<a target="_blank" href="https://www.lrm.works/">Laura Mayer</a> is Author of <a target="_blank" href="https://a.co/d/0gZrJuYq">Tryhard</a>: A Cautionary Tale of Clocking In and Spinning Out and a Podcast Executive. She worked as the Executive Producer of Podcast Programming at ABC News while she wrote her memoir. She has worked in “Big Podcasting” for as long as anyone can work in “Big Podcasting.” Laura has developed more than one-hundred podcasts throughout her career. She executive produced ABC News’s wildly-popular slate of true crime shows. She co-created and launched The Dream. She also wrote and hosted her own podcast, <a target="_blank" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shameless-acquisition-target/id1630806641">Shameless Acquisition Target,</a> which inspired this book.For any type-A, high achiever out there, this is the book that sees you. And provides a cathartic, funny, emotionally charged insight into what drives the perfection-oriented.Laura Mayer was born a girlboss. As a child in suburban Illinois, she played “V.P. of Sales” in her bedroom, dictating important memos to her twin brother and swapping Judy Blume for the buzzy business books of the day. While other kids dreamed of being pop stars or pro athletes, little Laura had a single-minded focus: the corporate ladder.Some thirty years later, from a dizzying perch on that very ladder—as Executive Producer of Podcasts at ABC News, with such blockbuster shows as Revisionist History, Bad Blood, and Happier with Gretchen Rubin to her credit—and with an identity shaped by annual reviews, performance indicators, and “executive presence” (whatever that means) a disillusioned Laura is calling “b******t” on the whole work-is-life thing. Sort of.Tryhard is a gonzo memoir for 9-to-5 devotees who have read every business book and C-suite-or-bust instruction manual yet still find we’re burnt out and unhappy. It is also a deeply personal and poignant examination of why we race at all. Laura detangles this delusional mess of priorities we’ve created, rejects the “boss-at-any-cost” culture, and invites us to laugh at ourselves (and her) along the way. She offers the modern office worker a new path forward through her own revelations, and implores us, for the love of God, to chill out a little bit.This is Laura’s messy, somewhat enlightened, possibly transformative, heart-wrenching and always entertaining story—a one-of-a-kind sightseeing trip on the Great American hamster wheel.In this episode, Kitley talks to Laura on the heels of quitting her job, a six week sabbatical from her computer for some rest and relaxation and starting to explore her own consulting business. They discuss Laura’s lifelong journey as a tryhard, growing up in an alcoholic family, anxiety, finding solace in books, her decision to quit drinking at age twenty-six, cross addiction, making amends, being a mom to five-year-old Joanna, reparenting, and how podcasting has changed from 2008-2026. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://kelleykitley.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">kelleykitley.substack.com</a>

Laura Mayer is Author of Tryhard: A Cautionary Tale of Clocking In and Spinning Out and a Podcast Executive. She worked as the Executive Producer of Podcast Programming at ABC News while she wrote her memoir. She has worked in “Big Podcasting” for as long as anyone can work in “Big Podcasting.” Laura has developed more than one-hundred podcasts throughout her career. She executive produced ABC News’s wildly-popular slate of true crime shows. She co-created and launched The Dream. She also wrote and hosted her own podcast, Shameless Acquisition Target, which inspired this book. For any type-A, high achiever out there, this is the book that sees you. And provides a cathartic, funny, emotionally charged insight into what drives the perfection-oriented. Laura Mayer was born a girlboss. As a child in suburban Illinois, she played “V.P. of Sales” in her bedroom, dictating important memos to her twin brother and swapping Judy Blume for the buzzy business books of the day. While other kids dreamed of being pop stars or pro athletes, little Laura had a single-minded focus: the corporate ladder. Some thirty years later, from a dizzying perch on that very ladder—as Executive Producer of Podcasts at ABC News, with such blockbuster shows as Revisionist History, Bad Blood, and Happier with Gretchen Rubin to her credit—and with an identity shaped by annual reviews, performance indicators, and “executive presence” (whatever that means) a disillusioned Laura is calling “b******t” on the whole work-is-life thing. Sort of. Tryhard is a gonzo memoir for 9-to-5 devotees who have read every business book and C-suite-or-bust instruction manual yet still find we’re burnt out and unhappy. It is also a deeply personal and poignant examination of why we race at all. Laura detangles this delusional mess of priorities we’ve created, rejects the “boss-at-any-cost” culture, and invites us to laugh at ourselves (and her) along the way. She offers the modern office worker a new path forward through her own revelations, and implores us, for the love of God, to chill out a little bit. This is Laura’s messy, somewhat enlightened, possibly transformative, heart-wrenching and always entertaining story—a one-of-a-kind sightseeing trip on the Great American hamster wheel. In this episode, Kitley talks to Laura on the heels of quitting her job, a six week sabbatical from her computer for some rest and relaxation and starting to explore her own consulting business. They discuss Laura’s lifelong journey as a tryhard, growing up in an alcoholic family, anxiety, finding solace in books, her decision to quit drinking at age twenty-six, cross addiction, making amends, being a mom to five-year-old Joanna, reparenting, and how podcasting has changed from 2008-2026. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

<a href="https://www.lrm.works/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Laura Mayer</a> is Author of <a href="https://a.co/d/0gZrJuYq" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tryhard</a>: A Cautionary Tale of Clocking In and Spinning Out and a Podcast Executive. She worked as the Executive Producer of Podcast Programming at ABC News while she wrote her memoir. She has worked in “Big Podcasting” for as long as anyone can work in “Big Podcasting.” Laura has developed more than one-hundred podcasts throughout her career. She executive produced ABC News’s wildly-popular slate of true crime shows. She co-created and launched The Dream. She also wrote and hosted her own podcast, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shameless-acquisition-target/id1630806641" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shameless Acquisition Target,</a> which inspired this book.For any type-A, high achiever out there, this is the book that sees you. And provides a cathartic, funny, emotionally charged insight into what drives the perfection-oriented.Laura Mayer was born a girlboss. As a child in suburban Illinois, she played “V.P. of Sales” in her bedroom, dictating important memos to her twin brother and swapping Judy Blume for the buzzy business books of the day. While other kids dreamed of being pop stars or pro athletes, little Laura had a single-minded focus: the corporate ladder.Some thirty years later, from a dizzying perch on that very ladder—as Executive Producer of Podcasts at ABC News, with such blockbuster shows as Revisionist History, Bad Blood, and Happier with Gretchen Rubin to her credit—and with an identity shaped by annual reviews, performance indicators, and “executive presence” (whatever that means) a disillusioned Laura is calling “b******t” on the whole work-is-life thing. Sort of.Tryhard is a gonzo memoir for 9-to-5 devotees who have read every business book and C-suite-or-bust instruction manual yet still find we’re burnt out and unhappy. It is also a deeply personal and poignant examination of why we race at all. Laura detangles this delusional mess of priorities we’ve created, rejects the “boss-at-any-cost” culture, and invites us to laugh at ourselves (and her) along the way. She offers the modern office worker a new path forward through her own revelations, and implores us, for the love of God, to chill out a little bit.This is Laura’s messy, somewhat enlightened, possibly transformative, heart-wrenching and always entertaining story—a one-of-a-kind sightseeing trip on the Great American hamster wheel.In this episode, Kitley talks to Laura on the heels of quitting her job, a six week sabbatical from her computer for some rest and relaxation and starting to explore her own consulting business. They discuss Laura’s lifelong journey as a tryhard, growing up in an alcoholic family, anxiety, finding solace in books, her decision to quit drinking at age twenty-six, cross addiction, making amends, being a mom to five-year-old Joanna, reparenting, and how podcasting has changed from 2008-2026. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://kelleykitley.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_1" rel="noopener noreferrer">kelleykitley.substack.com</a>

#60 Laura Mayer: Author of Tryhard: A Cautionary Tale of Clocking In and Spinning Out + Podcast Executive

