Each year in New York City, thousands of young people in foster care face a life-altering transition: aging out of the system at 18—or 21 if they opt in—often without stable housing, financial support, or guidance into adulthood.

This week, Leslie speaks with Nancy Jarecki, longtime board member of New Yorkers for Children (NYFC), and Eyhdi (Eydi) Osorio, NYFC Scholar, Youth Advisory Board Vice President, and aspiring mental-health professional, about what it truly means to age out of foster care—and how targeted support can change a life’s trajectory.

Together, they explore the realities of aging out, the housing crisis facing foster youth, the critical role of emotional support and mentorship, and how NYFC builds community, confidence, and opportunity through programs like Career Choice, which funds trade and technical education and housing. This episode offers an honest, hopeful look at the foster care system—and the impact of investing in young people as they transition into adulthood.

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Etiquette expert Elizabeth Anne Russell, founder of the Mannerly, joins Leslie for a deep, practical, and inspiring discussion on how modern manners shape our daily lives. Elizabeth Anne shares guidance on dinner-party etiquette, place settings, seating arrangements, napkin rules, introductions, and conversational flow—plus the often-asked questions about hostess gifts, phone usage, thank-you notes, and social cues.

She also offers a powerful look into how etiquette can build children’s confidence, help them communicate with adults, develop gratitude, and strengthen their sense of character. From navigating tricky social dynamics to handling real-world scenarios like airplane etiquette and digital interruptions, Elizabeth Anne offers clear, thoughtful frameworks for moving through life with ease and consideration.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their communication skills, become a more gracious host or guest, or teach kids the kind of manners that matter in today’s world.

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In this powerful and inspiring episode, Leslie sits down with Kate LaGere, co-founder of The Mahjong Line, the design-driven brand that transformed the look, feel, and cultural momentum of American Mahjong.

Kate shares the real story behind how she and co-founder Annie O’Grady built one of the most recognizable modern game brands — from their first design prototypes and Pantone-specific tiles to their explosive growth across the South, college campuses, and nationwide Mahjong circles.

But this episode goes deeper.
Kate opens up about the unexpected viral backlash the company faced in 2021, when a wave of online criticism accused The Mahjong Line of cultural appropriation. She describes what it was like to become the center of a national firestorm overnight — the trolling, the threats, the media frenzy, and how she and Annie stayed grounded, responsive, and resilient.

Kate also offers heartfelt advice for female founders, creatives, and entrepreneurs on taking risks, embracing discomfort, and building something meaningful — even when the internet comes for you.

Whether you’re a seasoned Mahjong player, a new learner, or simply love a good story about grit and reinvention, this conversation is a must-listen.

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This week on Duologue, Leslie sits down with actor, humanitarian, and true American patriot Gary Sinise, best known for his role as Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump, to talk about his life’s mission of service.

From his early work with Vietnam veterans to founding the Gary Sinise Foundation, Gary has dedicated decades to supporting our nation’s defenders, veterans, first responders, and their families. In this heartfelt conversation, he shares how his journey from Hollywood success to humanitarian leadership began, the incredible work of the Foundation, and how the legacy of his late son, Mac, continues to inspire their mission.

Leslie and Gary also discuss the Lt. Dan Band, the Foundation’s Snowball Express program for Gold Star families, and the power of gratitude, purpose, and giving back.

If you’ve ever wondered what true service looks like, this episode will remind you.

Learn more or donate atgarysinisefoundation.org. 

New episodes of Duologue are released every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss a new one! 

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This episode is the perfect antidote to whatever you’re feeling the day after election day… in today’s episode, I sit down with two documentary filmmakers, Kahane Corn Cooperman and Innbo Shim, to discuss their film, Creede USA.

Creede is a small, remote mining town in Colorado that serves as a microcosm of differing political sides and debates that are happening more broadly in our country today.  

The town consists of conservative mining families that have been there for generations, and more liberal, progressive theater people who come into town every summer for the past 60 years for their repertory theater company.  

The documentary features many individuals and perspectives that live in this small town of 300, where residents are forced to confront each other's differing views.  

The film covers the real-time school board meetings that are tackling some of the pressing political hot button debates and issues facing us today - from topics like guns in schools and gender identity curriculum. 

This film, and our conversation, explores how people can have vehemently opposing political views, YET still maintain respect for and civility toward one another, and in doing so have created a strong and thriving community in Creede. Creede USA is an amazing independent film… this story and the two amazing female filmmakers behind this story are truly inspirational.

This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

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In this episode, Leslie sits down with writer and editor Daisy Prince to explore the real history behind Outlander.

Daisy—whose work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Vanity Fair, Vogue, The Telegraph, and Tatler—takes us deep into the fascinating story of Clan Fraser, the real-life Scottish family that inspired the hit series.

This conversation spans centuries — from 14th-century Scotland, when Sir Simon Fraser fought alongside William Wallace against the English, to the real events and characters that inspired Outlander. Among them is the infamous 11th Lord Lovat, whose beheading famously gave rise to the phrase “laughing my head off.”

Leslie and Daisy also talk about the dashing Brigadier Simon “Shimi” Fraser, a World War II hero who led his men into the D-Day invasion—bagpiper and all. Shimi had a bounty on his head from Hitler, and Winston Churchill once described him as “the most beautiful man who ever cut a throat.”

If you’re an Outlander fan (or just love a good Scottish saga), you’re going to love this one.

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This past Saturday, October 18th, was World Menopause Awareness Day (women my age follow these things). In recognition of that, I sat down last week with menopause specialist Dr. Cat Brown, Medical Director at Winona. Winona is a telehealth company that empowers, educates, and treats women going through their menopausal journeys. Winona also provides women across the country access to health care providers who specialize in treating menopause. 

In this conversation, Dr. Brown and I talked about the new research and recommendations around Hormone Replacement Therapy ("HRT") not only for its efficacy in relieving common menopause symptoms, but also for its great benefits for bone, heart, and cognitive health.

We also discuss all of the symptoms of menopause that we hear a lot about (hot flashes, sleepless nights, mood swings) and those perimenopause and menopause side effects that are less known: loss of muscle mass, brain fog, hair loss, joints that 'crack like glow sticks' (those were actually my words, not hers), dry skin and more. 

We explore what women can do beyond HRT and other medications—like prioritizing sleep, diet, exercise, and certain supplements—to not only mitigate the unpleasant symptoms of menopause, but most importantly, to maintain our health and vitality throughout a life transition that all women go through!

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re in perimenopause or menopause, are curious about HRT safety, or simply want to feel more like yourself again, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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After surviving a shark attack that nearly took her life, Ali Truwit set a bold goal—to compete in the Paralympics exactly one year later. Not only did she make the U.S. team, she brought home two silver medals, broke two world records, and inspired millions.

In this episode, we talk about resilience, friendship, and how Ali turned tragedy into purpose through her Stronger Than You Think Foundation. Her story is a reminder that we’re all stronger than we think.

Listen, watch, join the conversation!

For more insider content, subscribe to Duologue Diaries on Substack!

This episode is sponsored by Corroon: Use code "DUOLOGUE" for 20% off your purchase

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I am so thrilled to be back and to announce that The Interview with Leslie Heaney’s new name is Duologue with Leslie Heaney!A duologue is a conversation between two people (although while sometimes my interviews include more than one guest) and this new name for the pod summarizes what we do - having conversations with really interesting people who have inspirational life stories or great wisdom or expert information to share.In addition to the new name, I will be launching a Substack - Duologue Diaries! The Duologue Diaries will have some free content and then more exclusive subscriber only content, access and special subscriber giveaways. You will not want to miss it! We also have launched great new merch for Duologue - come buy your new favorite Duo swag and represent the pod! www.duologuepod.comMy first new Duologue episode will be released tomorrow, Wednesday October 15th.Listen, watch subscribe! Get inspired. Learn something new. Share some laughs along the way.

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In this episode, I sit down with Tom Opre — filmmaker, storyteller, and founder of the ⁠Shepherds of Wildlife Society⁠, a nonprofit dedicated to reconnecting people and wildlife through powerful documentary films.

Tom has spent his career behind the camera, capturing stories of rural areas and the people who call them home. Over the years, he’s witnessed a growing disconnect between rural communities and urban audiences when it comes to conservation. His belief is simple but bold: protecting land and wildlife isn’t just about “rewilding” — it’s about humans actively managing resources and preserving centuries-old livelihoods so future generations can thrive.

A Different Kind of Storytelling

Through the Shepherds of Wildlife Society, Tom is on a mission to tell those stories and spark honest conversations about what conservation really means.

To bring this vision to life, Tom has directed three amazing, critically-acclaimed documentaries:

⁠Killing the Shepherd⁠

An award-winning film following a small African village led by a woman chief fighting back against poaching and poverty. Screened at global festivals and even the U.S. Capitol, the film has sparked real conversations about conservation and social justice.

⁠The Last Keeper⁠

Set in the Scottish Highlands, this documentary dives into how modern government policies are displacing long-standing rural communities and threatening the Scottish landscape.

⁠The Real Yellowstone⁠

Tom’s newest project tells the story of the American West’s ranchers, outfitters, and conservationists caught at the crossroads of tradition and modern land pressures. It’s the raw, real-life version of what Taylor Sheridan dramatized in Yellowstone — as Tom says, “this is real life.”

Here’s the exciting part: The Real Yellowstone is hosting an ⁠exclusive digital streaming event⁠. This event will vanish after September 15th. No replays. No second chance. Don’t miss the chance to see it!

Tom and I went so deep in our conversation that this is a two-part special:

Part 1 (last episode): We explore Killing the Shepherd and The Last Keeper — covering everything from rural Africa’s fight for survival to Scotland’s historic tensions between landowners and city dwellers.

Part 2 (this episode): We dive into The Real Yellowstone and talk about the sacrifices of progress, the rancher’s way of life, and why these stories matter for the future of both land and wildlife.

If you love filmmaking, history, conservation, or just real-world stories with real stakes — you’ll want to hear this one.

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