Between the Laugh Lines: Reclaim Your Confidence & Identity

Beauty advice from one stranger. Money advice from another. Identity pep talks from a third. Sound familiar? Most women are piecing together their confidence from three different corners of the internet and wondering why none of it sticks. In this episode, I unpack the three lanes of Between the Laugh Lines: Honest Beauty, Money Truth, and Identity in Progress and I explain why they belong in the same conversation from the same woman. I break down what a CPA actually is (the 4 main areas) versus a financial advisor (they're not the same thing and most people don't know the difference), why your skincare routine is confidence infrastructure and not vanity, and what Identity in Progress really means when you're still figuring out what you want to be when you grow up, regardless of your age! If you're the woman managing everyone else's life while tip toeing around her own beauty, her budget, and who she is ready to reclaim; this episode was built for you! Between the Laugh Lines is the podcast for women who are done feeling invisible and ready for honest conversations about what's on their bathroom counter, who they're becoming, and even what's in their bank account. Hosted by Deb of The Reclaim Concierge™. New episodes drop regularly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many other platforms. Follow @thedishwithdeb on Instagram. DM the word RECLAIM for a free copy of The Reclaim Blueprint™. Get started today!

What if feeling happy again wasn’t about a major life overhaul but instead about paying attention to what’s already there? This week, I sit down with Brielle Neumann, founder of Smile Stories: The Movement, an award-winning social impact brand built on one surprisingly powerful question: What made you smile today? What started as a Post-It wall in a corporate job that didn’t fit, has grown into school programs, public installations at Penn Station and Union Square in NYC, and a kindness movement reaching people worldwide. In this honest conversation, Brielle and I dig into what it actually costs to stay in a life that looks fine on the outside, what it takes to build something real from scratch with no blueprint and no backup plan, and why reclaiming your happiness isn’t a luxury. It’s the foundation everything else gets built on. In this episode: Why smiling is free, science-backed, and wildly underused by adults! What Brielle walked away from to build this, and what it actually felt like in real time The honest hard part that the Instagram version never shows Why happiness and confidence are more connected than most people realize The one question that might tell you more about yourself than a year of therapy If you’ve been going through the motions and wondering when you get to feel like yourself again; this one’s for you! CONNECT WITH BRIELLE 📲 Instagram: @smilestories.themovement 🌐 Website: www.smilestoriesthemovement.com   Ready to get The Reclaim Blueprint™ ; The free framework to help you rebuild confidence and clarity, starting exactly where you are? 📲 DM RECLAIM to @thedishwithdeb on Instagram 📍 Instagram: @thedishwithdeb   Between the Laugh Lines is the podcast for women who are done feeling invisible and ready for honest conversations about beauty, confidence, and who they actually are right now. Hosted by Deb, a CPA who carried personal debt, a beauty obsessive who did the research, and a sandwich generation survivor building something real in the throes of a very full life. No hustle culture. No toxic positivity. Just truth, delivered warm.  Follow the show on Podbean | Apple Podcasts | Spotify  

There’s a version of midlife nobody warns you about, the one where you’re doing everything right and still feel like nobody sees you. Yup, that was me! In this episode, I stop dancing around it and gets honest about what Between the Laugh Lines is really about, why I avoided talking about money for eighteen episodes despite being a CPA, and what finally made me stop hiding. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought “I don’t even recognize her anymore”,this is where that changes.   Between the Laugh Lines is the podcast for women who are done feeling invisible and ready for honest conversations about what’s on their bathroom counter, who they’re becoming, and — even what’s in their bank account. Hosted by Deb of The Reclaim Concierge™. New episodes drop regularly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean. Follow @thedishwithdeb on Instagram. DM the word RECLAIM on any post for a free copy of The Reclaim Blueprint™.  

Sandwich generation survival isn't a phrase; it's a daily reality for women in midlife. You're raising kids, managing a career, and now your aging parent needs you in a way you weren't prepared for. A diagnosis. A fall. A stroke. Suddenly you're the one making the calls, breaking the rules in rehab facilities, and Googling medical terms at 2 a.m. while everyone around you assumes you've got it handled. This is exactly the kind of invisible, identity-shifting season Between the Laugh Lines was built for. In this episode, I sit down with my friend Jean Gibbs, Air Force military wife, mother of two boys, and founder of the Pathways Stroke Foundation, for an honest conversation about caregiving a parent when the system isn't built to support you or them. In December 2012, Jean's mother Agnes suffered a massive stroke that left her with aphasia, apraxia and hemiplegia. A doctor walked in with no emotion and said she'd never speak again. Jean spent the next eight years proving him wrong — and quietly building something extraordinary out of the hardest chapter of her life. Here's what you'll walk away with: Why patient advocacy is non-negotiable when a loved one can't speak for themselves, and how to start, even when you're terrified The "tribe" framework: who you actually need around you (hint: it's not just family) and how to ask for help without apologizing What nobody tells you about caregiver burnout, and Jean's unfiltered "no drama, have faith, take care of you" rule for staying upright! If you're the woman holding everyone together and wondering when someone's going to hold you, this episode is your reminder that you're not alone, you're not doing it wrong, and you don't have to keep performing strength you don't feel. Caregiving doesn't just rearrange your calendar. It rearranges who you are. There's a version of this season where you're still you at the end of it — rebuilding your confidence, reclaiming your identity, and finding clarity on what comes next. Jean is proof. Find Jean here- @pathwaysstroke, www.strokepath.org and on Youtube- Pathways Kitchen. _______________________ Between the Laugh Lines is the podcast for women who are done feeling invisible and ready for honest conversations about what's on their bathroom counter, who they're becoming, and — even what's in their bank account. Hosted by Deb of The Reclaim Concierge™. New episodes drop regularly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean, etc. Follow @thedishwithdeb on Instagram. DM the word RECLAIM for a free copy of The Reclaim Blueprint™

Amy Nikolai spent decades measuring her confidence by other people's feedback. In her 50s, that finally changed; and what she built in the process is extraordinary! On her own at 17. No college degree. A career built on being the person who executes. Then her daughter's best friend was diagnosed with leukemia and passed away at 11 — and Amy's life shifted permanently. She co-founded the Olivia Hope Foundation, taught herself nonprofit management, raised over a million dollars, and secured a first-of-its-kind partnership with Cohen Children's Medical Center. All as a volunteer. All while navigating menopause, marriage, motherhood, and her own emotional reckoning. In this episode, Amy and I talk about what confidence looks like when it stops being about performance, how OCD and "laser focus" became her operational strengths, and why the women who feel most underqualified are often the most capable. If you're in progress — this conversation will remind you that's exactly where you're supposed to be. 🎗️ oliviahope.org OHF2026.givesmart.com for tickets to the annual gala @oliviahopefoundation Between the Laugh Lines is the podcast for women who are done feeling invisible and ready for honest conversations about who they're becoming, what's on their bathroom counter, and what's in their bank account. Hosted by Deb creator of The Reclaim Concierge. New episodes drop regularly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Podbean. Follow @thedishwithdeb on Instagram. DM the word RECLAIM for a free copy of The Reclaim Blueprint™.

Most of us know we should have a will… but thinking about death, paperwork, and “what if” conversations can feel heavy and overwhelming. In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Jill Mastroianni, lawyer and host of the Death Readiness Podcast, to make estate planning feel clear, doable, and empowering, not scary. We cover: The plain-English difference between a will vs. a trust The biggest estate planning mistakes families make (and how to avoid them) What “death readiness” actually means and why it’s really about peace of mind The simplest first steps you can take this week (even if you’ve been avoiding it for years) If you’ve been telling yourself “I’ll deal with it later,” this is your gentle nudge to handle it now, so your future self (and your family) can breathe easier. Next step: hit play, and when you’re done, send this episode to the person you’d want beside you in an emergency. And if you want more episodes that blend confidence, clarity, and real-life systems, follow Between the Laugh Lines so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Here are some links to all the relevant shows Jill referred to in this episode: Episode 17: How Powers of Attorney Work, When to use them, and When it's too Late to Get One Episode 19: Why You Need (or Don't Need) a Trust Episode 22: What Every Parent Needs to Know When Their Child Turns 18 Episode 38: Why You Need (or Don't Need) a Will   For all the helpful tools Jill mentioned: www.deathreadiness.com  🎧 About the show: Between the Laugh Lines is where laughter meets life’s lessons. I’m Deb (Gen X, CPA/MBA, lifelong beauty + lifestyle lover), sharing honest conversations and simple routines that help you rebuild confidence, clarity, and identity in your “right now” season. ✅ Follow the show so you don’t miss new episodes. ⭐️ If this episode helped you, leave a quick review it helps other women find us. 📩 Want to connect or suggest a topic? DM me on Instagram @thedishwithdeb. Disclaimer: This episode is for education and encouragement only and is not legal, medical, or financial advice.

What if the secret to lasting success in business isn't working harder — it's working smarter, with more confidence and less chaos? In this episode of Between the Laugh Lines, host Deb sits down with entrepreneur and business coach Renee Stribbell, who has spent 23+ years building businesses — and helping other women do the same. After transitioning from mortgage broker to business coach, Renee has made it her mission to help women break free from hustle culture and step into their power with clarity, confidence, and a strategy that actually works. Renee opens up about the role mentorship played in her growth, how hypnotherapy became an unexpected game-changer for overcoming anxiety in business, and why having a clear strategy is the #1 thing that separates thriving entrepreneurs from overwhelmed ones. In this episode, you'll discover: Why hustle culture is holding women entrepreneurs back — and what to do instead How confidence and clarity become your most powerful business tools The surprising way hypnotherapy can help you overcome anxiety and self-doubt Why public speaking is a learnable skill — and how to start building it now Whether you're just starting out or you've been in the entrepreneurial game for years, this conversation is your permission slip to ditch the grind and build a business (and life) that actually feels good. 🎧 Hit play and let's dive in. Connect with Renee Stribbell: reneestribbell.ca To stay connected with me, subscribe to the show so you get access to the latest episodes. Rate and share the show with your friends! Follow me on Instagram @thedishwithdeb Find more resources at https://stan.store/thedishwithdeb  Interested to be a guest: email me at [email protected] 

This episode is the practical follow-up to Part 1, where Jen shared how she always knew hair was her calling. Here, the conversation turns to what she’s learned through years of hands-on experience behind the chair. In this episode, we talk honestly about hair care without the pressure—what’s worth paying attention to, what’s not, and how to build a routine that actually works in everyday life. It’s a grounded, realistic conversation for women who want healthier hair without chasing trends. 💇‍♀️ You’ll hear about: Simple, sustainable hair care routines How hairstylists really think about hair health What to keep, what to skip, and why Small changes that make a noticeable difference Jen also shares more about her partnership with WigsForKids.org and why giving back through her work matters — visit their site to learn more. Connect with me on Instagram @thedishwithdeb for beauty, lifestyle, and real conversations. And check out all of Jen's work @hairbyjenniferlyn Find free resources and curated beauty favorites at https://stan.store/thedishwithdeb. You can always reach me at [email protected]. If this episode resonated, please follow, rate, and share Between the Laugh Lines to help others find it too.

What does it actually take to start a beauty business with no full expert trained experience, no salon suite, and zero roadmap? In this episode of Between the Laugh Lines, I sit down with a young nail technician who launched her business at a table in her sorority house—and has since built a thriving, consistent service-based beauty business from her parents' home. This is the real story of turning a side skill into sustainable income, one client at a time. If you've ever wondered how to start a nail business, build a beauty service from scratch, or turn your creative skill into consistent revenue—this conversation breaks it all down without the highlight reel. What We Cover: How to start a nail business with minimal investment Building a professional beauty business from unconventional spaces (dorm rooms, home setups) The unglamorous truth about early entrepreneurship—imperfect, messy, and real How to build client trust, professionalism, and repeat bookings when you're just starting out Pricing strategy, boundaries, and confidence for new service providers Lessons every entrepreneur needs—whether you're 20 or 40 This episode is for the woman who's tired of waiting for permission, perfection, or the "perfect time" to start. Whether you're launching a nail business, lash business, esthetics practice, or any service-based beauty brand—you'll walk away with practical insight and proof that you can build something meaningful with what you have right now. Perfect for: aspiring nail techs, beauty entrepreneurs, service-based business owners, women starting side hustles, and anyone building confidence in their craft. 🌿 Let's stay connected. Follow me on Instagram @thedishwithdeb for beauty business tips, lifestyle content, and real conversations. Grab free resources at stan.store/thedishwithdeb. Questions? Email me at [email protected]. 💬 If this episode gave you the push you needed, hit follow, leave a rating, and share it with a friend building something of her own. Every share helps more women find Between the Laugh Lines—where we educate, entertain, and inspire without the fluff.

Some people stumble into their calling. Others know it all along. In this episode of Between the Laugh Lines, I'm candidly speaking with my neighbor, friend and longtime hairstylist Jen for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, intuition, and the quiet knowing that led her into the world of hair. Long before trends, social media, or “career plans,” Jen recognized her strengths and followed them—evolving her craft through determination, curiosity, and hands-on experience. This Part 1 conversation focuses on the why: how creativity shows up early, how trusting yourself can shape a career, and why hair is often about identity, emotion, and transformation—not just appearance. ✨ In this episode: What it feels like to know you’re meant for something How creativity evolves when you trust your gut & strengths Why hair is deeply personal (and emotional) The foundation behind the expertise you’ll hear in Part 2 🎧 Part 2 dives into the how — practical, simplified hair guidance for real life.   Let’s stay connected! Follow me on Instagram @thedishwithdeb for beauty, lifestyle, and real-life conversations and insights. Find free resources & more in my Stan Store: https://stan.store/thedishwithdeb Have a thought for an episode or a question? Email me at [email protected]. If this episode resonated, please follow, rate, and share Between the Laugh Lines—it helps more women discover conversations that educate, entertain, and inspire!  As always, thank you!

In this short episode, I go straight into why women (of all ages!!) hesitate to “rip off the band-aid” in life — whether it’s starting something new, ending what’s not working, or finally choosing themselves. If you struggle with overthinking, overwhelm, confidence dips, or feeling stuck in the “almost,” this conversation will help you find clarity, courage, and a grounded next step. I will break down simply the psychology behind hesitation and the emotional load modern women carry.  This episode teaches you how to move from avoidance to clarity using simple, doable steps. Perfect for women navigating midlife reinvention, confidence, and self-trust. Let's go! Follow me @thedishwithdeb  Email me with questions or topics you want to hear about: [email protected]  Keep the conversation going!! If this episode hit home, please follow, leave a review and share Between the Laugh Lines with your bestie!  You can help more women discover confidence, clarity and honest conversations that truly matter!

Celebrity makeup artist Andrea Miller joins me for an inspiring, candid conversation about beauty, confidence, and the craft behind her career in TV, film, and red-carpet artistry. From her early beginnings to the meaningful relationships she’s formed behind the brush, Andrea opens up about how she built her path in the beauty world—and why confidence always matters more than contour. Together, we will break down real-life makeup routines for Gen X and Millennial women, how to simplify beauty in an overwhelming industry, and the products that actually make a difference as we age gracefully. This is a conversation full of wisdom, laughter, honesty, and real beauty tips that anyone can practice. 💄 In This Episode: • Andrea’s story: how she built a career behind the brush • Behind-the-scenes moments from TV & red carpet work • Makeup tips women 35+ can use today • What to keep, what to skip, and what’s worth investing in • Why beauty is emotional—and why confidence is the real glow-up ✨ Grab One of My Goodstuff Guides → link is below for my Stan Store! Let’s stay connected! Follow me on Instagram: @thedishwithdeb Explore my free guides & resources: https://stan.store/thedishwithdeb Email me anytime: [email protected] If this episode inspired you, please follow, leave a review, and share Between the Laugh Lines—it helps more women discover confidence, clarity, and honest conversations that truly matter.  

It’s midterm season or just past it—the grades, the stress, the homesickness! But what should families really be doing right now? In this episode, I break it down with empathy and humor, offering a simple framework every college family can use. If you’re a parent wondering what questions to ask, how to offer support, or when to just listen—this one’s for you! Help your student finish strong. Confidence for you, clarity for them—that’s the goal. 💡 Highlights: The "3 C's" of midterm success: communication, confidence and calm Discussions on academics, next year's housing, finances and mental well-being Tips for resetting routines, mindset, and expectations before the semester ends 💌 Let’s stay connected: If this episode resonated with you, send me an email anytime at @thedishwithdeb Visit my Stan Store for free guides and resources at https://stan.store/thedishwithdeb,  🎧 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share Between the Laugh Lines—it helps more friends find the confidence, laughter, and life lessons we all need.

Parenting a child with ADD or ADHD can feel like a wild mix of love, lessons, and laughter—and no two days are the same. In this heartfelt episode of Between the Laugh Lines, I sit down with my dear friend Danielle for an open, honest conversation about what it’s really like raising boys with ADD and ADHD. Together, we share their experiences as moms navigating school systems, advocating for their sons, and balancing faith, patience, and humor through it all. Whether you’re a parent walking the same road or simply need a reminder that you’re doing better than you think, this episode will leave you encouraged and confident in your own journey. 💬 In this episode: Real talk about the highs and lows of raising boys with ADD/ADHD Lessons to advocate for your child with confidence and grace Faith, friendship, and finding laughter in the chaos The beauty of progress—not perfection—in parenting 🎧 Tune in for comfort, encouragement, and a few good laughs. 📲 Connect with Deb: Instagram: @thedishwithdeb Stan Store: https://stan.store/thedishwithdeb 💌 Email: [email protected] ✨ Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share to help other parents find the confidence they deserve!

Feeling overwhelmed by beauty products, influencers, and endless routines? You’re not alone — and this episode is your permission slip to simplify. In this episode of Between the Laugh Lines, I break down how to reclaim your confidence and your counter space by cutting through the beauty clutter. From skincare basics and makeup must-haves, to the simple wellness habits that actually make you glow, you’ll learn how to create a routine that fits your real life — not a TikTok trend. 💄 What You’ll Learn: How to simplify your routine to just the essentials that actually work The 3 makeup products to get me out the door Hair and nail habits that boost your confidence instantly The inside-out wellness practices that make your beauty routine effortless Why confidence—not products—is the real glow-up ✨ Mentioned in this episode: Grab your -Low Maintenance-High Confidence Skincare guide— your quick-start plan to simplify beauty and feel confident again. 👉https://stan.store/thedishwithdeb  📲 Connect with me: Instagram: @thedishwithdeb 💌 DM me or email me at [email protected] — I’d love to hear your thoughts or see your simplified routine! 🎧 Don’t forget to share with your friends and leave a review — your feedback helps more women find the show and feel confident in their own skin!

Confidence grows when we own every stage of our journey.  In this episode, my neighbor and friend- an entrepreneur herself, a wife of a former Marine and a mom to a HS junior girl (oh the drama)- shares how faith anchors her family, her organizing business and her service to the community.  We also talk candidly about her perimenopause journey and how she's struggled with the confidence to overcome the "flow" changes. She doesn't just organize other people's spaces- she organizes her life with a side of confidence. Press play now for a conversation that blends real talk with inspiration for women trying to balance it all. For organization assistance- Micheline Dalia Designs- www.michelinedalia.com Share this episode and write a review to help me grow! Want to be a guest, email me at [email protected] with the subject: GUEST  For all the beauty product reviews, find me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedishwithdeb For all my free products, go to https://stan.store/thedishwithdeb          

Gen X vs. Gen Z — two generations, two very different upbringings. In this episode of Between the Laugh Lines, I’m joined by my sister-in-law to share stories from our childhoods as Gen X kids and reflect on how those experiences shape the way we parent our Gen Z children today. From growing up without cell phones to raising kids who are never without one- we talk about resilience, independence, the role of mobile phones, and trying our best to raise kids who are confident and prepared for the real world. If you’ve been reflecting on your own parenting style, or just want a nostalgic look back at the “free-range” Gen X years versus the always-connected Gen Z era, this honest and entertaining conversation is packed with laughs, real talk, and lessons worth carrying forward. 🎙 Press play now and join us as we explore some ideas on how to parent in a way that builds confidence, courage, and resilience in today’s kids. Please share, like and review the episode!  Email me at [email protected] with your parenting tips and tricks or questions that you want answered! For more real beauty reviews and product suggestions, find me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedishwithdeb    Link to the Roadmap Rebellion HALF-OFF limited time offer- check it out here https://stan.store/thedishwithdeb  NOTES from the episode: Book mentioned- The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey Quote from the episode: "Comparison is the thief of joy"- a phrase attributed to Theodore Roosevelt.  

July 4th brought more than fireworks this year-the Big Beautiful Bill is changing student loans! In this episode, I'm breaking down the new law as simply as possible, sharing how the college landscape is shifting fast and offering some practical(and sanity-saving) move-in tips for families.  If you’re a parent or student feeling overwhelmed, press play. You’re not behind — you’re just in time.  Whether you're sending off a freshman or managing the financial aid loan process, this episode has your back! Want the freebie bundle? Email me at [email protected] with "Cheat Sheet" in the subject to get your one-pager summaries on the Federal loan changes, a move-in checklist and a college department guide. Don't forget to follow the show, share this episode with your friends tackling the same obstacles and of course leave a review. Connect with me either via email above or through Instagram @thedishwithdeb Thanks!  

Took a week off but back on the mic! Duly Noted-there's a little audio hiccup at the end... because just like life, podcasting is messy and real. In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my longtime friend as she opens up about life after her husband's SCA6 diagnosis. We start at her love story and well, end with the love story! From unexpected challenges to finding strength in the everyday, my friend opens up about her journey and how's she's finding grace through grief, paperwork and everything in between.  If you're supporting someone through illness, this is your gentle reminder, you're doing better than you think and you're not alone! If you're interested in receiving my free Family Illness Practical Checklist as mentioned in the episode or just want to ask questions, comment or share your story, email me at [email protected] For more real Beauty Reviews, find me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedishwithdeb Share this episode and write a review, it helps me grow !       

Welcome back friends! This episode is a little longer but well worth the listen if you are someone who needs support and a little nudge to take a chance.  Whether that be starting a new job, going on a website to find a "match", to believing in yourself that anything is possible at any age.  My dear friend of over 35 years is here to talk about all the steps that she took after her husband of three years said he wanted a divorce!  That was the point that instead of sinking into herself and being sad, she pivoted and took the chance on herself to get out there- literally- around the world! Join us as we go through her journey over the last 20 years, in only an hour, to see and believe that anything is possible.    To get a free 30 minute coaching session, email [email protected] and be sure to reference Between the Laugh Lines in the subject.  Check out her website at EEqualswhy.com for more information.   To reach me, email [email protected] to ask questions or pitch yourself to be on the podcast.    My three suggestions for moisturizers for the spring season change up are: AM- No. 7 HydraLuminous+ Hydrating Gel- Low Clinque Moisture Surge- Med Stripes Dew As I Do- High   I'm here to help you! Between the Laugh Lines is a podcast where beauty, real life, and purpose come together. It’s for women navigating midlife, entrepreneurship, or simply the everyday chaos — still growing, still glowing, and still laughing through it all. I share honest stories, beauty tips that go beyond skin deep, and spotlight women entrepreneurs and causes that deserve the mic. It’s warm, relatable, and real — the kind of listen that leaves you feeling seen, inspired, and ready to pay it forward. I want to help you grow!  

Welcome to the very first episode of Between the Laugh Lines! In this debut, I’m introducing the heart behind the podcast- where beauty, real life and laughter come together- and sharing some personal reflections as a mom of college boys. I’ll also dish out practical advice on navigating the college acceptance journey with some insider perspective. Whether you are a fellow parent, student or just here for the real talk, you’re in the right place. Here's the link to the get the template I refer to in this episode to help you estimate your college costs: https://stan.store/thedishwithdeb Connect with me at [email protected] or if you have questions on the template or have other ideas for what you want to hear episodes on. Or reach out to me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedishwithdeb