. She shares stories from motherhood, adventure, and loss that reveal how mindset isn’t just what you think, but how you recover, reset, and speak to yourself when things get hard.    If your inner voice became a loudspeaker, would it motivate you or tear you down? Whether you’re working on your own self-confidence or trying to model it for someone watching, this episode is a reminder that confident women aren’t born - they’re built one thought, one ask, one brave moment at a time.   Episode Breakdown 00:00 Why Self-Confidence Matters for Women and Teens 02:23 Simone Knego’s REAL Method for Building Confidence 07:45 How Self-Talk Shapes Your Mindset 09:02 Modeling Confidence for Children and Confident Teens 15:05 Climbing Kilimanjaro to Overcome Fear 20:08 Asking for Help and Breaking People-Pleasing Habits 26:39 Control-Alt-Delete Mindset Reset 32:06 Moving Forward After Setbacks and Self-Doubt 37:01 Daily Confidence Practices: Affirmations and Gratitude   Connect With Simone Knego: Visit Simone’s website   Connect With Leslie Randolph: Help your teen cultivate confidence! Visit Leslie’s website Follow Leslie on Instagram Follow Leslie on Facebook Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

We’ve all been there: standing at the crossroads of a parenting decision and wondering, am I making the wrong call? For many of us, the idea of letting our kids quit an activity feels like giving in—or worse, failing them. But what if the word “quit” is the problem in the first place?   In this episode, Leslie Randolph sits down with psychologist Dr. Emily Gordon to reframe what’s really going on when kids want out of something. Together, they swap “quitting” for a new lens: detours, decisions, and opportunities to choose differently. The conversation is equal parts practical and freeing, with guiding questions parents can ask themselves and their kids to figure out whether an activity is helping or hurting, whether resistance is about the activity itself or just the transition into it, and how to know when it’s time to stay the course, or turn down a new road.   They also talk about the deeper goal behind these decisions: raising confident teens who know how to check in with themselves, build resilience, and trust their own judgment. From family values to tween autonomy to the lifelong practice of self-confidence, this episode shows how even small parenting choices can strengthen the foundation for confident women in the future.   The takeaway? There’s no universal “right” answer. There’s only the right decision for you and your family, right now.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Letting Kids Quit: Why It Feels So Hard   03:02 Meet Dr. Emily Gordon   05:03 Reframing Quitting as Taking a Detour   07:18 A Framework for Making Parenting Decisions   12:07 Parental Pressure, Fear, and Self-Confidence   14:22 How to Help Adolescents Name Their Feelings   17:09 Anxiety, Transitions, and Building Resilience   20:03 Balancing Parental Control and Tween Autonomy   29:07 Weighing Benefits, Costs, and Family Values   31:08 Protecting the Parent-Child Relationship   34:48 Confidence, Resilience, and Growth  Connect with Dr. Emily Gordon: Website Instagram Connect With Leslie: Help Your Teen Cultivate Confidence Website Instagram Facebook Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

We all crave comfort. But the truth is, self-confidence isn’t built in comfort zones, it’s built in the moments when we’re willing to be uncomfortable.   Leslie Randolph introduces the idea of deliberate discomfort and why it’s the key to both confident teens and confident women. Drawing from her own life and her coaching work, Leslie unpacks how stretching beyond what feels easy builds the emotional resilience we need to face challenges, pursue big goals, and show up with confidence in everyday life.   What if nothing changes because nothing changes? What if growth, joy, and genuine self-confidence all live on the other side of discomfort? Whether you’re raising a teen girl or navigating your own season of change, this episode will remind you that confidence isn’t about avoiding fear or struggle, it’s about the willingness to walk through it.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Comfort Zones Don’t Build Confidence 03:17 How Health Challenges Sparked a Wake-Up Call 05:56 Resistance to Change and Why It Feels So Hard 09:00 What Deliberate Discomfort Really Means 12:24 How Discomfort Builds Emotional Resilience 14:00 Everyday Examples of Practicing Discomfort 18:02 Asking for Help as a Confidence Skill 20:54 Strength, Growth, and True Self-Confidence Links The Tween Empowerment Summit   Connect With Leslie: Help Your Teen Cultivate Confidence Website Instagram Facebook Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Some days feel heavier than others. Whether it’s a personal heartbreak or a tragedy in the news, the weight of the world can be a lot to carry. And if you’re someone who feels deeply, it’s not always clear how to keep moving forward.    In this episode, Leslie Randolph offers a thoughtful perspective on what it means to live with sadness, anger, and grief without letting them take over. She shares how self-confidence plays a role even in the hardest moments, not as a way to power through or shut emotions down, but as the quiet willingness to feel it all. What if confidence isn’t about being fearless or upbeat, but about staying present when things are messy? What happens when we let go of the idea that we’re supposed to be happy all the time?   Leslie invites us to stop “shoulding” ourselves into silence or shame. There’s no timeline for healing and no perfect way to process pain. Whether you’re a teenager building confidence for the first time or a grown woman learning how to trust yourself again, this episode will meet you where you are with compassion, clarity, and a few tools to help you keep going.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why We Need Tools for the Hard Days01:17 Accepting That Sadness Is Part of Life03:03 Why Asking “Why” Doesn’t Always Help05:12 You Have to Feel It to Heal It06:48 The Pressure to Be Happy All the Time08:12 Confidence Means Feeling the Hard Stuff Too10:04 Avoiding Discomfort Isn’t the Same as Staying Safe11:28 Compassion Over Comparison During Grief13:18 How to Stay Connected When Everything Feels Heavy14:56 Big Feelings Don’t Last Forever Even When It Feels Like They Might   Connect With Leslie: Help Your Teen Cultivate Confidence Website Instagram Facebook Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

At every age and stage, we long to belong. But too often, that desire comes at the cost of abandoning parts of ourselves. True friendship isn’t about fitting in - it’s about finding your people: the ones you like, and the ones you feel good being around.   Leslie Randolph is joined by friendship expert and advice columnist Nina Badzin for a conversation about friendship and friend groups, especially during the tween and teen years. But the truths they explore reach well beyond middle school. How do we recognize a real friend versus someone we’re just trying to impress? Why do so many of us stay in groups that drain us? And how can we help kids build friendships that reflect who they are, not who they think they’re supposed to be?   Nina shares what she’s learned from years of listening to people wrestle with connection, exclusion, and the pressure to belong. Together, Leslie and Nine unpack the difference between fitting in and finding true friendship, the quiet harm of chasing the “right” group, and the role adults play, often unintentionally, in keeping those patterns alive. They also talk about the value of community and how spaces like family dinners, extracurriculars, and youth groups can offer kids a sense of belonging that isn’t dependent on social status.   This episode is a gentle reminder that strong friendships aren’t built on proximity or history alone. They’re built on trust, emotional safety, and mutual effort. And that’s true at any age.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Friendship and Confidence 03:04 Meet Nina Badzin: Friendship Columnist and Expert 05:00 The Myth of the Perfect Friend Group 08:09 Fitting In vs. Authentic Friendship 11:12 How Parents Shape Social Pressure 15:04 What Makes a Friendship Real 20:10 Trust, Safety, and Showing Up as Yourself 24:05 Building Social Confidence Through Multiple Buckets 28:02 Where to Find Belonging Beyond School 30:12 Friendship vs. Community: Why Both Matter 38:09 Practical Advice for Building Real Friendships 41:00 Letting Go and Moving On with Openness   Connect with Nina Badzin: See Nina in Highland Park  Listen to Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship Subscribe to the Dear Nina newsletter Join the Facebook Group Follow on IG Connect With Leslie: Help Your Teen Cultivate Confidence Website Instagram Facebook Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Heading to summer camp? Confidence is the most important thing you can pack. Leslie Randolph speaks directly to girls (and their moms) navigating the nerves that come with starting something new, whether it’s sleepaway camp or a big life transition. Some girls are counting down the days with excitement. Others feel anxious, unsure, or like they’re heading off against their will. All of that is normal, Leslie says, and it’s exactly why building self-confidence matters.   Leslie breaks down how self-confidence isn’t about having zero fear. It’s about moving forward with the fear and choosing how you want to show up anyway. She offers mindset shifts to help girls challenge worst-case-scenario thinking and reframe those “what if” worries. Confidence starts by recognizing that you can’t control who likes you, but you can decide how you show up, how you treat others, and what kind of camper you want to be.   