Why Didn’t They Tell Us?

Leslie Randolph
Why Didn’t They Tell Us?

Leslie Randolph is a self-confidence coach for teenage girls and the self-confidence coach you wish you had as a teen. In fact, she’s the self-confidence coach she wishes SHE had as a teen because she knows she could’ve avoided a whole lotta heartache, if only she knew the secrets she shares in “Why Didn’t They Tell Us?” Leslie didn’t know she could love her body at any size. No one told her that self-confidence was a choice she could choose to make (and one she was worthy of choosing). She didn’t know self-love and self-compassion were more motivating than emotionally beating herself up every time she missed the mark on achieving a goal. No one told her that guilt was an optional emotion, even for “nice Jewish girls” like her. From tips for cultivating self-confidence and combatting imposter syndrome to learning strategies for self-love and silencing negative self-talk, “Why Didn’t Tell Us?” is a gift of love and wisdom for the insecure teenage girl that still exists in all of us.

  1. JUN 4

    How to Stop Living on Autopilot and Start Living Intentionally

    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

    17 min
  2. MAY 21

    How to Raise Confident Girls

    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

    23 min
  3. MAY 7

    Soulful Self-Care for Moms with Whitney Baker

    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

    41 min
  4. MAR 5

    Adulting 101 with Heather Redisch

    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

    38 min
  5. FEB 19

    Lessons in Self-Love

    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

    17 min
  6. FEB 5

    Tweens, Teens and Critical Conversations with Dr. Lisa Klein

    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

    42 min
  7. JAN 22

    Confident Goal Setting

    “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

    19 min
5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Leslie Randolph is a self-confidence coach for teenage girls and the self-confidence coach you wish you had as a teen. In fact, she’s the self-confidence coach she wishes SHE had as a teen because she knows she could’ve avoided a whole lotta heartache, if only she knew the secrets she shares in “Why Didn’t They Tell Us?” Leslie didn’t know she could love her body at any size. No one told her that self-confidence was a choice she could choose to make (and one she was worthy of choosing). She didn’t know self-love and self-compassion were more motivating than emotionally beating herself up every time she missed the mark on achieving a goal. No one told her that guilt was an optional emotion, even for “nice Jewish girls” like her. From tips for cultivating self-confidence and combatting imposter syndrome to learning strategies for self-love and silencing negative self-talk, “Why Didn’t Tell Us?” is a gift of love and wisdom for the insecure teenage girl that still exists in all of us.

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