Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans

Lorraine Connell, www.peersnotfears.com

Welcome to Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans, the podcast where we dive into the experiences of current Titan leaders to uncover how their teenage years shaped their paths to success and how a coach might have helped them along the way. Hosted by Lorraine Connell, Teen Leadership Coach and founder of Peers Not Fears, this show offers parents, teens, and aspiring leaders invaluable insights and practical advice. In each episode, we candidly talk with leaders who reflect on their challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments from their youth. We explore how mentorship and coaching helped or could have impacted their journey, and we invite them to become mentors for our program teens, sharing their wisdom and experiences. Whether you’re a parent seeking to empower your child, a teen navigating the complexities of adolescence, or an aspiring leader looking for guidance, Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans provides the tools and inspiration needed to cultivate leadership skills, foster resilience, and embrace potential. Join our community dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Subscribe now and embark on a transformative journey towards unlocking your teen’s leadership potential!

  1. 3D AGO

    Finding Your Voice: Erin Snow's Journey & the Seacoast Listening Lounge

    Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, Lorraine Connell sits down with Erin Snow, founder of the Seacoast Listening Lounge, to discuss the importance of holding abusers accountable, self-acceptance, and creating safe spaces for healing. Erin shares her personal journey—from overcoming childhood abuse and struggling with self-worth to becoming a legal advocate and launching a professional listening service for women. Key Topics Covered: 🔹 Empowering Victims & Addressing Shame – Shifting the focus from victim-blaming to holding abusers accountable. 🔹 Erin’s Journey from Theater to Advocacy – How her personal experiences led her to help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. 🔹 Overcoming Self-Doubt & Finding Your Voice – Erin’s struggle with self-acceptance and her path to reclaiming her voice. 🔹 The Seacoast Listening Lounge – Creating a non-clinical safe space for open conversations and healing. 🔹 Supporting Teens & Adults – Why feeling seen and heard is essential for growth and self-worth. Why Listen? This episode is for anyone seeking inspiration in overcoming adversity, finding their voice, or supporting loved ones through healing. Erin’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, authenticity, and creating spaces where people can truly be heard. Connect with Erin & The Seacoast Listening Lounge: 🌎 Website: 📲 Social Media: Instagram 🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation! #Leadership #Healing #Empowerment #Podcast

    40 min

  2. APR 16

    Melissa Davis: How to Support the Whole Child Beyond Discipline

    In this episode, Lorraine Connell sits down with educational consultant Melissa Davis to explore the truth behind student behavior. Melissa shares her personal journey and how it shaped her approach to education, helping teachers and parents understand that behavior is often a form of communication—not defiance. She explains why many challenges stem from a lack of skills, not a lack of effort, and how shifting from reactive discipline to proactive support can transform outcomes for students. This episode is a powerful reminder that every child deserves to be seen, understood, and supported beyond the surface. How to Connect with Melissa Davis Want to learn more or work with Melissa? Website: www.educationadvisors.biz LinkedIn: Melissa Davis (Education Advisors LLC) Melissa partners with schools and communities to provide training, strategy, and support around behavior, inclusion, and student success.

    35 min

  3. APR 9

    From Overlooked to Unstoppable: Jenny Dreizen on How Being Unseen Became Her Superpower

    Jenny Dreizen grew up feeling overlooked — by teachers, advisors, and systems that didn't know what to do with a girl who was both creative and analytical, quiet but fierce. Today she's the co-founder and COO of Fresh Starts Registry, the world's first divorce registry, helping people navigate major life transitions with dignity. In this episode Jenny gets real about what it felt like to be passed over, misunderstood, and underestimated — and how those experiences became the fuel behind her mission to make sure others feel seen, supported, and connected. Connect with Jenny Dreizen: Instagram: @genevievedreizen Fresh Starts Registry Instagram: @freshstartsregistry Website: freshstartsregistry.com

    36 min

  4. APR 2

    Stephanie Malia Krauss on Why Kids Are Struggling (and How We Help Them Thrive)

    In this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, we’re joined by Stephanie Malia Krauss, author, speaker, and strategist focused on helping young people truly thrive in today’s world. This conversation is powerful, honest, and incredibly relevant for anyone supporting teens. What we talked about Stephanie shares her personal story and how it shaped her work, along with what she’s seeing across schools and communities today. One thing is clear: Young people aren’t lacking potential… they’re navigating overwhelming environments. She describes the “modern-day pressures” kids face: constant stress and time pressure overwork and burnout comparison through social media a lack of true rest and connection What actually helps Instead of quick fixes, Stephanie emphasizes something deeper: Kids need real, human connection. Not just one supportive adult, but a network of people who: see them support them believe in them give them space to grow She also highlights how powerful it is when young people are given the chance to lead, contribute, and matter to others. That’s where confidence and real transformation begin. Learn more from Stephanie https://www.stephaniemaliakrauss.com/ https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemaliakrauss/ https://www.rehumaning.com/ How We Thrive https://www.corwin.com/books/how-we-thrive-290839?srsltid=AfmBOopCjNK-qtX4m7p9VEcFWBLcoNS6A24GcHef9gZcop8qEOril3xC