From embracing your interests (even if no one else is into archery!) to staying open to new friendships and new experiences, this episode is a permission slip to be yourself bravely, and without apology. Whether your daughter’s headed to camp, starting high school, or trying something new for the first time, Leslie offers a confidence care package for the road ahead!   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Welcome to Why Didn’t They Tell Us   01:49 Why Camp Brings Up Big Feelings   03:45 How to Normalize Nerves and Build Confidence   05:01 Stop the Spiral: Rethinking Worst-Case Thinking   08:12 Confidence Starts with Knowing Yourself   13:24 Be Open to New Things (Even If You’re Bad at First)   15:12 Confidence Is a Skill, Not a Trait Connect With Leslie: Help Your Teen Cultivate Confidence Website Instagram Facebook Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Most people wait for a crisis to start living with intention. This episode is your invitation to stop waiting.   After attending a funeral for someone who lived with “no wasted days,” Leslie Randolph reflects on how easily moms can slip into autopilot – checking boxes, managing schedules, and losing sight of their own joy. She shares how the loss of her father during the height of COVID became a turning point, waking her up to the difference between managing life and actually living it.   This episode is a call to trade burnout and disconnection for intentional living. Leslie walks listeners through the first, often overlooked step: self-awareness. She offers strategies to help moms get honest about how they’re feeling, notice what they need, and take small but powerful actions toward a more fulfilling life.   From setting boundaries to rediscovering joy in the everyday, Leslie offers a roadmap for moms who are ready to stop going through the motions and start showing up on purpose for themselves and the people they love.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Living with Intention vs. Autopilot 02:10 Personal Wake-Up Call After Loss 06:58 How Moms Can Start Living More Intentionally 09:51 Responding to Your Needs with Small, Powerful Shifts 12:02 Why Awareness Without Action Doesn’t Work 14:54 Building a Life of Connection and Purpose   Connect With Leslie: The Summer of Self-Love Help Your Teen Cultivate Confidence Website Instagram Facebook Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Your daughter’s self-confidence starts with yours because she’s watching more than she’s listening.   If you’re a mom raising teens, especially confident girls, in a world that constantly tells them they’re not enough, I recorded this episode for you. I want to help you see how your words, your actions, and even the way you talk to yourself can shape how your daughter sees herself.   I share what I’ve learned through coaching, parenting, and plenty of personal trial and error. I talk about what it means to go first, to take risks, to feel big feelings, and to let your daughter see all of it. Because what if your willingness to feel fear, embarrassment, or disappointment is exactly what helps her feel brave?   I walk through some of my favorite tools, like how to change the conversation around family photos, how to celebrate your strengths out loud, and how to sit with your daughter’s feelings without jumping in to fix them. I also explain the “powerful pause,” and how it’s helped me regulate my own emotions and model something better in tough moments.   If you’ve ever wondered how to help your daughter grow into a confident, self-assured young woman without pushing or preaching, I hope this episode gives you both the reassurance and the tools to do just that. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Moms Matter 01:16 What Teens Are Facing Today 03:04 Why Self-Confidence Starts With You 05:11 Modeling Risk-Taking and Emotional Honesty 06:48 Sharing Big Feelings With Your Kids 10:10 Practicing Positive Self-Talk Out Loud 11:13 Rethinking Body Image and Family Photos 13:35 Helping Teens Feel Without Fixing 17:00 The “Vent or Advice” Question 19:08 The Power of the Pause 21:16 Boosting Your Confidence While Raising Theirs Links:The Summer of Self-Love   Connect With Leslie: Help Your Teen Cultivate Confidence Website Instagram Facebook Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

When my calendar’s overflowing and I still feel like I’m coming up short, I know it’s time to take a hard look at what self-care actually means in my life. And if you’re a mom who’s feeling burned out, even when you love the people and work you’ve said yes to, you’re not alone.   In this episode, I’m joined by Whitney Baker, the founder of Electric Ideas and a self-connection coach who helps women step out of autopilot and reconnect with themselves. Whitney and I get honest about the messy middle, how hard it is to say no, how burnout sneaks in even when you're living your dream, and why taking care of yourself doesn’t have to mean a total life overhaul.   Whitney shares her journey from creative agency burnout to building a life that actually lights her up. She walks us through tools like energy audits, morning routines, and “right after work” rituals that help her stay grounded and present. These aren’t big, sweeping changes. They’re small, intentional shifts that create real impact.   If you’ve ever felt guilty for needing a break or confused about why you’re still tired after making all the “right” choices, I think you’ll really connect with this conversation. Because here’s the truth: self-care isn’t a luxury. For moms like us, it’s the only way to keep showing up fully, joyfully, and without resentment.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Balance, Burnout, and a Coach’s Confession 02:00 Meet Whitney Baker of Electric Ideas 03:35 What Is an “Electric Idea”? 05:16 Reigniting Your Spark After Burnout 09:16 The Power of Saying No 11:06 Setting Boundaries That Actually Work 13:34 Creating Buffer Time and “Right After Work” Rituals 22:32 Identity Shifts and Letting Go of Old Labels 25:03 Energy Audits and Real-Life Self-Care 30:09 Morning Routines That Support You 34:17 Why Self-Care Isn’t Optional 39:08 Permission to Be Imperfect Connect with Whitney Baker:  Learn: https://myelectricideas.com/ Like: https://www.instagram.com/whitneywoman/?hl=en Listen: https://myelectricideas.com/podcast/   Connect With Leslie: Help Your Teen Cultivate Confidence Website Instagram Facebook Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Self-confidence isn’t something you wait to earn. It’s a choice you make before there’s any proof you’ll succeed. But I know that choice isn’t always easy.   I used to believe confidence came from accomplishments, but I’ve learned that self-confidence is different. It’s believing in yourself even when you have no evidence to back it up. That belief fuels every risk you take, every dream you chase, and every time you show up for yourself.   If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll feel confident when…” I want you to challenge that. Self-confidence isn’t built on achievements or outside approval. It’s an inside job. In this episode, I’ll show you how to stop waiting and start believing, because confident teens and confident women don’t wait for permission to trust themselves.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction  02:55 Definition of Self-Confidence 03:17 What Self-Confidence is Not 03:50 Difference Between Confidence and Self-Confidence 06:00 Self-Confidence and Goal Achievement 06:34 Self-Confidence vs. Arrogance 07:40 Self-Confidence and External Validation 09:05 The “As Soon As” and “Not Enough” Mentality 10:31 Prerequisites for Self-Confidence Connect With Leslie: Help Your Teen Cultivate Confidence Website Instagram Facebook Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Adulting isn’t something they teach in school, but Heather Redisch is here to help college graduates figure it out.   I see it all the time—young professionals landing their first jobs and feeling completely unprepared. Why does the transition from school to career feel so overwhelming? Heather Redisch, founder of The Talent Maven and creator of the Adulting 101 Masterclass, has spent nearly 25 years in recruiting and has noticed a shift. College graduates today struggle with confidence, communication, and the realities of professional life in ways previous generations didn’t. The rise of smartphones, helicopter parenting, and the impact of COVID-19 have all played a role, leaving many feeling unsure of how to step into the working world.   In this episode, Heather and I dig into what’s missing and what young professionals can do to set themselves up for success. We talk about work ethic, resilience, and the small, uncomfortable steps that build confidence over time. We also get into the generational disconnect in the workplace, why older employees misinterpret the behaviors of younger colleagues and how both sides can bridge that gap.   Success isn’t about having it all figured out on day one. It’s about learning, adapting, and taking action. Heather’s Adulting 101 Masterclass gives college graduates the tools and support they need to step into their careers with confidence.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction  05:09 Challenges of Transitioning to Adulthood 07:07 The Anxious Generation and Technology 08:02 Helicopter Parenting and Its Effects 10:05 The Role of Confidence in Adulting 11:00 Communication Skills in the Digital Age 13:01 Generational Differences in the Workplace 15:04 Building Resilience and Facing Awkwardness 16:04 Being Comfortable with Uncomfortable 17:09 Misconceptions About Gen Z 18:08 Bridging the Generational Gap 20:22 Skills Can Be Learned: Etiquette and Resilience 21:14 The Role of Mental Health in the Workplace 22:07 Balancing Entitlement and Responsibility 23:08 The Reality of First Jobs 24:06 The Importance of Foundational Skills 26:04 Career Paths Are Not Linear 27:04 Valuable Skills for Graduates 29:10 Practical Tips for Building Confidence 31:10 The Importance of Proactivity 32:28 The Role of Feedback in Growth 33:10 Celebrating Small Wins 34:11 Accepting and Learning from Feedback 35:15 Closing   Connect with Heather Redisch: Learn More About Adulting 101 Adulting 101 on Instagram Follow Adulting 101 on Facebook Connect with Heather on LinkedIn   Connect With Leslie: Help Your Teen Cultivate Confidence Website Instagram Facebook Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Self-love isn’t about spa days or self-indulgence. It’s about the way you speak to yourself, the choices you make, and the belief that you are already worthy.   As a self-confidence coach for teenage girls, I’ve seen how the relationship we have with ourselves influences every part of life. But if self-love is so important, why does it feel so hard? Why does doubt always seem louder? I get it. I’ve been there. That’s why I want to break it down for you. Self-love isn’t a fleeting feeling. It’s a quiet, steady presence that takes effort to recognize and strengthen.   Confidence doesn’t come from achievement. It starts with self-acceptance. What if the voice in your head spoke to you with kindness instead of criticism? What if you believed you were worthy without changing a thing? In this episode, I’ll share how you can shift your mindset, build a habit of self-love, and start treating yourself with the same compassion you give to others. The way you love yourself sets the tone for everything else in life.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 01:05 Self-Love Beyond Valentine’s Day 03:22 Self-Love as a Pillar of Confidence 03:34 Definition of Self-Confidence 04:06 Challenges of Learning Self-Love 05:01 Self-Love vs. Bubble Baths and Massages 05:11 Lessons in Self-Love 06:18 Accepting and Embracing Yourself 07:02 Subtlety of Self-Love 08:07 Self-Love vs. Self-Doubt 09:12 Choosing to Listen to Self-Love 10:04 Fear, Anxiety, and Doubt 11:00 Self-Love as a Choice 12:05 Self-Love and Societal Messages 12:58 Self-Love is Not Weak 14:45 Intention in Self-Love 16:11 Final Thoughts Connect With Leslie: Help Your Teen Cultivate Confidence Website Instagram Facebook Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Most parents dread “the talk,” but raising confident, informed teens is less about one big conversation and more about a series of open, shame-free discussions.   Dr. Lisa Klein, pediatrician and co-founder of Turning Teen, joins Leslie Randolph to break down what kids really need when it comes to talking about puberty. Is there a right time to start? How do you make it less awkward? What happens if you feel totally unprepared? Dr. Klein shares practical ways to approach these conversations early and often, making sure tweens get accurate, age-appropriate information without fear or shame.   Dr. Klein and Leslie dig into the emotional side of growing up, from body image to social media influences. With so much misinformation online, how can parents become the go-to resource instead? Dr. Klein offers real-world advice to help parents navigate these tricky years with honesty, confidence, and a little humor.   Quotes “The talk, I want everyone to remember, is never just one talk. So don’t feel stressed that it has to be the talk. I think that that is a little bit like the old school way of thinking. And unfortunately, it’s still how it’s kind of presented in school.” (06:16 | Dr. Lisa Klein)  “Shame-free, you know, it’s a big word, a big message I like to share. Shame-free, science-based, open and honest.” (11:16 | Dr. Lisa Klein)  “Be the person your tween or teen turns to. Be their resource, because if you’re not, the internet will be.” (23:24 | Dr. Lisa Klein) “Communicate, be vulnerable, admit your mistakes, admit your flaws, admit what you’re working on. Say, ‘I don’t know the answer. I love your question. Let’s talk about it more. Let’s find someone to help us both.’ Communicate because if you don’t have that communication and openness, why in the world would they use you as their resource?” (37:47 | Dr. Lisa Klein)   Connect with Dr. Lisa Klein: Learn More About Turning Teen Instagram Facebook   Connect With Leslie: Help Your Teen Cultivate Confidence Website Instagram Facebook Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“Setting a goal is a way of saying to yourself, ‘I want you to have what you desire, and I believe in your ability to create it.’” Leslie Randolph brings this idea to life as she talks about how self-confidence and intentions intersect with goal-setting in this episode of Why Didn’t They Tell Us?   Why do so many of us hesitate to set goals? Leslie tackles this question head-on as she reflects on how fear of failure and self-doubt often hold people back. She offers a perspective on goals, not as rigid achievements, but as tools to align with what truly matters in the moment.    Through personal stories, Leslie shares how to create intentions that fit your life right now, rather than chasing external expectations. She reminds us that setting a goal is less about perfection and more about self-love.    Leslie’s first episode for 2025 will inspire you to take that first step, trust yourself, and embrace growth on your own terms. It is an invitation to rethink your relationship with goals and see them as an expression of self-confidence and belief in your potential. What will you aim for when you give yourself permission to begin?   Quotes “Here’s the thing about goals: They are a playground for cultivating self-confidence. Setting a goal is a way of saying to yourself, ‘I want you to have what you desire, and I believe in your ability to create it.’ Setting a goal is the ultimate act of self-love.” (06:19 | Leslie Randolph) “Start there. Shoot, even if you’re unconvinced from this episode about the power and the reason for goal-setting or resolution-setting or intention-setting, I hope you will make the choice to simply believe in yourself this year, to make a habit of it, to tell yourself every day, either in the mirror or on a piece of paper, or just quietly in your mind, ‘I believe in you.’” (14:57 | Leslie Randolph) “There is no perfect time to start, there is no ‘too late.’ Just believe and begin. Come back to your reason why and keep going. With that, there is nothing you can’t do, be, or achieve.” (17:38 | Leslie Randolph) Connect With Leslie: Help Your Teen Cultivate Confidence Website Instagram Facebook Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“A lot of what our girls are experiencing today feels straight out of ‘Mean Girls,’” says Abby Gagerman, licensed social worker with her own private psychotherapy practice. Abby joins host Leslie Randolph to talk about the phenomenon of being “dropped” from friend groups. Social media, technology and the lingering effects of the Covid-19 lockdown have merely exacerbated the age-old phenomenon whereby middle schoolers form cliques which inevitably leave certain kids out. Too often, says Abby, moms of tweens and teens  try to socially engineer their children’s friend groups—often to exorcise their own childhood trauma--and instill in their teens the belief that their own comfort should be sacrificed for other people—including people who aren’t good for them.    On this episode of Why Didn’t They Tell Us?, Abby will explain how you can prepare yourself for this tricky time in your teen’s life, and teach them resilience and self-regulation. She’ll explain the very specific language that will help you to validate your teen, listen to their feelings and stop placing your own comfort at the center of their decision-making. You’ll learn how to stop controlling and teach your teen to make values-based decisions so that they can attract quality people into their lives.    For many people, middle school is the worst time of their lives, but with Abby’s help, you can maximize this time of learning to help your teen develop a healthy value system that will carry them forward on their journey.    Quotes “Our job is not to control them; our job is to teach them.” (9:17 | Abby Gagerman) “So, the dropping—the problem isn’t the dropping itself. The problem is how we got there, but the phenomenon is here to stay. So, the question becomes, ‘What do we as mothers do about it?’” (20:53 | Abby Gagerman) “Rules are an articulation of our expectations which are an articulation of our values. So, if we’re making rules out of our own discomfort, then what are we saying we’re valuing? ‘My comfort is more important than yours.’ What is comfortable for me is more important than you being authentic and figuring out your life. So, I’ll say to a parent, ‘It’s OK to set a limit on your kid if you don’t want them sleeping at somebody’s house. Of course, you’re the parent. If there’s something about it that you don’t like, it’s OK to set that limit. Don’t use the language, ‘It makes me uncomfortable.’” (23:00 | Abby Gagerman) “Our job isn’t to fix their social life. Our life is to teach them how to manage their emotions and how to manage their emotions and how to act in line with their values.That is our job. So, in that moment we need to do this: we need to help our child regulate. We need to help them see that just because you were rejected doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to live, or you don’t deserve happiness or you’re not worthy.” (27:59 | Abby Gagerman) “Accept the lack of control you have over the situation. You can’t control your kid.” (41:21 | Abby Gagerman) Connect with Abby Gagerman   Connect With Leslie: Help Your Teen Cultivate Confidence Website Instagram Facebook Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“It really shifts your thinking to things you wouldn’t give a second thought to,” says today’s guest Meredith Rivkin about the power of practicing gratitude. A junior in high school, Meredith serves as the president of the teen board at Gratitude Generation—g2—a nonprofit organization on a mission to instill gratitude in future generations through education and service. Meredith joins Why Didn’t They Tell Us to talk with host Leslie Randolph about what volunteering with the organization from such a young age has taught her about gratitude—as both an act and a feeling - and how giving back can instill confidence in teenagers living in an increasingly high-pressure world.    Meredith discusses how she’s learned to communicate effectively with peers and adults alike, to market herself and to successfully run and execute an event. She’ll explain how gratitude affects teens’ mental health and what it means to GLOW.    Gratitude offers teens what they want more than anything else: to feel seen and to feel like they matter. Join today’s episode to learn more about how to practice gratitude in your everyday life.    Quotes “I didn’t really realize it then but my mom and the other moms were really creating something that would become so significant and now as I’ve grown up with the Gratitude Generation, I realize how important it is.” (5:09 | Meredith Rivkin) “Gratitude Generation really taught me to be grateful for the small things and what I already had, not just what I continued to get.” (6:48 | Meredith Rivkin) “As a teen it definitely improves your mental health and you just feel like the things that seem so big in your life aren’t that big anymore. Also, one of the G2 coined terms is the GLOW—it stands for Gratitude Lights Our World and I really think that’s what demonstrates the feeling and the act of gratitude. You really get the GLOW when you’re done doing a service project or you really just feel grateful for everything that you have.” (15:08 | Meredith Rivkin) “I think the act itself is about giving your time and giving your energy to do something for yourself that will make you feel good but also for somebody else in the community. So, I think it really makes you selfless and it really creates that feeling of gratitude for what you have and what you can do to help others. And then when you feel that gratitude, you’re more likely to help others in the future. It’s healthy for you, it’s healthy for your family, your relationships, and literally everybody around you. Especially when there’s so much negativity and down energy in the world, the feeling of gratitude helps compensate for the other heavy emotions that teenagers and adults have every day.” (21:23 | Meredith Rivkin) Learn More About Gratitude Generation Connect With Leslie: Help Your Teen Cultivate Confidence Website Instagram Facebook Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“I don’t want it to be a best-kept secret. I want everyone to know,” says Leslie Randolph on this solo episode where she announces an upcoming series she is launching in honor of her successful TEDx Talk being released to YouTube. The series of short-and-sweet episodes will be dedicated to unpacking the secrets of self-confidence and show you how to cultivate it. In this first episode of the self-confidence series, Leslie shares that it is a choice and a skill that must be practiced daily.    Tune in to hear Leslie’s definition of what self-confidence actually is, as well as two critical truths about it. She’ll explain how your self-image is yours to shape and how you can get started right away.    Join Leslie to hear the genuine joy she feels in sharing this message with those who need to hear it.    Quotes “I’m on a mission to spread self-confidence like confetti,” say host Leslie Randolph, “so that the next generation of girls forever knows that they can choose to love, trust and believe in themselves.” (1:20 | Leslie Randolph) “It’s never too late to start loving, trusting and believing in you.” (1:42 | Leslie Randolph) “I don’t want what I know and have the privilege of sharing with my clients to be the best-kept secret. I want everyone to know. I want you to know it, and to use it, and then to take into your world.” (2:07 | Leslie Randolph) “Self-confidence is a feeling which means it comes from your thinking. And not just any brand of thinking will do if you want to cultivate self-confidence. It has to be thinking that is rooted in loving, trusting, and believing in you. It is thinking that focuses more on your gifts and goodness than your faults and past failures. It is thinking that shines a light on your strengths versus your shortcomings. It is thinking that says, ‘I know you can figure this out. And I have your back through it all. So, if you want to cultivate that feeling of self-confidence you have to take the time to look for this within you. You will always find what you choose to focus on. Choose to focus on all that is amazing about you. There is so much to find if you look for it.” (4:38 | Leslie Randolph)  “The thoughts you think about you are a choice you make. Which means that feeling of self-confidence is a choice. Choose it!” (7:42 | Leslie Randolph) Links Leslie's TEDx Talk, The Secret to Self-Confidence   Connect With Leslie: Help Your Teen Cultivate Confidence Website Instagram Facebook Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“I didn’t slump over and start crying. I felt I had power,” says Samantha Golkin-Nigliazzo, an 11-year breast cancer survivor about receiving her diagnosis early thanks to vigilant screening and self-advocacy. More than a decade after her diagnosis, she now empowers others by serving as the vice president of The Pink Agenda and co-chair of the organization's Education Committee. The Pink Agenda is a nonprofit organization committed to raising money for breast cancer research and care, as well as awareness of the disease among young professionals.    On this episode of Why Didn’t They Tell Us? Samantha speaks to host Leslie Randolph about the importance of positive thinking and reframing, the necessity for a supportive community, and how to serve as a compassionate caretaker when someone you love is facing a diagnosis.    Samantha discusses the elements of what psychologist Martin Seligman called PERMA, the positive psychology acronym which lists the five elements of well-being and why she gravitates toward Jordyn Feingold’s adapted approach of REVAMP which encompasses relationships, engagement, vitality, accomplishment, meaning, and positive emotion. She explains the toll “scan-xiety” can have on those awaiting a result and why caretakers should take their cues, day-by-day, from those they love.    Join today’s episode to hear Samantha’s message of hope and the power of positive thinking and community.    Quotes “Breast cancer is terrible. Breast cancer sucks. There’s no other word for it, but knowing that you’re called back and called back, the anxiety, ‘Is it something? Is it nothing? It could be a calcification. It could be a cyst. It could be benign. It could be this; it could be that.’ That’s what dissuades people from being on top of their health and getting their screening.” (9:11 | Samantha Golkin-Nigliazzo) “I realized all those things that I had lived were things that have science-based research as to why they give you a life of elevated well-being, an elevated quality of life. I thought to myself, ‘Does that aid in risk? Does that aid in ultimate prognosis? The answer is, ‘Yes.’ ” (13:39 | Samantha Golkin-Nigliazzo) “One of the things that I love about having community, being around people who have shared experiences—especially in the breast cancer world—is that it gives you hope. It gives you this perspective that the people around you are living and thriving and doing good things with their lives.” (38:55 | Samantha Golkin-Nigliazzo) “There’s hope in community.” (40:00 | Samantha Golkin-Nigliazzo)   Links: Learn More About The Pink Agenda Follow The Pink Agenda on IG Follow The Pink Agenda on Facebook Connect with The Pink Agenda on LinkedIn   Connect with Samantha Golkin-Nigliazzo: LinkedInConnect With Leslie: Help Your Teen Cultivate Confidence WebsiteInstagram Facebook Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“Compassion is the simplest solution to the world’s most complex problems,” says host Leslie Randolph on today’s episode of Why Didn’t They Tell Us. October is dedicated to breast cancer awareness, bullying prevention and marks one year since the tragic events of October 7 in Israel, and today Leslie focuses on healing ourselves and by extension, healing the world as a whole. This starts with feeling our feelings fully, while remaining in control of them, so that we can focus on loving, laughing, going and growing.    Leslie cites the work of psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Siegel who coined the phrase “name it to tame it” as a way to manage emotions, and she explains how she would further expand on that concept with a phrase of her own. She also explains how compassion, kindness, courage and self-confidence work together to help us confront bullying—by allowing us to stand on our own when we need to, stand up for others or just be more considerate in our everyday lives.    Join today’s discussion to learn more about the power of each person acting individually to create change collectively.    Quotes “Please do not ‘should’ yourself out of those emotions. They are your privilege as a human with breath in your body. I know they don’t feel good—I know—and that’s OK. Allow yourself to feel them and take care of yourself through them.” (6:27 | Leslie Randolph)  “You can give your emotions the attention they want but you cannot give them all of you.” (7:16 | Leslie Randolph) “Compassion is critical when we think about creating the collective change our world so desperately needs.” (10:49 | Leslie Randolph) “Compassion is the simplest solution to the world’s most complex suffering.” (13:32 | Leslie Randolph)    Links BEtween Us Event Registration Connect With Leslie: Help Your Teen Cultivate Confidence Website Instagram Facebook Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm