Overview

On this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, John Jantsch interviews Lynn Smith—nationally recognized TV news anchor, keynote speaker, media consultant, and founder of Rylan Media. Lynn shares the inspiration and story behind her new children’s book, “Just Keep Going,” a beautifully illustrated fable that offers a blueprint for building resilience and courage in both kids and adults. Drawing from her own career pivots, setbacks, and reinventions, Lynn discusses why perseverance, emotional honesty, and self-awareness are the real keys to success—on the page, in business, and in life.

About the Guest

Lynn Smith is a media consultant, renowned TV anchor, speaker, and founder of Rylan Media. She’s helped thousands of professionals find their voices on camera and in the boardroom. As the author of “Just Keep Going,” Lynn brings her expertise in communication and resilience to a new generation, offering practical lessons for overcoming fear and embracing growth.

Actionable Insights

• The central message—“just keep going”—was inspired by three words that helped Lynn persevere through a dark period in her life; that same mantra now helps children and business leaders alike.
• Choosing a mouse as the main character adds an underdog, relatable spirit—animal stories are less intimidating for kids and help lessons land.
• The book’s lessons on resilience, reframing adversity, and emotional honesty are as relevant for adults and entrepreneurs as they are for children.
• Illustration is a powerful storytelling partner; trusting expert collaborators (like illustrator Lauren Gallegos) can amplify your message.
• Teaching kids practical techniques—deep breathing, asking for help, shaking off setbacks—makes emotional skills actionable and memorable.
• Self-awareness is critical for resilience; most adult communication challenges are rooted in childhood fears or experiences.
• Parents and teachers can model perseverance by sharing their own setbacks and how they move through them.
• The book includes an educator and parent guide with prompts, definitions, and a “worry journal” to help kids—and families—process big feelings.

Great Moments (with Timestamps)

• 00:37 – Why a Mouse?
  Lynn shares why the main character’s journey needed the relatability of an underdog.
• 02:40 – The Origin of “Just Keep Going”
  How a friend’s text became a life-changing mantra—and the heart of the book.
• 03:41 – Is This Just for Kids?
  Why the book’s message is vital for entrepreneurs, parents, and anyone facing adversity.
• 05:18 – On Writing Short and Deep
  The challenge of distilling big lessons into a few, powerful words and pages.
• 06:42 – Illustration as Storytelling
  How trusting the right creative partner can turn words into emotional magic.
• 08:23 – Making Complex Lessons Simple
  Turning resilience, courage, and reframing adversity into actions any child can take.
• 10:37 – Autobiographical Lessons
  How Lynn’s own pivots and failures shaped the book’s core message.
• 12:37 – Self-Awareness and Root Causes
  Why most adult fears and communication struggles trace back to formative childhood moments.
• 13:43 – Modeling Perseverance as a Parent
  The importance of letting kids see you fail, try again, and share your process.
• 16:20 – Tools and Guides for Families
  The book’s educator/parent guide and the power of a “worry journal.”
• 19:07 – Lynn’s Own “Just Keep Going” Moment
  From live TV slip-ups to business setbacks, how perseverance drives every reinvention.

Insights

“Just keep going” isn’t about guaranteeing success—it’s about embracing the process, moving through fear, and seeing what’s possible on the other side.

“Children’s books distill complex lessons into simple actions—breathing, asking for help, shaking it off—so kids (and parents) can practice resilience together.”

“Self-awareness and emotional honesty are the roots of real, lasting growth at any age.”

“Modeling perseverance—letting kids see you face setbacks and keep trying—is one of the greatest gifts a parent or leader can give.”

“Every reinvention, every pivot, and every setback is a chance to just keep going—and to get stronger along the way.”