Hard Turn

Join us for a powerful conversation with Jere Stille, a former Boeing executive and author of the memoir, When Left Turns Go Right. Jere shares his incredible life story, beginning with a very difficult and traumatic childhood. Hear how a transformative experience at age 19 helped him turn his life around, leading to professional success and a career that defied all expectations. Jere also opens up about his aggressive, rare cancer diagnosis, and the profound role of faith and mindset in overcoming his health battle and defying medical odds. This episode is a testament to the power of the mind to change your story and turn life's hardest "left turns" into incredible "right turns." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legendary Mariners broadcaster Rick Rizzs opens up about the season of a lifetime, the moments that shaped him, and the love that carried him through his greatest heartbreak. From the highs of an unforgettable Mariners run to the profound story of his son Nick, Rizzs shares a candid and emotional look at faith, family, and the game that’s defined his life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beth Hartsoch shares the story of her husband Jake's unexpected death during a solo mountain scramble. She emphasizes the crucial role that advance planning played in the immediate aftermath of the emergency, detailing the four essential pieces of information Jake provided her every time he went out. Beth, Kelly and Mary discuss how setting up systems like healthcare documents and financial beneficiaries is not just adult responsibility but a powerful act of love for your family. Beth's experience underscores the importance of being prepared, even for the unthinkable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Thanksgiving! Join Kelly and Mary for a special bonus episode of Hard Turn. The hosts kick off the holiday by discussing their perfect Thanksgiving foods. They then reflect on Season 2 guests, highlighting lessons learned from their guests. Kelly and Mary also share what they are personally thankful for this year, including a newfound sense of peace for Kelly and Mary's gratitude for her health. Don't miss this candid conversation as they turn the spotlight on themselves and look forward to the remaining guests this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly and Mary talk to Suzanne Allbee about the massive emotional and logistical challenge of decluttering, downsizing, and dealing with inherited belongings. Suzanne shares the personal "hard turn" that launched her into this work: helping her father, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, move from a large family home into a senior living community during the COVID-19 pandemic. She offers deep insights into the psychology behind why we hold onto things, detailing different "organizing profiles" like the Memory Keeper and the "Just-In-Case-er". Beyond the personal, the discussion tackles the large-scale cultural and economic shifts affecting how different generations relate to their possessions. Suzanne offers compassionate, actionable advice on how to start these difficult conversations with family members, especially aging parents, and how connecting old possessions to a charitable cause can be a massive motivator for letting go. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this raw and profoundly honest episode of Hard Turn, hosts Kelly Koopmans and Mary Nam sit down with Chezik Tsunoda, a mother who transformed her family's deepest tragedy into a mission for change. Chezik shares the heartbreak of losing her three-year-old son, Yori, to drowning on Mercer Island in 2018. This devastating hard turn fueled her creation of the nonprofit, No More Under, and the documentary, Drowning in Silence. Chezik discusses the lack of access and awareness surrounding water safety and swim lessons. The conversation delves into the complicated nature of grief, the struggle to be an active parent while processing an immense loss, and the powerful realization that her ceaseless advocacy would never bring Yori back. Ultimately, Chezik offers advice on holding onto hope and remembering that even the hardest moments in life "shall pass". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly and Mary sit down with Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes to explore the unexpected pivot that defined his career. Before leading a major police department, Barnes was a public school history teacher. He shares the powerful, heartbreaking story of a bright student who committed murder, revealing the moment he felt he "missed an opportunity to help." He talks about a conversation with a School Resource Officer that put him on the path to law enforcement and the philosophy of community policing. Chief Barnes discusses the hard truth about work-life balance for high performers , the value of preparation as a cure for anxiety , and his philosophical approach to leadership, paying attention to the seeds, not the flowers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly Koopmans and Mary Nam sit down with Katie Denniston for an astonishing story of resilience. While 23 weeks pregnant with her second child, Katie was diagnosed with a five-centimeter tumor on her brain shortly after her husband recovered from a collapsed lung. Katie found the inner strength to defer surgery until after giving birth to her daughter, Poppy. Through unwavering optimism, Katie defied medical expectations by having a full resection and ditching her walker days after surgery. Her journey highlights finding joy and a renewed faith while navigating her family's rapid changes. Katie's powerful story is an inspiration for anyone facing a sudden, massive challenge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicholas Ford shares the "hard turn" moment in his life when his son, Aloysius, was diagnosed with Down syndrome just five days after birth. Nicholas describes the initial shock as planning a trip to Italy but unexpectedly arriving in Holland. Now six, Aloysius is described as friendly, full of joy, and a hard worker. As both educators and parents, Nicholas and his wife Rachel are now driven to promote greater inclusion and belonging in schools, advocating for an environment where Aloysius and other neurodivergent children can thrive alongside their peers. He offers heartfelt advice to families facing a new diagnosis, encouraging them to embrace "Holland" and find consolation in the uncertainty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready for a midlife glow-up. Hosts Mary Nam and Kelly Koopmans welcome Alicia Erickson, known on Instagram as the Midlife Maven. Alicia shares the pivotal moments, her "hard turn," that led her to quit alcohol for good and fully embrace a new, intentional chapter in midlife. They discuss the transition to becoming an empty nester, which she views as a prime period of life, not an expiration date. Alicia, who is now a coach for other women, also opens up about navigating perimenopause and what she views as critically important things for women's long-term health, confidence, and quality of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Mary Nam and Kelly Koopmans for an emotional interview with Stephanie Juarez, who shares the 30-year-old cold case of her sister, Erin Marie Gilbert. Erin vanished from the Girdwood Forest Fair in Alaska back in 1995. She was on a first date, and her sister says she disappeared under suspicious circumstances. Stephanie discusses her lifelong fight for justice and the unique pain of a no-body case. She details how she overcame fear and post-traumatic stress to raise her family and continue her search. Stephanie also offers essential advice for other families of missing persons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An emotional and powerful interview with guest Emily Cantrell, a survivor of the Las Vegas Route 91 Harvest Festival mass shooting. Kelly Koopmans and Mary Nam dive into her "hard turn,” the moment her life changed forever, and the difficult journey to healing and advocacy that followed. Emily recounts the terrifying chaos of the shooting and the subsequent struggle with Survivor's Guilt. She details the shocking obstacles she faced when seeking help, finding the mental health system ill-equipped to treat trauma from a mass shooting. Driven to create change, Emily immediately immersed herself in gun violence prevention, successfully lobbying for state legislation. She also discusses her personal milestone of confronting her biggest trigger, fireworks, by leading Seattle’s massive Fourth of July celebration as the CEO of Seafair. This is a profound conversation about transforming anguish into action and building community in the aftermath of violence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Season 2 of Hard Turn, the show that explores life's most challenging moments and the incredible human spirit that gets us through them. In our season premiere, hosts Mary Nam and Kelly Koopmans sit down with their first guest, Brent Beardall, the CEO of WaFd Bank. Brent shares his deeply personal and emotional story of surviving a harrowing plane crash that left him severely injured and changed his life in an instant. This conversation goes beyond a story of survival, delving into how this "hard turn" reshaped his perspective on life, his relationships, and his leadership style. It’s a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a poignant reminder that vulnerability can be a source of incredible strength. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Life doesn’t always go the way we plan. Hard Turn is about the moments that knock us off course, and the people who find a way through. In Season 2, co-hosts Mary Nam and Kelly Koopmans return with powerful, deeply personal stories of resilience, heartbreak, and hope. Hear voices you won’t forget, and journeys that will change the way you see your own. Season 2 premieres September 24. Subscribe now on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you have information you think more people should know? Kelly spoke to Joel, a med student who has learned about outdated practices within the healthcare field and how it is disproportionately affecting minority and underrepresented communities. He decided to share these discoveries on social media, and help people learn about their own health and advocate for themselves during treatment. Today, he’s had the opportunity to meet people whose lives have been saved by his information, and to help influence policy to help stop this outdated, incorrect information from impacting patients in the future. Join Kelly and Mary on the final episode of Season One of Hard Turn as they traverse the hard turn of educating the masses.  New episodes of Hard Turn drop every Wednesday. Follow the show on all your favorite podcast platforms and for bonus content, follow us on Instagram @HardTurnPodcast and X @HardTurnPod. (https://www.flowcode.com/page/hardturn).    Hard Turn is presented by Overlake Medical Center.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you trying to unpack a traumatic childhood while parenting your own kids? Mary talked with Emma, who found a way to begin healing her generational trauma as she parents her own children. Emma shares with us how her father’s devastating childhood impacted how he parented her and her three brothers, and how she is trying to break that cycle of trauma today. Join Mary and Kelly as they traverse the hard turn of healing generational trauma. New episodes of Hard Turn drop every Wednesday. Follow the show on all your favorite podcast platforms and for bonus content, follow us on Instagram @HardTurnPodcast and X @HardTurnPod. (https://www.flowcode.com/page/hardturn).    Hard Turn is presented by Overlake Medical Center.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you build something new when the world shuts down? Kelly heard the story of Caitlin and Yonder Cider, which started in early 2020. Caitlin shared how Yonder Bar began out of her garage when everyone was still trying to stay six feet apart, and how the cidery has grown over the past four years into a flourishing business. Join Kelly and Mary as they traverse the hard turn of start a business during unprecedented time!  New episodes of Hard Turn drop every Wednesday. Follow the show on all your favorite podcast platforms and for bonus content, follow us on Instagram @HardTurnPodcast and X @HardTurnPod. (https://www.flowcode.com/page/hardturn).    Hard Turn is presented by Overlake Medical Center.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your career coming to an end? Mary spoke with former Seattle Sounders player Brad Evans about how he came to the decision to end his professional soccer career and what he is doing now. Brad shares the difficulties for professional athletes of leaving behind a life in the spotlight, and how he is finding his new identity. Join Mary and Kelly as they traverse the hard turn of leaving professional athletics! New episodes of Hard Turn drop every Wednesday. Follow the show on all your favorite podcast platforms and for bonus content, follow us on Instagram @HardTurnPodcast and X @HardTurnPod. (https://www.flowcode.com/page/hardturn).    Hard Turn is presented by Overlake Medical Center.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you struggling with grief? Kelly talked to Mandy, a grief counselor, about her own experience with grieving the loss of her mom and how she helps others to understand and manage their own loss. Mandy shares some common misconceptions around grief, and how all of us can better support those we love who may be mourning. Join Kelly and Mary as they traverse the hard turn of grief.  New episodes of Hard Turn drop every Wednesday. Follow the show on all your favorite podcast platforms and for bonus content, follow us on Instagram @HardTurnPodcast and X @HardTurnPod. (https://www.flowcode.com/page/hardturn).    Hard Turn is presented by Overlake Medical Center.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly shares her own personal hard turn – in September of 2024, her husband Michael passed away from cancer. Kelly shared Michael’s diagnosis earlier in the season and wanted to share with listeners about their journey, and how she is doing now. Join Kelly and Mary for this very special episode.  New episodes of Hard Turn drop every Wednesday. Follow the show on all your favorite podcast platforms and for bonus content, follow us on Instagram @HardTurnPodcast and X @HardTurnPod. (https://www.flowcode.com/page/hardturn).    Hard Turn is presented by Overlake Medical Center.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to pursue a second career? Mary chatted with Jennifer and Jerry, the founders of Guardian Wine Cellars, which started out as a passion project that morphed into an investment that demanded their time, money, and dedication. Now, they're running a successful winery while maintaining other careers and raising their family but the road to stability and success was hardly a smooth one. Join Mary and Kelly as they traverse the hard turn of passion projects and the very real possibility of juggling multiple careers.  New episodes of Hard Turn drop every Wednesday. Follow the show on all your favorite podcast platforms and for bonus content, follow us on Instagram @HardTurnPodcast and X @HardTurnPod. (https://www.flowcode.com/page/hardturn).    Hard Turn is presented by Overlake Medical Center.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Curious about changing your drinking habits or exploring sobriety? Kelly interviewed Katie, whose own journey with alcohol inspired her to push back against Mommy Wine culture and create the Soberish Mom blog. Join Kelly and Mary as they traverse the hard turn of getting sober-ish!  New episodes of Hard Turn drop every Wednesday. Follow the show on all your favorite podcast platforms and for bonus content, follow us on Instagram @HardTurnPodcast and X @HardTurnPod. (https://www.flowcode.com/page/hardturn).    Hard Turn is presented by Overlake Medical Center.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More and more people find themselves in the sandwich generation: caring for an elderly parent while raising their own children. Mary spoke to Julia, whose parents moved into her home after her mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. She is navigating the emotional, physical, and financial stress of multigenerational caregiving along with supporting her two children and learning it’s okay to ask for help. Join Mary and Kelly as they traverse the hard turns of the Sandwich Generation!  New episodes of Hard Turn drop every Wednesday. Follow the show on all your favorite podcast platforms and for bonus content, follow us on Instagram @HardTurnPodcast and X @HardTurnPod. (https://www.flowcode.com/page/hardturn).    Hard Turn is presented by Overlake Medical Center.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Time to strike out on your own? Kelly sat down with Brady, chef and owner of Tomo, who made the decision during the pandemic to leave his role at Canlis and build a restaurant experience inspired by memories of his time sitting at his grandparents’ knee in their family-owned restaurant. Hear Brady’s journey of taking the leap and embracing the risk. Join Kelly and Mary this week as they traverse the hard turn of going solo!  New episodes of Hard Turn drop every Wednesday. Follow the show on all your favorite podcast platforms and for bonus content, follow us on Instagram @HardTurnPodcast and X @HardTurnPod. (https://www.flowcode.com/page/hardturn). Hard Turn is presented by Overlake Medical Center. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you retire? Mary interviewed former KOMO TV reporter Connie to discuss life after stepping away from work, navigating relationships when you’re suddenly both at home, and the stories we tell ourselves about this major transition. Join Mary and Kelly this week as they traverse the hard turn of retirement and finding purpose in the next chapter!  New episodes of Hard Turn drop every Wednesday. Follow the show on all your favorite podcast platforms and for bonus content, follow us on Instagram @HardTurnPodcast and X @HardTurnPod. (https://www.flowcode.com/page/hardturn).    Hard Turn is presented by Overlake Medical Center.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it time for a new career? Kelly spoke with former news journalist Michelle whose battle with breast cancer led her to new career in non-profit work supporting cancer patients – how she knew it was time for a change, seizing the opportunity when it presented itself, and lessons she’s learning along the way. Join Kelly and Mary this week as they traverse the hard turn of a career change!  New episodes of Hard Turn drop every Wednesday. Follow the show on all your favorite podcast platforms and for bonus content, follow us on Instagram @HardTurnPodcast and X @HardTurnPod. (https://www.flowcode.com/page/hardturn).    Hard Turn is presented by Overlake Medical Center.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Struggling to make new friends as an adult? Mary chatted with Emmely in Los Angeles, who bravely started her own meet-up for other adults when she found herself longing for deeper connections in a work-from-home world. Discover how she created a community from scratch and tips for forging friendships in adulthood. Join Mary and Kelly this week as they traverse the hard turn of making new friends!  New episodes of Hard Turn drop every Wednesday. Follow the show on all your favorite podcast platforms and for bonus content, follow us on Instagram @HardTurnPodcast and X @HardTurnPod. (https://www.flowcode.com/page/hardturn).  Hard Turn is presented by Overlake Medical Center.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly Koopmans and Mary Nam are colleagues at KOMO-TV in Seattle, as well as friends who have seen one another through some of life’s ups and downs. On their new show Hard Turn, the two share stories from guests who have had to traverse their own hard turns – how they made tough decisions, what it’s like being on the other side of big changes – and offer their own insights and advice to listeners. Join them as they prepare for life’s next Hard Turn! Hard Turn with Kelly Koopmans and Mary Nam launches on January 15. New episodes drop every Wednesday. Make sure you're following the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us at @HardTurnPodcast on Instagram and @HardTurnPod on X. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices