Forgiveness is so important…because I was willing to forgive and not let it hold me hostage, because then I sit home brewing while they’re off having a great life. ~ Laurie Hardie

In this transformative episode, I sit down with Laurie Hardie, a veteran Seattle radio personality and recovery coach who brings 35 years of broadcasting wisdom to our conversation about authentic connection and healing. Our discussion centers on a crucial insight Laurie gained during COVID isolation – how certain communication styles can inadvertently create barriers, especially for those carrying childhood trauma.

Laurie shares her personal revelation about why generic greetings like “hey everybody” can trigger disconnection in people with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). She explains how this understanding transformed her approach to communication, both in broadcasting and coaching. Through practical examples and personal stories, she demonstrates how small changes in language can create profound differences in how people receive and connect with our messages.

When we tell our story and as we begin to turn and reach our arm back to bring the next person, then we learn to tell it in a way that we own it. ~ Laurie Hardie

We explore the deep connection between trauma, shame, and the struggle to feel seen and heard. Laurie offers powerful insights about the importance of owning our stories and speaking from personal experience rather than generalizing. She shares moving examples from her work with homeless women, illustrating how sharing authentic stories creates genuine connections that transcend circumstances.

You don’t know that person’s story…let’s really have some compassion, because we don’t know what that person standing next to us is going through. – Brenda Reiss

The conversation takes an important turn as we discuss forgiveness as a tool for personal liberation. Laurie shares her remarkable story of choosing forgiveness at age 14 and how this decision shaped her life’s trajectory. She emphasizes that forgiveness isn’t about excusing behavior but about freeing ourselves from being held hostage by past hurts.

Throughout our discussion, Laurie provides practical tips for both content creators and listeners:

• The power of speaking to one person rather than a general audience
• How to share your story authentically without alienating others
• Ways to recognize and work through triggers when feeling disconnected
• The importance of using “I” statements instead of generalizing experiences

For those struggling with isolation or disconnection, Laurie offers hope and practical tools for building genuine connections. She emphasizes that it’s never too late to share your story or begin healing from trauma, providing specific strategies for both sharing and listening authentically.
Thanks for listening, your support is greatly appreciated.

About Laurie Hardie
Laurie is an Author, Podcaster, coach trainer and Seattle radio personality. She is passionate about showing people how to speak in a way that makes us lean in and listen. With her 35 plus years on Seattle radio stations including WARM 106.9 she has combined this experience with coaching and social services and she knows how to make people feel seen and heard.

Laurie’s Website and Links:
Social Media Links:
https://www.facebook.com/laurie.hardie.7?mibextid=LQQJ4d
https://www.instagram.com/didnotseethatcoming/profilecard/?igsh=MTdmMHBveXBzbThobA==
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interrupted-act-2-reinventing-your-legacy/id1689907695
http://www.coachlaurie.com