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.

In this episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, Liz Brohan and Mary Olivieri sit down with Cindy Greenglass — marketing leader, educator, and passionate board member of Honor Flight Chicago — for a powerful conversation about veteran advocacy, service, and purpose.

Cindy shares the mission of Honor Flight Chicago, the largest Honor Flight program in the country, which has flown more than 12,000 World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam veterans to Washington, D.C. for a deeply moving “day of honor.” The experience often becomes a catalyst for healing, gratitude, and storytelling — especially for Vietnam veterans who were never thanked when they returned home.

Beyond the flights, the organization now engages students and communities through Operation Education and veteran-story podcasts, helping younger generations understand the reality — not just the history — of military service. Cindy also highlights the powerful ripple effect on families, volunteers, and everyday people who witness the welcome-home celebrations.

She reminds us that service comes in many forms — donations, time, skills, or simply thanking a veteran. And sometimes, saying “yes” to service unlocks unexpected passion and purpose. This inspiring conversation is a reminder that honoring those who served is about connection, gratitude, and humanity — and that every one of us has the power to make a difference.

3 Resources or References Mentioned

• Honor Flight Chicago — https://www.honorflightchicago.org
• Operation Education (Honor Flight Chicago classroom program) — via Honor Flight Chicago
• Department of Defense Information School (DINFOS) — https://www.dinfos.dma.mil

Highlight Quotes

1. “A simple ‘thank you for your service’ can light up a veteran’s world — sometimes it’s the first time they’ve ever heard it.”
2. “Honor Flight isn’t just a trip. It’s healing, storytelling, and a ripple of gratitude that spreads across generations.”
3. “Service doesn’t always mean writing a check. Sometimes it’s your time, your talent — or your voice — that changes lives.”

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

In this lively episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, hosts Liz Brohan and Mary Olivieri dive into the complex, hilarious, and often exhausting world of modern love — and why more people are choosing to outsource it. Their guest, Lisa Goodman, a powerhouse matchmaker and VP at Selective Search, pulls back the curtain on why matchmaking isn’t old-fashioned at all — it’s strategic, safe, efficient, and deeply human.

Lisa explains why dating apps leave people emotionally drained, overwhelmed by choice, and worried about their safety — and how professional matchmaking flips the script with vetted introductions, personal coaching, and post-date feedback. She walks listeners through why more men than women invest in matchmaking, why quality singles are so hard to meet “in the wild,” and why being open-minded is the #1 rule in modern dating.

Packed with real success stories (including one woman who said “absolutely not” to a match — and then married him), this episode reminds us that perfection is an illusion, the right fit matters more than the right photo, and sometimes the best investment you can make… is in your love life.

🔗 Resources

1. Selective Search Matchmaking – https://www.selectivesearch.com
2. Film: Am I OK? (Dakota Johnson) / “The Materialists” reference
3. Bumble Dating App – https://bumble.com

💬Highlight Quotes

1. “Stop looking for the perfect person — start looking for the perfect fit. There’s a lid for every pot.”
2. “Dating apps give you endless options; matchmakers give you the right ones.”
3. “Be open, say yes, and get out of your own way — love rarely shows up exactly how you expect.”

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

In this gripping episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, Liz and Mary sit down with former FBI agent, author, and mental-toughness expert LaRae Quy—a woman whose unlikely journey from a remote cattle ranch in Wyoming to the halls of Quantico shaped a lifetime of resilience, adaptability, and emotional mastery.

LaRae walks listeners through the surprising through-line between ranch life, undercover work, and studying theology: the ability to understand yourself deeply and manage your emotions under pressure. She reframes mental toughness not as bravado or stoicism, but as emotional awareness paired with intentional action. Through dramatic stories—including a harrowing undercover encounter, a 20-foot dive with an M16 despite her fear of water, and her first solo arrest—LaRae shows how clarity, authenticity, and mindset can change outcomes in even the most dangerous moments.

Listeners learn why self-awareness is the bedrock of courage, how to counter fear with five positive thoughts, and why authenticity is the most powerful tool in both field operations and boardrooms. LaRae’s lessons remind us that mental toughness isn’t loud—it’s strategic, grounded, and available to all of us.

Resources Mentioned

• Secrets of a Strong Mind by LaRae Quy
• Mental Toughness for Women Leaders by LaRae Quy
• The Mental Toughness Center – LaRaeQuy.com

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

Show Notes – “Flipping the Script on Imposter Syndrome”
Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women Podcast

In this episode, hosts Liz Brohan and Mary Olivieri tackle a feeling most women know all too well—imposter syndrome. Joined by powerhouse guests Chris Harrington, Erin Courtney, and Lori Hghby hosts of The Broadcast for Manufacturers podcast, the group dives deep into how this self-doubt shows up, why it’s normal, and how to turn it into a source of strength.

From faking it till you make it (but not really) to embracing the word “yet” as a growth mindset tool, these leaders share honest stories—from standing in front of C-suite executives to teaching college classes unprepared—and the lessons that helped them push through. Their wisdom? Preparation, community, gratitude, and giving yourself permission to belong.

Whether you’re leading a team, starting a business, or stepping into a new role, this episode will help you flip that inner critic into an ally.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Broadcast for Manufacturers podcast – thebroadcastpodcast.com
• Carol Dweck’s Mindset: The New Psychology of Success – penguinrandomhouse.com
• StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath – gallup.com

Highlight Quotes:

1. “If you feel imposter syndrome, it means you’re growing—lean into it.” – Chris Harrington
2. “Add the word ‘yet’ to your doubts. You can’t do it… yet.” – Liz Brohan
3. “Show up, do the work, and leave people better than you found them.” – Lori Highby

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

In this inspiring episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, hosts Liz Brohan and Marie Newman sit down with award-winning journalist and filmmaker Mercedes Kane to explore the art of authentic storytelling, empathy, and trust-building. Mercedes—whose documentaries include Art and Pep and Breakfast at Ina’s—shares how vulnerability and genuine curiosity are key to capturing truth on camera.

She discusses the making of Art and Pep, a moving portrayal of two Chicago LGBTQ+ activists and life partners who faced COVID together after decades of advocacy. Mercedes reveals how listening deeply, leading with empathy, and co-creating trust with her subjects turn everyday moments into extraordinary human stories.

The conversation also previews her new project on Picher, Oklahoma, a town displaced by environmental disaster, and the community’s resilience expressed through an annual Christmas parade.

Listeners will walk away with powerful lessons about collaboration, courage, and the transformative impact of listening.

Resources Mentioned / References:

Art and Pep Documentary – Daisy May Films

Breakfast at Ina’s Documentary

National Geographic: “Memory Choirs” by Mercedes Kane

💬 Highlight Quotes :

“The best stories aren’t found—they’re co-created through empathy, trust, and deep listening.” — Mercedes Kane 🎬✨

“Vulnerability is the bridge to truth. When people feel safe, their real story unfolds.” 💛 #KickAssWomen

“The magic of storytelling lies in revealing how much more alike we are than different.” 🌍🎥 #WordsOfWisdomPod

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