In this episode of Words of Wisdom From Kick-Ass Women, hosts Liz Brohan and Mary Olivieri tackle one of the most talked-about—and misunderstood—topics in modern work and life: boundaries. They’re joined by Rachel, a successful content creator, Twitch panelist, and Top 50 TikTok streaming creator, who brings a candid, real-world perspective from the front lines of online communities, creative work, and leadership.

Rachel shares how boundaries shape the way people treat you, why they’re a form of self-love, and how failing to set them can lead to burnout, resentment, and lost identity—especially for recovering people-pleasers. The conversation explores parasocial relationships, oversharing online, navigating fan expectations, and setting firm but kind limits without losing connection. Rachel also opens up about learning to rest, listening to her body, and recognizing that people who resist boundaries are often the ones benefiting from their absence.

Together, the hosts and Rachel discuss releasing relationships that no longer serve you, communicating boundaries clearly (especially in neurodiverse spaces), and redefining—not ending—relationships when needed. The episode wraps with a fun “keep it or tweak it” boundary game, reinforcing one powerful takeaway: healthy boundaries don’t push people away—they protect your energy, your worth, and your future.

Resources & References Mentioned

1. TwitchCon – Industry conference for streamers and creators
2. TikTok Top 50 Streaming Creators List – Recognition referenced in Rachel’s career
3. Forbes – Mentioned as a perceived authority used to reinforce boundaries in professional settings

Tweet-Length Highlight Quotes

1. “Boundaries are self-love. The people most upset by them are usually the ones benefiting from their absence.”
2. “You can be kind, polite, and firm at the same time—boundaries don’t require being harsh.”

“The world won’t stop turning if you rest. You’re allowed to refill your cup.”

You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

In this episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, hosts Liz Brohan and Mary Olivieri welcome marketing powerhouse turned entrepreneur Meg Goodman, CEO and founder of Flint Rock Studios. Meg shares a candid, funny, and deeply human conversation about what it really means to “be ready for success”—especially when you don’t know exactly what’s coming next.

Drawing from a career that spans radio (including Chicago’s WXRT), award-winning leadership in the Chicago Association of Direct Marketing, and founding her own studio, Meg reframes readiness as confidence, curiosity, and connection—not perfection. She emphasizes trusting cumulative experience, asking for help, and avoiding “analysis paralysis,” while embracing small, situational wins along the way.

The conversation dives into defining success on your own terms, navigating sexism with grace and gravitas, and why mentorship and human connection still matter in a world of Google and AI. Meg also shares formative lessons from her father about risk, courage, and believing you can—lessons that fueled her leadership style rooted in humility, calm, and grace.

This episode is a reminder that success will come—and when it does, being open, prepared, and supported makes all the difference.

Resources & References Mentioned

1. Stephen Covey – Begin with the End in Mind
2. Chicago Association of Direct Marketing (CADM)
3. WXRT Chicago (Indie Rock Radio Station)

Highlight Quotes

1. “Being ready for success doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means trusting yourself enough to ask for help.”
2. “Gravitas, humility, and grace: confidence without ego, leadership without fear.”
3. “Success is situational. Sometimes it’s building a $20M company—sometimes it’s just finishing the mile.”

You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

In this heartfelt episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, host Liz Brohan is joined by special co-host Mary Tobiason—Ironman World Champion and founder of Movement Perfected—for a powerful conversation about identity, empathy, and finding your voice.

Their guests are award-winning children’s author Lori Orlinsky and her daughter Ellie, co-creators of the book Being Middle, which reclaims the often-misunderstood experience of being a middle child. What began as Ellie feeling “lost in the shuffle” between siblings became a collaborative, empowering storytelling journey that reframed the narrative from “stuck in the middle” to “I get to be in the middle.”

The conversation explores how literature can help children process big emotions, celebrate differences, and build confidence. Lori shares how her books—many inspired directly by her children—have resonated far beyond her own family, including deeply moving moments reading to patients at Lurie Children’s Hospital. Ellie, meanwhile, reflects on how the book helped her embrace her role as a bridge-builder, helper, and leader at school.

With humor, vulnerability, and wisdom from fellow middle children, this episode reminds parents, leaders, and kids alike that being seen—and truly listened to—can change everything.

📚 Resources & References Mentioned

1. Being Middle by Lori Orlinsky
2. Being Small by Lori Orlinsky
3. Lurie Children’s Hospital (Chicago)

Highlight Quotes

1. “You’re not stuck in the middle—you get to be in the middle. That’s power.” — Ellie
2. “Stop parenting the child you had and start parenting the child you have.” — Lori Orlinsky
3. “Everything in life is a ‘get to.’ Find the glimmers and choose gratitude.” — Mary Tobiason

You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.