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kristinaguerrero.com/">Kristina Guerrero</a> is a speaker, storyteller, and former national television host with more than 20 years of experience in front of and behind the camera.She was the first Latina host and correspondent for E! Entertainment’s E! News and The Daily 10, later hosting the nationally syndicated lifestyle show The List. Over the course of her career, she has worked as a host, writer, producer, and creative storyteller across television, film, and digital media.Kristina is also the creator and host of <a target="_blank" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/she-believed-with-kristina-guerrero/id1819072697">She Believed</a>, a podcast centered around resilience, identity, and rebuilding when life doesn’t go according to plan. She directed the short documentary <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vYgpGDdY2o">Walking Through Molasses</a> about her breast cancer journey and is 3 years sober. In this episode Guerrero shares her experience, strength, and hope as a sober mom, breast cancer survivor, and career pivot after her nationally syndicated show was cancelled. This woman is a resilient warrior who has gone from struggle to perseverance on repeat. Her positivity is contagious! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://kelleykitley.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">kelleykitley.substack.com</a>

Kristina Guerrero is a speaker, storyteller, and former national television host with more than 20 years of experience in front of and behind the camera. She was the first Latina host and correspondent for E! Entertainment’s E! News and The Daily 10, later hosting the nationally syndicated lifestyle show The List. Over the course of her career, she has worked as a host, writer, producer, and creative storyteller across television, film, and digital media. Kristina is also the creator and host of She Believed, a podcast centered around resilience, identity, and rebuilding when life doesn’t go according to plan. She directed the short documentary Walking Through Molasses about her breast cancer journey and is 3 years sober. In this episode Guerrero shares her experience, strength, and hope as a sober mom, breast cancer survivor, and career pivot after her nationally syndicated show was cancelled. This woman is a resilient warrior who has gone from struggle to perseverance on repeat. Her positivity is contagious! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

<a href="https://www.kristinaguerrero.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kristina Guerrero</a> is a speaker, storyteller, and former national television host with more than 20 years of experience in front of and behind the camera.She was the first Latina host and correspondent for E! Entertainment’s E! News and The Daily 10, later hosting the nationally syndicated lifestyle show The List. Over the course of her career, she has worked as a host, writer, producer, and creative storyteller across television, film, and digital media.Kristina is also the creator and host of <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/she-believed-with-kristina-guerrero/id1819072697" rel="noopener noreferrer">She Believed</a>, a podcast centered around resilience, identity, and rebuilding when life doesn’t go according to plan. She directed the short documentary <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vYgpGDdY2o" rel="noopener noreferrer">Walking Through Molasses</a> about her breast cancer journey and is 3 years sober. In this episode Guerrero shares her experience, strength, and hope as a sober mom, breast cancer survivor, and career pivot after her nationally syndicated show was cancelled. This woman is a resilient warrior who has gone from struggle to perseverance on repeat. Her positivity is contagious! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://kelleykitley.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_1" rel="noopener noreferrer">kelleykitley.substack.com</a>

#59 Kristina Guerrero: Speaker, Podcast Creator of She Believed, Formerly E! News Host, Sober Mom, Breast Cancer Survivor, Latina

In this episode, Danielle Robay and Kitley have an immediate connection through their Chicago roots and dove right in. They discuss career, the importance of mentors, relationships, therapy, and her newest endeavor as host of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/ReesesBookClub?__cft__[0]=AZWR_PxGuKpjaUWiq4fVtEa5Dmq7ExvJGQ8U5fdmfRVT5bPFGJMSY7AiGqLyx64BRV22KNRGToga_S1LabjFQ9gLpSsh3OVDZ5DNJ0YW7pwrMzxdFgE0OfHiAAeYeDgAnDwfn0kKvmPHAMl0apKH9rADDYB3uMVegwy_I-rtaQi53Ro-gpTrT_tF-E7xTc0CraNH-DGFo7yxJ2FWg7Mw7qqm&__tn__=-]K-R">Reese’s Book Club</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/HelloSunshineOfficial?__cft__[0]=AZWR_PxGuKpjaUWiq4fVtEa5Dmq7ExvJGQ8U5fdmfRVT5bPFGJMSY7AiGqLyx64BRV22KNRGToga_S1LabjFQ9gLpSsh3OVDZ5DNJ0YW7pwrMzxdFgE0OfHiAAeYeDgAnDwfn0kKvmPHAMl0apKH9rADDYB3uMVegwy_I-rtaQi53Ro-gpTrT_tF-E7xTc0CraNH-DGFo7yxJ2FWg7Mw7qqm&__tn__=-]K-R">Hello Sunshine</a> podcast, ‘Bookmarked.’ You will feel inspired beyond measure to make your dreams happen, without permission from anyone!Danielle Robay is a TV host, journalist, and content creator known for her open-hearted + compelling interview style. Dubbed the Queen of Questions she also added founder to her resume. Danielle Robay is a TV host, journalist, and content creator known for her open-hearted + compelling interview style. Dubbed the Queen of Questions she also added founder to her resume with her best selling card game "Question Everything." Named a “game changer” by Forbes, Danielle is best recognized as host and co-executive producer (alongside Reese Witherspoon) of Bookmarked from Hello Sunshine, as well as the host of the podcast QUESTION EVERYTHING, and E!’s While You Were Streaming. Just like her mentor Larry King, Danielle has interviewed Hollywood icons, Fortune 500 CEOs, politicians, entrepreneurs, and cultural thought leaders. She’s spent over 8,000 hours in professional, elevated conversation—gathering wisdom the way some people collect concert tees: with intention, style, a little humor, and a story behind each one. She is also a proud Gloria Steinem Endowed Fellow in Media, Culture, and Feminist Studies, a distinction that reflects her commitment to storytelling that challenges, connects, and empowers. Her mission? To help us live better by learning through each other’s stories. Website:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.daniellerobay.com"> https://www.daniellerobay.com/ </a>Purchase "Question Everything" Card Game: <a target="_blank" href="https://questioneverythingshop.com/">https://questioneverythingshop.com/</a> This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://kelleykitley.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">kelleykitley.substack.com</a>

In this episode, Danielle Robay and Kitley have an immediate connection through their Chicago roots and dove right in. They discuss career, the importance of mentors, relationships, therapy, and her newest endeavor as host of Reese’s Book Club Hello Sunshine podcast, ‘Bookmarked.’ You will feel inspired beyond measure to make your dreams happen, without permission from anyone! Danielle Robay is a TV host, journalist, and content creator known for her open-hearted + compelling interview style. Dubbed the Queen of Questions she also added founder to her resume. Danielle Robay is a TV host, journalist, and content creator known for her open-hearted + compelling interview style. Dubbed the Queen of Questions she also added founder to her resume with her best selling card game "Question Everything." Named a “game changer” by Forbes, Danielle is best recognized as host and co-executive producer (alongside Reese Witherspoon) of Bookmarked from Hello Sunshine, as well as the host of the podcast QUESTION EVERYTHING, and E!’s While You Were Streaming. Just like her mentor Larry King, Danielle has interviewed Hollywood icons, Fortune 500 CEOs, politicians, entrepreneurs, and cultural thought leaders. She’s spent over 8,000 hours in professional, elevated conversation—gathering wisdom the way some people collect concert tees: with intention, style, a little humor, and a story behind each one. She is also a proud Gloria Steinem Endowed Fellow in Media, Culture, and Feminist Studies, a distinction that reflects her commitment to storytelling that challenges, connects, and empowers. Her mission? To help us live better by learning through each other’s stories. Website: https://www.daniellerobay.com/ Purchase "Question Everything" Card Game: https://questioneverythingshop.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

In this episode, Danielle Robay and Kitley have an immediate connection through their Chicago roots and dove right in. They discuss career, the importance of mentors, relationships, therapy, and her newest endeavor as host of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ReesesBookClub?__cft__[0]=AZWR_PxGuKpjaUWiq4fVtEa5Dmq7ExvJGQ8U5fdmfRVT5bPFGJMSY7AiGqLyx64BRV22KNRGToga_S1LabjFQ9gLpSsh3OVDZ5DNJ0YW7pwrMzxdFgE0OfHiAAeYeDgAnDwfn0kKvmPHAMl0apKH9rADDYB3uMVegwy_I-rtaQi53Ro-gpTrT_tF-E7xTc0CraNH-DGFo7yxJ2FWg7Mw7qqm&amp;__tn__=-]K-R" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reese’s Book Club</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HelloSunshineOfficial?__cft__[0]=AZWR_PxGuKpjaUWiq4fVtEa5Dmq7ExvJGQ8U5fdmfRVT5bPFGJMSY7AiGqLyx64BRV22KNRGToga_S1LabjFQ9gLpSsh3OVDZ5DNJ0YW7pwrMzxdFgE0OfHiAAeYeDgAnDwfn0kKvmPHAMl0apKH9rADDYB3uMVegwy_I-rtaQi53Ro-gpTrT_tF-E7xTc0CraNH-DGFo7yxJ2FWg7Mw7qqm&amp;__tn__=-]K-R" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hello Sunshine</a> podcast, ‘Bookmarked.’ You will feel inspired beyond measure to make your dreams happen, without permission from anyone!Danielle Robay is a TV host, journalist, and content creator known for her open-hearted + compelling interview style. Dubbed the Queen of Questions she also added founder to her resume. Danielle Robay is a TV host, journalist, and content creator known for her open-hearted + compelling interview style. Dubbed the Queen of Questions she also added founder to her resume with her best selling card game "Question Everything." Named a “game changer” by Forbes, Danielle is best recognized as host and co-executive producer (alongside Reese Witherspoon) of Bookmarked from Hello Sunshine, as well as the host of the podcast QUESTION EVERYTHING, and E!’s While You Were Streaming. Just like her mentor Larry King, Danielle has interviewed Hollywood icons, Fortune 500 CEOs, politicians, entrepreneurs, and cultural thought leaders. She’s spent over 8,000 hours in professional, elevated conversation—gathering wisdom the way some people collect concert tees: with intention, style, a little humor, and a story behind each one. She is also a proud Gloria Steinem Endowed Fellow in Media, Culture, and Feminist Studies, a distinction that reflects her commitment to storytelling that challenges, connects, and empowers. Her mission? To help us live better by learning through each other’s stories. Website:<a href="https://www.daniellerobay.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://www.daniellerobay.com/ </a>Purchase "Question Everything" Card Game: <a href="https://questioneverythingshop.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://questioneverythingshop.com/</a> This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://kelleykitley.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_1" rel="noopener noreferrer">kelleykitley.substack.com</a>

#2 Danielle Robay: Media Personality, Content Creator, Host & Moderator

The fourth episode of ‘The Bear’ released this week and Kelley Kitley goes on location with Chris Zucchero, the son of the Original Mr. Beef. ‘The Bear’ which has won four Emmy Awards is based on his story. Christopher Storer, Screenwriter, director, and producer of ‘The Bear’ is a childhood friend. Zucchero holds nothing back in this interview and shares his experience, strength, and hope with addiction.Summer, 2025: Kelley and Chris’ interview on-site at Mr. Beef, Chicago. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://kelleykitley.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">kelleykitley.substack.com</a>

The fourth episode of ‘The Bear’ released this week and Kelley Kitley goes on location with Chris Zucchero, the son of the Original Mr. Beef. ‘The Bear’ which has won four Emmy Awards is based on his story. Christopher Storer, Screenwriter, director, and producer of ‘The Bear’ is a childhood friend. Zucchero holds nothing back in this interview and shares his experience, strength, and hope with addiction. Summer, 2025: Kelley and Chris’ interview on-site at Mr. Beef, Chicago. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com

The fourth episode of ‘The Bear’ released this week and Kelley Kitley goes on location with Chris Zucchero, the son of the Original Mr. Beef. ‘The Bear’ which has won four Emmy Awards is based on his story. Christopher Storer, Screenwriter, director, and producer of ‘The Bear’ is a childhood friend. Zucchero holds nothing back in this interview and shares his experience, strength, and hope with addiction.Summer, 2025: Kelley and Chris’ interview on-site at Mr. Beef, Chicago. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://kelleykitley.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_1" rel="noopener noreferrer">kelleykitley.substack.com</a>

#1 'The Bear': Mr. Beef, A Chicago Legend

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