In high school, Maggie Aldrich excelled at writing, but as an adult, pursued a career as a government analyst. Shortly after the birth of her daughter, Maggie became a full-time stay-at-home parent. Facing pressure to return to the workforce, Maggie realized she had the opportunity to do whatever she wanted to do. Maggie surprised everyone by picking up a pencil and writing her first book. The indie author joined host Kristi Piehl to discuss discovering the strength to follow her passion.

After “Digging for a Decade,” Media Minefield rewards employees with a month-long, paid sabbatical to celebrate their 10th anniversary. If you haven’t heard of a sabbatical before, the purpose is to take time off to recharge so that you can return to work with new ideas, perspectives and energy. As Media Minefield’s founder and CEO, Flip Your Script host Kristi Piehl was the first employee to reach this milestone. Kristi recently returned from her sabbatical, what she called her “Month of Moments.”

Sean McCabe spent years working 18-hours days. The extreme hours took their toll. When he realized the people he considered friends were all on his payroll, including his wife, the script flipped. Sean found the solution to his workaholism was taking a seventh-week sabbatical to recharge and open himself to possibility. In preparation for Kristi’s own sabbatical, they discuss Sean’s mission to change employers’ perceptions of sabbaticals and the power of taking time away.

When Laura Sobiech’s son Zach faced a battle with Osteosarcoma, she encouraged him to find a way to share what was in his heart. Zach did that by writing the song, Clouds, which quickly became an international ballad of hope. After his passing in 2013, Laura has dedicated her life to helping families battling cancer. Laura joins host Kristi Piehl to discuss her family’s motivation to keep Zach’s memory and story alive and the Disney+ release of Clouds, a movie based on the final year of Zach’s life.

In 2016, on a girls’ trip in Atlanta, Taylor Hayden died when a stranger used her as a human shield during a gunfight. After her tragic passing, Joyce Hayden, Taylor’s mother, made it her mission to share Taylor’s story by starting an organization, Stand 2 Oppose Gun Violence and advocating for justice in her daughter’s death. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Joyce and Kristi discuss the realities of gun violence and how Joyce hopes hearing Taylor’s story will motivate you to make a positive impact.

After being born with no legs and put up for adoption, Jen Bricker-Bauer grew up in a midwest home learning everything is possible. This mentality shaped Jen into an adventurous, thrill-seeking, state championship-winning gymnast who looked up to Olympic gold-medalist Dominique Moceanu - only to learn Dominique is her biological sister. Now a speaker, author and aerial artist, Jen joins Kristi Piehl to discuss her unbelievable story and how finding your purpose can help you flip your script.

At 12 years old, Tate Maurer was diagnosed with Stage 3 Burkitt Lymphoma. After beginning his treatment, Tate and his mom, Katie, realized the power of accepting help and how the little things can make a big difference. Now cancer-free, Tate and Katie flipped their scripts and work to repay the generosity their family was given by speaking at awareness events and schools. Through their conversation with Kristi, Katie and Tate share tangible ways you can support those who are struggling.

Mike and Gaby Grinberg weren’t expecting the arrival of their daughter at just 24 weeks into their pregnancy. When she was unexpectedly let go from her job, Gaby quickly transformed into a stay-at-hospital mom caring for her premature daughter. Frustrated by the lack of family-focused policies from companies, Mike and Gaby started their own business. Mike and Gaby sat down with Kristi to discuss the value of a family-first culture and how their daughter, Lana, helped them flip their script.

From a young age, Elizabeth Tumulty was curious about television and how it worked. Little did she know her habit of asking “why?” would lead to a successful career in broadcast television, starting as an assistant, eventually becoming a founding member of the CW and then President of CBS Television Network. Liz joins Kristi to reflect on how a difficult childhood doesn’t define you, highlight the importance of mentorship and share how you can flip your script by turning your curiosity into a career.

After suffering an injury on spring break in 2015, Matt Bowen’s life changed forever. Now a C6 quadriplegic, Matt and his wife, Sloan, navigate their life together as an interabled couple, sharing their story in a series of YouTube and TikTok videos. The couple’s date night videos have gone viral, spreading their message of hope and joy. Matt and Sloan sat down with Kristi Piehl to share with us how they flipped their script and are now the ultimate in couple goals.

Pam Borton, the most winning women’s basketball coach in University of Minnesota history, was fired from her coaching position. Pam flipped her script, taking her skills from the basketball court to boardrooms across the country as an executive coach. Kristi Piehl and Pam discuss the pressures of working in the public eye, how to surround yourself with people who will make you better and the important role resilience plays in turning the page.

Timi Ogunpide’s “all in” attitude led to some of his biggest challenges and successes in life. During his youth, Timi struggled with anger issues, and as a young adult served time in jail. Determined not to be a statistic, Timi flipped his script to launch a business, focus on his family and become a voice for those who’ve experienced police brutality and racial profiling. Listen in as host Krist Piehl and Timi have an open conversation about race, mental health, redemption and entrepreneurship.

Roshini Rajkumar, C-Suite Crisis Coach and Strategist, doesn’t often share her story of losing not one but two fathers. Loss challenged the Minneapolis radio host to evolve as a woman, wife and parent figure. Roshini shares how her journey through grief helped her redefine the family unit and understand the integral role communication plays in flipping your script.

The same day news anchor Angela Kennecke was covering a story on the opioid crisis in her community, she lost her daughter, Emily, to a fentanyl overdose. In this poignant episode, Angela shares how she turned her pain into purpose to help other families struggling with addiction find hope and healing.

Entrepreneur Chris Maxson got the call no business owner imagines — his company was going up in flames. Even before he saw the destruction, Chris was determined to rebuild. In this episode, Chris shares how he found the strength to start over and why he says the devastating fire is actually the best thing that happened to his business.

For more than a decade, Corey Koskie made a name for himself in major league baseball. Then a concussion cut his career short and forced him to think about his next career. Corey shares how he found the courage to pursue a new passion, the mistakes he made along the way and why he now coaches everyone from young athletes to entrepreneurs about the power of their own potential.

Inspired by his daughter, Maddie, who died from a rare childhood cancer, Scott Kramer launched a joy movement. In this hope-filled conversation, Scott opens up about his mission and reminds us that in all circumstances, you have the power to own your mindset and keep dancing.

Michelle Lawless never imagined she would fall in love with an alcoholic. For years, she hid his addiction and her pain from family and friends. Michelle candidly shares what she had to do to rebuild her life, find her worth and love again.

Minneapolis radio host Cory Hepola is well known for his upbeat personality, but his attitude is the byproduct of struggle and rejection. In this episode, Cory shares how he persevered and discovered his purpose. Cory also openly talks about the painful reality of depression, the importance of his faith and the power of family.

Best-selling author and speaker John O’Leary wasn’t expected to live when a fire burned 100% of his body. He was just a child when he fought for his life and endured countless surgeries. John says what he learned holds the key for adults to unlock joy and awe in any circumstance, even a global pandemic.