Open Doors Podcast

7. Self-Reliance with Special Guest Maha Abouelenein

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

6. Goals Before The End: Bucket Lists

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.

5. Keeping Calm and Carrying On

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. 

4. Dear Future Me: The Happiness Advice We Wish We Knew Sooner

What if the secret to happiness is just a conversation with your future self?
We’re getting deep—and maybe a little teary—this week as we talk about happiness and what it really means. Inspired by a thought-provoking article, Lauren Douglass and Shannon Pruitt dive into the idea of picturing our future selves and asking: what would they tell us today?
From big life choices (do I want kids? What’s my legacy?) to tiny daily decisions (why do I keep making plans my future self will hate?), we’re unpacking what it means to truly honor ourselves—now and years from now. Plus, Shannon gets real about learning to slow down, Lauren has a revelation about motherhood, and we break down the difference between a trip vs. a real vacation (trust us, it matters).
We explore how sometimes, happiness isn’t about chasing the extraordinary, but finding joy in the quiet, ordinary moments.
Listen in—because happiness isn’t a destination. It’s happening right now.

3. Climbing the Ladder… Or Climbing Out? Women & The Workplace Shift

Women are leaving the workforce—or at least stepping back—and we need to talk about why. In this episode, we’re diving into the big workplace study from McKinsey and Lean In, and let’s just say…the numbers aren’t great. A third of women are saying peace out to full-time work, promotions are still playing favorites (spoiler: not with women), and the whole “work-life balance” thing? Yeah, still a mess.
But here’s the real question: Are we redefining success, or just tired of playing the game?
In this episode of Open Doors, Lauren Douglass and Shannon Pruitt get into the “broken rung” problem, generational shifts in ambition, and whether success now means more than just climbing the corporate ladder. Plus, Shannon opens up about a major life milestone, Lauren shares her own winding path post-job loss, and we introduce a new segment that forces us to actually reflect on what we just talked about.
It's a juicy one. Hit play and join the convo.

2. You’re Not Stuck, You’re Just In-Between

How do you know when it's time to pivot? What happens when the life or career you built no longer fits? And how do you move forward when everything feels uncertain?
In the second episode of Open Doors, Lauren Douglass and Shannon Pruitt dive into the messy, exhilarating, and sometimes terrifying process of reimagining yourself. From career upheavals to personal transformations, they explore the unraveling that often happens in midlife (yes, we’re calling it that) and how embracing change can lead to something even better than what you had planned.
Expect real talk on identity, purpose, and those WTF moments that make you question everything—plus stories of resilience, reinvention, and the unexpected open doors that come from trusting the process.
🎧 Hit play and join us as we navigate the twists, turns, and wild ride of transformation.

1. Unfiltered, Unscripted, and Just Getting Started

🚪 Welcome to Open Doors! 🚪
A fresh, real, and thought-provoking podcast hosted by Lauren Douglass and Shannon Pruitt—two friends who’ve spent years having deep (and sometimes hilariously unfiltered) conversations about life, careers, success, failures, and everything in between. This podcast is all about those moments when one door closes, another opens—and the messy, magical space in between.
In this inaugural episode Lauren and Shannon dive into the transitions, challenges, and unexpected opportunities that shape who we are. And what better day to air the first episode than on International Women's Day hearing from these two boss ladies. 
Through honest conversations, shared experiences, and amazing guest stories, Open Doors is about embracing change, rethinking success, and navigating the craziness of work, relationships, and life’s curveballs.
So, come hang out with us! Because sometimes, the best opportunities are the ones we never saw coming.
🎧 Hit play and join the conversation!