About Lori Young-Hayes
and the Podcast

Lori Young-Hayes brings warmth and compassion to a messy conversation about living every day as the most real, authentic you. She leads the way into authenticity with vulnerable and candid discussions. Every interaction with another human person creates a decision to be true to yourself, choose to trust yourself and others and know your territory – where you end and others begin.
Together we’ll wrestle with the hard work of letting go of the comfort of approval and venturing into the vulnerability of authenticity.

Episode 2: Authentic Entrepreneurs with Jessica Millhiser

Jessica Millhiser kicks off season one with valuable insights into building an authentic business as an entrepreneur. Jessica is a business consultant who brings people back to the fundamentals. She helps business owners and entrepreneurs get better organized, more focused, and prepared for internal growth.

Episode 4: Authentic Overcoming with Dr. Vickie Petz

In the episode “Authenticity Over Approval,” Dr. Vickie Petz delves deep into the challenges of confronting personal vulnerabilities and the transformative journey of recognizing one’s authentic self. As someone who once epitomized strength and independence, Dr. Petz faced a sudden illness that left her profoundly weak and dependent on others. This shift led her to grapple with an internal spiritual journey, wherein she confronted her fears of failure and the self-imposed pressures of living a ‘perfect’ life. Through her candid revelations, the podcast sheds light on the intricate balance between seeking internal approval and embracing the authentic self, urging listeners to recognize and honor their personal truths.

Episode 6: Authentic Excellence with Benjamin Adams

Benjamin Adams, reflects on the evolution of his self-identity, highlighting the pivotal role that societal approval played during his early years. Benjamin reminisces about his youthful endeavors in sports, academics, and his early professional career, explaining how he often sought validation from peers, coaches, and superiors. However, significant life events, particularly a divorce in 2018, served as catalysts for him to re-evaluate his priorities and self-worth. These events led to a profound self-realization, pushing him towards embracing authenticity over the need for external approval. Through the course of the conversation, Benjamin also pays tribute to the influence of his mother, her resilience, and her commitment to personal growth despite life’s adversities. Emphasizing the importance of positive self-talk and self-compassion, he shares his approach to personal growth, which involves acknowledging imperfections without judgment while striving for continual improvement. The overarching theme suggests that true fulfillment arises from authentic self-expression and living in alignment with one’s values, rather than seeking external validation.

Episode 8: Authentic Life Choices with Kristen Judd

In this week’s episode, Kristen Judd delves into the concept of authenticity and its significance in today’s world, which often revolves around societal expectations and approval. As the conversation evolves, the focus shifts towards the weight of “shoulds” in our lives, which often impose both spoken and unspoken expectations on individuals. This, in turn, can lead to a lack of self-trust, causing internal unease and incongruence. Highlighting her journey within the financial industry, Kristen also touches on the importance of disrupting conventional paradigms and encourages listeners to trust their instincts, even when going against established norms. The underlying theme emphasizes the empowering and freeing nature of authentic living, urging individuals to embrace their true selves.

Episode 3: Authentic Vulnerability with Kelly Wilbanks

In this heartfelt episode, Kelly Wilbanks joins Lori Young-Hayes to explore the complexities of living authentically in a world that often demands approval. Kelly shares her journey of self-discovery, the challenges she faced in understanding her true self amidst external pressures, and her ultimate pursuit of genuine authenticity. Through insightful conversations and relatable anecdotes, the episode delves into the significance of vulnerability, the weight of carrying other’s burdens, and the courage to prioritize self-truth over external validation.

Episode 5: Authentic Motherhood with Cheryl Schuberth

In this candid episode, Cheryl Schuberth delves deep into her personal journey from being immersed in the corporate world to realizing the importance of authenticity and being present for her family. After spending 25 years striving to provide the best for her kids and working tirelessly, Cheryl shares a poignant moment that served as a wake-up call for her to re-evaluate her priorities. Drawing on her own experiences, she underscores the challenges many women face trying to fulfill multiple roles at once, and the dangers of seeking approval over authenticity. Cheryl’s insights about self-awareness, self-worth, and the power of gratitude resonate deeply, offering listeners a chance to reflect on their own paths and the choices they make.

Episode 7: Authentic Social Media with
Samantha Markey

In this enlightening episode, Samantha Markey delves into the tension between seeking approval and remaining authentic, drawing on her experiences from the corporate hospitality world and her journey into entrepreneurship. From climbing the corporate ladder at a young age to embracing her true self, Samantha illuminates the liberating power of authenticity in both personal and professional realms. Lori Young, the host, and Samantha engage in a candid discussion about the challenges of navigating customer service mindsets, the transformative nature of social media, and the evolving perceptions of self-worth and value. Tune in to hear Samantha’s insights on breaking free from the shackles of approval, the profound impact of being genuine on social media, and the self-awareness required to stay true to oneself. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional, or someone seeking a deeper understanding of self, this episode offers valuable lessons on the importance of authenticity in a world often dominated by the need for validation.

Episode 9: Authentic Leadership and Faith with Cassie Rajewich

In this week’s episode of “Authenticity Over Approval” featuring Cassie Rajewich, listeners are taken on a profound journey of self-discovery and the interplay of faith in defining authenticity. Cassie openly discusses the struggles she’s faced in integrating her faith into her leadership and business roles, especially when her vibrant and “larger than life” personality has often led her to downplay her true self to gain acceptance. The episode delves deep into the universal human challenge of seeking approval, the fear of rejection, and the pivotal moments or “rear view mirror moments” that shape our perception of self-worth. With raw honesty, Cassie highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive figures and setting boundaries to protect one’s mental and emotional space, especially in public roles. This episode is a candid exploration of the balance between being true to oneself while navigating societal expectations.