
Nobody Told Me!
(Apple Podcast's Best of 2018) When mother-daughter duo Jan Black and Laura Owens first conceptualized their two-generational talk show, nobody told them they’d snag the title of #1 self-help podcast for months on end! But that’s exactly what they’ve done, delving into topics as far-flung as network building, the importance of failure, finding hope after being kidnapped, and how the principles of brain surgery can help us work through everyday problems. Featuring interviews with extraordinary individuals, Nobody Told Me! shines light on the shared human experiences that bring us together, and the challenges that serve as catalysts for our greatest growth. Nobody Told Me! combines Jan’s impressive broadcast journalism background with Laura’s unique, millennial perspective. Driven by a genuine desire to educate and empower, their pioneering platform gives insight into the strategies and secrets of people in all walks of life. Equal parts information and inspiration, Nobody Told Me! brings a personal touch to the interview process. Together, Jan and Laura are asking the questions that help their listeners get through life’s toughest times.
Latest episodes

May 9, 2023 • 35min
Maryanne O’Hara: ...that nothing is as important as love
In this week leading up to Mother's Day, we're focusing on mothers and daughters. You’ll love our guest on this episode, Maryanne O’Hara! As a mother-daughter duo, we were gripped by her book, which is a memoir of her daughter Caitlin’s life and death after having cystic fibrosis for 31 years. The book is called, 'Little Matches: A Memoir of Grief and Light'. In it, Maryanne navigates her own existence during and after an adulthood dedicated to Caitlin’s care, and chronicles what comes next when the worst finally happens. Her website is https://maryanneohara.com/ We’re excited to tell you about another great product from our sponsor, Ritual. It's called Synbiotic+ and it’s a daily 3-in-1 clinically-studied prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic designed to help support a balanced gut microbiome. Ritual’s Synbiotic+ provides two of the world’s most clinically studied probiotic strains to support the relief of mild and occasional digestive discomforts, like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Synbiotic+ and Ritual are here to celebrate, not hide, your insides. It’s time to listen to your gut! Ritual is offering our Nobody Told Me! listeners 10% off during your first 3 months. Visit ritual.com/NTM to start Ritual or add Synbiotic+ to your subscription today.

May 5, 2023 • 32min
Judith Matloff: ...the importance of staying calm in a life-threatening situation
On this episode, we’ll get some advice on what we need to do to survive in an increasingly dangerous world. Our guest is Judith Matloff, a veteran international correspondent who instructs others on how to survive hostile environments. During her lengthy career as a journalist, she’s covered stories around the globe and her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Christian Science Monitor, Forbes, and The Los Angeles Times, to name just a few. Judith has developed protocols for digital, gender and physical security, and consults for leading organizations like the State Department and the United Nations. She’s the author of the book, "How to Drag a Body and Other Safety Tips You Hope to Never Need". Learn more about Judith and the book by going to her website at http://judithmatloff.com We’re excited to tell you about another great product from our sponsor, Ritual. It's called Synbiotic+ and it’s a daily 3-in-1 clinically-studied prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic designed to help support a balanced gut microbiome. Ritual’s Synbiotic+ provides two of the world’s most clinically studied probiotic strains to support the relief of mild and occasional digestive discomforts, like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Synbiotic+ and Ritual are here to celebrate, not hide, your insides. It’s time to listen to your gut! Ritual is offering our Nobody Told Me! listeners 10% off during your first 3 months. Visit ritual.com/NTM to start Ritual or add Synbiotic+ to your subscription today.

May 5, 2023 • 33min
Kathryn Finney: ...how to start a successful business if you’re not a rich white guy
Thinking of starting a business? Our guest on this episode is Kathryn Finney, author of the new book, "BUILD THE DAMN THING: How to Start a Successful Business If You’re Not a Rich White Guy". Her website is https://www.kathrynfinney.com/ We’re excited to tell you about another great product from our sponsor, Ritual. It's called Synbiotic+ and it’s a daily 3-in-1 clinically-studied prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic designed to help support a balanced gut microbiome. Ritual’s Synbiotic+ provides two of the world’s most clinically studied probiotic strains to support the relief of mild and occasional digestive discomforts, like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Synbiotic+ and Ritual are here to celebrate, not hide, your insides. It’s time to listen to your gut! Ritual is offering our Nobody Told Me! listeners 10% off during your first 3 months. Visit ritual.com/NTM to start Ritual or add Synbiotic+ to your subscription today.

May 4, 2023 • 34min
Helena Dea Bala: ...that I would find myself in every stranger I met
Joining us on this episode is Helena Dea Bala, author of the book, "Craigslist Confessional: A collection of secrets from anonymous strangers". Helena took a leap of faith, quit her job, and posted an ad on Craigslist saying, 'tell me about yourself.' Over the years, she has met up with strangers from Craigslist and documented their stories, coming to the conclusion that behind the scenes, we are all struggling with the same issues. We’re excited to tell you about another great product from our sponsor, Ritual. It's called Synbiotic+ and it’s a daily 3-in-1 clinically-studied prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic designed to help support a balanced gut microbiome. Ritual’s Synbiotic+ provides two of the world’s most clinically studied probiotic strains to support the relief of mild and occasional digestive discomforts, like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Synbiotic+ and Ritual are here to celebrate, not hide, your insides. It’s time to listen to your gut! Ritual is offering our Nobody Told Me! listeners 10% off during your first 3 months. Visit ritual.com/NTM to start Ritual or add Synbiotic+ to your subscription today.

May 3, 2023 • 37min
Dr. Margaret Rutherford: ...that perfectionism is a problem
Are you someone who appears to have a perfect life on the outside, but inward you struggle with depression? Have you become an expert at hiding your emotional pain from others? Our guest on this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Margaret Rutherford, is an expert on what she calls "perfectly hidden depression". She talks to us about the symptoms, the importance of identifying the syndrome early, how to take off the mask of perfectionism, and offers guidance for how to overcome it. Her website is https://drmargaretrutherford.com/ We’re excited to tell you about another great product from our sponsor, Ritual. It's called Synbiotic+ and it’s a daily 3-in-1 clinically-studied prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic designed to help support a balanced gut microbiome. Ritual’s Synbiotic+ provides two of the world’s most clinically studied probiotic strains to support the relief of mild and occasional digestive discomforts, like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Synbiotic+ and Ritual are here to celebrate, not hide, your insides. It’s time to listen to your gut! Ritual is offering our Nobody Told Me! listeners 10% off during your first 3 months. Visit ritual.com/NTM to start Ritual or add Synbiotic+ to your subscription today.

May 1, 2023 • 31min
Dr. Laura Huang: ...that 'be yourself' is bad advice
What factors determine our success? How can our paths to success be made a little easier? Our guest on this episode, Business School Professor Laura Huang, has spent a great deal of time researching that question and writing about it in the book, "Edge: Turning Adversity into Advantage". In this interview, she explains what to do if you don't have a good natural edge or gut feel. She says we can turn that adversity into advantage! Her website is https://www.proflaurahuang.com/

Apr 28, 2023 • 28min
Shannon Kaiser: ...life is actually supposed to be easy
The path to happiness is simple, according to our guest on this episode, Shannon Kaiser. She's the best-selling author of several books on the science of happiness and fulfillment and has been called one of the freshest voices in mental health and wellness. We talked with Shannon about her book, 'Joy Seeker: Let Go of What's Holding You Back So You Can Live the Life You Were Made For'. Her website is https://www.playwiththeworld.com/about/

Apr 28, 2023 • 35min
Clint Emerson: ...how to be the right kind of crazy
We’re honored to welcome our guest on this episode, retired Navy SEAL Clint Emerson, who spent 20 years in the Special Operations community, including time with a Special Mission Unit. He's the New York Times bestselling author of '100 Deadly Skills'. His book, 'The Right Kind of Crazy', is a gripping memoir about his time as a Navy SEAL. In this interview, he talks to us about how and why he became a Navy SEAL, the hard lessons he learned while in service, life as a civilian, and how to protect ourselves in dangerous situations, like a shooting or an assault. His website is https://clintemerson.com/

Apr 26, 2023 • 29min
Adrienne Brodeur: ...the consequences of keeping a big secret
We are thrilled to welcome Adrienne Brodeur to this episode. She is the author of the highly acclaimed memoir, "Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover, and Me". It's a mother-daughter story unlike any you've heard! Her website is https://www.adriennebrodeur.com/

Apr 26, 2023 • 35min
In-Q: ...to look at other people as fellow humans instead of looking up to or down at them
It’s a great pleasure to welcome In-Q, a National Poetry Slam champion, award-winning poet, and multi-platinum songwriter who’s written for artists like Selena Gomez ("Love You Like a Love Song"), Miley Cyrus ("Forgiveness and Love"), and many others. In-Q was named to Oprah’s "SuperSoul 100" list of the world’s most influential thought leaders. His latest book of poems and stories is called, "Inquire Within". On this episode, he shares his wisdom about forgiveness, the importance of relationships, and the meaning of life in general. His website is https://www.in-q.com/