Episodios

  • How to Heal Your Relationship with Money: Constance McConnell, LCSW
    Nov 1 2025
    What if the key to financial wellness isn't just about budgets and spreadsheets, but about healing your relationship with money itself? In this episode, Laura Rotter sits down with Constance McConnell, a licensed clinical social worker, certified financial social worker, and financial therapist who specializes in helping people navigate the emotional side of money during major life transitions.Constance shares her journey from being the oldest of four children who creatively funded her own college education to building a successful real estate portfolio with her husband through strategic "house hacking." But more importantly, she reveals how our childhood money stories shape our adult financial behaviors—and how we can rewrite those stories to create healthier relationships with money.This conversation is essential listening for any woman in midlife who feels overwhelmed by money, struggles with financial scarcity despite having "enough," or is navigating a major life transition. Constance's holistic approach reminds us that true wealth isn't just about numbers—it's about achieving balance across all areas of life: financial health, physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships, and time freedom.Constance McConnell, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker, certified financial social worker, and financial therapist who specializes in helping adults navigate major life transitions and improve their relationship with money. With 13 years of clinical experience, she has worked in school settings, behavioral health, and private practice. Most of her clients are part of historically marginalized communities including BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Constance is also an entrepreneur and real estate investor who practices what she preaches about using money as a tool for freedom. She offers virtual therapy, coaching, and psychological evaluations, and is passionate about helping clients develop holistic approaches to wealth and wellbeing.Key Takeaways💡 Your childhood money story shapes your adult relationship with money: How your family talked about (or didn't talk about) money, whether you felt secure or scarce, and what you witnessed growing up profoundly impacts your financial behaviors and beliefs as an adult. Understanding these stories is the first step to healing.💡 Money is a tool, not the goal: Financial security matters, but true wealth includes physical health, mental wellbeing, strong relationships, and time freedom. Using money strategically can free up time for experiences and people you love—that's when money becomes most valuable.💡 Financial scarcity is often psychological, not numerical: Many people who are financially secure on paper still feel like they'll "never have enough." Working through these deep-seated beliefs with a financial therapist can unlock freedom and confidence to actually enjoy your money.Connect with Constance:FacebookLinkedInInstagramWebsiteFree consultation Stay connected:Connect with Laura on LinkedIn@Rotters5 on XConnect with Laura on FacebookSubscribe to my YouTube channelSubscribe to my newsletterGet your free copy of Unlock Your Money Blocks Workbook: Your step-by-step guide to unlocking your blocks to financial freedom.Disclaimer: Please remember that the information shared on this podcast does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, investment or financial advice. It’s for informational purposes only. You should seek appropriate professional advice for your specific information.
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    36 m
  • How One Woman Renewed Her Passion: Terry Kirk From Courtroom to Creative Writing
    Oct 18 2025
    What happens when you lose everything you thought defined success? In this inspiring episode, Laura Rotter sits down with Terry Kirk—retired attorney, startup investor, and debut novelist—to explore how life's biggest setbacks can become catalysts for profound personal growth.Terry shares her remarkable journey from being a high-powered litigation attorney to becoming an author of historical fiction novels centered on major financial events. Through the lens of her debut novel Pitfall, set during the 1929 stock market crash, Terry reveals the universal truth she discovered through decades of working with clients facing devastating losses: every setback contains the seeds of redemption and transformation.This conversation is essential listening for any woman navigating midlife transitions—whether you're recovering from divorce, contemplating retirement, or reimagining what success truly means. Terry's story proves that it's never too late to pursue your passion and redefine success on your own terms.About Terry: Terry Kirk is a retired attorney with decades of experience in litigation, corporate law, and startup investing. After spending 13 years as a courtroom litigator and later transitioning to work with tech startups and corporate financing, Terry became a founder and CEO before retiring to pursue her childhood dream of writing. Her debut historical fiction novel Pitfall was published in 2025, with her second book Plunder set to release soon. Terry's work focuses on making finance accessible and engaging for women through compelling storytelling about pivotal financial moments in history.Key takeaways:💡 Every loss contains opportunity for redemption: Through her legal career working with hundreds of clients facing major setbacks, Terry discovered that those who reflect on their role in their challenges and embrace growth can find themselves eventually in a much better place.💡 Financial security matters, but passion is what fulfills: While Terry acknowledges that financial stability is important (especially after experiencing financial insecurity during divorce), she's learned that true success comes from pursuing your passions.💡 Discipline creates space for creativity: Writing a novel requires dedication—Terry commits to four hours of writing daily. She emphasizes the importance of having a dedicated writing space free from distractions and treating writing like the serious work it is.💡 Childhood experiences shape our money stories differently: Despite growing up in the same "Goldilocks" middle-class family, Terry and her five siblings developed vastly different relationships with money—from pursuing wealth to living off the grid—proving that our interpretations of childhood experiences are deeply personal.Get in touch with Terry:FacebookLinkedInWebsitePurchase Terry's book: Pitfall Stay connected:Connect with Laura on LinkedIn@Rotters5 on XConnect with Laura on FacebookSubscribe to my YouTube channelSubscribe to my newsletterGet your free copy of Unlock Your Money Blocks Workbook: Your step-by-step guide to unlocking your blocks to financial freedom.Disclaimer: Please remember that the information shared on this podcast does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, investment or financial advice. It’s for informational purposes only. You should seek appropriate professional advice for your specific information.
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    39 m
  • How to Redefine Success in Midlife: Nancy Taylor on Career Change, Balance and Helping Your Children Thrive
    Oct 4 2025

