In this episode, Lisa and Jackie discuss:

• How personal storytelling shapes identity and confidence in young people
• The role of a signature talk in strengthening communication and self-awareness
• Using life experiences to build clarity and purpose
• The way real-life opportunities and service experiences help youth grow passions and purpose

Key Takeaways: 

• Young people learn their core values and purpose by identifying the message they would share if given five minutes to speak to the world, strengthening their sense of worth and supporting mental health.
• A “signature talk” begins with exploring personal successes and failures, turning those experiences into a library of stories that can be used in interviews, essays, and meaningful conversations.
• Preparing a signature message teaches youth to identify a problem they deeply relate to, explain how they solved it, and offer insights that could help others—building confidence, leadership, and independence.
• Colleges increasingly value authentic, self-aware applicants who demonstrate impact and growth, and storytelling practice helps teens articulate purpose and meaningful experiences more effectively.

“When they begin to understand what life's lessons have taught them and how it's shaped them to who and why they are, everything changes for them.” – Jackie Bailey

About Jackie Bailey: Jackie Bailey, The International Conversation Coach, helps clients speak with significance, triumph over trauma, and champion challenges. Founder of The Speak Feed Lead Project, she’s coached hundreds to share their stories on major stages. 

Episode References:

• Subscribe to Lisa’s newsletter for weekly tips: flourishcoachingco.com/newsletter
• Download a Sample Birkman Report: https://flourishcoachingco.com/birkman
• TEDx program: https://www.ted.com/about/programs-initiatives/tedx-program

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).
flourishcoachingco.com/video

Connect with Jackie:
Website: http://www.jackiebailey360.com/
Podcast: In the Groove with Todd and Jackie: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-groove-with-todd-and-jackie/id1830625612
Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jackie-Bailey/author/B0BSRGSM6K
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-bailey-4532287/

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Andrea discuss:

• Navigating family dynamics when college students return home for holidays and extended breaks
• Balancing student independence with household expectations during time at home
• Communicating effectively with teens and college students to reduce conflict around schedules, curfews, and responsibilities
• Supporting student identity development and deeper conversations during the transition home

Key Takeaways: 

• Parents should set expectations early—before the student comes home—about rest needs, schedules, and non-negotiable family commitments.
• Curfew conversations work best when approached collaboratively, using “horizontal parenting” to negotiate reasonable times and communication.
• Students may return with new beliefs, identities, and peer relationships, so families should create space for deeper conversations and respond with curiosity rather than judgment.
• Parents should avoid tasks like laundry or over-caretaking, as these can unintentionally undermine the student’s developing independence.

 
“Colleges are ready to welcome messy, unfinished, unbaked, totally underbaked students. And those first couple of years are about figuring out who they are.” – Andrea Malkin Brenner

About Andrea Malkin Brenner: Dr. Andrea Malkin Brenner is the President of AMBrenner, LLC and Founder of the Talking College™ brand, a speaker and college transition educator with 25 years as a “college insider.”

Episode References:

• Use Andrea’s Talking College Cards to spark meaningful family conversations about college transitions: https://www.ambrenner.com/shop
• Subscribe to Lisa’s newsletter for weekly tips to connect with your teen or young adult: flourishcoachingco.com/newsletter

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). 

flourishcoachingco.com/video 

Connect with Andrea:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreamalkinbrenner/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambrennerllc

Website: https://www.ambrenner.com/ & https://talkingcollege.com/

Book: How to College: What to Know Before You Go (and When You're There) by Andrea Malkin Brenner and Lara Hope Schwartz: https://www.amazon.com/How-College-Before-Youre-There/dp/1250225183

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-malkin-brenner-phd-135b43178

Email: [email protected] 

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Kami discuss:

• How curiosity shapes the development of lifelong learners who can adapt and grow over time
• Why box-checking habits weaken authentic engagement with learning
• What project-based learning offers as a bridge between interests and academics
• The role family culture plays in nurturing natural curiosity and supporting ongoing personal growth

Key Takeaways: 

• Box-checking driven by grades and pressure drains curiosity and leaves young people unprepared for real college, career, and life demands.
• Real-world projects like building a skate park or creating community signage reveal how project-based learning blends civic knowledge, physics, planning, and passion.
• Curiosity grows at home through natural conversations that connect everyday life, current events, and reading into meaningful learning.
• A teen’s lost love of learning often shows up as ongoing frustration or disengagement whenever school is mentioned.

 
“We have to change the messages that we're sending, and the message of lifelong learning is that learning happens everywhere, all the time.” – Kami Wanous

Episode References:

• Sample Birkman Report
• Pails by Chris Brady
• The Truth About College Admission Workbook
• #169 The Hidden Impact of College Major Selection on Admissions with Rick Clark
• Check your family’s learning culture in minutes — take Kami’s Love of Learning Launch Pad quiz
• Take the free Career Planning Readiness Quiz

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). 

flourishcoachingco.com/video 

Connect with Kami:

Website: https://www.thefreedomscholar.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/TheFreedomScholar & https://www.facebook.com/groups/216184786279733

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thefreedomscholar

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtJpXKtndYS9rrP98KcvDEw

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kami-wanous-14117723a

Homeschool Success: https://www.thefreedomscholar.com/podcast

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Ethan discuss:

• Managing setbacks and academic struggles in demanding college programs
• The importance of resilience, networking, and real-world experience in career development
• How communication and soft skills enhance technical education and employability
• Navigating college, internships, and professional growth with persistence and adaptability

Key Takeaways: 

• When traditional learning methods don’t meet your needs, explore alternative or online options—Ethan improved his calculus mastery by finding a better-fit online course structure and learning tools.
• Consistent networking, maintaining an updated LinkedIn, and initiating connections early can turn future opportunities into incoming offers rather than uphill pursuits.
• Getting involved in professional or student organizations and taking on leadership or mentoring roles provides real-world experience and the confidence employers value.
• Communicating clearly, asking for help, and staying persistent after failure are core habits that separate long-term achievers from those who stall after a single obstacle.

“You just have to keep pushing and saying, 'I want it. I’m going to get it.'” – Ethan Zellner

About Ethan Zellner: Ethan Zellner is an Honors Student-Athlete at Bradley University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. A driven and hands-on learner, he currently serves as the 2025–2026 Captain of the ASCE Concrete Canoe Team, where he leads design and materials testing for national competitions. Ethan has gained professional experience as a Civil Engineering Intern at WSP, contributing to EV charging site development and permitting. Known for his persistence, problem-solving mindset, and strong communication skills, Ethan embodies the balance of technical excellence, teamwork, and resilience that defines the next generation of engineers.

Episode References:

• #027 Differences between Engineering & Engineering Technology Majors & Jobs
• Find your direction with the Launch Career Clarity Course at FlourishCoachingCo.com/course.

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). 

Connect with Ethan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-zellner/

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

Two hundred episodes strong—and this celebration goes deeper than a milestone. Lisa Marker-Robbins is joined by Vicki Weisbrod and Kayla Lane for an honest, energizing conversation about what’s really holding young people back and how you can help them move forward with clarity and confidence. You’ll leave inspired, recharged, and ready to guide the next generation toward purpose and possibility.

In this episode, Lisa, Vicki, and Kayla discuss:

• The emotional push and pull between parents and young people during the launch years
• The growing confidence gap in professional communication and real-world readiness
• Shifting career pathways and the increasing value of non-traditional education routes
• Fostering resilience, self-awareness, and intentional progress toward independence

Key Takeaways: 

• Parents’ stress often mirrors their kids’ uncertainty, and recognizing that shared overwhelm helps both sides find calm and momentum.
• Modeling confident communication in small ways—like outreach, networking, and follow-up—helps young people take ownership without parents taking over.
• Many students are now making informed choices to pursue trades, alternative training, or intentional pauses, showing that success comes in many forms beyond college.
• Building self-awareness early and giving young people space to make mistakes fosters genuine confidence, resilience, and long-term independence.

“There’s just not as much resilience with young people, and they fear that that ‘no’ is the end-all be-all.” – Vicki Weisbrod

“It’s amazing how quickly the shift happens whenever you finally understand yourself.” – Kayla Lane

About our Guests:

• Vicki Weisbrod is a Flourish Coaching Career Coach and veteran school counselor who built Bishop Fenwick’s career advising program from the ground up, pioneering the use of the Birkman assessment to enhance career and college readiness.
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-weisbrod-640b31131/
• Kayla Lane is the Executive Assistant and Client Support at Flourish Coaching, where she pairs her healthcare background with strong organizational and client support skills to guide families through their college and career journey.
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-lane-362b7014b/

Episode References:

• The Defining Decade by Meg Jay: https://www.amazon.com/Defining-Decade-Your-Twenties-Matter/dp/0446561754’
• Ep#196 5 Must-Know Hiring Trends & How They Impact Your Student with Christine Rigby-Hall: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/podcast/196-5-must-know-hiring-trends-how-they-impact-your-student-with-christine-rigby-hall/
• Learn how to help your teen move from uncertain to unstoppable at

