Flip Your Script

Growing up on the West Side of Chicago, Arshay Cooper struggled to find a place devoid of gangs, drugs and sirens. Little did Arshay know a rowing program would flip his script. Now, the award-winning author of "A Most Beautiful Thing" and the focal point of a documentary, Arshay recounts being a member of the first all-black high school rowing team. Kristi Piehl and Arshay discuss his mission to increase opportunities and accessibility and his story of finding belonging in the most unlikely of places.

In high school, Maggie Aldrich excelled at writing, but as an adult, pursued a career as a government analyst. Shortly after the birth of her daughter, Maggie became a full-time stay-at-home parent. Facing pressure to return to the workforce, Maggie realized she had the opportunity to do whatever she wanted to do. Maggie surprised everyone by picking up a pencil and writing her first book. The indie author joined host Kristi Piehl to discuss discovering the strength to follow her passion.

Sean McCabe spent years working 18-hours days. The extreme hours took their toll. When he realized the people he considered friends were all on his payroll, including his wife, the script flipped. Sean found the solution to his workaholism was taking a seventh-week sabbatical to recharge and open himself to possibility. In preparation for Kristi's own sabbatical, they discuss Sean's mission to change employers' perceptions of sabbaticals and the power of taking time away.

When Laura Sobiech's son Zach faced a battle with Osteosarcoma, she encouraged him to find a way to share what was in his heart. Zach did that by writing the song, Clouds, which quickly became an international ballad of hope. After his passing in 2013, Laura has dedicated her life to helping families battling cancer. Laura joins host Kristi Piehl to discuss her family's motivation to keep Zach's memory and story alive and the Disney+ release of Clouds, a movie based on the final year of Zach's life.

In 2016, on a girls' trip in Atlanta, Taylor Hayden died when a stranger used her as a human shield during a gunfight. After her tragic passing Joyce Hayden, Taylor's mother, made it her mission to share Taylor's story by starting an organization, Stand 2 Oppose Gun Violence and advocating for justice in her daughter's death. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Joyce and Kristi discuss the realities of gun violence and how Joyce hopes hearing Taylor's story will motivate you to make a positive impact.

After being born with no legs and put up for adoption, Jen Bricker-Bauer grew up in a midwest home learning everything is possible. This mentality shaped Jen into an adventurous, thrill-seeking, state championship-winning gymnast who looked up to Olympic gold-medalist Dominique Moceanu - only to learn Dominique is her biological sister. Now a speaker, author and aerial artist, Jen joins Kristi Piehl to discuss her unbelievable story and how finding your purpose can help you flip your script.

At 12 years old, Tate Maurer was diagnosed with Stage 3 Burkitt Lymphoma. After beginning his treatment, Tate and his mom, Katie, realized the power of accepting help and how the little things can make a big difference. Now cancer-free, Tate and Katie flipped their scripts and work to repay the generosity their family was given by speaking at awareness events and schools. Through their conversation with Kristi, Katie and Tate share tangible ways you can support those who are struggling.

Mike and Gaby Grinberg weren't expecting the arrival of their daughter at just 24 weeks into their pregnancy. When she was unexpectedly let go from her job, Gaby quickly transformed into a stay-at-hospital mom caring for her premature daughter. Frustrated by the lack of family-focused policies from companies, Mike and Gaby started their own business. Mike and Gaby sat down with Kristi to discuss the value of a family-first culture and how their daughter, Lana, helped them flip their script.

From a young age, Elizabeth Tumulty was curious about television and how it worked. Little did she know her habit of asking "why?" would lead to a successful career in broadcast television, starting as an assistant, eventually becoming a founding member of the CW and then President of CBS Television Network. Liz joins Kristi to reflect on how a difficult childhood doesn't define you, highlight the importance of mentorship and share how you can flip your script by turning your curiosity into a career.

After suffering an injury on spring break in 2015, Matt Bowen's life changed forever. Now a C6 quadriplegic, Matt and his wife, Sloan, navigate their life together as an interabled couple, sharing their story in a series of YouTube and TikTok videos. The couple's date night videos have gone viral, spreading their message of hope and joy. Matt and Sloan sat down with Kristi Piehl to share with us how they flipped their script and are now the ultimate in couple goals.