    In this episode, I speak with Nancy Taylor, founder of Taylor Educational Advocacy, a former school psychologist, and a dedicated coach for parents and families. Nancy shares her powerful midlife reinvention story—from working within the stressful school system to creating her own business that allows her the freedom, balance, and autonomy she values most.

    Nancy opens up about the importance of redefining success as a woman in midlife, shifting from external validation to pursuing autonomy, creativity, and meaningful impact. Her story offers inspiration for women navigating life transitions, whether that’s a new career, an empty nest, or rebuilding after divorce.

    If you’re ready to step into the next chapter of your life with courage and clarity, this episode will give you the insight and encouragement you need.

    About Nancy:

    Nancy Taylor is the founder of Taylor Educational Advocacy, where she helps families create effective, personalized plans so children can thrive in school and beyond. With more than 30 years of experience as a school psychologist and administrator, Nancy has guided thousands of parents, students, and educators through complex challenges. In midlife, she courageously transitioned out of the traditional school system to launch her own advocacy practice—allowing her to design a career aligned with her values of balance, autonomy, and purpose. Today, Nancy combines her expertise with her passion for coaching, helping families, young adults, and women in transition discover strategies that work and pathways that inspire.

    Key takeaways:

    💡Redefine Success on Your Terms: Midlife is the perfect time to evolve your definition of success—from chasing external validation or job titles to prioritizing autonomy, creativity, and joy in daily life.

    💡 Your Past Doesn’t Limit Your Future: Even if you started in a stable but unfulfilling career, you can pivot in midlife. Nancy’s story shows that it’s possible to transition from a traditional system into building a meaningful business that aligns with your values.

    💡 Balance Matters More Than “More”: It’s not always about earning more money—it’s about wisely balancing money, time, and energy to create a life that truly reflects what you value: health, family, and meaningful contribution.

    Get in touch with Nancy:

    Facebook

    LinkedIn

    Instagram

    Website

    Stay connected:

    Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

    @Rotters5 on X

    Connect with Laura on Facebook

    Subscribe to my YouTube channel

    Subscribe to my newsletter

    Get your free copy of Unlock Your Money Blocks Workbook: Your step-by-step guide to unlocking your blocks to financial freedom.

