Duologue with Leslie Heaney

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[REVISIT] Mental Health Matters - feat. Corinne Catarozoli, Ph.D. Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

Tomorrow, May 1st, marks the beginning on Mental Health Awareness Month. In honor of that, we are bringing back one of our most impactful episodes: Mental Health Matters - feat. Corinne Catarozoli, Ph.D.

Dr. Corinne Catarozoli is a leader in pediatric integrated care at Weill Cornell Medicine. She specializes in evidence-based treatment for children, adolescents, and young adults dealing with anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges.

With expertise in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and pediatric behavioral medicine, she shares practical insights on how parents can identify signs of mental illness early and seek the right kind of support.

In this episode, Leslie and Dr. Catarozoli explore:

The three most common mental health conditions affecting kids today
Early signs to look out for
How to access effective, evidence-based treatment options

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or educator, this conversation is packed with valuable guidance and real-world advice.

Listen, take notes, and be part of the conversation. If you enjoy The Interview with Leslie, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie.

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[REVISIT] Girls Just Want To Have FUNDS - feat. Lacy Garcia Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

In Honor of Financial Literacy Month: A Special Re-Release

This week, we’re re-releasing one of our most popular episodes of The Interview with Leslie — and it couldn’t be more timely.

In “Girls Just Want To Have FUNDS”, Leslie sits down with Lacy Garcia, Founder and CEO of Willow, an award-winning platform that helps connect women and multigenerational consumers with financial advisors who truly understand them. Think of it like a matchmaking service — but for your financial future.

Lacy launched Willow after navigating a divorce as a young mom, realizing firsthand how hard it was to find an advisor who could offer both financial guidance and personal support during a major life transition.

In this episode, Leslie and Lacy dive into key financial literacy topics — from budgeting and emergency funds to 529 Plans and retirement investing. You’ll also hear tips on setting financial goals and how to find an advisor who’s the right fit for you.

Whether you’re working toward your next money milestone or simply want to feel more empowered about your finances, this episode is a must-listen. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie.

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[REVISIT] Character Matters - feat. Jean Becker Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I had the distinct honor and pleasure to interview Jean Becker on her new book Character Matters: And Other Life Lessons from George H.W. Bush.

I wanted to interview Jean as soon as I heard about Character Matters.

I am writing this on election day knowing this episode will be released tomorrow, November 6, 2024. No matter the outcome of the election, half of our country will be distressed and demoralized by its outcome. The example of the life and service of President Bush is a message that our seemingly divided country needs now more than ever.

Jean Becker served as chief of staff for President George H.W. Bush for nearly twenty-five years. She’s the editor of Pearls of Wisdom by Barbara Bush and author of the New York Times bestseller The Man I Knew: The Amazing Story of George H.W. Bush’s Post Presidency. Her latest book, Character Matters: And Other Life Lessons from George H.W. Bush, was released in April 2024.

In this episode, Jean tells hilarious, poignant, and compelling stories about President Bush. She shares anecdotes about how President Bush cast political differences aside, embraced bipartisanship and put his country before himself.

From calls with world leaders, to befriending his SNL impersonator Dana Carvey to enlisting George Clooney for a hospital opening because he loved his character on ER, Character Matters is a collection of essays from those who knew him best.

In today's political climate, all of us should embrace the life lessons and legacy of George H.W. Bush as an example of how to come together as Americans.

If you enjoy the show, please rate and review. Be sure to follow us on Instagram ⁠@TheInterviewWithLeslie.⁠ A new podcast is released every Wednesday.

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Songs & Sails - feat. Caroline Jones and Nick Dana Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

This is one of my favorite podcast episodes to date! In this conversation, I dive into the "behind the music"—both literally and figuratively—of one of country music's rising stars and the world of professional sailing. Through it all, you’ll get to know two extraordinary individuals: Caroline Jones and Nick Dana.

Caroline Jones is a talented singer-songwriter and the only female member of the Grammy-winning Zac Brown Band. Nick Dana, on the other hand, is a world-class professional sailor with an impressive career that includes competing in the Volvo Ocean Race and America's Cup. I’ve known Nick since he was a toddler (a fact that reveals my age), as I was close friends with his late older brother. It was such a joy to catch up with these two incredibly accomplished individuals—who also happen to be married!

Caroline shares her journey into music, her creative process, and the inspirations behind her songwriting. We discuss her skyrocketing career, from touring with legends like Jimmy Buffett to performing in stadiums with the Zac Brown Band. She also talks about her latest single, No Tellin’, and her upcoming tour.

Nick gives us a glimpse into his life as a professional sailor, detailing his path to success, the challenges of competing in events like the Volvo Ocean Race, and the thrill of sailing in the prestigious America’s Cup.

We also explore their beautiful love story—how they were serendipitously set up (thanks to some well-placed meddling by Nick’s mom and sister!), fell in love just before the COVID-19 lockdowns, and how their relationship has transformed their lives and careers. Caroline even shares how she once vowed never to marry, only to find herself happily embracing both marriage and parenthood.

This episode is packed with inspiration, laughter, and heartfelt moments. You won’t want to miss it! If you enjoy the show, please rate and review. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie. A new podcast is released every Wednesday.

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Live Your Dream - feat. Tamir Goodman Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

You may remember my next guest, Tamir Goodman. Dubbed the “Jewish Jordan” by Sports Illustrated, Tamir made history as the first Orthodox Jewish player to play Division I and professional basketball without compromising his faith.

Tamir’s story is extraordinary. He refused to play on Shabbat — from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday — a decision that made headlines and set him apart in the sports world. Despite this challenge, he achieved his dream of becoming a professional basketball player while overcoming significant obstacles, including severe dyslexia.

Tamir exemplifies the power of faith, character, and resilience. Like all of us, his journey has been marked by setbacks and disappointments. Yet, his unwavering faith in God and belief in himself propelled him forward.

In this episode, Tamir and I discuss how basketball serves as a metaphor for life — with its ups and downs, fouls, wins, and losses. We explore how he overcame tremendous obstacles: navigating dyslexia, facing prejudice for being observant, and enduring professional setbacks. Through it all, he has built a life filled with faith, purpose, family, love, and professional success.

We also delve into his inspiring children’s book, Live Your Dream: The Story of a Jewish Basketball All-Star. The book highlights his journey with dyslexia and how basketball became a tool for empowering others. Tamir continues to inspire through his work with young athletes, showing them how to turn challenges into strengths.

It’s rare to meet someone as extraordinary and inspirational as Tamir Goodman. Trust me — you’ll want to meet him too. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie. A new podcast is released every Wednesday.

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I Loved You First - feat. Jenna Bush Hager Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

In today's episode, I am thrilled to welcome Jenna Bush Hager, American news personality, author, and journalist. Jenna is the host of Today with Jenna & Friends, the fourth hour of NBC's morning news program.

Jenna is the creator of the Read with Jenna Book Club; she has also launched a publishing imprint, Thousand Voices, a joint venture with Random House Publishing House supporting emerging writers. She is also the founder of her own production company. Jenna is a force!

Jenna and I sit down to talk about her latest book and the third book she has co-authored with her twin sister Barbara Bush entitled, "I Loved You First". This is not the first time the Bush sisters have written a book together, but this is the first time they have written a children's book that celebrates the bond between parent and child.

In this episode, Jenna and I talk about why she and Barbara decided to write this book, the power of sisterhood and female friendships, what it is like to host the 4th hour of Today without her dear friend and former co-host Hoda Kotb, the incredible work Jenna is doing through Read with Jenna and Thousand Voices and last but certainly not least - our mutual love of karaoke!

I enjoyed every minute of my conversation with Jenna – it's an episode you won't want to miss! If you enjoy the show, please rate and review. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie. A new podcast is released every Wednesday.

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The Manicurist’s Daughter - feat Susan Lieu Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

In today's episode, I am so thrilled to share my conversation with author, activist, and storyteller, Susan Lieu.

Susan is a multi-hyphenated artist whose work has captivated audiences nationwide. Her award-winning solo show, 140 LBS: How Beauty Killed My Mother, evolved into her debut memoir, The Manicurist’s Daughter.

This emotionally raw memoir was Apple’s Book of the Month and has been featured in The New York Times and NPR. Through her storytelling, Susan explores themes of grief, intergenerational trauma, identity, and resilience.

In The Manicurist’s Daughter, Susan reflects on her life as the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants, her mother’s tragic death from a botched tummy tuck when she was just 11 years old, and her journey to uncover truths about her family and herself. Her story is both heartbreaking and empowering, touching on the complex relationships immigrant women have with body image and beauty standards.

In this episode, Susan and I delve into her family’s incredible journey from Vietnamese refugees to American business owners. We discuss what it was like for her to grow up navigating two cultures, the challenges of confronting her mother’s death, and the broader implications of societal pressures on women—especially immigrant women.

Susan’s story is one of strength, vulnerability, and empowerment. It is equal parts poignant, funny, and inspirational—a conversation you won’t want to miss. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie. A new podcast is released every Wednesday.

