Duologue with Leslie Heaney

Each year in New York City, thousands of young people in foster care face a life-altering transition: aging out of the system at 18—or 21 if they opt in—often without stable housing, financial support, or guidance into adulthood.This week, Leslie speaks with Nancy Jarecki, longtime board member of New Yorkers for Children (NYFC), and Eyhdi (Eydi) Osorio, NYFC Scholar, Youth Advisory Board Vice President, and aspiring mental-health professional, about what it truly means to age out of foster care—and how targeted support can change a life’s trajectory.Together, they explore the realities of aging out, the housing crisis facing foster youth, the critical role of emotional support and mentorship, and how NYFC builds community, confidence, and opportunity through programs like Career Choice, which funds trade and technical education and housing. This episode offers an honest, hopeful look at the foster care system—and the impact of investing in young people as they transition into adulthood.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Etiquette expert Elizabeth Anne Russell, founder of the Mannerly, joins Leslie for a deep, practical, and inspiring discussion on how modern manners shape our daily lives. Elizabeth Anne shares guidance on dinner-party etiquette, place settings, seating arrangements, napkin rules, introductions, and conversational flow—plus the often-asked questions about hostess gifts, phone usage, thank-you notes, and social cues.She also offers a powerful look into how etiquette can build children’s confidence, help them communicate with adults, develop gratitude, and strengthen their sense of character. From navigating tricky social dynamics to handling real-world scenarios like airplane etiquette and digital interruptions, Elizabeth Anne offers clear, thoughtful frameworks for moving through life with ease and consideration.This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their communication skills, become a more gracious host or guest, or teach kids the kind of manners that matter in today’s world.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this powerful and inspiring episode, Leslie sits down with Kate LaGere, co-founder of The Mahjong Line, the design-driven brand that transformed the look, feel, and cultural momentum of American Mahjong.Kate shares the real story behind how she and co-founder Annie O’Grady built one of the most recognizable modern game brands — from their first design prototypes and Pantone-specific tiles to their explosive growth across the South, college campuses, and nationwide Mahjong circles.But this episode goes deeper.Kate opens up about the unexpected viral backlash the company faced in 2021, when a wave of online criticism accused The Mahjong Line of cultural appropriation. She describes what it was like to become the center of a national firestorm overnight — the trolling, the threats, the media frenzy, and how she and Annie stayed grounded, responsive, and resilient.Kate also offers heartfelt advice for female founders, creatives, and entrepreneurs on taking risks, embracing discomfort, and building something meaningful — even when the internet comes for you.Whether you’re a seasoned Mahjong player, a new learner, or simply love a good story about grit and reinvention, this conversation is a must-listen.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

This week on Duologue, Leslie sits down with actor, humanitarian, and true American patriot Gary Sinise, best known for his role as Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump, to talk about his life’s mission of service.From his early work with Vietnam veterans to founding the Gary Sinise Foundation, Gary has dedicated decades to supporting our nation’s defenders, veterans, first responders, and their families. In this heartfelt conversation, he shares how his journey from Hollywood success to humanitarian leadership began, the incredible work of the Foundation, and how the legacy of his late son, Mac, continues to inspire their mission.Leslie and Gary also discuss the Lt. Dan Band, the Foundation’s Snowball Express program for Gold Star families, and the power of gratitude, purpose, and giving back.If you’ve ever wondered what true service looks like, this episode will remind you.Learn more or donate atgarysinisefoundation.org. New episodes of Duologue are released every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss a new one! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

This episode is the perfect antidote to whatever you’re feeling the day after election day… in today’s episode, I sit down with two documentary filmmakers, Kahane Corn Cooperman and Innbo Shim, to discuss their film, Creede USA.Creede is a small, remote mining town in Colorado that serves as a microcosm of differing political sides and debates that are happening more broadly in our country today.  The town consists of conservative mining families that have been there for generations, and more liberal, progressive theater people who come into town every summer for the past 60 years for their repertory theater company.  The documentary features many individuals and perspectives that live in this small town of 300, where residents are forced to confront each other's differing views.  The film covers the real-time school board meetings that are tackling some of the pressing political hot button debates and issues facing us today - from topics like guns in schools and gender identity curriculum. This film, and our conversation, explores how people can have vehemently opposing political views, YET still maintain respect for and civility toward one another, and in doing so have created a strong and thriving community in Creede. Creede USA is an amazing independent film… this story and the two amazing female filmmakers behind this story are truly inspirational. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.