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Stephen discuss:

• How to turn a passion for sports into a career off the field
• Building connections that open doors and gain experiences through sports internships
• What roles are in high demand in the sports and entertainment ecosystem
• Balancing passion, education, and hustle

Key Takeaways: 

• Careers in sports extend far past the playing field, including roles in marketing, analytics, media, and sponsorships. Exploring these options early helps uncover where passion and talent meet.
• Networking remains the most powerful tool in the sports industry. Relationships, mentorships, and proactive outreach often lead to opportunities more effectively than cold applications.
• Real-world exposure sharpens direction and builds credibility. Internships in high school or college, whether loved or disliked, shape clearer career decisions later on.
• A well-rounded education supports success, but determination and experience matter most. Aligning values with career goals ensures long-term fulfillment in this dynamic field.
• There are more entry points at agencies working on brand partnerships, sponsorships, and influencer deals than at leagues and teams.

 
“The three most important words in sports: Relationships. Relationships. Relationships.” – Stephen Master

About Stephen Master: Professor Stephen Master has over 25 years of leadership experience in sports marketing and media. He has taught at NYU since 2004, offering courses on Sports Sponsorship, Media, and the Business of Sports Betting. He founded the Sports Biz Boot Camp, a college-prep program introducing high school students to the business of sports, and co-founded Amaze Media Labs, a podcast company producing shows for brands like DraftKings, BetMGM, Ford, and Facebook.

As head of Master Media Advisors, he supports startups and advises investors in sports, entertainment, and gaming. Previously, he led Nielsen’s Global Sports Group, co-founded its eSports practice, and launched the FANALYTICS platform—featured in major outlets like The New York Times, ESPN, and Bloomberg. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at the NFL, Octagon, and NBA. Stephen earned his B.A. from the University of Michigan and his MBA from Northwestern.

Episode References:

• #169 The Hidden Impact of College Major Selection on Admissions with Rick Clark

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). 

flourishcoachingco.com/video 

Connect with Stephen:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-master-95957712/
Website: https://www.stern.nyu.edu/faculty/bio/stephen-master 

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa, Dave, and Mike discuss:

• How career direction and college major alignment influence scholarship success
• The role of personal narrative and authenticity in admissions and financial aid
• Strategies for early scholarship searching and intentional college preparation
• How real-world experiences and self-awareness shape stronger college and scholarship applications

Key Takeaways: 

• When applying for scholarships, students with a clear personal narrative tied to their future major consistently outperform those who list achievements without direction.
• Most universities factor “fit to major” (FTM) into admissions and aid decisions, with some high-demand majors (like nursing or computer science) closed to later transfers.
• Starting early—in both scholarship applications and career exploration—reduces stress, expands opportunities, and allows time for authentic experiences that strengthen applications.
• Real-world experiences, like internships or organizing community projects, not only clarify interests but also provide concrete material for compelling essays and scholarship submissions.

 
“Students that I’ve worked with, even when they’re applying to general scholarships, are still having success by having that personal narrative that relates to their future college major.” – Dave Peterson

“Authenticity should inform every aspect of the admissions process.” – Mike Bergin

About our Guests:
Dave Peterson is the founder of Scholarship GPS, a leading scholarship strategist. 

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Email: [email protected]
• Podcast

Mike Bergin is the founder of Chariot Learning, an ACT Certified Educator, and co-host of the Tests and the Rest podcast. 

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Podcast

Episode References:

• Download a Sample Birkman Report
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form
• Lisa’s Launch Career Clarity online course 

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). 

flourishcoachingco.com/video 

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Anita discuss:

• The growing trend of students choosing business as a “default” or undecided major
• The value of real-world work experiences for high school and college students exploring business
• What competitive business school admissions officers truly look for beyond academics
• How reflection, course choices, and extracurriculars shape clarity and college readiness for business majors

Key Takeaways: 

• Students should pursue any kind of job or small business experience—from babysitting to retail—to build basic professional and business skills early.
• Reflection on experiences is essential for college essays and interviews; students who articulate what they learned stand out more than those who list achievements.
• Highly selective programs expect applicants to demonstrate problem-solving and awareness of real-world, local business issues, not just academic excellence.
• Choosing challenging coursework like Calculus and exploring available business electives in high school can strengthen both preparedness and application competitiveness.

 
“What I see from a lot of students is that what helps them get away from being undecided is actually those real-world experiences, whether it's in the summer or after school.” – Anita Doddi

About Anita Doddi: Anita has spent her career helping students get where they’re trying to go, beginning with her early days as an academic adviser at the University of Chicago. She’s guided hundreds of students through admissions, with many accepted to top universities, including the University of Michigan, Cornell, UPenn, Columbia, and all the UC schools.

Episode References:

• Shoe Dog by Phil Knight: https://www.amazon.com/Shoe-Dog-Memoir-Creator-Nike-ebook/dp/B0176M1A44
• Explore the Flourish Coaching “Majors” Resource to access the spreadsheet, sample email, and video guide at flourishcoachingco.com/majors
• #185 From “Little Jobs” to Big Wins: Internship Strategies That Work with Ramon Santillan: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/podcast/185-from-little-jobs-to-big-wins-internship-strategies-that-work-with-ramon-santillan/

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). 

flourishcoachingco.com/video 

Connect with Anita:
Website: https://collegewise.com/counselors/anita-doddi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-doddi-26949062/ 

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Christine discuss:

• Shifting hiring timelines and employer decision-making in today’s job market
• Growing importance of skills-based hiring and micro-internships
• Influence of artificial intelligence on entry-level roles and required skills
• Continued power of networking and accessing the hidden job market

Key Takeaways: 

• The average job search now takes three to six months, as companies add more interview rounds and assessments before extending offers.
• Skills-first hiring means candidates should highlight real-world experiences—like micro-internships, portfolios, and certifications—not just degrees.
• AI is reshaping entry-level work, with 78% of hiring managers expecting AI-driven layoffs, but it is also creating new roles in data analysis and AI integration; learners should take AI courses (free or paid) and demonstrate use cases in portfolios.
• Over 70% of jobs are never posted publicly, making networking and referrals through LinkedIn or family connections essential to finding opportunities.

 
“Show, don’t tell, and proof beats promises.” – Christine Rigby-Hall

About Christine Rigby-Hall: Christine Rigby-Hall is the founder of GradLanding, a career coaching practice that helps college students and early career professionals secure internships and launch into the job market with confidence.

Christine also partners closely with parents, helping them understand the hiring landscape and how to support their student without adding pressure. Her approach blends practical strategies with encouragement, giving young professionals the skills and confidence to stand out in a competitive market.

She holds a Master’s in Counseling from Springfield College and a Coaching Certification from Columbia University.

Episode References:

• Build a standout LinkedIn profile that gets noticed—grab your free LinkedIn Profile Builder at flourishcoachingco.com/LinkedIn

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). 

flourishcoachingco.com/video 

Connect with Christine:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gradlanding/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GradLanding

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/GradLanding/100095337640629/

Website: https://www.gradlanding.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinemsnyder & https://www.linkedin.com/company/gradlanding/

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Brooke discuss:

• The role of modern manners in building confidence and career readiness
• How social, physical, and relationship etiquette shape professional connections
• Strategies for networking, job shadows, and informational interviews
• The influence of parents, mentors, and micro-habits in developing these skills

Key Takeaways: 

• Students should use simple conversation techniques—like making an observation and asking a question, or “throwing the ball back”—to create natural, balanced dialogue.
• First impressions matter: attire, language, and physical manners (handshake, eye contact, putting away your phone, appropriate clothing) often determine how seriously others take you.
• Adults are more likely to grant favors and mentorship opportunities to teens and young adults than older people, making this the ideal stage of life to ask for informational interviews, job shadows, or introductions.
• Parents and mentors should approach teaching manners with a growth mindset, praising progress, modeling skills, and helping young people practice consistently until they feel natural.

 
“Physical manners can go a long way, and oftentimes they’re not noticed until they’re not done.” – Brooke Romney

About Brooke Romney: Brooke Romney is a writer, speaker, and community builder who is committed to sharing real life with a hopeful twist.

She is the best-selling author of four books: 52 Modern Manners for Today's Teens, Volumes 1 and 2, 52 Modern Manners for Kids, and I Like Me Anyway: Embracing Imperfection, Connection, and Christ.

She recently launched a new game, Do You Even Know Me?, to help families connect and have fun together.

Meaningful connection with family, friends, strangers, and God is where she finds purpose and joy.

Episode References:

• Grab the free LinkedIn Profile Guide at flourishcoachingco.com/linkedin to help your student create a standout profile and start building their network with confidence.

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). 

flourishcoachingco.com/video 

Connect with Brooke:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookeromneywrites/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-romney-9724a2100/
Website: https://brookeromney.com/welcome/

Shopify: https://082dc6.myshopify.com/

Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Brooke-Romney/author/B08L8WQN6C

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co