    Disclaimer: Please remember that the information shared on this podcast does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, investment or financial advice. It’s for informational purposes only. You should seek appropriate professional advice for your specific information.

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    43 m
  • How to Unleash Your Inner Power: An Interview with Monika Sawyer, intuitive life coach and healer
    Sep 20 2025

    Ready to tap into your inner wisdom and unleash your power to create abundance? Listen to this inspiring conversation with Monika Sawyer, intuitive life coach and healer. Monika's journey, from immigrating to the US from Poland to thriving in the high-tech world and now empowering women through coaching, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. This episode is a must-listen for any woman in midlife seeking to navigate career transitions, divorce, or other life challenges with grace and confidence. Discover how reconnecting with your essence, cultivating self-love, and embracing your intuition can unlock your potential and create a life of joy, purpose, and abundance.

    In this episode, Monika shares her personal story of resilience and transformation, offering powerful insights into the importance of self-discovery, healing, and embracing your intuition. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of navigating a career change, the power of mindset and embodiment, and how to tap into your inner wisdom to create the life you desire. Discover how micro-shifts in perspective and a deep connection to your essence can unlock your potential and lead you to a life of greater purpose, joy, and abundance.

    About Monika: Monika Sawyer is an intuitive life coach and healer with a diverse background in high-tech consulting and a deep passion for empowering women. Her own experiences with overcoming adversity, including a cancer diagnosis, have shaped her unique approach to healing and transformation. Monika's coaching combines practical strategies with intuitive guidance, helping women reconnect with their inner strength, cultivate self-love, and create lives of abundance in all areas.

    Key Takeaways:

    💡 Intuition and Empowerment: Learn how to tap into your intuition and unleash your inner power.

    💡 Healing and Transformation: Discover the importance of self-love and compassion in the healing process.

    💡 Reconnecting with Your Essence: Discover how to reconnect with your authentic self and live a life of purpose.

    Connect with Monika:

    Facebook

    LinkedIn

    Instagram

    Website

    Stay connected:

    Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

    @Rotters5 on X

    Connect with Laura on Facebook

    Subscribe to my YouTube channel

    Subscribe to my newsletter

    Get your free copy of Unlock Your Money Blocks Workbook: Your step-by-step guide to unlocking your blocks to financial freedom.

    Disclaimer: Please remember that the information shared on this podcast does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, investment or financial advice. It’s for informational purposes only. You should seek appropriate professional advice for your specific information.

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    39 m
  • How to Ditch the 9 to 5: An Interview with Molly Rose Speed, Founder of the Virtual Assistant Academy and Virtual Assistant Management
    Sep 6 2025

    Dreaming of ditching the soul-crushing 9-to-5 and designing a life of freedom and flexibility? Then get ready to be inspired by Molly Rose Speed, founder of the Virtual Assistant Academy and Virtual Assistant Management, Molly’s journey from corporate finance to successful entrepreneur is a testament to the power of embracing change and creating a career that truly aligns with your values. Whether you're a military spouse, a mom seeking work-life balance, or a woman in midlife navigating a career transition or divorce, this episode offers a practical roadmap to building a fulfilling and flexible career as a virtual assistant. Listen in and discover how you can ditch the cubicle, embrace your entrepreneurial spirit, and create a life you love.

    In this episode, Molly Rose shares her personal journey and insights into the world of virtual assistants. She discusses the importance of clear communication between VAs and business owners, the skills that make a great assistant, and how to find the perfect match. She also reveals the financial realities of starting a VA business, the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, and how her definition of success has evolved over time. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and empowered to take control of your career and design your dream life.

    About Molly Rose: Molly Rose Speed is a passionate advocate for remote work and the transformative power of virtual assistants. Through her certification programs and boutique placement agency, she's empowered hundreds of individuals, particularly military spouses and moms, to build successful and flexible careers. Molly is living proof that you can create a thriving career on your own terms.

    Key Takeaways:

    💡 Career Freedom: Discover the possibilities of a flexible and fulfilling career as a virtual assistant.

    💡 Work-Life Balance Explore how a VA career can empower you to create better work-life balance and prioritize your personal life.

    💡 Entrepreneurial Mindset: Gain insights into building a successful business as a VA or hiring a VA for your business.

    💡 Communication and Collaboration: Understand the importance of clear communication and effective collaboration in the virtual workspace.

    Connect with Molly on Facebook

    Connect with Molly on LinkedIn

    Connect with Molly on Instagram

    Website.

    Stay connected:

    Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

    @Rotters5 on X

    Connect with Laura on Facebook

    Subscribe to my YouTube channel

    Subscribe to my newsletter

    Get your free copy of Unlock Your Money Blocks Workbook: Your step-by-step guide to unlocking your blocks to financial freedom.

    Disclaimer: Please remember that the information shared on this podcast does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, investment or financial advice. It’s for informational purposes only. You should seek appropriate professional advice for your specific information.

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    41 m
  • How To Breathe Your Way to Resilience: An Interview with Monica Bodurka, Resilience Expert, Executive Coach, and Author
    Aug 23 2025

    Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed? Craving more ease, joy, and resilience in your life? Then take a deep breath and join us for a soul-soothing conversation with Monica Bodurka, resilience expert, executive coach, and author of A New Way to Be. Monica's gentle wisdom and practical micro-practices will help you navigate the storms of midlife with grace and find your center amidst the chaos. Whether you're facing a career crossroads, relationship shifts, or simply seeking a more fulfilling life, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on embracing change and cultivating inner peace. Listen in and discover how a few simple breaths can transform your life.

    In this episode, Monica shares her personal journey from striving for external validation to embracing a life of joy and ease. She explores the impact of family money stories on our relationship with abundance, the importance of aligning your work with your values, and how to break free from the hustle culture that leaves so many women feeling depleted. Discover the power of micro-practices, the transformative magic of breathwork, and how to cultivate resilience not through grit and pushing through, but through presence, self-compassion, and a deep connection to your inner wisdom.

    Key Takeaways:

    💡 Midlife Resilience: Learn how to navigate the unique challenges of midlife with grace and resilience.

    💡 Stress Management: Discover practical micro-practices for managing stress and overwhelm in daily life.

    💡 Breathwork for Well-being: Explore the transformative power of breathwork for calming the nervous system and cultivating inner peace.

    About Monica: Monica Bodurka is a passionate advocate for well-being and resilience. As co-founder of the Leadership Wellness Group and a seasoned executive coach, she brings a wealth of experience to guiding individuals and organizations towards thriving. Her holistic approach, integrating elements of yoga therapy, breathwork, and mindfulness, offers a unique and powerful path to navigating the challenges of modern life. Monica's book, A New Way to Be, provides practical tools and micro-practices for cultivating resilience and finding ease in every moment.

    Get in touch with Monica:

    Facebook

    Linkedin

    Instagram

    Website

    Monica's book: A New Way To Be

    Free Guide to Coaching Resilience

    Free 3-Day Reset

    Stay connected:

    Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

    @Rotters5 on X

    Connect with Laura on Facebook

    Subscribe to my YouTube channel

    Subscribe to my newsletter

    Get your free copy of Unlock Your Money Blocks Workbook: Your step-by-step guide to unlocking your blocks to financial freedom.

    Disclaimer: Please remember that the information shared on this podcast does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, investment or financial advice. It’s for informational purposes only. You should seek appropriate professional advice for your specific information.

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    54 m
  • How To Unleash Your Inner Career Badass: An Interview with Torriel Harris, Career Coach
    Aug 9 2025

    Ready to ditch the self-doubt and unleash your inner career badass? Join us for a real, raw, and inspiring conversation with Torriel Harris, the career coach who is helping women rewrite their career stories and create lives they truly love.

    Torriel's expert insight and personal journey, filled with both epic wins and face-plant fails, will resonate with any woman who's ever felt lost, stuck, or just plain over it in her career. This isn't your average career advice – this is a soul-stirring call to action to embrace your dopeness, command the room, and build a career that fuels your fire. Listen in – because you deserve a career that lights you up, not burns you out.

    This episode dives deep into the nitty-gritty of career transformation, exploring everything from slaying the resume game (which, by the way, Torriel hates) to mastering the art of the interview, and building unshakeable confidence. Torriel shares her unique perspective on the current job market chaos, the power (and pitfalls) of networking, and why motivation alone just isn't enough to create lasting change. Get ready to ditch the limiting beliefs, embrace your inner badass, and build a career that sets your soul on fire.

    Key Takeaways:

    💡 Career Clarity: Gain insights into identifying your strengths, passions, and ideal career path.

    💡 Effective Communication: Learn how to articulate your value, accomplishments, and career goals with confidence.

    💡 Sustainable Growth: Discover strategies for building sustainable habits and maintaining motivation throughout your career journey.

    💡 Navigating the Job Market: Gain practical tips for navigating the current job market and standing out from the competition.

    Connect with Torriel:

    LinkedIn

    Website

    Free resources: Sign up for The Confidence Loungue

    Free Career Resources

    Stay connected with Laura:

    Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

    @Rotters5 on X

    Connect with Laura on Facebook

    Subscribe to my YouTube channel

    Subscribe to my newsletter

    Get your free copy of Unlock Your Money Blocks Workbook: Your step-by-step guide to unlocking your blocks to financial freedom.

    Disclaimer: Please remember that the information shared on this podcast does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, investment or financial advice. It’s for informational purposes only. You should seek appropriate professional advice for your specific information.

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    51 m
  • How to Use Simple Strategies to Build Wealth: An Interview with Dr. Annie Cole, Money and Financial Educator
    Jul 26 2025

    Are you a woman in midlife seeking financial clarity and empowerment? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Annie Cole, Ed.D., money coach and financial educator, as she shares her journey from burnout to building a thriving business and achieving financial freedom. Annie's story offers practical advice and valuable insights for women navigating midlife transitions and seeking to master their finances.

    Annie’s passion for empowering women stems from her own personal experiences with financial challenges and career transitions. In her twenties, she struggled with burnout as a social worker on a low salary. Determined to create a better future, she embarked on a journey of self-education and financial growth, eventually climbing the corporate ladder to a Vice President role while simultaneously building a substantial real estate portfolio and achieving early financial independence. Her personal transformation inspired her to launch Money Essentials for Women, where she now helps other women achieve their financial goals and live more fulfilling lives.

    This episode explores the importance of financial planning for women in midlife, addressing topics such as budgeting, debt payoff, investing, and building wealth. Annie shares her personal experience of overcoming financial challenges early in her career and how she achieved significant financial milestones by her thirties. She emphasizes the importance of mindset shifts, value-based budgeting, and aligning spending with personal values.

    Key Takeaways:

    💡 Value-Based Budgeting: Discover the power of aligning your spending with your values and achieving financial freedom.

    💡 Investing for the Future: Explore different investment strategies and how to make your money work for you.

    💡 Finding Your Financial Team: Discover the importance of building a supportive network of financial professionals.

    Connect with Annie:

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/money-essentials-for-women

    https://www.instagram.com/build.wealth.with.annie/

    Website: Money Essentials For Women

    Book: 101 Ways to Build Wealth

    Stay connected with Laura:

    Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

    @Rotters5 on X

    Connect with Laura on Facebook

    Subscribe to my YouTube channel

    Subscribe to my newsletter

    Get your free copy of Unlock Your Money Blocks Workbook: Your step-by-step guide to unlocking your blocks to financial freedom.

    Disclaimer: Please remember that the information shared on this podcast does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, investment or financial advice. It’s for informational purposes only. You should seek appropriate professional advice for your specific information.

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    39 m