Is walking away from the life you built… selfish or brave?

In this episode of Mad & Lucy: Mind the Gap, we dive into the legacy of Eat, Pray, Love—the memoir, the movie, and the generational moment. With special guest (and our podcast producer) Lara Dollens, we unpack what made this story resonate so deeply—and what made it frustrating.

We talk about authenticity, scripts we were handed, and why Gen Z might be throwing them out earlier than anyone expected. From house buying and hustle culture to parenting and privilege, this one’s a multi-generational reckoning with what it means to live a life that actually feels like yours.

Is empathy the real power skill in leadership?

In our latest episode of Mad & Lucy: Mind the Gap, we sit down with the incredible Erin Thorp—author of Inside Out Empathy and host of the Tactical Empathy podcast—to talk about how empathy is more than just a soft skill. It’s a leadership muscle.

We unpack what it really means to lead with empathy (without losing yourself), why Gen Z may actually be ahead of the curve when it comes to emotional intelligence, and how to stay grounded when pushing for change in a world that doesn’t always want it.

You’ll walk away with tangible ways to flex your empathy muscle—starting with one simple question you can ask today.

Leadify socials: https://linktr.ee/Blanchard_leadifyErin's book, Inside Out Empathy: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/Erin's podcast, Tactical Empathy: https://www.erinthorp.ca/podcast/

In this episode of Mad & Lucy Mind the Gap, hosts Madeleine Blanchard and Lucy Dannewitz dive into the critical need for trauma-informed workplaces with returning guest April Hennessey—Blanchard’s Director of Strategy & Transformation, DEI Practice Lead, and advocate for mental health in the workplace.April breaks down what it truly means to be trauma-informed—from understanding how past experiences shape workplace behaviors to recognizing how organizations can either support or exacerbate mental health struggles. She shares insights on how leaders can go beyond empathy to create policies and cultures that prioritize well-being, flexibility, and psychological safety.This episode is a must-listen for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone passionate about reshaping workplace culture for the better. If you've ever wondered why traditional workplace norms fail to support real human needs—or how to create meaningful change—this conversation is for you.Leadify socials: https://linktr.ee/Blanchard_leadifyApril Hennessey on LinkedIn: / april-hennessey

In the latest episode of Mad & Lucy special series "Pride and Healing Hearts," we sit down with April Hennessey to discuss the intersection of identity, culture, and family expectations in the queer experience.

April shares her deeply personal journey of growing up in a military, Korean, and deeply religious household, navigating the complexities of coming out, and grappling with the weight of cultural and familial expectations.

She also reflects on the evolution of LGBTQIA+ rights, the ongoing push-and-pull of societal progress, and the importance of seeking out community and moments of hope—even when the world feels heavy.

If you’ve ever wrestled with the tension between honoring your roots and affirming your identity, this episode offers an honest, powerful conversation about what it means to reclaim your own narrative.

Find April's blog post, mentioned in the episode "Someone Else's Closet" here: https://despairwithasmile.blogspot.com/2013/06/someone-elses-closet.html

In the last episode of Mad & Lucy's special series, "Pride and Healing Hearts," we explore the transformative power of grief, identity, and resilience within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Hosts Madeleine Blanchard and Lucy Dannewitz are joined by Alex Adams, a queer funeral director who shares her deeply personal journey of navigating rejection, loss, and healing. From overcoming estrangement from family to honoring the unwavering support of her late grandfather, Alex reveals how these experiences inspired her to create the Indianapolis Queer Grief Community—a safe, affirming space for queer individuals to process grief together.

This episode is a moving reminder of the importance of finding support, creating community, and embracing the healing power of shared experiences. If you’ve ever faced challenges with belonging or finding spaces that truly understand you, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Follow @queergriefindy on Instagram.

In the second episode of Mad & Lucy's latest short series, "Pride and Healing Hearts," we dive into an inspiring story of self-healing and resilience within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Hosts Madeleine Blanchard and Lucy Dannewitz are joined by the amazing Martha Lawrence, who shares her journey of navigating identity, family, and self-acceptance. From the challenges of embracing her bisexual identity in the 70s, to finding support in an unexpected pace - an affirming spiritual community, Martha's story highlights the power of personal healing and evolving relationships. This episode is all about the journeys we take to mend relationships—whether with others or with ourselves. If you’ve ever struggled with being true to yourself or finding your place in the world, this is a must-listen

In this episode of "Mad & Lucy Mind the Gap," we start a new series "Pride and Healing Hearts," where we dive into some powerful and deeply personal stories of reconciliation and self-healing within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Hosts Madeleine Blanchard and Lucy Dannewitz are joined by Sarah Hempel, who shares her remarkable journey of coming out, navigating family relationships, and finding acceptance.

Sarah's story is one of resilience and courage, highlighting the importance of boundaries, self-care, and the support of chosen family. Through heartfelt anecdotes and practical advice, this episode serves as a beacon of hope for anyone facing similar challenges in their personal lives.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion that not only sheds light on the 2SLGBTQIA+ experience but also emphasizes the universal themes of love, acceptance, and the ongoing journey toward healing. Whether you're part of the community or an ally, this episode is a must-listen for those seeking understanding and connection.

In this episode of "Mad & Lucy Mind the Gap," we delve into the critical issue of burnout and its profound impact on mental health. Join hosts Madeleine Blanchard and Lucy Dannewitz as they uncover how the younger generation is reshaping the conversation around work-life balance and challenging the traditional burnout culture. With special guest Lily Larsen, Executive Director at Navita Health, we explore the misconceptions, risks, and symptoms of burnout and discuss practical strategies to manage and prevent it.

Lily shares valuable insights from her experience as a therapist, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the subtle signs of burnout, understanding the role of societal expectations, and the need for systemic change in workplaces. From the cultural nuances affecting burnout globally to the pressures added by social media, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how we can all contribute to a healthier work environment.