Duologue with Leslie Heaney

• Modern Manners Made Easy: Etiquette Expert Elizabeth Anne Russell

  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.

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• Mahjong’s Modern Makeover: Entrepreneurship, Gameplay & Community with Kate LaGere

  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.

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• The Real Lt. Dan: Gary Sinise on Service and Sacrifice

  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.

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• Creede, USA: A Community in Conversation - with Kahane Corn Cooperman and Innbo Shim

  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.

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• Behind the Kilts: The Real History of Outlander with Daisy Prince

  In this episode, Leslie sits down with writer and editor Daisy Prince to explore the real history behind Outlander. Daisy—whose work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Vanity Fair, Vogue, The Telegraph, and Tatler—takes us deep into the fascinating story of Clan Fraser, the real-life Scottish family that inspired the hit series.This conversation spans centuries — from 14th-century Scotland, when Sir Simon Fraser fought alongside William Wallace against the English, to the real events and characters that inspired Outlander. Among them is the infamous 11th Lord Lovat, whose beheading famously gave rise to the phrase “laughing my head off.”Leslie and Daisy also talk about the dashing Brigadier Simon “Shimi” Fraser, a World War II hero who led his men into the D-Day invasion—bagpiper and all. Shimi had a bounty on his head from Hitler, and Winston Churchill once described him as “the most beautiful man who ever cut a throat.”If you’re an Outlander fan (or just love a good Scottish saga), you’re going to love this one.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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