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Insurance: All You Need to Know - feat. Chip Merlin Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

Following the devastating fires in California, I kept hearing story after story of Pacific Palisades residents having been dropped by their insurance company just a few months before the deadly fire. The same thing happened this past fall in Florida – Floridians couldn’t afford their increased premiums, so when Hurricane Milton hit – they had no coverage.

In fact, Florida insurance rates have gotten so high that people are beginning to leave the state - insurance premiums, in some cases, surpassing their mortgage payments. Insurance companies also get away with underpaying or slow-paying the insured… leaving people helpless and hopeless.

Thankfully, there are people out there like my next guest, Chip Merlin, Founder and President of the Merlin Law Group. Chip has dedicated his practice to representing and advocating for the insured in disputes with their insurance companies nationwide.

Chip has been called the “Babe Ruth of Hurricane lawyers” and “Master of Disaster” for his nationwide catastrophe work in helping policyholders after Hurricane Katrina. The Florida Association of Public Adjusters awarded him a Lifetime Achievement Award for his advocacy on behalf of policyholders. He is on the Board of Directors of United Policyholders, has been a guest commentator on CNN and Fox News, and is also past Chair of the Insurance Bad Faith Litigation Group of the American Association of Justice.

In this episode, Chip and I discuss the state of the insurance crisis in the US, from California to Florida to NY, and what we, the insured, can do to protect ourselves from insurance companies' malfeasance, and what our state governments should do to protect the insured over the insurers.

To protect your property and your family, this is an episode you will not want to miss. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie. A new podcast is released every Wednesday.

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Blind Spots - feat. Kimberly Berens, Ph.D. Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

Today in the US, close to 70% of all students are below proficiency in math and reading, and close to 90% of low-income students are below proficiency. With an overwhelming majority of our students graduating below proficiency in all academic subjects, the United States is in the middle of an educational crisis. Thankfully my next guest Dr. Kimberly Nix Berens is working to address this crisis.

Dr. Berens is the author of Blind Spots: Why students fail…and the science that can save them. She is also the Founder of Fit Learning. Fit Learning is a powerful system of instruction based in behavioral science and the Technology of Teaching, which has transformed the learning abilities of thousands of children worldwide. For more than 20 years, her system of instruction has produced one year’s worth of academic growth in only 40 hours of training. Dr. Berens has helped grow Fit Learning to an organization with more than 30 locations worldwide.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Berens about the state of the US education system today and about the science that shows how children learn and how our education system could have better outcomes. We talk about her learning instruction method and how with the right instruction, a child that have been labeled as having learning differences or ADHD, may likely be a child who is just being taught subjects in the wrong way.

This conversation was so helpful for me as a parent – it is a must listen for every parent who wants to learn about how their kids should learn and about what we can do to support our kids who may learn differently.

If you enjoy the show, please rate and review. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie. A new podcast is released every Wednesday.

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This episode is brought to you by The Scout Guide. To learn more about the Scout Guide and how to become a franchisee visit franchise.thescoutguide.com and mention The Interview with Leslie Heaney!

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American Heroes - feat. James Patterson and Timothy Malloy Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

It is an honor and a privilege to introduce my next two guests, James Patterson and Tim Malloy.

James Patterson is one of the most successful authors of all time, having sold over 425 million books. He is perhaps best known for his Alex Cross series, which has been adapted into films such as Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider. In addition to his fiction, Patterson has collaborated on New York Times bestsellers with notable figures, including Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Viola Davis. Recently, he has ventured into nonfiction and co-authored Filthy Rich alongside Tim Malloy, which explores the life of convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Tim Malloy is a seven-time Emmy Award winner and a veteran reporter with extensive experience in local and network television. He has worked as an investigative reporter, documentary filmmaker, and author. Malloy and Patterson are friends and neighbors in Palm Beach and have collaborated on various projects, including a documentary that highlights underserved communities in Florida. They both appeared in the Netflix documentary based on their bestselling book, Filthy Rich.

Their latest collaboration, American Heroes, pays tribute to some of the greatest heroes in the United States Armed Forces. American Heroes emphasizes the courage, bravery, character, and patriotism of recipients of the three most significant military awards: The Medal of Honor, The Silver Star, and the Distinguished Service Cross.

In this episode, Patterson, Malloy, and I discuss their incredible book American Heroes, their past collaborations on Filthy Rich, how they began their careers, and why these inspirational stories about real American heroes are vital for us to hear.Patterson and Malloy are not only brilliant but also hilarious. It was a joy and privilege to sit down with them both. I am very excited for you to listen!

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