In this episode, Lauren Douglass and Shannon Pruitt sit down with powerhouse communicator and author Maha Abouelenein to unpack one of the most transformational mindset shifts we can make: self-reliance.

Maha shares the inspiration behind her book, The Seven Rules of Self-Reliance, and how these principles can help anyone stop waiting for permission and start building the life they want. From building your personal brand to ditching the “waiter” mindset (think: stop waiting, start doing), Maha shares how to invest in yourself and take control of your future. They also unpack the challenges of speaking up as a woman, navigating imposter syndrome, and getting out of your own way to actually move forward.

Whether you’ve ever felt stuck, unseen, or like you’re just waiting for your next opportunity, this episode is your invitation to stop waiting and start doing. Link to Maha's book: 7 Rules of Self-Reliance

In this reflective episode, Lauren Douglass and Shannon Pruitt explore the concept of bucket lists, not just as a checklist of "must-dos" before we die, but as a lens to reimagine how we live with intention. From rethinking what truly matters in a world that rarely slows down to asking hard questions about dreams, creativity, time, and purpose, this conversation goes far beyond travel goals and skydives.

If you've ever felt too busy to think, too distracted to dream, or just curious about what truly fills your cup, this episode is for you.

In a world that’s always on, always demanding more, so many of us are quietly overwhelmed, trying to keep it together while feeling like we’re falling apart. This episode of Open Doors is all about keeping calm and carrying on and choosing yourself with honesty, humor, and heart.

Lauren Douglass and Shannon Pruitt unpack how to find moments of peace amongst all of our daily stresses, and what it really means to show up for yourself, especially when the world is pulling you in a million directions. Whether you're walking, commuting, or curled up on the couch, take a breath, tune in, and know you’ve got this.