The Spitfire Podcast with Lauren LeMunyan

We've been conditioned to believe that strong leaders always have the answers. But what if the most powerful words in the room are actually: "I don't know." In this episode, Lauren unpacks why "I don't know" isn't weakness — it's the doorway to clarity, growth, innovation, and psychological safety. You'll explore: The four hidden meanings behind "I don't know" When it's a lack of clarity — and when it's emotional avoidance Why the fear of being wrong keeps smart people stuck How to shift from SMART goals to learning goals A practical journaling framework to move from paralysis to agency How sitting in uncertainty builds resilience in an AI-accelerated world If you've ever felt stuck, pressured to have the "right" answer, or unsure of your next move — this episode is your permission slip to pause, explore, and lead from curiosity instead of fear. Because not knowing isn't the problem. Avoiding exploration is.   Read the full article here: https://spitfirecoach.com/blog/=/the-power-of-i-dont-know-a-coachs-guide-to-unlocking-growth

"Stop Trying to Make Lean a Thing!" In this electric conversation with Spitfire Coach Lauren LeMunyan, Santana Inniss shares The Glow Initiative's mission to close the access gap in coaching for women and the nonprofits that serve them. Together they break down The Women in the Workplace 2025 report from McKinsey and Lean In and its problematic language, the myth of the so-called "ambition gap," and the uncomfortable truth about how the coaching industry mirrors broken corporate systems. If you're ready to shift from performative allyship to actual change, this episode is your playbook. 💡 Here's What You'll Learn: Why language choices in "progressive" reports matter more than you think. The systemic barriers keeping women—and coaches—stuck. How The Glow Initiative is flipping the script with data-driven impact and sustainable access models. 🚀 Get Involved: Coaches: Sign up to volunteer for 2026 at www.glowi.org —3 hours can change a life. Donors & Allies: Got $20 or $200K? Every dollar drives impact. Head to glowi.org to give or connect. Leaders & Funders: Know a nonprofit or foundation serving women? Let's get them in the room.

Ready to torch the burnout and toast to something better? In this reflective (and refreshing) episode of The Spitfire Podcast, host Lauren LeMunyan gets honest about the chaos that was 2025, and how to reclaim your power heading into 2026. Whether you're a coach feeling stuck, a leader craving more purpose, or a human just trying to keep it together, this episode is your permission slip to rest, reflect, and realign. Lauren dives into: The real toll of high-performance hustle culture Why "work-life balance" needs a rebrand Questions to end your year with intention (and less stress) Why 2026 should be about rhythm, not resolution Oh, and she's got a free workbook for you—because breakthroughs don't come from binge-watching alone. ✨ Calls to Action: Download the FREE reflection workbook Join the Future Self Design cohort: Coaches, it's time to drop the session fatigue and elevate your impact. Enroll now at FutureSelfDesign.com Subscribe & Share: If you're loving the fire, spread it. Subscribe wherever you listen and share with your fellow Spitfires.

What happens when two seasoned executive coaches stop playing nice and start telling the truth? In this episode, Lauren LeMunyan and Laurie Battaglia dive headfirst into the murky waters of the coaching industry. Together they unpack the differences (and blurred lines) between coaching, advising, mentoring, and training. From the "broke coach" epidemic and sketchy frameworks to certification gatekeeping and emotional burnout, nothing is off the table. They explore what leaders actually need, how to choose the right support, and why personal transformation isn't a checklist. With humor, edge, and smidge bit of cursing, this conversation is a wake-up call for anyone working in or around the coaching world. If you've ever rolled your eyes at the term "empowerment," questioned your own career title, or felt the weight of leadership loneliness, this one's for you.

Middle Management Meltdown: Who's Really Holding Up the House? Middle managers are getting steamrolled and no one's sending in the rescue team. In this fiery episode, we're breaking down the psychological safety crisis facing middle managers, calling out C-suite complacency, fear-based culture, and outdated leadership dynamics. From Harvard Business Review's overdue headlines to the real-world toll of managing up and down with zero support, Lauren lays it all bare. Tune in for unapologetic truth bombs, powerful stats, and a roadmap to build trust-based teams that actually work. Spoiler: psychological safety isn't optional. It's the foundation.   Learn more about Psychological Safety here: https://spitfirecoach.com/psychological-safety See the truth about Middle Managers here: https://spitfirecoach.com/middle

You've survived the hard parts. Now it's time to honor the one who made it through. In this powerful and introspective episode, Lauren  invites you to revisit your journey, not to relive the pain, but to recognize the strength it took to rise. She shares her own reflections on growth, grief, and the moment she paused to truly appreciate her past self. This is more than storytelling, it's self-celebration. Whether or not you ever take a stage, your story deserves to be heard—by you first. Tune in for a heart-forward guide to transforming lived experience into lasting empowerment.

In today's episode, Lauren, explores a powerful shift emerging across leadership landscapes: moving from a mindset of constant doing to one of intentional being. Drawing insights from real coaching sessions and leadership cohorts, Lauren unpacks how relying on external validation can limit growth—and how developing self-awareness and internal measures of success can unlock true leadership potential. If you're ready to evolve beyond the checklist and lead with purpose, presence, and impact, this conversation is your catalyst.

Tired of the fluffy buzzwords, the NPR coaching voice, and the sea of wide-brimmed hats? Same. Please Don't Coach Me is the podcast that pulls back the curtain on the coaching industry — the good, the bad, and the "did-they-really-just-say-that?" Whether you're a coach, a client, or coaching-curious, host Lauren LeMunyan brings unfiltered truth, real talk, and the kind of insight that only 4000+ hours of experience (and a little sass) can deliver.

Welcome to the debut episode of Please Don't Coach Me — the show that dares to say what the coaching industry won't. Coaching has exploded. But beneath the polished frameworks and "powerful questions" lie some uncomfortable truths. In this series, we strip away the jargon, challenge the sacred cows of coach training, and talk candidly about what actually helps people grow — and what doesn't. This isn't anti-coaching. It's real coaching, minus the performative fluff. Whether you're a seasoned coach, a skeptical leader, or someone who's ever sat through a coaching session wondering "what was that?", you're in the right place. ✨ In this kickoff episode, we explore: Why the coaching industry needs a reality check What coaching schools aren't telling you When coaching becomes self-serving (and how to spot it) What truly transformative coaching feels like Subscribe, share, and buckle up — it's about to get real.

You swear it's intuition... but is it really just your judgment in a cute outfit? In this spicy solo episode, Lauren LeMunyan—the Spitfire Coach—uncovers the sneaky ways judgment disguises itself as inner knowing. Spoiler: just because you feel something doesn't mean it's truth—it might just be your bias flexing. Lauren breaks down the science, the sass, and the body signals behind real intuition—and why curiosity (not certainty) is the secret sauce to transformation. If you're a coach, a leader, or just someone who wants to stop sabotaging their growth with BS logic, this one's for you.   Check out our Future Self Design Course for Coaches kicking off on September 30th! 

It's Lauren's birthday (well, sort of), and she's diving deep — and hilariously — into what it means to turn 42. Inspired by The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, she reflects on motherhood, messy relationships, starting over, reclaiming creativity, and redefining self-worth. This isn't your average "here's what I learned" episode. It's a raw, real, and fiery manifesto for anyone tired of living on autopilot. If you've ever questioned your value, sacrificed too much, or just need a spark to reconnect with your passion — this episode is your wake-up call.  Spoiler alert: the answer isn't in a spreadsheet. It's in how you care for yourself.

What does financial abundance really feel like—and how do the money stories we inherit shape the way we earn, spend, and save? In this episode of The Spitfire Podcast, Lauren LeMunyan takes you on a deep dive into the beliefs, fears, and habits that influence your financial reality. Through powerful prompts and personal stories, Lauren explores: How generational money stories influence our mindset The subtle ways we self-sabotage financial growth Practical journaling questions to shift from scarcity to abundance What it looks like to trust money to flow in—and expand from security into possibility Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or simply someone ready to shift your relationship with money, this episode is packed with insights and prompts to help you break free from old narratives and step into your most abundant self.   Download the 25 Prompts to Shift Your Money Mindset worksheet.

What happens when you spend a decade building a business from scratch? You learn a LOT—sometimes the hard way. In this milestone episode of The Spitfire Podcast, Lauren LeMunyan, MCC, pulls back the curtain and shares the 10 biggest lessons from 10 years in business. From ignoring the "too bold" naysayers to charging what you're worth, from investing in systems early to surrounding yourself with the right people, Lauren lays out the truth bombs every entrepreneur, coach, and small business owner needs to hear. You'll hear insights on: Why friends and family aren't your customers (and how to find the ones who are) How to price with confidence and stop undercutting your value The importance of contracts, boundaries, and protecting your energy When to invest in help and stay in your zone of genius How to design your business today for the next 10 years of growth ✨ Whether you're dreaming about launching, knee-deep in the hustle, or reflecting on your own decade of entrepreneurship, this episode will inspire you to rethink your strategy, reclaim your energy, and keep spitting fire for years to come.

This episode of The Spitfire Podcast is a full-on masterclass in reigniting your creative fire—and your life. Host Lauren LeMunyan welcomes transformational coach, award-winning filmmaker, and founder of AudPop, Paige Williams, for a juicy, soul-stirring conversation that covers everything from the power of play to the prison of perfectionism. Together, they dive into Paige's transformative framework, The 12 Creative Keys, a deeply personal and practical journey from creative desperation to spiritual awakening. Through honesty, laughter, and a few well-placed EM dashes, Paige and Lauren explore how creativity isn't just for artists—it's a vital force within all of us, waiting to be remembered. They cover: Why creativity is spiritual and how disconnection kills it How childhood play lays the foundation for adult innovation The false stories we absorb and the power of rewriting our narratives The role of courage, surrender, and love in unlocking our genius What it really takes to shift from surviving to soul-aligned thriving Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or just trying to get out of your own damn way, this episode is packed with inspiration, clarity, and a permission slip to be fully you.   Social Media Handles  @paigewilliamscreates - IG https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigewilliamscreates/ Website: https://www.paigewilliams.co/ About Paige Williams Paige Williams is a transformational coach, award-winning filmmaker, and founder of AudPop, a global platform that's connected 80,000 creators with brands like Dell, Hilton, and Southwest, awarding $10M to filmmakers. She's the author of The Twelve Creative Keys, a framework helping leaders grow with courage, clarity, and aligned action—without burning out.   Like our show? We'd love a review or a subscribe!

Ever find yourself overthinking, over-talking, and over-complicating—only to end up further from clarity than when you started? In this episode, Lauren pulls back the curtain on her own process of rediscovering simplicity in her work, brand, and mission. From redefining values to reimagining what it really means to Spit Fire, she shares the mindset shifts and practical questions that helped her cut through the noise and reconnect with her fire. Whether you're a business owner, leader, or creative, you'll learn how to strip away the jargon, sharpen your message, and get back to the passion that fuels real impact. Because clarity isn't just a gift—it's a strategy.   Like our show? We'd love a review or a subscribe!

What happens when the motivators and drivers that once fueled your success suddenly stop working? In this raw and real episode, I share my own journey of navigating postpartum shifts, caring for my family through crisis, and rediscovering who I am as a leader, coach, and human. From grief over who we used to be, to the hidden gaps in our working years, to the invitation to recalibrate our values and vision, this conversation is for anyone feeling like the old script no longer fits. I'll walk you through why it's time to re-examine your values, how identity shifts shape our purpose, and what it means to move from doing to being.   Plus, I'm sharing a free values worksheet to help you start your own recalibration.   Check out past episodes at www.spitfirecoach.com/episode    Like our show? We'd love a review or a subscribe!

In this raw and unfiltered episode, Lauren opens up about life in the in-between—navigating caregiving, business shifts, and the search for purpose after a whirlwind season of crisis. From resisting the urge to "push through" to confronting identity changes when you're no longer in constant hustle mode, she shares the messy, honest process of sitting with uncertainty instead of skipping past it. If you've ever wondered who you are beyond your roles, or what's next when the old drive feels different, this conversation will meet you right where you are. If this episode resonates, subscribe to The Spitfire Podcast on your favorite platform so you don't miss future conversations. Leave a review to share your thoughts, and send this episode to a friend who might need to hear it today. Your feedback and shares help keep these honest conversations going.   Like our show? We'd love a review or a subscribe!

After an unexpected summer of medical emergencies, emotional whiplash, and personal transformation, Lauren LeMunyan — the Spitfire Coach — returns to the mic to share her most raw and powerful episode yet. From navigating her husband's brain surgery, stroke, and miraculous recovery, to advocating through red tape, caregiving while parenting, and redefining what "self-care" really means, Lauren brings you behind the scenes of surviving crisis in real time. In this solo reflection, she explores: The reality of survival mode and the fog of crisis What to say (and not say) to someone in trauma How Future Self Design became not just a coaching framework — but a lifeline The emotional and physical toll of caregiving Why small acts of presence matter more than ever If you've ever been through a season that shook you to your core, this episode is a must-listen. It's messy. It's honest. It's full of heart. And it just might help you exhale, recalibrate, and remember: even in the muck, there's still room for magic. 💌 Share this with someone who needs a little light in their darkest hour. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at spitfirecoach.com/episode. Future Self Design Course - www.spitfirecoach.com/futureself    Like our show? We'd love a review or a subscribe!

When life flips the script, do you crumble—or rise with fire? In this raw and riveting episode, executive coach and powerhouse keynote speaker Lauren LeMunyan, MCC—aka the Spitfire Coach—opens up about the moment everything changed: her husband's sudden medical emergency and the emotional rollercoaster that followed. With her signature blend of vulnerability, sharp wit, and real-world strategies, Lauren walks us through the 5R Resilience Ride and the art of "dilemma flipping." Discover how micro-actions, clear boundaries, and strategic asks can become your anchors in chaos. This episode is your permission slip to feel deeply, lead boldly, and reclaim your power—Spitfire style. Whether you're in the thick of personal upheaval or coaching others through the storm, this is the episode that reminds you: being fully human is your superpower.   Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/4zOFTOAVc-k   Like our show? We'd love a review or a subscribe!

Emmy-winning producer Shannon Malone-deBenedictis joins Lauren for a raw, hilarious, and unfiltered chat about showing up unapologetically in a world full of BS. From surviving Hollywood's image obsession to calling out the epidemic of weak leadership hiding behind subtext, Shannon breaks down why being direct is the ultimate power move. Expect F-bombs, stories of sharks and water buffalo, and a no-holds-barred look at fat bias in media, the myth of mentorship, and why problem-solving—not perfection—is the real career flex.   About Shannon Malone-deBenedictis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-malone-debenedictis/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/padlincreative/ Website: www.padincreative.com   About The Spitfire Podcast View Past Episodes: www.spitfirecoach.com/episode Have an idea for an episode, send it to: grow@spitfirecoach.com    Like our show? We'd love a review or a subscribe!