Connecting Our Stories

Expressing vulnerability doesn't come easily to many of us, Charlotte included. But in this episode, she opens up to Lauren about a couple of parts of herself that she's aimed to keep private. The final verdict? Being vulnerable is liberating, there's power in noticing someone's pain and jumping in to help, and cake can be the sweet thread that connects us all.

Former middle school principal Matt Pope shares a poignant student story that has stuck with him over the years. (There’s a plot twist!) He later describes the pivot point on his journey from school leader to entrepreneur, and delivers a master class on releasing fear and owning your value to expand into your purpose. Take it straight from the “Pope” about how amazing you are!

"Hard work." It's the American way — so much of our self-worth is tied to how much we can produce. But does that daily grind keep us from leaning into our gifts? Lauren recently heard Brené Brown speak at a conference about team dynamics, why it’s hard to follow what the research points to, and yes, the grind. She knew she had to dig into these ideas and more with Charlotte.

Anne and Victoria join Charlotte and Lauren—four very different women whose wisdom, passion, and talents are woven together to create the Connecting Our Stories team. Hear how Project Runway, Taylor Swift, Hamilton, and evading the Federales have inspired them to work and grow together.

In a world that tells us we must always be moving, it’s hard to get rolling sometimes. And, that’s okay. Charlotte and Lauren discuss how embarrassingly small steps can build momentum so that before you know it, you’ve created something pretty big.

Lauren and Charlotte get to bask in the aura of Austin pastor, convener, and artist Pastor Jennifer Cumberbatch, founder of Full Measure—an organization that uses teaching, counseling, and the arts to foster mental and spiritual well-being. This sage truth-teller shares her thoughts about moral beauty, collective effervescence, the power of inspiration, and why she’ll never stop creating.

Lauren and Charlotte connected a decade ago, forging a friendship rooted in honesty and anchored in deep, meaningful conversations. Now, they’re launching a podcast! Who are these free-spirited storytellers? What poignant verse inspires them in their creative, entrepreneurial life? And, why they believe thrashing down a raging river with the current can sometimes bring peace.