Welcome to Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans, the podcast where we dive into the experiences of current Titan leaders to uncover how their teenage years shaped their paths to success and how a coach might have helped them along the way. Hosted by Lorraine Connell, Teen Leadership Coach and founder of Peers Not Fears, this show offers parents, teens, and aspiring leaders invaluable insights and practical advice.
In each episode, we candidly talk with leaders who reflect on their challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments from their youth. We explore how mentorship and coaching helped or could have impacted their journey, and we invite them to become mentors for our program teens, sharing their wisdom and experiences.
Whether you’re a parent seeking to empower your child, a teen navigating the complexities of adolescence, or an aspiring leader looking for guidance, Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans provides the tools and inspiration needed to cultivate leadership skills, foster resilience, and embrace potential.
Join our community dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Subscribe now and embark on a transformative journey towards unlocking your teen’s leadership potential!
From Unsafe to Unstoppable: Josh Colwell’s Journey From Survival to Service
In this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine Connell speaks with Josh Colwell, a leader in the recovery and criminal justice support space in New Hampshire. Josh shares what his teenage years were really like growing up in instability, entering the juvenile system, and navigating environments that didn’t feel safe.
They explore how early experiences shape identity, the survival habits teens develop, and what it takes to rebuild trust, purpose, and leadership later in life. Josh also opens up about the turning point that led him into long-term recovery and how he now creates safe spaces for others through advocacy and recovery support.
In this episode, we cover:• Josh’s teenage years behind the scenes• When systems meant to help cause harm• Survival mode and identity• The shift that led to recovery and leadership• Why finding the helpers changes everything
Hear more of Josh’s story:“From Chaos to Purpose: Josh Colwell’s Journey from Biker Gangs and Addiction to Leading a Life of Impact” on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/4xZqoxvGI6A8VvAGL7Ghg9?si=csqv8-7YS_aZiP4E19apPQ
Connect with Josh:Email: Josh@BrighterDayRecovery.comWebsite: www.brighterdayrecovery.com
22 Jan 2026
From Anxiety to Recovery: Jack O’Connor’s Story
In this episode of Leaders of Today, Teens to Titans, Lorraine Connell sits down with Jack O’Connor, a devoted dad of two and recovery advocate who has spent the last decade supporting individuals and families in New Hampshire.
Jack shares his story from being a “middle of the pack” teen battling anxiety, to coping through substances, to hitting a turning point in college and eventually finding long-term recovery. You’ll hear what helped him change, what sober living actually looks like, and why the most powerful step is often the simplest one: asking for help.
In this episode, we talk about:
How anxiety can show up as “being fine” on the outside
Why addiction does not discriminate
What a sober house is and how structure supports change
The myth that you need to know the “why” before you can heal
Jack’s biggest message for teens and parents: talk to someone, ask for help, start small
If this conversation resonates, share it with a parent, educator, or teen who needs to hear it.
How to connect with Jack
Phone: 744.402.0225Website: https://livefreerecoverynh.com/Manchester location: https://livefreerecoverynh.com/locations/detox-inpatient-rehab-manchester-nh/LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/jack-oconnor-behavioralhealth
15 Jan 2026
Leah Rothchild on Recovery, Stigma, and Whole-Person Care
In this episode of Leaders of Today, Teens to Titans, Lorraine sits down with Leah Rothchild to talk about the hidden reality of teen depression, substance use, and what it actually takes to heal. Leah shares how she went from being a joyful, high-achieving kid to silently struggling with depression, self-harm, and addiction, all while still “looking fine” on the outside.
Leah breaks down why substance use is not always obvious, how stigma and shame keep people from getting help, and why mental health care must be integrated into everyday pediatric care. She also shares what ultimately changed her path, what teens and parents need most, and why hope can still exist even when it feels like it doesn’t.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear
What Leah was like as a child and how her mental health shifted around age 10
Why depression can show up even when life looks “perfect” from the outside
How guilt and shame can fuel substance use and keep the cycle going
The misconception that addiction is always obvious or immediately “destroys” someone’s life
The difference between feeling hopeless and being hopeless
Why stigma is dangerous, even inside healthcare settings
How Leah’s lived experience shaped her path toward pediatric and psychiatric care
What parents can do to support teens without judgment, fear, or shame
Key Takeaway
Feeling completely hopeless is different than being completely hopeless. If you do not get help the first time you ask, ask again. The right support exists, and it can change everything.
How to Connect
Leah Rothchild
Email: rothchild.leah@gmail.com
Who has been a guest on Student Voice - Future Leaders
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Chelsea Fournier
Tanya Hart
Jenny O’Dell
Keyana Cellucci
Cassie Crosby
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
26 ratings
Spotify
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7 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 63 / 100
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Quality
78
Social presence
94
YouTube
0
Engagement
71
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