Flip Your Script

The Flip Your Script podcast launched in 2020, and our first episode featured host Kristi Piehl's journey from Emmy Award-winning TV reporter to entrepreneur. Since then, over 150 guests have shared stories of struggle and resilience. As we close this chapter of the podcast, Kristi shares another personal story as she sits down with her son Alec to discuss how a knee injury taught him the power of perseverance, faith and perspective, reminding us that setbacks can lead to new beginnings.

Sharing his own struggles with mental health and addiction, Patrick J. Kennedy has spent his career fighting to end discrimination against people with mental health conditions. He founded the Kennedy Forum and spent 16 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. He often compares today's mental health efforts to the goals set by his uncle, President John F. Kennedy. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Patrick discusses the power of personal stories in breaking stigma and advocating for policy change.

Chynna Clayton was raised by her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother while her father was in prison. After graduating from college, she interned at the White House where she began working closely with First Lady Michelle Obama. Over nearly a decade as Mrs. Obama's bodywoman, Chynna learned the importance of valuing assistant roles. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Chynna shares how Michelle Obama encouraged her to start her own company and how she advocates for these often-overlooked positions.

Matt Allen, known as "Nur-D," is a key figure in the Minnesota hip hop scene. He has performed at Paisley Park and U.S. Bank Stadium, shared the stage with artists like Jaden Smith and Tyler the Creator and toured with Brother Ali. The murder of George Floyd was a pivotal moment for Nur-D, deepening his commitment to social justice. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Nur-D emphasizes the importance of authenticity in his work and the responsibility artists have to use their platforms to create change.

Sophie Grace Holmes was born with cystic fibrosis and was told she wouldn't reach her teenage years. Despite the challenges, she has made it her mission to show what's possible with a healthy lifestyle. Now a fitness coach and athlete, she has accomplished feats like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, paddleboarding 80 miles from the Bahamas to Florida, and running 36 marathons in 36 days. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Sophie shares her inspiring journey and the importance of setting ambitious goals.

Holly Hardman started her career as a researcher for Rolling Stone, PBS and Twentieth Century Fox before moving into writing, directing and producing short films. After a personal experience with the dangers of prescribed benzodiazepines, Holly began her latest project, As Prescribed, a documentary that shares the problems linked to these drugs. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Holly shares her advocacy for patients and the importance of understanding the risks of some prescriptions.

Cullen Jones was rescued from a near-drowning incident when he was just five years old. This experience sparked his passion for swimming, leading him to become an Olympic gold medalist and the first African American to hold a world record in the sport. Cullen is now dedicated to promoting water safety and drowning prevention. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Cullen shares his journey from nearly drowning to becoming a renowned swimmer and advocate for inclusivity in water sports.