In this inspiring episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, host Liz Brohan and special co-host Mary Tobiason welcome children’s author Lori Orlinsky and her daughter Ellie for a candid conversation about confidence, empathy, and being a middle child. Together, they share the story behind Being Middle, a book that transforms feeling overlooked into feeling empowered. Through humor and heartfelt moments, the episode explores how storytelling helps kids process emotions, celebrate what makes them different, and find their voice. It’s a warm reminder that being truly seen—and heard—can change lives for kids and parents alike.
In this heartfelt episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, host Liz Brohan is joined by special co-host Mary Tobiason—Ironman World Champion and founder of Movement Perfected—for a powerful conversation about identity, empathy, and finding your voice.
Their guests are award-winning children’s author Lori Orlinsky and her daughter Ellie, co-creators of the book Being Middle, which reclaims the often-misunderstood experience of being a middle child. What began as Ellie feeling “lost in the shuffle” between siblings became a collaborative, empowering storytelling journey that reframed the narrative from “stuck in the middle” to “I get to be in the middle.”
The conversation explores how literature can help children process big emotions, celebrate differences, and build confidence. Lori shares how her books—many inspired directly by her children—have resonated far beyond her own family, including deeply moving moments reading to patients at Lurie Children’s Hospital. Ellie, meanwhile, reflects on how the book helped her embrace her role as a bridge-builder, helper, and leader at school.
With humor, vulnerability, and wisdom from fellow middle children, this episode reminds parents, leaders, and kids alike that being seen—and truly listened to—can change everything.
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