    46 min

  5. MAR 26 ·  BONUS

    A Teacher's Story How One Act of Leadership Inspired Many

    In this conversation, Lorraine Connell discusses her journey from being a classroom teacher to a leadership coach and author. She shares the inspiration behind her book, which aims to empower teachers and redefine leadership in the classroom. Lorraine emphasizes the importance of accountability, community, and recognizing the leadership potential in every student. Through personal anecdotes and lessons learned, she encourages educators to believe in their students and create an inclusive environment where all voices are valued. takeaways Lorraine's journey began during COVID when she sought a hobby. She transitioned from teaching to leadership coaching to empower others. Teaching is not just about delivering information; it's about collaboration. Every student has value and can be a leader in their own way. Teachers often feel isolated and need community support. Vulnerability and accountability are crucial for effective teaching. The book provides practical examples for empowering students. Leadership can be redefined beyond traditional expectations. Educators should believe in their students' potential. The workbook complements the book for practical application. Buy the Book A Teacher's Story How One Act Of Leadership Inspired Many Buy the Workbook - Your Voice Matters Uncovering Your Unique Leadership   Learn more about Peers not Fears

    23 min

  6. MAR 19

    How Mentorship and Safe Spaces Help Teens Become Leaders with Steve Pappajohn

    In this episode, Lorraine sits down with Steve Pappajohn, Director of the Dover Teen Center, to talk about the impact of mentorship, belonging, and leadership development in the lives of young people. Steve shares how his own experiences shaped the way he supports teens today, why acceptance matters first, and how creating safe spaces helps young people build confidence, connection, and leadership skills. This conversation also explores risk-taking, peer influence, and the power of helping teens feel seen, supported, and valued. How to Connect With Steve: To learn more about the Dover Teen Center or connect with Steve Pappajohn, families and teens can visit the Teen Center at the McConnell Center in Dover, New Hampshire, during afternoon hours, or connect through a school counselor or teacher familiar with the program.

    44 min

  7. MAR 12

    From Perfectionism to Personal Brand: Lily Grace York on Finding Her Voice

    In this episode, Lorraine Connell talks with Lily Grace York, personal brand strategist and creative entrepreneur, about how her teen years shaped the leader she is today. Lily shares what it was like to be seen as the “perfect” student while quietly struggling with anxiety, self-pressure, and fear of making mistakes. Together, they explore perfectionism, confidence, leadership, and how finding your voice can change everything. What they cover: Perfectionism and pressure as a teen Anxiety and fear of speaking up The importance of adults normalizing mistakes Finding confidence in college and beyond How Lily’s teen experiences shaped her work in branding and storytelling How to Connect with Lily Grace York Instagram: @rapport.by.lilygrace Website: lilygraceyork.com Podcast: Rapport by Lily Grace Follow Lily Grace on Instagram or visit her website to learn more about her work in personal branding, marketing, and storytelling.

    31 min

  8. MAR 5

    From Silence to Strength: Building Emotionally Safe Homes with Maria Natapov

    In this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine sits down with Maria Natapov, a step-parenting and co-parenting expert and Vice Chair of the Sparrow Collective. Maria shares how her teen years, shaped by immigration and “stay small, stay quiet” messaging, impacted her confidence, intuition, and early relationships. She opens up about overcoming an unhealthy relationship and how those experiences led her to support families navigating conflict, divorce, and blended family dynamics. In this conversation, Maria discusses personal leadership, the impact of parental conflict on children, the difference between co-parenting and step-parenting, and her Be H2O framework designed to help families create stronger communication and emotionally safe homes. She closes with advice for teens who feel disconnected from their voice: create small moments to listen inward and trust your intuition. Connect with Maria: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianatapov/ Website: https://synergisticstepparenting.com/ Be H2O Information: https://whitsonlaw.kartra.com/page/MLf1616 Maria also offers complimentary clarity calls and a Be H2O drop-in class for parents seeking guidance and support.

    41 min
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About

Welcome to Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans, the podcast where we dive into the experiences of current Titan leaders to uncover how their teenage years shaped their paths to success and how a coach might have helped them along the way. Hosted by Lorraine Connell, Teen Leadership Coach and founder of Peers Not Fears, this show offers parents, teens, and aspiring leaders invaluable insights and practical advice. In each episode, we candidly talk with leaders who reflect on their challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments from their youth. We explore how mentorship and coaching helped or could have impacted their journey, and we invite them to become mentors for our program teens, sharing their wisdom and experiences. Whether you’re a parent seeking to empower your child, a teen navigating the complexities of adolescence, or an aspiring leader looking for guidance, Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans provides the tools and inspiration needed to cultivate leadership skills, foster resilience, and embrace potential. Join our community dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Subscribe now and embark on a transformative journey towards unlocking your teen’s leadership potential!

Information

  • Creator
    Lorraine Connell, www.peersnotfears.com
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans