Dr. Maja Zelihic has a long list of professional achievements, including being named a Fulbright Specialist, becoming a published author and serving as Department Chair at the Forbes School of Business and Technology. While her resume is impressive, it doesn’t list her most incredible accomplishments: escaping war-torn former Yugoslavia and living for years in a refugee camp before coming to America. She explains how she’s used her life experience to teach others with Flip Your Script host Krist...
Jun 08, 2021•47 min•Ep. 51
Flip Your Script is dedicated to sharing inspiring stories of how people have responded to the unexpected and rewritten their own unique stories. For the 50th episode, we are flipping the script on host Kristi Piehl! She won’t be asking the questions in this episode. Instead, she’s in the hot seat answering them.
Jun 01, 2021•47 min•Ep. 50
Gang raped by two young men at the age of 13, Madeleine Black’s life felt broken beyond repair. Filled with fear and shame, she sought refuge in drugs and alcohol and also battled an eating disorder and suicidal ideations. Black shares how she found inspiration to turn her life around and forgive her rapists on Flip Your Script with host Kristi Piehl.
May 25, 2021•32 min•Ep. 49
By the age of 36, Syn Martinez was a self-made man, climbing his way up from working in the mailroom to traveling the country as a successful sales consultant. The grind took a major toll on his body. He soon tipped the scales at 315 pounds and was faced with serious health issues. Rather than give up, Martinez found lasting fitness and family at the gym. He shares how he took his love for athletics and used it to build a successful brand on Flip Your Script with host Kristi Piehl.
May 18, 2021•40 min•Ep. 46
Do you hate going to work or dread doing certain tasks? Julia Waller wants to help people discover the key to a happy, successful life by unlocking their unique abilities. On the anniversary of Flip Your Script, she explains the process that sparked host Kristi Piehl to start her own podcast.
May 11, 2021•43 min•Ep. 47
On paper and on social media, Nancy O’Brien’s life looked pretty close to perfect. But on the inside, she was absolutely miserable, beyond burned out and suicidal. Together with one of her closest friends, she founded The Happiness Practice™, a wellness program that aims to reduce stress and increase happiness. She shares her journey to self love and self worth with Flip Your Script host Kristi Piehl.
May 04, 2021•42 min•Ep. 46
How do you get and stay rich in the United States? That’s the question Bill Danko answers in his book, “The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy.” But Danko’s road to becoming a New York Times bestselling author wasn’t paved with diamonds and caviar. He shares how he turned his passion for consumer behavior into finding out what makes a millionaire with Flip Your Script host Kristi Piehl.
Apr 27, 2021•44 min•Ep. 45
Dead or in jail. That’s how Darrion Cockrell thought he would end up after joining a gang at the age of 10. In and out of foster care, his life turned around after his football coach and his wife adopted him. Now, Cockrell is known as “Mr. DC” by his students and as Missouri’s Teacher of the Year. He shares how he was able to break free from his past with Flip Your Script host Kristi Piehl.
Apr 20, 2021•43 min•Ep. 44
Natasha Miller, an event planning entrepreneur, focuses on what people see in front of the curtain. For her, that was a successful multi-million dollar business. In this episode, Natasha pulls back the curtain with host Kristi Piehl and shares how she overcame a pandemic-induced panic attack to fight for her business and life.
Apr 13, 2021•37 min•Ep. 43
Who knew when Nathan Apodaca’s, a.k.a Doggface208, truck broke down that his life was about to change? The factory worker jumped on a longboard and made a TiKTok while drinking Cran-Raspberry Ocean Spray and lip-syncing “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac. His video went viral bringing joy to millions around the world. The fame turned Doggface into an influencer, investor and has given him the opportunity to give back. You can’t help but smile as Doggface shares his story with Flip Your Script host Kristi...
Apr 06, 2021•18 min•Ep. 42
After experiencing addiction, divorce and eating disorders, Aubree Nichols discovered her superpower - vulnerability! Her honest take on her experiences and message of self love resonates with thousands on Instagram and readers of Vogue and Elite Daily. The self love advocate and writer joined host Kristi Piehl to discuss the power of vulnerability and why feelings shouldn’t be feared.
Mar 23, 2021•37 min•Ep. 41
Grab a tissue because Sheletta Brundidge’s story will bring you to tears. Five relatives were killed in a tragic accident and three of her four children received autism diagnoses. However, Sheletta’s story won’t have you crying from sadness. The radio host, TV personality and businesswoman will have you laughing as she, a comedian, shares her story of finding strength in faith and joy in giving back. Kristi Piehl and Sheletta talk about how to laugh when you want to cry and how to use your gifts...
Mar 16, 2021•59 min•Ep. 40
What would you do for financial freedom? For Nikita Crump, she decided to live out of her Honda Civic. Limited by her finances, Nikita moved into her car, cutting out her largest expense - housing. Over time, she’s grown to love the simplicity of her lifestyle and wants to upgrade to the #VanLife. Her popular TikToks and YouTube videos have intrigued millions, and in this episode of Flip Your Script, Nikita and host Kristi Piehl discuss the freedom that comes from a simple life.
Mar 09, 2021•39 min•Ep. 39
After a summer spent working at Starkey, Brandon Sawalich left college to pursue a career with the hearing aid company. Brandon worked through the ranks of the only American-owned hearing aid manufacturer and in 2017, was named President. His natural leadership skills helped him navigate challenging times keeping Starkey focused on their mission, “Hear Better. Live Better.” Now the President and CEO, Brandon joins host Kristi Piehl to discuss work ethic, forgiveness, and the necessity of human c...
Mar 02, 2021•48 min•Ep. 38
Barbara Hamburg was murdered outside her home in 2010. The police investigated, but no one was charged. As her family grieved, her son, Madison Hamburg, began digging into and documenting his mother’s investigation for a school film project. In 2020, Madison’s docuseries “Murder on Middle Beach” premiered to rave reviews on HBO. Kristi Piehl sat down with Madison to discuss how loss can be the inspiration to turn the page.
Feb 23, 2021•41 min•Ep. 37
Known for his sports commentary and dedication to talking about the issues on local radio, Henry Lake made headlines for his emotional on-air comments during the unrest after George Floyd’s murder. Henry became a national voice on issues like race, diversity and inclusion. This was nothing new for Henry; he’s been passionate about these topics for years and is glad to be having the conversations now. In this episode, host Kristi Piehl and Henry discuss the importance of adopting a “we” mindset....
Feb 16, 2021•45 min•Ep. 36
Mike DelGuidice grew up on Long Island looking up to the one and only, Billy Joel. Mike knew he was meant to be a musician, and began playing piano bars and fronting Big Shot, a Billy Joel tribute band, as well as working on his own music. Everything changed when Billy Joel heard Mike play and personally invited Mike to tour with his band. In this episode, Kristi Piehl, a fan of both Billy and Mike, talks with Mike about finding his passion for music and the importance of being open to opportuni...
Feb 09, 2021•59 min•Ep. 35
We’re grateful to have sat down with the New York Times bestselling author, Janice Kaplan. Before writing “The Gratitude Diaries,” Janice worked for Good Morning America and was Editor-In-Chief at Parade. After joining a gratitude research project, Janice penned her experience and inspired a new wave of gratefulness. In 2020, Janice released her book, “The Genius of Women,” redefining who a genius is. Host Kristi Piehl and Janice discuss how reframing your mindset can inspire you to flip your sc...
Feb 02, 2021•41 min•Ep. 34
In a newsroom in South Dakota, Tony Fleecs was creating on-screen graphics for newscasts. After hours, Tony would use the equipment to work on his passion, comics. After new management deleted his work, Tony took a leap of faith into his comic art and moved to L.A. He hustled for any job he could and has gone on to draw for comics like My Little Pony and Star Wars. Now, Tony is releasing his first comic book, “Stray Dogs.” In this episode, Kristi and Tony discuss the importance of evolving your ...
Jan 26, 2021•48 min•Ep. 33
Melissa Johnston’s Flip Your Script story began when she had her first-born daughter, Audrey, only to lose her at just 43 days old. Audrey was born with Trisomy 18, and as the first-time parents navigated the NICU and Audrey’s life-limiting condition, they noticed a lack of resources for their family. Three years later, Melissa learned of Crescent Cove, one of three respite and hospice facilities in the U.S. for children. Listen in as Melissa explains her passion for sharing Crescent Cove’s miss...
Jan 19, 2021•45 min•Ep. 32
What do cheesecake and music legend Prince have in common? Vanessa Drews. Vanessa is the founder of Cheesecake Funk and credits Prince for naming her business. While working part-time at Paisley Park, Vanessa would make and leave cheesecake in the fridge for the musicians. One day Prince tweeted about Vanessa’s cheesecakes and later named them Cheesecake Funk. In this episode, Vanessa shares how Prince’s outward support took her by surprise and how the Prince Effect motivated her to flip her scr...
Jan 12, 2021•39 min•Ep. 31
Skip Rohde always had a passion for art. After retiring from the Navy in 1999, Skip went back to school to be an artist, but he couldn’t resist the call of civic duty. He went overseas as a civilian to serve in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan. While traveling, he would sketch people in what he calls “diplomacy through art.” The artwork he created while away has been accepted into the Smithsonian. Host Kristi Piehl and Skip discuss how finding self-confidence can give you the strength to turn...
Jan 05, 2021•44 min•Ep. 30
TIME Magazine declared 2020 the worst year ever. In a year of loss and grief, each of us learned lessons that will last the rest of our lives. In this episode of Flip Your Script, host Kristi Piehl helps us look back so we can look forward with hope. This episode is dedicated to providing positivity and inspiration to kickstart the new year. At the end of each podcast, Kristi asks, “Is there a quote or song that motivated you to flip your script?” and this episode reflects on each guest’s respon...
Dec 29, 2020•44 min•Ep. 29
From the UK to Nigeria to London to Minnesota, Rosemary Ugboajah’s journey to her career in marketing shaped who she is today. Her background could have made her an outsider in the U.S., but instead, she used her perspective to challenge stereotypes in marketing. In 2013, she founded Neka Creative, a brand development agency devoted to inclusivity marketing. In this episode, you’ll learn what book Rosemary credits for her fearless transition to the U.S. and what it means to be truly inclusive....
Dec 15, 2020•47 min•Ep. 28
A stewardess and flight attendant might seem like one and the same, but Flip Your Script host Kristi Piehl sat down with retired flight attendant Jeannie White to share how different they are. Jeannie began her 43-year career in 1969 when airlines only hired single women who met weight and age limits. They discuss everything from the strict rules to smoking on airplanes to the first attempts at security. Jeannie’s stories bring to life how the airline industry evolved into what travelers experie...
Dec 08, 2020•40 min•Ep. 27
Are you ready for a sweet episode? Beth Kimmerle, food author and expert, joins Kristi for a mouthwatering conversation about Beth’s passion for the artistic and scientific aspects of food. Currently, Beth works with companies to create flavorful foods and teaches the art of food tasting. In this episode, Beth shares how her soft spot for sweets flipped her script and gave her the title of food expert. Bonus: Beth shares what ingredients make up the perfect bite of food, hitting all five basic t...
Dec 01, 2020•38 min•Ep. 26
How did a New York-born, Chicago playwright and LA screenwriter end up interviewing farmers in rural communities? In this episode of Flip Your Script, host Kristi Piehl is joined by expert storyteller and author Daniel Rubin as they dive into his journey of quitting his job as a Hollywood writer to work with farmers in the heartland of America. Daniel shares how the change in scenery and pace taught him to communicate without glitz and glam, reigniting his love for story.
Nov 24, 2020•46 min•Ep. 25
In 2014, Jody LaVoie’s husband, Steve, was shot in an act of workplace violence. Three months after the accident, Steve passed away. Without a succession plan for his business, Jody took over ArrowStream and grew the company before selling it. Now, Jody is the CEO of the non-profit Female Strong, an organization on a mission to enable girls to be future leaders. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Jody shares the importance of community and the determination it takes to rewrite your story....
Nov 17, 2020•35 min•Ep. 24
Women earned the right to vote 100 years ago! Do you know what suffragists endured to ensure this right? Elaine Weiss, a politically active and proud voter, realized she never knew the whole story. Using her journalism skills, Elaine uncovered the decades-long journey suffragists took to secure the 19th Amendment detailing the efforts in her book, “The Woman’s Hour.” With her novel set to be a television event, Elaine joined Kristi Piehl to discuss how the suffragists flipped the script for Amer...
Nov 03, 2020•52 min•Ep. 23
Growing up on the West Side of Chicago, Arshay Cooper struggled to find a place devoid of gangs, drugs and sirens. Little did Arshay know a rowing program would flip his script. Now, the award-winning author of “A Most Beautiful Thing” and the focal point of a documentary, Arshay recounts being a member of the first all-black high school rowing team. Kristi Piehl and Arshay discuss his mission to increase opportunities and accessibility and his story of finding belonging in the most unlikely of ...
Oct 27, 2020•47 min•Ep. 22
