<![CDATA[STORYTIME with Lori]]>Real people. Real stories. Real laughs. Real lessons. 🎙️

Welcome to Storytime with Lori, where we get past the titles, rĂŠsumĂŠs, highlight reels and perfectly polished profiles to meet the human being underneath.

Hosted by Lori Mayer, tech and sales leader, storyteller, community builder, entrepreneur, single mom and LGBTQ advocate, STORYTIME with Lori brings together CEOs, executives, entrepreneurs, athletes, creators, advocates, rising leaders and beautifully complicated humans for conversations that go where most interviews don't.

We talk about leadership, career growth, women in leadership, entrepreneurship, women in tech, resilience, reinvention, personal growth, mental health, relationships, motherhood, identity, LGBTQ experiences, belonging, confidence, vulnerability, grief, recovery, second chances and starting over.

Because success isn't always a straight line.

Sometimes it's getting the promotion. Sometimes it's walking away.

It's building a company, losing everything, coming out, raising a kid, surviving grief, changing careers, finding your voice, rebuilding after failure or finally deciding you're done shrinking yourself to make everyone else comfortable.

And sometimes it's laughing at the absolute shitshow along the way.

This isn't another interview podcast filled with polished answers.

Lori wants the story underneath the story.

What happened before the success?

What did failure teach you?

What happens when the person everyone calls "strong" is barely holding it together?

How do women claim space in rooms that weren't built for them?

What does authentic leadership actually look like when nobody's watching?

How do we support the next generation coming behind us?

And what could we learn from each other if we stopped pretending we had everything figured out?

Some episodes explore leadership, business, entrepreneurship, sales,

technology and career development with executives and industry leaders.

Others dive into resilience, mental health, relationships, identity, grief, recovery, personal transformation and reinvention.

You'll hear stories from women breaking barriers, LGBTQ+ voices, founders building something from nothing, athletes chasing impossible goals, parents figuring it out in real time, young people defining success differently and people who turned their hardest chapters into something meaningful.

Different generations. Different backgrounds. Different journeys.

One microphone.

And one rule:

Tell the real story.

Because Storytime with Lori isn't about telling people how to live.

It's about creating enough room for people to tell us how they've lived and what they learned along the way.

We celebrate ambition without pretending success is effortless.

We talk about resilience without romanticizing struggle.

We talk about leadership without forgetting the humans being led.

We believe vulnerability is powerful, representation matters and sometimes the conversation we're most afraid to have is exactly the one somebody else needs to hear.

So whether you're navigating a career change, building a business, leading a team, raising humans, reinventing yourself, healing from something, chasing an outrageous dream or simply wondering what the hell comes next, pull up a chair.

You belong in this conversation.

We're not fighting for a seat at somebody else's table.

We're making the room bigger. 🎙️

STORYTIME with Lori Real life. Real laughs. Real lessons.


]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayerRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Fri, 25 Sep 2026 22:15:33 GMTSat, 25 Jul 2026 00:57:58 GMT60Lori Mayer<p><b>Real people. Real stories. Real laughs. Real lessons. 🎙️</b></p><p></p><p>Welcome to <b>Storytime with Lori</b>, where we get past the titles, résumés, highlight reels and perfectly polished profiles to meet the human being underneath.</p><p></p><p>Hosted by <b>Lori Mayer, tech and sales leader, storyteller, community builder, entrepreneur, single mom and LGBTQ advocate, STORYTIME with Lori brings together CEOs, executives, entrepreneurs, athletes, creators, advocates, rising leaders and beautifully complicated humans for conversations that go where most interviews don't.</b></p><p></p><p>We talk about <b>leadership, career growth, women in leadership, entrepreneurship, women in tech, resilience, reinvention, personal growth, mental health, relationships, motherhood, identity, LGBTQ experiences, belonging, confidence, vulnerability, grief, recovery, second chances and starting over.</b></p><p></p><p>Because success isn't always a straight line.</p><p></p><p>Sometimes it's getting the promotion. Sometimes it's walking away.</p><p>It's building a company, losing everything, coming out, raising a kid, surviving grief, changing careers, finding your voice, rebuilding after failure or finally deciding you're done shrinking yourself to make everyone else comfortable.</p><p></p><p>And sometimes it's laughing at the absolute shitshow along the way.</p><p></p><p>This isn't another interview podcast filled with polished answers.</p><p></p><p><b>Lori wants the story underneath the story.</b></p><p>What happened before the success?</p><p>What did failure teach you?</p><p>What happens when the person everyone calls "strong" is barely holding it together?</p><p>How do women claim space in rooms that weren't built for them?</p><p>What does authentic leadership actually look like when nobody's watching?</p><p>How do we support the next generation coming behind us?</p><p>And what could we learn from each other if we stopped pretending we had everything figured out?</p><p></p><p>Some episodes explore <b>leadership, business, entrepreneurship, sales, </b></p><p><b>technology and career development</b> with executives and industry leaders.</p><p></p><p>Others dive into <b>resilience, mental health, relationships, identity, grief, recovery, personal transformation and reinvention.</b></p><p></p><p>You'll hear stories from women breaking barriers, LGBTQ+ voices, founders building something from nothing, athletes chasing impossible goals, parents figuring it out in real time, young people defining success differently and people who turned their hardest chapters into something meaningful.</p><p></p><p>Different generations. Different backgrounds. Different journeys.</p><p>One microphone.</p><p>And one rule:</p><p><b>Tell the real story.</b></p><p></p><p>Because Storytime with Lori isn't about telling people how to live.</p><p>It's about creating enough room for people to tell us how they've lived and what they learned along the way.</p><p></p><p>We celebrate ambition without pretending success is effortless.</p><p>We talk about resilience without romanticizing struggle.</p><p>We talk about leadership without forgetting the humans being led.</p><p>We believe vulnerability is powerful, representation matters and sometimes the conversation we're most afraid to have is exactly the one somebody else needs to hear.</p><p></p><p>So whether you're navigating a <b>career change, building a business, leading a team, raising humans, reinventing yourself, healing from something, chasing an outrageous dream or simply wondering what the hell comes next</b>, pull up a chair.</p><p></p><p>You belong in this conversation.</p><p></p><p><b>We're not fighting for a seat at somebody else's table.</b></p><p></p><p><b>We're making the room bigger. 🎙️</b></p><p><b>STORYTIME with Lori </b>Real life. Real laughs. Real lessons.</p><p><br /></p>episodicLori Mayerloriannemayer@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Can dad's really have it all? We ask women, now let's ask Brad DeLee]]>Can working dads really have it all? What happens to career ambition, marriage, work-life balance and success when you become a father? 🎙️🔥

In this episode of Storytime with Lori, Brad DeLee gets brutally real about fatherhood, adoption, working dads, career and family, work-life balance, marriage, leadership and what choosing family first actually looks like when you're still ambitious as hell.

Brad and his wife spent two years trying to build their family through adoption. They experienced two heartbreaking adoption attempts before the call finally came about their son, Brooks. Brad describes what kept them moving through the grief as “ruthless optimism” — the willingness to open your heart again even when opening it was exactly what allowed it to get broken. ❤️ His story takes us through adoption loss, private grief, the NICU, becoming an adoptive father and finally bringing their son home.

But bringing Brooks home is where this conversation really starts.

What happens when you're a working dad and suddenly that conference, flight, promotion or 5 a.m. meeting has to compete with bottles, diapers, your marriage and a tiny human who couldn't care less about your calendar? 😂 Brad talks about how fatherhood changed the way he thinks about business travel, career growth and the companies he's willing to work for. He hasn't become less ambitious. He's become much more intentional about what he's ambitious for and what he's willing to sacrifice to get there.

Then we flip the damn script. 😏

Women have been asked these questions forever: How are you going to balance motherhood and your career? Who stays home when the baby is sick? What happens when your partner has the more important meeting? Can you really give 100% to your career AND your family?

So I asked a dad.

And Brad's answer took us into a much bigger conversation about working mothers and fathers, gender bias in the workplace, modern fatherhood, men in leadership and why we continue asking women questions we rarely ask men. His answer wasn't that we should start interrogating fathers too. Maybe we should finally stop asking working parents these ridiculous questions altogether. 🔥

We also go straight at the word provider. Brad challenges something we hear constantly from successful professionals: “I'm working this hard for my family.” His response? How much of that is really about providing...and how much is ego? 👀

This episode is for working dads, working moms, adoptive parents, new parents, ambitious professionals, business leaders and anyone trying to figure out how the hell career success and family are supposed to live under the same roof.

Because maybe having it all isn't actually the goal.

Maybe it's knowing what deserves the most of you — and having the guts to give it that. ❤️

🎙️ Storytime with Lori
Real people. Bigger conversations.

👇 YOUR TURN: Has becoming a parent changed what success means to you, or has it changed what you're willing to sacrifice to achieve it? Drop it in the comments. I want to hear the real answer.

#WorkingDads #Fatherhood #Adoption #WorkLifeBalance #WorkingParents #StorytimeWithLori #FamilyFirst #CareerAndFamily #AdoptiveParents #Leadership #Parenthood #WorkingMoms #ModernFatherhood #CareerGrowth #Marriage

]]>b4e8dce8-1caa-4b53-ad76-308f9b608244Thu, 24 Sep 2026 21:31:35 GMT<p>Can working dads really have it all? What happens to career ambition, marriage, work-life balance and success when you become a father? 🎙️🔥<br /><br />In this episode of Storytime with Lori, Brad DeLee gets brutally real about fatherhood, adoption, working dads, career and family, work-life balance, marriage, leadership and what choosing family first actually looks like when you're still ambitious as hell.<br /><br />Brad and his wife spent two years trying to build their family through adoption. They experienced two heartbreaking adoption attempts before the call finally came about their son, Brooks. Brad describes what kept them moving through the grief as “ruthless optimism” — the willingness to open your heart again even when opening it was exactly what allowed it to get broken. ❤️ His story takes us through adoption loss, private grief, the NICU, becoming an adoptive father and finally bringing their son home.<br /><br />But bringing Brooks home is where this conversation really starts.<br /><br />What happens when you're a working dad and suddenly that conference, flight, promotion or 5 a.m. meeting has to compete with bottles, diapers, your marriage and a tiny human who couldn't care less about your calendar? 😂 Brad talks about how fatherhood changed the way he thinks about business travel, career growth and the companies he's willing to work for. He hasn't become less ambitious. He's become much more intentional about what he's ambitious for and what he's willing to sacrifice to get there.<br /><br />Then we flip the damn script. 😏<br /><br />Women have been asked these questions forever: How are you going to balance motherhood and your career? Who stays home when the baby is sick? What happens when your partner has the more important meeting? Can you really give 100% to your career AND your family?<br /><br />So I asked a dad.<br /><br />And Brad's answer took us into a much bigger conversation about working mothers and fathers, gender bias in the workplace, modern fatherhood, men in leadership and why we continue asking women questions we rarely ask men. His answer wasn't that we should start interrogating fathers too. Maybe we should finally stop asking working parents these ridiculous questions altogether. 🔥<br /><br />We also go straight at the word provider. Brad challenges something we hear constantly from successful professionals: “I'm working this hard for my family.” His response? How much of that is really about providing...and how much is ego? 👀<br /><br />This episode is for working dads, working moms, adoptive parents, new parents, ambitious professionals, business leaders and anyone trying to figure out how the hell career success and family are supposed to live under the same roof.<br /><br />Because maybe having it all isn't actually the goal.<br /><br />Maybe it's knowing what deserves the most of you — and having the guts to give it that. ❤️<br /><br />🎙️ Storytime with Lori<br />Real people. Bigger conversations.<br /><br />👇 YOUR TURN: Has becoming a parent changed what success means to you, or has it changed what you're willing to sacrifice to achieve it? Drop it in the comments. I want to hear the real answer.<br /><br />#WorkingDads #Fatherhood #Adoption #WorkLifeBalance #WorkingParents #StorytimeWithLori #FamilyFirst #CareerAndFamily #AdoptiveParents #Leadership #Parenthood #WorkingMoms #ModernFatherhood #CareerGrowth #Marriage</p>no00:28:23Can dad's really have it all? We ask women, now let's ask Brad DeLeefull<![CDATA[The Human Edge: What Success Costs & What AI Can't Replace]]>What did success cost you?

I asked Dan Albaum that question about 12 minutes into our conversation, and that's pretty much when this stopped being an interview about leadership. ❤️

Dan is the author of The Giving Edge and The Impact Makers and the host of Market Impact Insights, so yes, we talk leadership. But we also talk about the stuff that doesn't usually make the leadership bio: ego, self-doubt, toxic people, the year Dan spent constantly traveling while his kids were young, and his wife Nikolett being the “jet fuel” that has carried him through some of the harder seasons.

I also challenge Dan on the premise of his newest book. Giving sounds beautiful, but what happens when we give so much that we disappear? We talk boundaries, putting your own oxygen mask on first, and why asking for help might actually be one of the greatest gifts we can give someone else.

Then we get into AI 🤖 and something Dan calls the “sea of sameness.” If AI can help all of us become more polished, productive and seemingly perfect, maybe polish isn't the advantage anymore. Maybe our weird, messy, emotional humanity is.

And then there's the empty chair.

I asked Dan who he'd put beside him if he could choose one person.

He chose his late father, a professor, mentor and author whose books Dan grew up seeing on the shelf. His father passed away before Dan published his first book. Today, Dan's books sit beside his dad's.

Yeah… we went there. ❤️

This isn't 40 minutes about how to become a better executive. It's a conversation about ambition, family, generosity, AI, confidence, regret, grace, legacy and figuring out what actually matters while we're all still here to do something about it.

This is Storytime with Lori.

The story underneath the story.

#storytimewithlori #danalbaum #thegivingedge #servantleadership #leadership #humanleadership #ai #futureofwork #authenticleadership #storytelling

]]>0aad0c7d-bd14-4d23-b923-b6807f2154a6Thu, 24 Sep 2026 14:35:17 GMT<p>What did success cost you?</p><p>I asked Dan Albaum that question about 12 minutes into our conversation, and that's pretty much when this stopped being an interview about leadership. ❤️</p><p>Dan is the author of <i><em>The Giving Edge</em></i> and <i><em>The Impact Makers</em></i> and the host of Market Impact Insights, so yes, we talk leadership. But we also talk about the stuff that doesn't usually make the leadership bio: ego, self-doubt, toxic people, the year Dan spent constantly traveling while his kids were young, and his wife Nikolett being the “jet fuel” that has carried him through some of the harder seasons.</p><p>I also challenge Dan on the premise of his newest book. Giving sounds beautiful, but what happens when we give so much that we disappear? We talk boundaries, putting your own oxygen mask on first, and why asking for help might actually be one of the greatest gifts we can give someone else.</p><p>Then we get into AI 🤖 and something Dan calls the “sea of sameness.” If AI can help all of us become more polished, productive and seemingly perfect, maybe polish isn't the advantage anymore. Maybe our weird, messy, emotional humanity is.</p><p>And then there's the empty chair.</p><p>I asked Dan who he'd put beside him if he could choose one person.</p><p>He chose his late father, a professor, mentor and author whose books Dan grew up seeing on the shelf. His father passed away before Dan published his first book. Today, Dan's books sit beside his dad's.</p><p>Yeah… we went there. ❤️</p><p>This isn't 40 minutes about how to become a better executive. It's a conversation about ambition, family, generosity, AI, confidence, regret, grace, legacy and figuring out what actually matters while we're all still here to do something about it.</p><p>This is Storytime with Lori.</p><p>The story underneath the story.</p><p>#storytimewithlori #danalbaum #thegivingedge #servantleadership #leadership #humanleadership #ai #futureofwork #authenticleadership #storytelling</p>no00:40:19The Human Edge: What Success Costs & What AI Can't Replacefull<![CDATA[Stop telling me who you are, SHOW me]]>I came into this episode fucking roaring. 🦁🔥 I’m pissed off, I’m hurt, I’m disappointed, and I’m exhausted by something I’m calling human fraud: that gap between who people tell us they are and who we actually experience them to be.

Tell me you’re family? Show me when it’s inconvenient. Tell me your kid comes first? Show me when parenting screws up your plans. Tell me you believe in accountability? Show me when you’re the one who fucked up. Tell me you’re a leader? Great. I don’t need another LinkedIn post or PowerPoint with somebody climbing a fucking mountain. Show me who you are when someone challenges you, knows more than you, or tells you something your ego really doesn’t want to hear. Because here’s what I’ve realized: character gets expensive. Integrity can cost you time, money, convenience, comfort, ego and sometimes the satisfaction of being right. That’s when we find out who the fuck we really are.

I go there in this one. Family. Co-parenting. Corporate America. Leadership. AI. Ego. The invisible load so many parents carry while somebody else occasionally shows up for the ribbon cutting. 😏 And yes, apparently some of us have fucking QuickBooks for all the emotional receipts we’ve collected along the way.

But then this episode did something I wasn’t necessarily planning for: it turned the mirror back on me. Because I’m hurt right now, and when I’m hurt, I see things through hurt. That doesn’t erase what somebody else did. It doesn’t make shitty behavior okay. But if I’m demanding accountability from everybody else, then Lori has to own her fucking shit too.

That brought me to the line that matters most: I don’t want somebody else’s lack of integrity to cost me mine. Fuck. Maybe that’s the whole lesson.

I don’t need perfect people. I fucking love imperfect people. Give me messy. Give me “I don’t know.” Give me “I was wrong.” Give me “I got scared.” Give me “I handled that like an asshole.” What I’m done with is the performance. I want your words and your behavior to fucking recognize each other.

🎙️ So here’s my challenge: listen before you decide who you think this episode is about. And before you send it to the ex, boss, parent, sibling, friend or whoever immediately popped into your head, ask yourself the harder fucking question: Where did I hear myself? Then do something about it. And if this conversation hits you somewhere uncomfortable, share it with someone brave enough to look in the mirror with you.

#StorytimeWithLori #HumanFraud #Authenticity #Accountability #Integrity #Leadership #RealTalk #OwnYourShit #PersonalGrowth #Podcasting


]]>8ec530d0-ae2f-4bf3-92da-4157627e51b6Thu, 10 Sep 2026 17:04:42 GMT<p>I came into this episode fucking roaring. 🦁🔥 I’m pissed off, I’m hurt, I’m disappointed, and I’m exhausted by something I’m calling human fraud: that gap between who people tell us they are and who we actually experience them to be.</p><p></p><p>Tell me you’re family? Show me when it’s inconvenient. Tell me your kid comes first? Show me when parenting screws up your plans. Tell me you believe in accountability? Show me when you’re the one who fucked up. Tell me you’re a leader? Great. I don’t need another LinkedIn post or PowerPoint with somebody climbing a fucking mountain. Show me who you are when someone challenges you, knows more than you, or tells you something your ego really doesn’t want to hear. Because here’s what I’ve realized: character gets expensive. Integrity can cost you time, money, convenience, comfort, ego and sometimes the satisfaction of being right. That’s when we find out who the fuck we really are.</p><p></p><p>I go there in this one. Family. Co-parenting. Corporate America. Leadership. AI. Ego. The invisible load so many parents carry while somebody else occasionally shows up for the ribbon cutting. 😏 And yes, apparently some of us have fucking QuickBooks for all the emotional receipts we’ve collected along the way.</p><p></p><p>But then this episode did something I wasn’t necessarily planning for: it turned the mirror back on me. Because I’m hurt right now, and when I’m hurt, I see things through hurt. That doesn’t erase what somebody else did. It doesn’t make shitty behavior okay. But if I’m demanding accountability from everybody else, then Lori has to own her fucking shit too.</p><p></p><p>That brought me to the line that matters most: I don’t want somebody else’s lack of integrity to cost me mine. Fuck. Maybe that’s the whole lesson.</p><p></p><p>I don’t need perfect people. I fucking love imperfect people. Give me messy. Give me “I don’t know.” Give me “I was wrong.” Give me “I got scared.” Give me “I handled that like an asshole.” What I’m done with is the performance. I want your words and your behavior to fucking recognize each other.</p><p></p><p>🎙️ So here’s my challenge: listen before you decide who you think this episode is about. And before you send it to the ex, boss, parent, sibling, friend or whoever immediately popped into your head, ask yourself the harder fucking question: Where did I hear myself? Then do something about it. And if this conversation hits you somewhere uncomfortable, share it with someone brave enough to look in the mirror with you.</p><p></p><p>#StorytimeWithLori #HumanFraud #Authenticity #Accountability #Integrity #Leadership #RealTalk #OwnYourShit #PersonalGrowth #Podcasting</p><p><br /></p>yes00:16:00Stop telling me who you are, SHOW mefull<![CDATA[RUN TOWARD HER: Before the World Tells Them Who to Become]]>Reagan and Riley Cullivan are 19 years old, sisters, athletes and headed to UC Davis to play Division I softball together. They've spent most of their lives doing many of the same things, surrounded by many of the same people and hearing themselves referred to simply as “the twins.” And while that's part of their story, I wanted to know who Reagan and Riley are when you pull those labels apart.

We talked about something women of every age understand: comparison. What happens when someone you love gets the thing you wanted too? Reagan and Riley were surprisingly candid about being happy for one another while sometimes feeling frustrated with themselves, especially on the softball field. We talked about learning to recognize their different strengths, finding their own identities and understanding that loving another woman doesn't require making yourself smaller.

Then we went beyond softball. We talked about recruiting pressure and the point when something you love starts feeling like a job. We talked about the enormous sacrifice parents make behind the scenes, their dreams of careers in medicine, the lives they want outside of work and sports, and why these two are determined to actually live a little along the way.

What I loved most, though, was getting to talk to them now. I interview plenty of people who can look back over decades and explain exactly how they became who they are. Reagan and Riley can't do that yet, because they're still becoming. So instead of giving them another lecture from an older woman who thinks she knows some shit, I asked them what we could learn from them.

Turns out, quite a bit.

This one is about sisters, but it's also about women. Her success isn't evidence of your failure, and her lane doesn't have to look anything like yours. Cheer for her. Make room for her. And when it's her turn to cross home plate, run toward her.

🎙️ Storytime with Lori

]]>b3f43513-369c-4d95-b2bd-3e79b4926038Wed, 09 Sep 2026 02:06:50 GMT<p>Reagan and Riley Cullivan are 19 years old, sisters, athletes and headed to UC Davis to play Division I softball together. They've spent most of their lives doing many of the same things, surrounded by many of the same people and hearing themselves referred to simply as “the twins.” And while that's part of their story, I wanted to know who Reagan and Riley are when you pull those labels apart.</p><p></p><p>We talked about something women of every age understand: comparison. What happens when someone you love gets the thing you wanted too? Reagan and Riley were surprisingly candid about being happy for one another while sometimes feeling frustrated with themselves, especially on the softball field. We talked about learning to recognize their different strengths, finding their own identities and understanding that loving another woman doesn't require making yourself smaller.</p><p></p><p>Then we went beyond softball. We talked about recruiting pressure and the point when something you love starts feeling like a job. We talked about the enormous sacrifice parents make behind the scenes, their dreams of careers in medicine, the lives they want outside of work and sports, and why these two are determined to actually live a little along the way.</p><p></p><p>What I loved most, though, was getting to talk to them now. I interview plenty of people who can look back over decades and explain exactly how they became who they are. Reagan and Riley can't do that yet, because they're still becoming. So instead of giving them another lecture from an older woman who thinks she knows some shit, I asked them what <i>we</i> could learn from <i>them</i>.</p><p></p><p>Turns out, quite a bit.</p><p></p><p>This one is about sisters, but it's also about women. Her success isn't evidence of your failure, and her lane doesn't have to look anything like yours. Cheer for her. Make room for her. And when it's her turn to cross home plate, run toward her.</p><p></p><p>🎙️ Storytime with Lori</p>no00:41:43RUN TOWARD HER: Before the World Tells Them Who to Becomefull<![CDATA[We are making the room bigger]]>Apparently I can’t even go bowling anymore without finding a podcast guest. 😂🎳

But that’s kind of the point.

STORYTIME with Lori is growing and I’m making the room bigger. 🎙️❤️

CEOs? Absolutely.

But also the 19-year-old athletes.

The single mom building her own version of wealth.

The immigrant starting another chapter.

The person building chosen family.

The entrepreneur nobody knows…yet.

Because I’m not interested in collecting impressive résumés.

I’m interested in the story underneath them.

And sometimes the person who changes the way you see the world isn’t sitting in a boardroom. Sometimes they are sitting next to you at the bowling alley. 😂

More women. More young voices. More cultures. More unconventional paths. More people we should have been listening to all along.

We’re not changing STORYTIME, we are making the room bigger. ❤️

And if you’re watching this thinking, “Lori, you NEED to meet someone…”

👀 Send them my way.

Hell…maybe it’s you.


]]>8a5ed7bb-a42b-4af5-8dcc-849ecd59e342Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:55:49 GMT<p>Apparently I can’t even go bowling anymore without finding a podcast guest. 😂🎳</p><p></p><p>But that’s kind of the point.</p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7501326913920225280/#" target="_blank"><b>STORYTIME with Lori</b></a> is growing and I’m making the room bigger. 🎙️❤️</p><p></p><p>CEOs? Absolutely.</p><p></p><p>But also the 19-year-old athletes.</p><p>The single mom building her own version of wealth.</p><p>The immigrant starting another chapter.</p><p>The person building chosen family.</p><p>The entrepreneur nobody knows…yet.</p><p></p><p>Because I’m not interested in collecting impressive résumés.</p><p></p><p>I’m interested in the story underneath them.</p><p></p><p>And sometimes the person who changes the way you see the world isn’t sitting in a boardroom. Sometimes they are sitting next to you at the bowling alley. 😂</p><p></p><p>More women. More young voices. More cultures. More unconventional paths. More people we should have been listening to all along.</p><p></p><p>We’re not changing STORYTIME, we are making the room bigger. ❤️</p><p></p><p>And if you’re watching this thinking, “Lori, you NEED to meet someone…”</p><p></p><p>👀 Send them my way.</p><p></p><p>Hell…maybe it’s you.</p><p></p><p><br /></p>no00:07:03We are making the room biggerfull<![CDATA[Who Check In On The Strong Ones]]>We need to stop calling people “resilient” and assuming that means they’re okay. ❤️‍🩹

Jeff Johnston lost his 23-year-old son, Seth, to fentanyl. Four years later, he lost his wife, Prudence.

He got sober. He rebuilt. He found purpose. He started helping others.

Beautiful comeback story, right?

Yeah…life apparently didn’t get that memo.

Because some mornings, the man who speaks on stages about resilience still needs 45 minutes just to get out of bed.

THAT’S the Jeff I wanted to talk to.

Not the speaker.
Not the founder.
Not the inspirational comeback story.

The human underneath all that armor.

We went there: grief, addiction, fentanyl, men’s mental health, psychedelics, shame, suicide, success, self-forgiveness—and why this idea that we eventually become completely “healed” might be bullshit.

Then Jeff said something I can’t shake:

“I need to be nicer to Jeff.” ❤️

Because maybe resilience isn’t becoming unbreakable.

Maybe it’s being able to say:

This still hurts.
I’m still figuring it out.
And I’m still fucking here.

🎙️ Storytime with Lori featuring Jeffrey Johnston

If you’re the fixer, the leader, the parent, the friend who always answers—the person everyone calls “the strong one” this conversation is for you.

So let me ask you: Who’s checking on you? ❤️‍🩹

#StorytimeWithLori #MensMentalHealth #Grief #AddictionRecovery #FentanylAwareness

]]>892b800f-a6b8-4a86-8693-63a4e4ef63a7Mon, 31 Aug 2026 23:46:18 GMT<p><b>We need to stop calling people “resilient” and assuming that means they’re okay.</b> ❤️‍🩹</p><p>Jeff Johnston lost his 23-year-old son, Seth, to fentanyl. Four years later, he lost his wife, Prudence.</p><p>He got sober. He rebuilt. He found purpose. He started helping others.</p><p>Beautiful comeback story, right?</p><p>Yeah…life apparently didn’t get that memo.</p><p>Because some mornings, the man who speaks on stages about resilience still needs <b>45 minutes just to get out of bed.</b></p><p><b>THAT’S the Jeff I wanted to talk to.</b></p><p>Not the speaker.<br />Not the founder.<br />Not the inspirational comeback story.</p><p><b>The human underneath all that armor.</b></p><p>We went there: grief, addiction, fentanyl, men’s mental health, psychedelics, shame, suicide, success, self-forgiveness—and why this idea that we eventually become completely “healed” might be bullshit.</p><p>Then Jeff said something I can’t shake:</p><p><b>“I need to be nicer to Jeff.”</b> ❤️</p><p>Because maybe resilience isn’t becoming unbreakable.</p><p>Maybe it’s being able to say:</p><p><i>This still hurts.</i><br /><i>I’m still figuring it out.</i><br /><b>And I’m still fucking here.</b></p><p>🎙️ <b>Storytime with Lori featuring Jeffrey Johnston</b></p><p>If you’re the fixer, the leader, the parent, the friend who always answers—the person everyone calls <b>“the strong one”</b> this conversation is for you.</p><p><b>So let me ask you: Who’s checking on you?</b> ❤️‍🩹</p><p>#StorytimeWithLori #MensMentalHealth #Grief #AddictionRecovery #FentanylAwareness</p>no00:59:13Who Check In On The Strong Onesfull<![CDATA[Don’t Be So Captivated by the Second Chance That You Overlook the Talent]]>I went to Arizona thinking I understood Televerde.

Narrator: She did not. 😂

I knew the story: second chances, incarcerated women, BDR development, an incredible mission.

What I didn’t fully understand was the talent.

I met women talking pipeline, customer experience, renewals, sales strategy, business intelligence and brand with the kind of hunger and business acumen companies say they’re desperate to hire for.

And that changed the conversation for me.

🔥 Opportunity, not charity.

These women don’t need us to lower the bar. Maybe we need to get a hell of a lot better at looking in places where talented people have already learned how to clear it.

And Diane + Nayaja… ❤️ you two got me.

The dreaming. The planning. The rebuilding. The “oh shit, people are actually watching me now” part. 😂 The belief you’re lending each other while you build enough of your own.

That’s the story I wanted to tell.

Don’t be so captivated by someone’s second chance that you overlook their talent. Because sometimes people don’t need saving. They need access. A door. An introduction. A seat at the table. Someone willing to see them BEFORE everyone else does.

So I’ll leave you with this:

❤️ Who believed in you before you fully believed in yourself?

And maybe the bigger question…

Whose belief are you holding right now?

🎙️ New Storytime with Lori.

#StorytimeWithLori #Televerde #WomenInTech #WomenInSales #SecondChances #Talent #Leadership #SalesLeadership #TechChannel #WomenSupportingWomen #CareerDevelopment #Opportunity #FutureOfWork

]]>1e6ea9ff-2b79-4e93-bb6f-18990e9a1e06Thu, 27 Aug 2026 19:08:54 GMT<p>I went to Arizona thinking I understood <b>Televerde</b>.</p><p></p><p>Narrator: <i>She did not.</i> 😂</p><p></p><p>I knew the story: second chances, incarcerated women, BDR development, an incredible mission.</p><p></p><p>What I didn’t fully understand was the <b>talent</b>.</p><p></p><p>I met women talking pipeline, customer experience, renewals, sales strategy, business intelligence and brand with the kind of hunger and business acumen companies say they’re desperate to hire for.</p><p></p><p>And that changed the conversation for me.</p><p>🔥 <b>Opportunity, not charity.</b></p><p></p><p>These women don’t need us to lower the bar. Maybe we need to get a hell of a lot better at looking in places where talented people have already learned how to clear it.</p><p></p><p>And Diane + Nayaja… ❤️ you two got me.</p><p></p><p>The dreaming. The planning. The rebuilding. The “oh shit, people are actually watching me now” part. 😂 The belief you’re lending each other while you build enough of your own.</p><p></p><p>That’s the story I wanted to tell.</p><p></p><p><b>Don’t be so captivated by someone’s second chance that you overlook their talent. </b>Because sometimes people don’t need saving. They need <b>access. A door. An introduction. A seat at the table. Someone willing to see them BEFORE everyone else does.</b></p><p></p><p>So I’ll leave you with this:</p><p>❤️ <b>Who believed in you before you fully believed in yourself?</b></p><p>And maybe the bigger question…</p><p></p><p><b>Whose belief are you holding right now?</b></p><p>🎙️ New <b>Storytime with Lori</b>.</p><p>#StorytimeWithLori #Televerde #WomenInTech #WomenInSales #SecondChances #Talent #Leadership #SalesLeadership #TechChannel #WomenSupportingWomen #CareerDevelopment #Opportunity #FutureOfWork</p><p></p>no00:12:05Don’t Be So Captivated by the Second Chance That You Overlook the Talentfull<![CDATA[The Messy Middle: When Doing the Right Thing Still F*cking Hurts]]>Last week I talked about my birthday. 🎂

A beautiful day, full of people who love the hell out of me… and still feeling the absence of someone who doesn't show up the way I need them to.

Well, apparently there was more shit to unpack. 😂

Because here's the mindfuck about healing:

You can make the right decision and still be heartbroken by it.

You can set the boundary and miss them.

You can be deeply loved and still grieve what's missing.

None of that means go back.

That's the messy middle. And I'm learning this one the hard way:

Loneliness is a feeling. It is NOT an instruction. 👏 Missing someone doesn't mean they deserve access to you. And hurting doesn't mean you chose wrong.

Sometimes it just means it mattered. ❤️‍🩹

🎙️ This week on STORYTIME with Lori: The Messy Middle: When Doing the Right Thing Still F*cking Hurts

Because apparently healing doesn't give a shit about my preferred timeline. 😂

#StorytimeWithLori #TheMessyMiddle #Boundaries #Healing #Relationships #PersonalGrowth #Podcast

]]>82366253-0f85-4bbd-a3d1-8ec3263d2e0eThu, 20 Aug 2026 21:01:29 GMT<p>Last week I talked about my birthday. 🎂</p><p></p><p>A beautiful day, full of people who love the hell out of me… and still feeling the absence of someone who doesn't show up the way I need them to.</p><p></p><p>Well, apparently there was more shit to unpack. 😂</p><p></p><p>Because here's the mindfuck about healing:</p><p><b>You can make the right decision and still be heartbroken by it.</b></p><p>You can set the boundary and miss them.</p><p>You can be deeply loved and still grieve what's missing.</p><p><b>None of that means go back.</b></p><p></p><p>That's the messy middle. And I'm learning this one the hard way:</p><p><b>Loneliness is a feeling. It is NOT an instruction.</b> 👏 Missing someone doesn't mean they deserve access to you. And hurting doesn't mean you chose wrong.</p><p></p><p>Sometimes it just means <b>it mattered.</b> ❤️‍🩹</p><p></p><p>🎙️ This week on <b>STORYTIME with Lori</b>: The Messy Middle: When Doing the Right Thing Still F*cking Hurts </p><p></p><p>Because apparently healing doesn't give a shit about my preferred timeline. 😂</p><p></p><p>#StorytimeWithLori #TheMessyMiddle #Boundaries #Healing #Relationships #PersonalGrowth #Podcast</p><p></p>no00:15:12The Messy Middle: When Doing the Right Thing Still F*cking Hurtsfull<![CDATA[WHAT NO LONGER GETS TO COME WITH ME...Happy Birthday to me!]]>It’s my birthday. 🎂✨

So obviously I got myself exactly what every woman wants:

boundaries, therapy, self-awareness… and fewer people with backstage access. 😂

This birthday episode of Storytime with Lori is raw, funny, a little petty, and very reflective.

We’re talking family dynamics, betrayal, healing, coping, co-parenting, outgrowing people, and that magical moment when you realize:

“Ohhh… I’m not confused. I’ve just outgrown this.”

Some people were lessons.

Some were chapters.

Some were group projects I definitely did all the work on. 😏

This year, I’m not asking what I accomplished.

I’m asking:

What no longer gets to come with me?

Cheers to another year of growth, better boundaries, stronger instincts, and dramatically fewer emotional subscriptions. 🥂🎙️

#StorytimeWithLori #BirthdayEpisode #PersonalGrowth #Boundaries #Healing #SelfTrust #BreakingCycles #Reinvention

]]>2f5542df-1e9e-46d3-b73d-294bbdfe47a1Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:37:22 GMT<p>It’s my birthday. 🎂✨</p><p>So obviously I got myself exactly what every woman wants:</p><p>boundaries, therapy, self-awareness… and fewer people with backstage access. 😂</p><p>This birthday episode of Storytime with Lori is raw, funny, a little petty, and very reflective.</p><p>We’re talking family dynamics, betrayal, healing, coping, co-parenting, outgrowing people, and that magical moment when you realize:</p><p>“Ohhh… I’m not confused. I’ve just outgrown this.”</p><p>Some people were lessons.</p><p>Some were chapters.</p><p>Some were group projects I definitely did all the work on. 😏</p><p>This year, I’m not asking what I accomplished.</p><p>I’m asking:</p><p>What no longer gets to come with me?</p><p>Cheers to another year of growth, better boundaries, stronger instincts, and dramatically fewer emotional subscriptions. 🥂🎙️</p><p>#StorytimeWithLori #BirthdayEpisode #PersonalGrowth #Boundaries #Healing #SelfTrust #BreakingCycles #Reinvention</p>no00:23:17WHAT NO LONGER GETS TO COME WITH ME...Happy Birthday to me!full<![CDATA[Big Week.....Bigger Conversations]]>A big week for Storytime with Lori. 🎙️

First up: a powerful conversation with Akilah Murrell + Mayka Rosales-Peterson on leadership, visibility, allyship, pressure, belonging, and the weight that can come with being “the first.”

And then Friday is my birthday. 🎂

So naturally, I decided to celebrate by recording one of the rawest episodes I’ve done. 😂

Family. Coping. Boundaries. Alcohol. Outgrowing people, places, relationships, jobs and even old versions of ourselves.

This year I’m asking myself one question: What no longer gets to come with me?

Akilah + Mayka first.

Then Friday… we’re going there. ❤️‍🔥

#Leadership #Allyship #WomenInLeadership #Storytelling #Podcast #Growth #Boundaries #Authenticity

]]>d573c63c-b6aa-4bd0-b6a3-bcbf1bb0a773Tue, 11 Aug 2026 20:39:21 GMT<p>A big week for <b>Storytime with Lori.</b> 🎙️</p><p>First up: a powerful conversation with <b>Akilah Murrell + Mayka Rosales-Peterson</b> on leadership, visibility, allyship, pressure, belonging, and the weight that can come with being “the first.”</p><p>And then Friday is my birthday. 🎂</p><p>So naturally, I decided to celebrate by recording one of the rawest episodes I’ve done. 😂</p><p></p><p>Family. Coping. Boundaries. Alcohol. Outgrowing people, places, relationships, jobs and even old versions of ourselves.</p><p></p><p>This year I’m asking myself one question: <b>What no longer gets to come with me?</b></p><p></p><p>Akilah + Mayka first.</p><p></p><p>Then Friday… we’re going there. ❤️‍🔥</p><p></p><p>#Leadership #Allyship #WomenInLeadership #Storytelling #Podcast #Growth #Boundaries #Authenticity</p>no00:01:45Big Week.....Bigger Conversationsfull<![CDATA[No One Is Coming to Save You | The Mindset Shift That Changed My Life]]>🎙️ No One Is Coming to Save You | The Mindset Shift That Changed My Life In Episode 3 of STORYTIME with Lori: Lori Knew Before I Did, I’m sharing one of the hardest, but most empowering, lessons I learned in my early 20s while working straight commission sales and building my career from the ground up:✨ No one is coming to save you. This episode is about:💥 Taking ownership of your life and career💥 Building self-discipline and resilience💥 Why successful people stop waiting for permission💥 Developing a growth mindset in hard seasons💥 The mindset shift that creates confidence and momentum. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overlooked, underestimated, or waiting for someone to “notice” your potential… this conversation is your reminder:👉 You don’t need saving. You need ownership. This episode is for anyone focused on:-Personal development-Leadership growth-Career motivation-Confidence building-Entrepreneurship mindset-Women in leadership✨ Subscribe for weekly motivation, leadership insights, and real conversations about becoming the person you’re meant to be.


]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/No-One-Is-Coming-to-Save-You--The-Mindset-Shift-That-Changed-My-Life-e3iats3bbe083b1-a9f1-4ede-b4d7-8f46d019ed3aTue, 07 Apr 2026 15:00:00 GMT<p>🎙️ No One Is Coming to Save You | The Mindset Shift That Changed My Life In Episode 3 of <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/storytime-with-lori/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_self">STORYTIME with Lori</a>: Lori Knew Before I Did, I’m sharing one of the hardest, but most empowering, lessons I learned in my early 20s while working straight commission sales and building my career from the ground up:✨ No one is coming to save you. This episode is about:💥 Taking ownership of your life and career💥 Building self-discipline and resilience💥 Why successful people stop waiting for permission💥 Developing a growth mindset in hard seasons💥 The mindset shift that creates confidence and momentum. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overlooked, underestimated, or waiting for someone to “notice” your potential… this conversation is your reminder:👉 You don’t need saving. You need ownership. This episode is for anyone focused on:-Personal development-Leadership growth-Career motivation-Confidence building-Entrepreneurship mindset-Women in leadership✨ Subscribe for weekly motivation, leadership insights, and real conversations about becoming the person you’re meant to be.</p><p><br /></p><p></p> no00:30:49No One Is Coming to Save You | The Mindset Shift That Changed My Lifefull<![CDATA[Just Because Someone Watches You Doesn't Mean They Love You | Storytime with Lori]]>

Some people know everything about your life.

But they don't know you.

In this episode of Storytime with Lori, Lori explores a difficult realization: attention isn't love, observation isn't support, and access isn't the same as connection.

Through stories of heartbreak, family estrangement, betrayal, healing, and personal growth, Lori discusses the freedom that comes from no longer needing validation from people who choose to watch your life from a distance instead of participating in it.

This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered:

• Why are they still watching?
• Why won't they reach out?
• Why do they know so much about my life but choose not to be part of it?

The answer may have less to do with them and more to do with reclaiming your peace.

Because healing begins when you stop focusing on who's watching and start focusing on who's walking beside you.

🎙️ Storytime with Lori is where real conversations about healing, resilience, relationships, growth, and becoming your best self come to life.


]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/Just-Because-Someone-Watches-You-Doesnt-Mean-They-Love-You--Storytime-with-Lori-e3l8590cedc4d72-d7b5-486d-b60f-7ab4df3dff69Wed, 24 Jun 2026 20:04:06 GMT<p></p><p>Some people know everything about your life.</p><p>But they don't know you.</p><p>In this episode of Storytime with Lori, Lori explores a difficult realization: attention isn't love, observation isn't support, and access isn't the same as connection.</p><p>Through stories of heartbreak, family estrangement, betrayal, healing, and personal growth, Lori discusses the freedom that comes from no longer needing validation from people who choose to watch your life from a distance instead of participating in it.</p><p>This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered:</p><p>• Why are they still watching?<br />• Why won't they reach out?<br />• Why do they know so much about my life but choose not to be part of it?</p><p>The answer may have less to do with them and more to do with reclaiming your peace.</p><p>Because healing begins when you stop focusing on who's watching and start focusing on who's walking beside you.</p><p>🎙️ Storytime with Lori is where real conversations about healing, resilience, relationships, growth, and becoming your best self come to life.</p><p></p><p><br /></p> no00:05:16Just Because Someone Watches You Doesn't Mean They Love You | Storytime with Lorifull<![CDATA[The Weight Nobody Sees Behind Success]]>What if you weren't chasing success...

What if you were chasing safety?

In this deeply personal solo episode, I share what rebuilding has really looked like after career setbacks, layoffs, financial pressure, and learning to trust myself again.

This conversation is for anyone navigating leadership, career growth, burnout, or a season of starting over.

We dive into:

• Why success and safety aren't always the same thing

• Rebuilding confidence after setbacks

• The invisible weight high performers often carry

• Leadership, resilience, and self-trust

• Why surviving isn't the same as living

If you're a leader, entrepreneur, professional, or someone trying to become the next version of yourself, I hope this episode reminds you that you're not alone.

If this conversation resonates, follow the show and share it with someone who's rebuilding too. 💛

#Leadership #CareerGrowth #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #WomenInLeadership #Podcast

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/The-Weight-Nobody-Sees-Behind-Success-e3m4p7a2b12035e-c54c-4c8c-b25f-ef9582a18064Wed, 15 Jul 2026 20:30:21 GMT<p>What if you weren't chasing success...</p><p>What if you were chasing safety?</p><p>In this deeply personal solo episode, I share what rebuilding has really looked like after career setbacks, layoffs, financial pressure, and learning to trust myself again.</p><p>This conversation is for anyone navigating leadership, career growth, burnout, or a season of starting over.</p><p>We dive into:</p><p>• Why success and safety aren't always the same thing</p><p>• Rebuilding confidence after setbacks</p><p>• The invisible weight high performers often carry</p><p>• Leadership, resilience, and self-trust</p><p>• Why surviving isn't the same as living</p><p>If you're a leader, entrepreneur, professional, or someone trying to become the next version of yourself, I hope this episode reminds you that you're not alone.</p><p>If this conversation resonates, follow the show and share it with someone who's rebuilding too. 💛</p><p>#Leadership #CareerGrowth #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #WomenInLeadership #Podcast</p><p></p> no00:11:24The Weight Nobody Sees Behind Successfull<![CDATA[Most Leaders Will Be Forgotten: Carl Herberger on Legacy, Humanity & Leadership]]>Most leaders spend their careers chasing results.

The unforgettable ones spend their careers investing in people.

In this episode of STORYTIME with Lori, Lori Mayer sits down with Carl Herberger, CEO of Corero Network Security, to discuss the kind of leadership that leaves a lasting impact.

Together, they explore:

🔹 Leadership beyond titles
🔹 The power of emotional intelligence
🔹 Building trust and culture
🔹 Human-centered leadership
🔹 Cybersecurity leadership lessons
🔹 Legacy versus success
🔹 How great leaders make people feel seen

Because years from now, people won't remember your title.

They'll remember how you showed up.

🎙️ STORYTIME with Lori is where leadership, life, resilience, personal growth, and authentic conversations come together through real stories from real people.

#Leadership #LeadershipPodcast #ExecutiveLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #HumanLeadership #CyberSecurityLeadership #Legacy #PersonalGrowth #StorytimeWithLori

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/Most-Leaders-Will-Be-Forgotten-Carl-Herberger-on-Legacy--Humanity--Leadership-e3l69gfe1b35836-c65a-49f9-8d36-c1549997ca88Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:15:27 GMT<p>Most leaders spend their careers chasing results.</p><p>The unforgettable ones spend their careers investing in people.</p><p>In this episode of STORYTIME with Lori, Lori Mayer sits down with Carl Herberger, CEO of Corero Network Security, to discuss the kind of leadership that leaves a lasting impact.</p><p>Together, they explore:</p><p>🔹 Leadership beyond titles<br />🔹 The power of emotional intelligence<br />🔹 Building trust and culture<br />🔹 Human-centered leadership<br />🔹 Cybersecurity leadership lessons<br />🔹 Legacy versus success<br />🔹 How great leaders make people feel seen</p><p>Because years from now, people won't remember your title.</p><p>They'll remember how you showed up.</p><p>🎙️ STORYTIME with Lori is where leadership, life, resilience, personal growth, and authentic conversations come together through real stories from real people.</p><p>#Leadership #LeadershipPodcast #ExecutiveLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #HumanLeadership #CyberSecurityLeadership #Legacy #PersonalGrowth #StorytimeWithLori</p><p></p> no00:39:01Most Leaders Will Be Forgotten: Carl Herberger on Legacy, Humanity & Leadershipfull<![CDATA[Surviving Abuse While Building a Career | Healing, Mental Health & Reclaiming Your Power]]>What does it look like to survive abuse… while still showing up every day expected to perform?In this deeply emotional episode of Story Time with Lori, Lori sits down with Sharon Hildebrand to talk about:✨ domestic violence✨ healing after trauma✨ rebuilding self-worth✨ spirituality & energy✨ leadership while struggling privately✨ creating Fearless Sisters Nation to empower young womenThis isn’t just a conversation about survival.It’s about:👉 becoming👉 healing in real time👉 reclaiming your identity after painIf you’ve ever struggled with:* toxic relationships* anxiety or depression* emotional abuse* confidence after trauma* healing while growing your careerthis episode is for you.🎙️ Story Time with Lori — real life, real laughs, real lessons.#MentalHealth #DomesticViolenceAwareness #HealingJourney #WomenInLeadership #TraumaHealing #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfWorth #Podcast #StoryTimeWithLori

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/Surviving-Abuse-While-Building-a-Career--Healing--Mental-Health--Reclaiming-Your-Power-e3jvjptb1472b42-b623-47c6-bccc-4d119b9eabf4Wed, 20 May 2026 15:02:00 GMT<p>What does it look like to survive abuse… while still showing up every day expected to perform?In this deeply emotional episode of Story Time with Lori, Lori sits down with Sharon Hildebrand to talk about:✨ domestic violence✨ healing after trauma✨ rebuilding self-worth✨ spirituality &amp; energy✨ leadership while struggling privately✨ creating Fearless Sisters Nation to empower young womenThis isn’t just a conversation about survival.It’s about:👉 becoming👉 healing in real time👉 reclaiming your identity after painIf you’ve ever struggled with:* toxic relationships* anxiety or depression* emotional abuse* confidence after trauma* healing while growing your careerthis episode is for you.🎙️ Story Time with Lori — real life, real laughs, real lessons.#MentalHealth #DomesticViolenceAwareness #HealingJourney #WomenInLeadership #TraumaHealing #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfWorth #Podcast #StoryTimeWithLori</p> no00:39:21Surviving Abuse While Building a Career | Healing, Mental Health & Reclaiming Your Powerfull<![CDATA[Identity, Leadership & Finding Your Voice in Chaos | Cass Cooper (Part 1)]]>In Part 1 of this two-part conversation on Storytime with Lori, Lori sits down with communications and organizational change leader Cass Cooper to talk about identity, leadership, and navigating chaos with clarity.

Cass has spent more than 15 years helping senior leaders and global organizations communicate through complex change. But this episode goes deeper than professional strategy. It explores the human side of leadership, identity, belonging, community, and learning to trust yourself.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Cass’s journey from theater kid to executive communications leader
• how stage presence translates into leadership presence
• motherhood, empathy, and the leadership skills that often get overlooked
• building community and chosen family
• navigating difficult family dynamics while staying authentic
• why trusting your instincts is one of the most powerful leadership tools
• mentorship, networking, and the power of shooting your shot

This conversation is about more than career success. It’s about learning how to lead with authenticity while navigating complexity in both work and life.

If you’re interested in leadership development, executive presence, personal growth, and authentic leadership, this episode will resonate.

This is Storytime with Lori, real life, real laughs, real lessons.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/Identity--Leadership--Finding-Your-Voice-in-Chaos--Cass-Cooper-Part-1-e3ga3c654162c04-1fd1-4eb4-b90f-16020b502f84Wed, 11 Mar 2026 21:00:51 GMT<p>In Part 1 of this two-part conversation on <strong>Storytime with Lori</strong>, Lori sits down with communications and organizational change leader <strong>Cass Cooper</strong> to talk about identity, leadership, and navigating chaos with clarity.</p><p>Cass has spent more than 15 years helping senior leaders and global organizations communicate through complex change. But this episode goes deeper than professional strategy. It explores the human side of leadership, identity, belonging, community, and learning to trust yourself.</p><p>In this episode, we talk about:</p><p>• Cass’s journey from theater kid to executive communications leader<br />• how stage presence translates into leadership presence<br />• motherhood, empathy, and the leadership skills that often get overlooked<br />• building community and chosen family<br />• navigating difficult family dynamics while staying authentic<br />• why trusting your instincts is one of the most powerful leadership tools<br />• mentorship, networking, and the power of shooting your shot</p><p>This conversation is about more than career success. It’s about learning how to lead with authenticity while navigating complexity in both work and life.</p><p>If you’re interested in <strong>leadership development, executive presence, personal growth, and authentic leadership</strong>, this episode will resonate.</p><p>This is <strong>Storytime with Lori,</strong> real life, real laughs, real lessons.</p><p></p> no00:55:02Identity, Leadership & Finding Your Voice in Chaos | Cass Cooper (Part 1)full<![CDATA[I Hope the Last Time We Ever Speak... Is Graduation]]>

I've never admitted this out loud.

I know exactly how many days are left until my son graduates high school.

Not because I'm counting down to the end of motherhood...

I'm counting down to the day I no longer have to co-parent.

Yeah...

I said it.

Before you judge me, hear the whole story.

This isn't an episode about hating someone.

It's about what happens when you've left a relationship...but the relationship never really leaves you.

When one text message can hijack your nervous system.

When you're exhausted from replaying the same conversation for over a decade.

When you realize you've been asking someone you've already walked away from to give you permission to finally have peace.

This week, a simple parenting situation turned into something much bigger.

It forced me to ask myself one question that changed everything:

Who am I still giving free rent in my head?

In this episode, we're talking about:

💥 The truth about co-parenting nobody wants to admit

💥 Why divorce can end...but emotional attachment doesn't

💥 Childhood wounds we unknowingly repeat in adult relationships

💥 Why protecting your peace isn't selfish

💥 The difference between accountability and shame

💥 How to stop letting one person control your entire nervous system

This isn't just for divorced parents.

It's for anyone who's still emotionally tied to someone they no longer want in their life.

If you've ever thought...

"I've left...so why do I still feel trapped?"

This one's for you.

🎙️ Welcome to Storytime with Lori—where we have the conversations most people are too afraid to say out loud.

⭐ If this episode hits home, follow the show, leave a rating, and share it with someone who's ready to stop giving away their peace.

#StorytimeWithLori #CoParenting #Divorce #EmotionalHealing #Boundaries #HealingJourney #Parenting #TraumaRecovery #MentalHealth #SelfWorth #PersonalGrowth #WomenWhoHeal #Podcast

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/I-Hope-the-Last-Time-We-Ever-Speak----Is-Graduation-e3lr0b501465e2f-fd8e-49c4-a1c7-a3a1f4dcefe2Wed, 08 Jul 2026 20:09:38 GMT<p></p><p>I've never admitted this out loud.</p><p>I know exactly how many days are left until my son graduates high school.</p><p>Not because I'm counting down to the end of motherhood...</p><p>I'm counting down to the day I no longer have to co-parent.</p><p>Yeah...</p><p>I said it.</p><p>Before you judge me, hear the whole story.</p><p>This isn't an episode about hating someone.</p><p>It's about what happens when you've left a relationship...but the relationship never really leaves you.</p><p>When one text message can hijack your nervous system.</p><p>When you're exhausted from replaying the same conversation for over a decade.</p><p>When you realize you've been asking someone you've already walked away from to give you permission to finally have peace.</p><p>This week, a simple parenting situation turned into something much bigger.</p><p>It forced me to ask myself one question that changed everything:</p><p><strong>Who am I still giving free rent in my head?</strong></p><p>In this episode, we're talking about:</p><p>💥 The truth about co-parenting nobody wants to admit</p><p>💥 Why divorce can end...but emotional attachment doesn't</p><p>💥 Childhood wounds we unknowingly repeat in adult relationships</p><p>💥 Why protecting your peace isn't selfish</p><p>💥 The difference between accountability and shame</p><p>💥 How to stop letting one person control your entire nervous system</p><p>This isn't just for divorced parents.</p><p>It's for anyone who's still emotionally tied to someone they no longer want in their life.</p><p>If you've ever thought...</p><p>"I've left...so why do I still feel trapped?"</p><p>This one's for you.</p><p>🎙️ Welcome to Storytime with Lori—where we have the conversations most people are too afraid to say out loud.</p><p>⭐ If this episode hits home, follow the show, leave a rating, and share it with someone who's ready to stop giving away their peace.</p><p>#StorytimeWithLori #CoParenting #Divorce #EmotionalHealing #Boundaries #HealingJourney #Parenting #TraumaRecovery #MentalHealth #SelfWorth #PersonalGrowth #WomenWhoHeal #Podcast</p><p></p> no00:07:27I Hope the Last Time We Ever Speak... Is Graduationfull<![CDATA[From Albania to Tech: Ana’s Story of Courage, Immigration & Quiet Leadership]]>In this episode of Storytime with Lori, Lori Mayer sits down with Ana for a real, heartfelt conversation about connection, courage, identity, and quiet leadership.

Ana shares her journey from Albania to England to the United States, navigating education, immigration, visa sponsorship, career pivots, and her unexpected path into the tech and data center industry. From attending Channel Partners solo to finding community in women in tech, Ana’s story is a powerful reminder that authentic networking, mentorship, and human connection can change everything.

This conversation explores women in technology, career growth, immigration resilience, boutique companies, leadership, mentorship, professional development, and what it means to live authentically.

🎧 Listen for a story about courage, community, and becoming who you are meant to be.

#StorytimeWithLori #WomenInTech #LeadershipPodcast #CareerGrowth #AuthenticLeadership #ImmigrationJourney #TechIndustry #DataCenters #ChannelPartners #Networking #Mentorship #WomenSupportingWomen #ProfessionalDevelopment #QuietLeadership #SanDiego #AlbanianWomen #Resilience #PodcastEpisode #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerJourney


]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/From-Albania-to-Tech-Anas-Story-of-Courage--Immigration--Quiet-Leadership-e3imap42a80907d-945a-4ee7-9cec-2e4de016c078Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:34:31 GMT<p>In this episode of <strong>Storytime with Lori</strong>, Lori Mayer sits down with Ana for a real, heartfelt conversation about connection, courage, identity, and quiet leadership.</p><p>Ana shares her journey from Albania to England to the United States, navigating education, immigration, visa sponsorship, career pivots, and her unexpected path into the tech and data center industry. From attending Channel Partners solo to finding community in women in tech, Ana’s story is a powerful reminder that authentic networking, mentorship, and human connection can change everything.</p><p>This conversation explores women in technology, career growth, immigration resilience, boutique companies, leadership, mentorship, professional development, and what it means to live authentically.</p><p>🎧 Listen for a story about courage, community, and becoming who you are meant to be.</p><p>#StorytimeWithLori #WomenInTech #LeadershipPodcast #CareerGrowth #AuthenticLeadership #ImmigrationJourney #TechIndustry #DataCenters #ChannelPartners #Networking #Mentorship #WomenSupportingWomen #ProfessionalDevelopment #QuietLeadership #SanDiego #AlbanianWomen #Resilience #PodcastEpisode #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerJourney</p><p><br /></p> no00:40:09From Albania to Tech: Ana’s Story of Courage, Immigration & Quiet Leadershipfull<![CDATA[Chosen Family & the Truth We Avoid with TJ Woodward & Lori Mayer]]>In this episode, I sit down with TJ Woodward, spiritual leader, co-founder of Element Q, and someone who has continually reinvented himself in a world that didn’t always offer language or safety for who he was becoming.

We explore chosen family, healing, queer identity, emotional intelligence, and what it really means to trust the moment instead of performing from a script. This conversation is raw, reflective, and deeply human touching on shame, spirituality, trauma, and the courage it takes to live authentically.

This episode also marks a turning point for me and the direction of this podcast embracing vulnerability, real stories, and the reality that we don’t get to separate our personal lives from who we are in the world.

Press play if you’re ready for an honest conversation about identity, growth, and the quiet inner revolutions that shape us.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/Chosen-Family--the-Truth-We-Avoid-with-TJ-Woodward--Lori-Mayer-e3ev862d99a1ef6-dd7d-477a-add1-41be4ce903a5Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:27:35 GMT<p>In this episode, I sit down with TJ Woodward, spiritual leader, co-founder of Element Q, and someone who has continually reinvented himself in a world that didn’t always offer language or safety for who he was becoming.</p><p>We explore chosen family, healing, queer identity, emotional intelligence, and what it really means to trust the moment instead of performing from a script. This conversation is raw, reflective, and deeply human touching on shame, spirituality, trauma, and the courage it takes to live authentically.</p><p>This episode also marks a turning point for me and the direction of this podcast embracing vulnerability, real stories, and the reality that we don’t get to separate our personal lives from who we are in the world.</p><p>Press play if you’re ready for an honest conversation about identity, growth, and the quiet inner revolutions that shape us.</p> no00:31:41Chosen Family & the Truth We Avoid with TJ Woodward & Lori Mayerfull<![CDATA[This Is What It Took — The Duality of Becoming]]>🔥 “This is what it took.”That’s the line I keep coming back to after recording this episode.Because if I’m being honest…This wasn’t a straight path.It wasn’t clean.And it definitely wasn’t easy.Over the last 10 years, I’ve navigated:leaving a relationship and rebuilding as a single momliving in an environment that didn’t feel safe or stablebecoming estranged from my birth familyopening myself up to love… and getting it wrongcarrying trauma while still showing up every daybeing laid off multiple times (shoutout to the economy 🙃)while also being promoted, leading, and buildingmanaging a $400M+ sales careerbuying a home on my own with no safety netAll at the same time.And here’s the part I think people don’t talk about enough…👉 You can be breaking and building at the same time.👉 You can be healing and performing at the same time.👉 You can be carrying more than people see… and still show up.That’s not failure.That’s real life.This episode of Storytime with Lori is about that duality.It’s about what it actually takes to:✨ choose yourself✨ leave what’s breaking you✨ rebuild when everything falls apart✨ trust again when it would be easier not toAnd also this—This is just one piece of my story.Just like you’re living one piece of yours.We’re all navigating something.Different timelines. Different circumstances. Same weight.So if you’ve been feeling like you’re holding everything together while quietly figuring it out…You’re not alone.🎙️ New episode is live:#StorytimeWithLori #Authenticity #WomenInLeadership #CareerGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #Resilience #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #GrowthMindset #WomenSupportingWomen #SalesLeadership #TechSales #SingleMomStrong #HealingJourney #RealTalk #LifeLessons #PodcastLaunch #SelfGrowth #MindsetShift

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/This-Is-What-It-Took--The-Duality-of-Becoming-e3iau2nfb695835-d2f9-41b1-99f2-3b41b9b90755Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:00:01 GMT<p>🔥 “This is what it took.”That’s the line I keep coming back to after recording this episode.Because if I’m being honest…This wasn’t a straight path.It wasn’t clean.And it definitely wasn’t easy.Over the last 10 years, I’ve navigated:leaving a relationship and rebuilding as a single momliving in an environment that didn’t feel safe or stablebecoming estranged from my birth familyopening myself up to love… and getting it wrongcarrying trauma while still showing up every daybeing laid off multiple times (shoutout to the economy 🙃)while also being promoted, leading, and buildingmanaging a $400M+ sales careerbuying a home on my own with no safety netAll at the same time.And here’s the part I think people don’t talk about enough…👉 You can be breaking and building at the same time.👉 You can be healing and performing at the same time.👉 You can be carrying more than people see… and still show up.That’s not failure.That’s real life.This episode of Storytime with Lori is about that duality.It’s about what it actually takes to:✨ choose yourself✨ leave what’s breaking you✨ rebuild when everything falls apart✨ trust again when it would be easier not toAnd also this—This is just one piece of my story.Just like you’re living one piece of yours.We’re all navigating something.Different timelines. Different circumstances. Same weight.So if you’ve been feeling like you’re holding everything together while quietly figuring it out…You’re not alone.🎙️ New episode is live:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/storytimewithlori" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#StorytimeWithLori</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/authenticity" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#Authenticity</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/womeninleadership" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#WomenInLeadership</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/careergrowth" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#CareerGrowth</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/personaldevelopment" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#PersonalDevelopment</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/resilience" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#Resilience</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/leadership" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#Leadership</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/emotionalintelligence" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#EmotionalIntelligence</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/growthmindset" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#GrowthMindset</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/womensupportingwomen" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#WomenSupportingWomen</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/salesleadership" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#SalesLeadership</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/techsales" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#TechSales</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/singlemomstrong" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#SingleMomStrong</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/healingjourney" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#HealingJourney</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/realtalk" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#RealTalk</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lifelessons" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#LifeLessons</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/podcastlaunch" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#PodcastLaunch</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/selfgrowth" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#SelfGrowth</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/mindsetshift" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#MindsetShift</a></p> no00:10:52This Is What It Took — The Duality of Becomingfull<![CDATA[What Rights Are You Losing]]>

A family member asked me one question during Pride Month:

"What rights are you losing?"

I answered.

She never responded.

But her question stayed with me.

Not because it offended me.

Because I realized it wasn't just her question.

It's a question many people are asking.

This episode isn't about politics.

It's about history.

It's about empathy.

It's about why remembrance matters.

And why perhaps the better question isn't "What rights are you losing?" but "What history are we in danger of forgetting?"

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/What-Rights-Are-You-Losing-e3leqrv8c022243-504d-45f9-ab76-b703880a3ecdMon, 29 Jun 2026 23:03:21 GMT<p></p><p>A family member asked me one question during Pride Month:</p><p><strong>"What rights are you losing?"</strong></p><p>I answered.</p><p>She never responded.</p><p>But her question stayed with me.</p><p>Not because it offended me.</p><p>Because I realized it wasn't just her question.</p><p>It's a question many people are asking.</p><p>This episode isn't about politics.</p><p>It's about history.</p><p>It's about empathy.</p><p>It's about why remembrance matters.</p><p>And why perhaps the better question isn't <strong>"What rights are you losing?"</strong> but <strong>"What history are we in danger of forgetting?"</strong></p><p></p> no00:09:25What Rights Are You Losingfull<![CDATA[Becoming in Real Time: Healing, Mental Health & Starting Again]]>This one is real.

In this solo episode, Lori shares what the last several years have looked like behind the scenes—navigating depression, anxiety, ADHD, career loss, and rebuilding while still carrying it all.

This conversation is about:

  • trusting again after hard experiences
  • managing mental health while growing your career
  • learning how to stay open after being hurt
  • understanding that healing isn’t linear

If you’ve ever felt like you were “in it” while still trying to move forward—this episode will resonate.

🎙️ STORYTIME with Lori


#MentalHealthAwareness #PersonalGrowth #CareerGrowth #SelfDevelopment #HealingJourney #WomenInLeadership #MindsetShift #AnxietySupport #DepressionRecovery #StoryTimeWithLori


]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/Becoming-in-Real-Time-Healing--Mental-Health--Starting-Again-e3ivt35c6bb6198-a0cf-4375-9a9e-588502aa5a7cMon, 11 May 2026 04:11:30 GMT<p>This one is real.</p><p>In this solo episode, Lori shares what the last several years have looked like behind the scenes—navigating depression, anxiety, ADHD, career loss, and rebuilding while still carrying it all.</p><p>This conversation is about:</p><ul><li>trusting again after hard experiences</li><li>managing mental health while growing your career</li><li>learning how to stay open after being hurt</li><li>understanding that healing isn’t linear</li></ul><p>If you’ve ever felt like you were “in it” while still trying to move forward—this episode will resonate.</p><p>🎙️ STORYTIME with Lori</p><p><br /></p><p>#MentalHealthAwareness #PersonalGrowth #CareerGrowth #SelfDevelopment #HealingJourney #WomenInLeadership #MindsetShift #AnxietySupport #DepressionRecovery #StoryTimeWithLori</p><p><br /></p><p></p> no00:06:36Becoming in Real Time: Healing, Mental Health & Starting Againfull<![CDATA[The Chaos Whisperer: Executive Messaging, Identity & Leading Through Uncertainty | Cass Cooper (Part 1)]]>Well… this conversation got real. 🎙️✨

Kicking off Part 1 of a two-part series with Cass Cooper on Storytime with Lori, and let me just say… this one goes deeper than your typical leadership chat.

Cass is someone who can walk into chaos, listen to it, translate it, and somehow help everyone else find clarity. (A gift, honestly.) 🧠✨

We talk about:
• identity and stepping fully into who you are 💫
• what leadership actually looks like when life is messy
• motherhood, boundaries, and building chosen community 🤝
• and why hiring a single mom might be the smartest project management decision you’ll ever make 😉

There are some moments in here that made me laugh, pause, and go “yep… that’s the truth.”

Part 1 is live now. 🎥
Part 2 drops tomorrow where we get into how Cass turned all of this into her business and the work she’s building.

Watch here 👇

#StorytimeWithLori #Leadership #KnowBetterDoBetter #WomenInLeadership #ExecutivePresence #PodcastLaunch

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/The-Chaos-Whisperer-Executive-Messaging--Identity--Leading-Through-Uncertainty--Cass-Cooper-Part-1-e3futca1af1453f-47f8-4b29-9d03-b9199878ce1eWed, 18 Mar 2026 17:35:39 GMT<p>Well… this conversation got real. 🎙️✨</p><p>Kicking off <strong>Part 1 of a two-part series with Cass Cooper</strong> on <em>Storytime with Lori</em>, and let me just say… this one goes deeper than your typical leadership chat.</p><p>Cass is someone who can walk into chaos, listen to it, translate it, and somehow help everyone else find clarity. (A gift, honestly.) 🧠✨</p><p>We talk about:<br />• identity and stepping fully into who you are 💫<br />• what leadership actually looks like when life is messy<br />• motherhood, boundaries, and building chosen community 🤝<br />• and why hiring a single mom might be the smartest project management decision you’ll ever make 😉</p><p>There are some moments in here that made me laugh, pause, and go <em>“yep… that’s the truth.”</em></p><p><strong>Part 1 is live now.</strong> 🎥<br />Part 2 drops tomorrow where we get into how Cass turned all of this into her business and the work she’s building.</p><p>Watch here 👇<br /></p><p>#StorytimeWithLori #Leadership #KnowBetterDoBetter #WomenInLeadership #ExecutivePresence #PodcastLaunch</p><p></p> no00:55:02The Chaos Whisperer: Executive Messaging, Identity & Leading Through Uncertainty | Cass Cooper (Part 1)full<![CDATA[I Spent 2.5 Years Grieving the Wrong Thing | Family Estrangement, Heartbreak & Finding Home Again]]>

🌈 Pride Month Episode

I spent two and a half years trying to get over a woman.

Then I realized she wasn't what I was grieving.

For years, I believed my heartbreak was about losing a relationship. What I eventually discovered was that I was mourning something much deeper: belonging, family, connection, identity, and the feeling of home.

In this deeply personal episode of Storytime with Lori, I share my journey through:

❤️ Heartbreak
🏡 Family Estrangement
🌈 Pride & Belonging
🧠 Emotional Intelligence
🤝 Psychological Safety
💪 Resilience
✨ Self-Worth
🌺 Healing in Hawaii
🫂 Learning to Trust Myself Again

If you've ever:

• Lost someone you loved
• Experienced family estrangement
• Felt disconnected from your identity
• Struggled with heartbreak
• Been searching for where you belong
• Had to rebuild your life after loss

This episode is for you.

Because sometimes the thing we're grieving isn't actually the thing we lost.

And sometimes healing is simply learning to come home to yourself.

🎙️ Subscribe for more episodes of Storytime with Lori.

Real life.
Real conversations.
Real growth.

Until next time… keep becoming.

#StorytimeWithLori #PrideMonth #HealingJourney #FamilyEstrangement #HeartbreakRecovery #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #PsychologicalSafety #Belonging #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfWorth #TraumaHealing #LGBTQStories #Resilience #Authenticity

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/I-Spent-2-5-Years-Grieving-the-Wrong-Thing--Family-Estrangement--Heartbreak--Finding-Home-Again-e3kvgb586569e1d-850b-4205-8ff0-0f5b4b9cd68aThu, 18 Jun 2026 15:19:21 GMT<p></p><p>🌈 Pride Month Episode</p><p>I spent two and a half years trying to get over a woman.</p><p>Then I realized she wasn't what I was grieving.</p><p>For years, I believed my heartbreak was about losing a relationship. What I eventually discovered was that I was mourning something much deeper: belonging, family, connection, identity, and the feeling of home.</p><p>In this deeply personal episode of Storytime with Lori, I share my journey through:</p><p>❤️ Heartbreak<br />🏡 Family Estrangement<br />🌈 Pride &amp; Belonging<br />🧠 Emotional Intelligence<br />🤝 Psychological Safety<br />💪 Resilience<br />✨ Self-Worth<br />🌺 Healing in Hawaii<br />🫂 Learning to Trust Myself Again</p><p>If you've ever:</p><p>• Lost someone you loved<br />• Experienced family estrangement<br />• Felt disconnected from your identity<br />• Struggled with heartbreak<br />• Been searching for where you belong<br />• Had to rebuild your life after loss</p><p>This episode is for you.</p><p>Because sometimes the thing we're grieving isn't actually the thing we lost.</p><p>And sometimes healing is simply learning to come home to yourself.</p><p>🎙️ Subscribe for more episodes of Storytime with Lori.</p><p>Real life.<br />Real conversations.<br />Real growth.</p><p>Until next time… keep becoming.</p><p>#StorytimeWithLori #PrideMonth #HealingJourney #FamilyEstrangement #HeartbreakRecovery #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #PsychologicalSafety #Belonging #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfWorth #TraumaHealing #LGBTQStories #Resilience #Authenticity</p><p></p> no00:11:12I Spent 2.5 Years Grieving the Wrong Thing | Family Estrangement, Heartbreak & Finding Home Againfull<![CDATA[Alignment Over Approval: Evolution, AI & Showing Up Human (Alt options if you want variety)]]>

This episode is about evolution—the kind that doesn’t get applause.

After sitting on this idea and reworking it over and over again, Lori finally launches something that feels fully aligned—and shares what it took to get there.

From fear and vulnerability to clarity through action, this episode dives into what real growth actually looks like.

We also explore what’s happening with AI—how the playing field is leveling, why adoption matters, and why presence is becoming the real competitive advantage.

Because no matter how fast things move…

You still can’t outsource who you are.

—

If something from this episode sticks with you—let it.

That’s where the growth lives.

Storytime with Lori — real life, real laughs, real lessons.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/Alignment-Over-Approval-Evolution--AI--Showing-Up-Human-Alt-options-if-you-want-variety-e3gvdijb7dce30c-4d02-45fa-8064-2c48c61881b2Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:58:02 GMT<p></p><p>This episode is about evolution—the kind that doesn’t get applause.</p><p>After sitting on this idea and reworking it over and over again, Lori finally launches something that feels fully aligned—and shares what it took to get there.</p><p>From fear and vulnerability to clarity through action, this episode dives into what real growth actually looks like.</p><p>We also explore what’s happening with AI—how the playing field is leveling, why adoption matters, and why presence is becoming the real competitive advantage.</p><p>Because no matter how fast things move…</p><p>You still can’t outsource who you are.</p><p>—</p><p>If something from this episode sticks with you—let it.</p><p>That’s where the growth lives.</p><p><em>Storytime with Lori — real life, real laughs, real lessons.</em></p><p></p> no00:06:33Alignment Over Approval: Evolution, AI & Showing Up Human (Alt options if you want variety)full<![CDATA[Leadership, Allyship, Reinvention & Refusing to Stay Small]]>🚀 What if the biggest career breakthrough isn't another certification, promotion, or title...
What if it's learning how to advocate for yourself? In my latest episode of STORYTIME with Lori, I sat down with Dr Elisha Foust 🦸🏻‍♀️former sales operations leader, transformation expert, founder, LGBTQ+ 🌈 advocate, cancer survivor, and one of the smartest women I've had the privilege to work alongside.
We talked about:
✨ Personal branding that actually matters
✨ How sponsors change careers
✨ Why allyship is active, not passive
✨ Navigating corporate politics without losing yourself
✨ Reinventing your life after adversity
✨ Building a career rooted in authenticity, not approval
One of my favorite takeaways:
👉 "Stop leading with everything you've done. Start leading with the problems you can solve."
That mindset shift alone can change the trajectory of your career.
Whether you're early in your career, leading teams, navigating change, or simply trying to figure out what's next, this conversation is packed with real-world wisdom.
Because behind every title is a human being trying to figure it out one day at a time.
🎙️ Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.
This is STORYTIME with Lori. Real life. Real conversations. Real growth. Until next time... keep becoming. 💛
#Leadership #PersonalBranding #CareerGrowth #WomenInLeadership #SalesLeadership #SalesOperations #ExecutiveLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #CareerDevelopment #Mentorship #Sponsorship #Allyship #LGBTQLeadership #DiversityAndInclusion #ProfessionalDevelopment #WomenInTech #LeadershipDevelopment #StorytimeWithLori #Podcast #CareerSuccess

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/Leadership--Allyship--Reinvention--Refusing-to-Stay-Small-e3kvfte24aa6ff2-2790-43d3-91b8-2d1906f48803Wed, 17 Jun 2026 15:06:00 GMT<p>🚀 What if the biggest career breakthrough isn't another certification, promotion, or title...<br />What if it's learning how to advocate for yourself? In my latest episode of <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/storytime-with-lori/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>STORYTIME with Lori</strong></a>, I sat down with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/elishafoust/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>Dr Elisha Foust 🦸🏻‍♀️</strong></a>former sales operations leader, transformation expert, founder, LGBTQ+ 🌈 advocate, cancer survivor, and one of the smartest women I've had the privilege to work alongside.<br />We talked about:<br />✨ Personal branding that actually matters<br />✨ How sponsors change careers<br />✨ Why allyship is active, not passive<br />✨ Navigating corporate politics without losing yourself<br />✨ Reinventing your life after adversity<br />✨ Building a career rooted in authenticity, not approval<br />One of my favorite takeaways:<br />👉 "Stop leading with everything you've done. Start leading with the problems you can solve."<br />That mindset shift alone can change the trajectory of your career.<br />Whether you're early in your career, leading teams, navigating change, or simply trying to figure out what's next, this conversation is packed with real-world wisdom.<br />Because behind every title is a human being trying to figure it out one day at a time.<br />🎙️ Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.<br />This is <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/storytime-with-lori/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>STORYTIME with Lori</strong></a>. Real life. Real conversations. Real growth. Until next time... keep becoming. 💛<br /><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23leadership&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>#Leadership</strong></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23personalbranding&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>#PersonalBranding</strong></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23careergrowth&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>#CareerGrowth</strong></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23womeninleadership&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>#WomenInLeadership</strong></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23salesleadership&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>#SalesLeadership</strong></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23salesoperations&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>#SalesOperations</strong></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23executiveleadership&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>#ExecutiveLeadership</strong></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23authenticleadership&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>#AuthenticLeadership</strong></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23careerdevelopment&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>#CareerDevelopment</strong></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23mentorship&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>#Mentorship</strong></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23sponsorship&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>#Sponsorship</strong></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23allyship&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>#Allyship</strong></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23lgbtqleadership&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>#LGBTQLeadership</strong></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23diversityandinclusion&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>#DiversityAndInclusion</strong></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23professionaldevelopment&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>#ProfessionalDevelopment</strong></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23womenintech&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>#WomenInTech</strong></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23leadershipdevelopment&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>#LeadershipDevelopment</strong></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23storytimewithlori&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>#StorytimeWithLori</strong></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23podcast&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>#Podcast</strong></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23careersuccess&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>#CareerSuccess</strong></a></p> no00:53:49Leadership, Allyship, Reinvention & Refusing to Stay Smallfull<![CDATA[Confidence Doesn't Come First | Gen Z Leadership, Career Growth, Entrepreneurship & Becoming with Bruklina Noka]]>What if confidence isn't something you find...

What if it's something you build?

In this powerful episode of Storytime with Lori, Lori Mayer sits down with recent University of San Diego graduate Bruklina Noka for an inspiring conversation about career growth, Gen Z leadership, entrepreneurship, authenticity, networking, business, courage, confidence, purpose, international student success, and what it truly means to become the person you're meant to be.

Together they discuss:

🎙️ Building confidence before you feel ready

🎙️ Why Gen Z is reshaping workplace culture

🎙️ Career advice for recent graduates

🎙️ Business Analytics and Commercial Real Estate careers

🎙️ Leadership without waiting for permission

🎙️ Entrepreneurship and creating meaningful impact

🎙️ Family, culture, gratitude, and resilience

🎙️ The power of mentorship and networking

🎙️ Authentic leadership and purpose-driven success

Whether you're graduating college, changing careers, building a business, leading a team, or simply trying to believe in yourself again, this conversation will remind you that nobody begins with certainty.

They begin with courage.

🎧 Subscribe, follow, and share Storytime with Lori for more conversations on leadership, personal growth, entrepreneurship, business, resilience, career development, authentic storytelling, and becoming the person you're capable of becoming.

#StorytimeWithLori #LeadershipPodcast #CareerGrowth #Entrepreneurship #GenZ #Business #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment #GrowthMindset #CommercialRealEstate #BusinessAnalytics #Networking #WomenInLeadership #Mentorship #Purpose #Confidence #Success #Authenticity

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/Confidence-Doesnt-Come-First--Gen-Z-Leadership--Career-Growth--Entrepreneurship--Becoming-with-Bruklina-Noka-e3lh51vc48ccfb1-777c-41b3-bc3f-5f99825c8431Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:27:07 GMT<p>What if confidence isn't something you find...</p><p>What if it's something you build?</p><p>In this powerful episode of <strong>Storytime with Lori</strong>, Lori Mayer sits down with recent University of San Diego graduate Bruklina Noka for an inspiring conversation about career growth, Gen Z leadership, entrepreneurship, authenticity, networking, business, courage, confidence, purpose, international student success, and what it truly means to become the person you're meant to be.</p><p>Together they discuss:</p><p>🎙️ Building confidence before you feel ready</p><p>🎙️ Why Gen Z is reshaping workplace culture</p><p>🎙️ Career advice for recent graduates</p><p>🎙️ Business Analytics and Commercial Real Estate careers</p><p>🎙️ Leadership without waiting for permission</p><p>🎙️ Entrepreneurship and creating meaningful impact</p><p>🎙️ Family, culture, gratitude, and resilience</p><p>🎙️ The power of mentorship and networking</p><p>🎙️ Authentic leadership and purpose-driven success</p><p>Whether you're graduating college, changing careers, building a business, leading a team, or simply trying to believe in yourself again, this conversation will remind you that nobody begins with certainty.</p><p>They begin with courage.</p><p>🎧 Subscribe, follow, and share Storytime with Lori for more conversations on leadership, personal growth, entrepreneurship, business, resilience, career development, authentic storytelling, and becoming the person you're capable of becoming.</p><p>#StorytimeWithLori #LeadershipPodcast #CareerGrowth #Entrepreneurship #GenZ #Business #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment #GrowthMindset #CommercialRealEstate #BusinessAnalytics #Networking #WomenInLeadership #Mentorship #Purpose #Confidence #Success #Authenticity</p><p></p> no00:37:29Confidence Doesn't Come First | Gen Z Leadership, Career Growth, Entrepreneurship & Becoming with Bruklina Nokafull<![CDATA[STORYTIME with Lori Monolgue]]>I want to take a moment with you to introduce myself to you. 

Hi, I am Lori Mayer.  I’m a single mom, entrepreneur, lesbian, and lifelong reinventor.   

STORYTIME with Lori exists because life doesn’t unfold in clean lines. Leadership doesn’t come with a script. And becoming who we truly are almost always asks more of us than we expect. 

This season was born out of lived experience moments of joy and recognition, yes, but also heartbreak, betrayal, reinvention, and the quiet work of staying true when it would be easier to perform. It’s about what happens behind the titles, behind the applause, and behind the versions of ourselves the world feels most comfortable with. 

Every conversation this season is an invitation, not to admire perfection, but to witness humanity. We talk about leadership under pressure, identity, power, love, loss, and the courage it takes to keep showing up when the ground beneath you has shifted. These are stories about people who are brilliant, complex, and deeply human, people who have been celebrated publicly and tested privately. 

This space is for anyone who has ever felt like they had to hold it all together while everything inside them was changing. For anyone who has been told they’re “too much,” “too senior,” “too different,” or quietly questioned despite their track record. For anyone who has felt both magnetic and misunderstood at the same time. 

STORYTIME with Lori is not about fixing you. It’s not about five steps or perfect endings. It’s about telling the truth, sitting with it, and letting it do its work. It’s about laughter as medicine, honesty as a bridge, and reinvention as something we don’t do once, but again and again. 

As you listen through this season, my hope is that something stays with you. A sentence. A feeling. A moment where you realize you’re not alone in what you’re carrying. Growth rarely comes from answers, it comes from resonance. 

Thank you for being here. Thank you for listening with an open heart. Thank you for walking this season of becoming with me. 

This is STORYTIME with Lori. 
Real life. Real laughs. Real lessons. 
And wherever you are in your own story, keep becoming. 

 

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/STORYTIME-with-Lori-Monolgue-e3e9cd972ec3240-dfe1-41d2-a7c2-cf7a34f7a276Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:09:40 GMT<p>I want to take a moment with you to introduce myself to you. </p><p>Hi, I am Lori Mayer.  I’m a single mom, entrepreneur, lesbian, and lifelong reinventor.   </p><p>STORYTIME with Lori exists because life doesn’t unfold in clean lines. Leadership doesn’t come with a script. And becoming who we truly are almost always asks more of us than we expect. </p><p>This season was born out of lived experience moments of joy and recognition, yes, but also heartbreak, betrayal, reinvention, and the quiet work of staying true when it would be easier to perform. It’s about what happens behind the titles, behind the applause, and behind the versions of ourselves the world feels most comfortable with. </p><p>Every conversation this season is an invitation, not to admire perfection, but to witness humanity. We talk about leadership under pressure, identity, power, love, loss, and the courage it takes to keep showing up when the ground beneath you has shifted. These are stories about people who are brilliant, complex, and deeply human, people who have been celebrated publicly and tested privately. </p><p>This space is for anyone who has ever felt like they had to hold it all together while everything inside them was changing. For anyone who has been told they’re “too much,” “too senior,” “too different,” or quietly questioned despite their track record. For anyone who has felt both magnetic and misunderstood at the same time. </p><p>STORYTIME with Lori is not about fixing you. It’s not about five steps or perfect endings. It’s about telling the truth, sitting with it, and letting it do its work. It’s about laughter as medicine, honesty as a bridge, and reinvention as something we don’t do once, but again and again. </p><p>As you listen through this season, my hope is that something stays with you. A sentence. A feeling. A moment where you realize you’re not alone in what you’re carrying. Growth rarely comes from answers, it comes from resonance. </p><p>Thank you for being here. Thank you for listening with an open heart. Thank you for walking this season of becoming with me. </p><p>This is STORYTIME with Lori. <br />Real life. Real laughs. Real lessons. <br />And wherever you are in your own story, keep becoming. </p><p> </p><p></p> no00:08:57STORYTIME with Lori Monolguefull<![CDATA[The Future of Leadership Isn't Louder, it's More Human]]>Some leaders build companies.
Michelle Ragusa-McBain builds PEOPLE.

In this deeply powerful episode of Storytime with Lori, Michelle opens up about the journey behind becoming one of the most respected and trusted leaders in cybersecurity and channel partnerships today.

But this conversation is not about titles.

It’s about:
✨ Self-worth
✨ Reinvention
✨ Emotional intelligence
✨ Leadership with heart
✨ Human connection in the age of AI
✨ Championing women and people of color
✨ Building trust that lasts longer than transactions

For years, Michelle has been a quiet force behind the success of countless people in this industry — mentoring, advocating, connecting, elevating, and helping others rise.

What makes Michelle different is this:

People don’t just remember what she accomplished.
They remember how she made them FEEL.

Now, Lori and Michelle officially join forces together at Corero Network Security — a company building the future of AI-powered cybersecurity, DDoS protection, strategic partnerships, and people-first innovation.

This episode is about the HUMAN behind the leadership.

The resilience behind the confidence.
The empathy behind the executive.
The becoming behind the success.

If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome…
If you’ve ever questioned your worth…
If you’ve ever needed proof that authenticity still wins…

This conversation is for you.

🎙️ Storytime with Lori featuring Michelle Ragusa-McBain — now streaming.

#MichelleRagusaMcBain #StorytimeWithLori #WomenInTech #Cybersecurity #LeadershipPodcast #Authenticity #WomenInLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #ChannelPartners #Corero #PersonalGrowth #BusinessLeadership #Mentorship

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/The-Future-of-Leadership-Isnt-Louder--its-More-Human-e3jvje14ef38067-0709-4e78-bca3-803b61980d42Wed, 27 May 2026 15:00:54 GMT<p>Some leaders build companies.<br />Michelle Ragusa-McBain builds PEOPLE.</p><p>In this deeply powerful episode of Storytime with Lori, Michelle opens up about the journey behind becoming one of the most respected and trusted leaders in cybersecurity and channel partnerships today.</p><p>But this conversation is not about titles.</p><p>It’s about:<br />✨ Self-worth<br />✨ Reinvention<br />✨ Emotional intelligence<br />✨ Leadership with heart<br />✨ Human connection in the age of AI<br />✨ Championing women and people of color<br />✨ Building trust that lasts longer than transactions</p><p>For years, Michelle has been a quiet force behind the success of countless people in this industry — mentoring, advocating, connecting, elevating, and helping others rise.</p><p>What makes Michelle different is this:</p><p>People don’t just remember what she accomplished.<br />They remember how she made them FEEL.</p><p>Now, Lori and Michelle officially join forces together at Corero Network Security — a company building the future of AI-powered cybersecurity, DDoS protection, strategic partnerships, and people-first innovation.</p><p>This episode is about the HUMAN behind the leadership.</p><p>The resilience behind the confidence.<br />The empathy behind the executive.<br />The becoming behind the success.</p><p>If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome…<br />If you’ve ever questioned your worth…<br />If you’ve ever needed proof that authenticity still wins…</p><p>This conversation is for you.</p><p>🎙️ Storytime with Lori featuring Michelle Ragusa-McBain — now streaming.</p><p>#MichelleRagusaMcBain #StorytimeWithLori #WomenInTech #Cybersecurity #LeadershipPodcast #Authenticity #WomenInLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #ChannelPartners #Corero #PersonalGrowth #BusinessLeadership #Mentorship</p><p></p> no00:41:44The Future of Leadership Isn't Louder, it's More Humanfull<![CDATA[Fire Doesn’t Ask Permission: Power, Betrayal & Becoming with Jen Waltz]]>Sometimes, life teaches us the most profound lessons whenwe least expect it.


As I launch my new series, STORYTIME with Lori, I am honored to have Jen Waltz as my first guest. Together, we opened up about navigating the rocky path of betrayal, loss, and the pressure of leadership all while striving to stay true to our purpose.

Jen shared how resilience isn't just about bouncing back;it's about defining your own strength amidst chaos. After facing betrayal andcaring for her father's end-of-life, she chose to lean into truth and authenticity, refusing to minimize herself for societal expectations.

Together, we realized that confidence and connection arepowerful, but trust in ourselves is everything. No matter how much the world tests us privately, our inner truth will always guide us forward.

Maybe that's the point that our greatest growth often comesthrough our deepest struggles.
Worth thinking about.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/Fire-Doesnt-Ask-Permission-Power--Betrayal--Becoming-with-Jen-Waltz-e3eaqij7166a845-d9b2-44d4-9f30-fc98716144f5Wed, 28 Jan 2026 19:04:00 GMT<p><strong>Sometimes, life teaches us the most profound lessons whenwe least expect it.</strong></p><p><br />As I launch my new series, <em>STORYTIME with Lori</em>, I am honored to have Jen Waltz as my first guest. Together, we opened up about navigating the rocky path of betrayal, loss, and the pressure of leadership all while striving to stay true to our purpose.</p><p>Jen shared how resilience isn't just about bouncing back;it's about defining your own strength amidst chaos. After facing betrayal andcaring for her father's end-of-life, she chose to lean into truth and authenticity, refusing to minimize herself for societal expectations.</p><p>Together, we realized that confidence and connection arepowerful, but trust in ourselves is everything. No matter how much the world tests us privately, our inner truth will always guide us forward.</p><p>Maybe that's the point that our greatest growth often comesthrough our deepest struggles.<br />Worth thinking about.</p><p></p> no00:48:02Fire Doesn’t Ask Permission: Power, Betrayal & Becoming with Jen Waltzfull<![CDATA[From Chaos to Clarity: Building Your Voice, Leadership & Personal Brand | Cass Cooper (Part 2)]]>In Part 2 of Lori’s conversation with Cass Cooper, the focus shifts from identity to execution.

After stepping into your voice and leadership identity, the next question becomes: what do you build from it?

Cass shares how she helps leaders move from chaos to clarityidentifying their unique strengths, communicating their value, and creating strategy around their personal leadership brand.

In this episode we discuss:

• how leaders identify their “secret sauce”
• why many high performers struggle to talk about themselves
• executive presence and the signals leaders send in their messaging
• the difference between coaching, therapy, and strategic leadership development
• why many fears about visibility are actually “future-think problems”
• moving from ideas to action when building a business or leadership platform
• how clarity around one audience, one goal, one message transforms communication

Cass also shares details about her work helping leaders develop clearer messaging through programs like Chaos to Clarity sessions and the Executive Signal Lab.

If you’re building your next chapter, whether that’s a new career path, a business, or a stronger leadership presence, this episode offers insight and practical perspective.

Storytime with Lori is a podcast about leadership, personal growth, and the real conversations that help people keep becoming.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/From-Chaos-to-Clarity-Building-Your-Voice--Leadership--Personal-Brand--Cass-Cooper-Part-2-e3ga889db463698-27f9-4a75-9b2c-361830f1ad1bWed, 18 Mar 2026 17:36:00 GMT<p>In Part 2 of Lori’s conversation with <strong>Cass Cooper</strong>, the focus shifts from identity to execution.</p><p>After stepping into your voice and leadership identity, the next question becomes: <strong>what do you build from it?</strong></p><p>Cass shares how she helps leaders move from chaos to clarityidentifying their unique strengths, communicating their value, and creating strategy around their personal leadership brand.</p><p>In this episode we discuss:</p><p>• how leaders identify their “secret sauce”<br />• why many high performers struggle to talk about themselves<br />• executive presence and the signals leaders send in their messaging<br />• the difference between coaching, therapy, and strategic leadership development<br />• why many fears about visibility are actually “future-think problems”<br />• moving from ideas to action when building a business or leadership platform<br />• how clarity around <strong>one audience, one goal, one message</strong> transforms communication</p><p>Cass also shares details about her work helping leaders develop clearer messaging through programs like <strong>Chaos to Clarity sessions</strong> and the <strong>Executive Signal Lab</strong>.</p><p>If you’re building your next chapter, whether that’s a new career path, a business, or a stronger leadership presence, this episode offers insight and practical perspective.</p><p><strong>Storytime with Lori</strong> is a podcast about leadership, personal growth, and the real conversations that help people keep becoming.</p><p></p> no00:32:19From Chaos to Clarity: Building Your Voice, Leadership & Personal Brand | Cass Cooper (Part 2)full<![CDATA[ Soft Power in Hard Rooms | Jessica Reece on Leadership, Authenticity & Holding a Full Life]]>🎙 Welcome to Storytime with Lori.

In this launch episode, I sit down with Jessica Reece, Sophos Channel leader and one of the most quietly powerful women in the industry.

This isn’t a conversation about titles.
It’s about how you lead when the room rewards ego.
It’s about authenticity as strategy.
It’s about influence without intimidation.
And it’s about building a meaningful career while holding a full, real life outside of it. 🔥

Jessica shares what it really means to:

✨ Lead without hardening
✨ Stay genuine in competitive environments
✨ Champion others without losing yourself
✨ Balance ambition with emotional intelligence

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can rise without becoming someone you’re not — this conversation is for you.

This is Storytime with Lori.
Real life. Real laughs. Real lessons. 💛

👇 Subscribe for weekly conversations about leadership, identity, reinvention, and becoming.

#StorytimeWithLori #AuthenticLeadership #WomenInLeadership #SoftPower #ChannelLeadership

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/Soft-Power-in-Hard-Rooms--Jessica-Reece-on-Leadership--Authenticity--Holding-a-Full-Life-e3fjsg4c16caa9d-da93-4265-81a4-0400b315f438Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:21:51 GMT<p>🎙 Welcome to <em>Storytime with Lori.</em></p><p>In this launch episode, I sit down with Jessica Reece, Sophos Channel leader and one of the most quietly powerful women in the industry.</p><p>This isn’t a conversation about titles.<br />It’s about how you lead when the room rewards ego.<br />It’s about authenticity as strategy.<br />It’s about influence without intimidation.<br />And it’s about building a meaningful career while holding a full, real life outside of it. 🔥</p><p>Jessica shares what it really means to:</p><p>✨ Lead without hardening<br />✨ Stay genuine in competitive environments<br />✨ Champion others without losing yourself<br />✨ Balance ambition with emotional intelligence</p><p>If you’ve ever wondered whether you can rise without becoming someone you’re not — this conversation is for you.</p><p>This is <em>Storytime with Lori.</em><br />Real life. Real laughs. Real lessons. 💛</p><p>👇 Subscribe for weekly conversations about leadership, identity, reinvention, and becoming.</p><p>#StorytimeWithLori #AuthenticLeadership #WomenInLeadership #SoftPower #ChannelLeadership</p><p></p> no00:37:38 Soft Power in Hard Rooms | Jessica Reece on Leadership, Authenticity & Holding a Full Lifefull<![CDATA[Architect of the Future: Reinvention, AI & Identity with Dr Sheila Volante]]>Lori Mayer and Dr. Sheila Volante dive into a conversation about reinvention, identity, and leadership. Sheila shares her journey from corporate success to entrepreneurship, what it means to align with your truth, and how she’s helping leaders step into the future with AI. If you’ve ever wondered when to let go of the familiar to build what’s next, this episode is for you.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/Architect-of-the-Future-Reinvention--AI--Identity-with-Dr-Sheila-Volante-e3gkvsa543606f7-dd56-4df9-879a-fbd68e9c3854Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:21:52 GMT<p>Lori Mayer and Dr. Sheila Volante dive into a conversation about reinvention, identity, and leadership. Sheila shares her journey from corporate success to entrepreneurship, what it means to align with your truth, and how she’s helping leaders step into the future with AI. If you’ve ever wondered when to let go of the familiar to build what’s next, this episode is for you.</p> no00:29:31Architect of the Future: Reinvention, AI & Identity with Dr Sheila Volantefull<![CDATA[For Anyone Feeling a Little B it of Everything Today]]>Holding More Than One Thing at Once This Mother’s Day Mother’s Day is one of the most emotionally layered days of the year. For some, it’s filled with joy and gratitude. For others, it brings grief, estrangement, infertility, loss, or complicated family dynamics. And for many of us, it’s all of those things at once. As I continue my own journey of healing, self-awareness, and opening my heart again, I’m realizing something important: We don’t need to simplify our emotions to make them acceptable. We’re allowed to feel: ✨ gratitude and grief ✨ love and disappointment ✨ hope and uncertainty ✨ strength and longing. All at the same time. Mother’s Day was originally created to honor the emotional labor, sacrifice, and humanity of women. Today, I think it’s important we expand that definition to include: -those grieving mothers-those who never had the mothers they needed-those navigating infertility or loss-those raising children while healing themselves and those longing to be chosen, loved, and seen. Healing isn’t about becoming emotionless. It’s about learning how to hold your emotions without abandoning yourself. If today feels heavy, you’re not alone. If today feels beautiful, you’re allowed that too. There is room for all of it.



]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/For-Anyone-Feeling-a-Little-B-it-of-Everything-Today-e3jhtfrba797347-76f7-4b4c-bf4b-f00842b05338Mon, 11 May 2026 15:49:00 GMT<p>Holding More Than One Thing at Once This Mother’s Day Mother’s Day is one of the most emotionally layered days of the year. For some, it’s filled with joy and gratitude. For others, it brings grief, estrangement, infertility, loss, or complicated family dynamics. And for many of us, it’s all of those things at once. As I continue my own journey of healing, self-awareness, and opening my heart again, I’m realizing something important: We don’t need to simplify our emotions to make them acceptable. We’re allowed to feel: ✨ gratitude and grief ✨ love and disappointment ✨ hope and uncertainty ✨ strength and longing. All at the same time. Mother’s Day was originally created to honor the emotional labor, sacrifice, and humanity of women. Today, I think it’s important we expand that definition to include: -those grieving mothers-those who never had the mothers they needed-those navigating infertility or loss-those raising children while healing themselves and those longing to be chosen, loved, and seen. Healing isn’t about becoming emotionless. It’s about learning how to hold your emotions without abandoning yourself. If today feels heavy, you’re not alone. If today feels beautiful, you’re allowed that too. There is room for all of it.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> no00:03:58For Anyone Feeling a Little B it of Everything Todayfull<![CDATA[ How to Enter New Rooms Without Losing Yourself]]>POV: You walk into a new room… and instead of shrinking, you own it 🔥This episode of Storytime with Lori is a full-circle moment—sitting down with two women who don’t just enter rooms… they shift the energy.Back in our Verizon Connect days, I remember the exact moment Sarah Wicker and Ofelia Petty walked in—✨ One brought bold, undeniable presence✨ The other? Quiet, commanding finesseAnd together? We built, collaborated, and leveled each other up💡 In this episode, we get real about:

  • How to step into new environments without losing your identity
  • Navigating imposter syndrome (yes, even at the top)
  • Building trust + influence FAST
  • Why relationships ego every single time
  • The truth about leadership, culture, and co-creation

And let’s be honest…👉 If you’re “the new person” in the room right now—this one’s for you#Leadership #WomenInTech #AuthenticLeadership #CareerGrowth #PersonalBrand #ImposterSyndrome #CorporateCulture #Storytelling #PodcastEpisode #YouTube

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/How-to-Enter-New-Rooms-Without-Losing-Yourself-e3iatutaab2a117-0aec-428b-8d03-8856d934a78aWed, 15 Apr 2026 15:00:00 GMT<p>POV: You walk into a new room… and instead of shrinking, you own it 🔥This episode of Storytime with Lori is a full-circle moment—sitting down with two women who don’t just enter rooms… they shift the energy.Back in our Verizon Connect days, I remember the exact moment Sarah Wicker and Ofelia Petty walked in—✨ One brought bold, undeniable presence✨ The other? Quiet, commanding finesseAnd together? We built, collaborated, and leveled each other up💡 In this episode, we get real about:</p><ul><li>How to step into new environments without losing your identity</li><li>Navigating imposter syndrome (yes, even at the top)</li><li>Building trust + influence FAST</li><li>Why relationships ego every single time</li><li>The truth about leadership, culture, and co-creation</li></ul><p>And let’s be honest…👉 If you’re “the new person” in the room right now—this one’s for you<a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/leadership" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#Leadership</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/womenintech" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#WomenInTech</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/authenticleadership" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#AuthenticLeadership</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/careergrowth" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#CareerGrowth</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/personalbrand" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#PersonalBrand</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/impostersyndrome" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#ImposterSyndrome</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/corporateculture" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#CorporateCulture</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/storytelling" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#Storytelling</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/podcastepisode" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#PodcastEpisode</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/youtube" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#YouTube</a></p> no00:42:23 How to Enter New Rooms Without Losing Yourselffull<![CDATA[Your Presence Is Not Negotiable (So Stop Acting Like It Is)]]>What does real leadership actually look like?Not the polished version.Not the LinkedIn highlight reel.The real version.In this episode of Storytime with Lori, I sit down with a powerhouse leader from Amazon Web Services — and we go there.We talk about:🔥 What it feels like when your authority is questioned🔥 How to lead without becoming rigid or ego-driven🔥 The balance between power, humility, and authenticity🔥 Why bad leadership can feel like trauma (and what to do about it)🔥 Raising the next generation of leaders — at home and at workAnd one truth that hit hard:👉 “Your presence is non-negotiable.”If you’ve ever:

  • Questioned your voice
  • Felt out of place in a room you earned
  • Or wondered how to lead without losing yourself…

This conversation is for you.🎧 Listen, reflect, and step into your space.#storytimewithlori #confidence #career growth #leadership development #authentic leadership

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/Your-Presence-Is-Not-Negotiable-So-Stop-Acting-Like-It-Is-e3iato06d1c86d6-5d84-4947-8562-4d4db778c05cWed, 01 Apr 2026 15:00:00 GMT<p>What does real leadership actually look like?Not the polished version.Not the LinkedIn highlight reel.The real version.In this episode of Storytime with Lori, I sit down with a powerhouse leader from Amazon Web Services — and we go there.We talk about:🔥 What it feels like when your authority is questioned🔥 How to lead without becoming rigid or ego-driven🔥 The balance between power, humility, and authenticity🔥 Why bad leadership can feel like trauma (and what to do about it)🔥 Raising the next generation of leaders — at home and at workAnd one truth that hit hard:👉 “Your presence is non-negotiable.”If you’ve ever:</p><ul><li>Questioned your voice</li><li>Felt out of place in a room you earned</li><li>Or wondered how to lead without losing yourself…</li></ul><p>This conversation is for you.🎧 Listen, reflect, and step into your space.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/storytimewithlori" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#storytimewithlori</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/confidence" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#confidence</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/career" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#career</a> growth <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/leadership" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#leadership</a> development <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/authentic" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#authentic</a> leadership</p> no00:40:38Your Presence Is Not Negotiable (So Stop Acting Like It Is)full<![CDATA[The Future of Leadership Isn’t Louder. It’s More Human.]]>Some leaders build companies.Michelle Ragusa-McBain builds PEOPLE.In this deeply powerful episode of Storytime with Lori, Michelle opens up about the journey behind becoming one of the most respected and trusted leaders in cybersecurity and channel partnerships today.But this conversation is not about titles.It’s about:✨ Self-worth✨ Reinvention✨ Emotional intelligence✨ Leadership with heart✨ Human connection in the age of AI✨ Championing women and people of color✨ Building trust that lasts longer than transactionsFor years, Michelle has been a quiet force behind the success of countless people in this industry — mentoring, advocating, connecting, elevating, and helping others rise.What makes Michelle different is this:People don’t just remember what she accomplished.They remember how she made them FEEL.Now, Lori and Michelle officially join forces together at Corero Network Security — a company building the future of AI-powered cybersecurity, DDoS protection, strategic partnerships, and people-first innovation.This episode is about the HUMAN behind the leadership.The resilience behind the confidence.The empathy behind the executive.The becoming behind the success.If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome…If you’ve ever questioned your worth…If you’ve ever needed proof that authenticity still wins…This conversation is for you.🎙️ Storytime with Lori featuring Michelle Ragusa-McBain — now streaming.#MichelleRagusaMcBain #StorytimeWithLori #WomenInTech #Cybersecurity #LeadershipPodcast #Authenticity #WomenInLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #ChannelPartners #Corero #PersonalGrowth #BusinessLeadership #Mentorship

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-mayer/episodes/The-Future-of-Leadership-Isnt-Louder--Its-More-Human-e3k9rn53540252b-eb09-409c-8820-01190c631bafWed, 27 May 2026 16:06:00 GMT<p>Some leaders build companies.Michelle Ragusa-McBain builds PEOPLE.In this deeply powerful episode of Storytime with Lori, Michelle opens up about the journey behind becoming one of the most respected and trusted leaders in cybersecurity and channel partnerships today.But this conversation is not about titles.It’s about:✨ Self-worth✨ Reinvention✨ Emotional intelligence✨ Leadership with heart✨ Human connection in the age of AI✨ Championing women and people of color✨ Building trust that lasts longer than transactionsFor years, Michelle has been a quiet force behind the success of countless people in this industry — mentoring, advocating, connecting, elevating, and helping others rise.What makes Michelle different is this:People don’t just remember what she accomplished.They remember how she made them FEEL.Now, Lori and Michelle officially join forces together at Corero Network Security — a company building the future of AI-powered cybersecurity, DDoS protection, strategic partnerships, and people-first innovation.This episode is about the HUMAN behind the leadership.The resilience behind the confidence.The empathy behind the executive.The becoming behind the success.If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome…If you’ve ever questioned your worth…If you’ve ever needed proof that authenticity still wins…This conversation is for you.🎙️ Storytime with Lori featuring Michelle Ragusa-McBain — now streaming.#MichelleRagusaMcBain #StorytimeWithLori #WomenInTech #Cybersecurity #LeadershipPodcast #Authenticity #WomenInLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #ChannelPartners #Corero #PersonalGrowth #BusinessLeadership #Mentorship</p> no00:41:44The Future of Leadership Isn’t Louder. It’s More Human.full