Sharon Lawrence is a name most people know well. She is a star on the big screen, the little screen, and on the stage. She is probably best know for her longtime role as Sylvia Costas on NYPD Blue. She's also a huge supporter of women in her industry and a committed environmentalist. But here in North Carolina, we're proud to call her family. The Carolina native is now bringing her talent along with her star power to the Playmakers Repertory Theater at her alma mater, UNC Chapel Hill, for a weeklong stint in "The Shot." It's a one-woman play inspired by the story of the most powerful woman in journalism. Before her legendary tenure at The Washington Post, where she defied the U. S. government by publishing both the Pentagon Papers and the Watergate story, Katharine Graham was an abused wife. Her resilience set the stage for her transformation into an emblem of power in the media world.

*This interview with Sharon first aired in April, 2024. But I wanted to bring it back this week to coincide with her appearance on stage in our area. This is a longer version of the original conversation with extra content. I hope you enjoy listening to Sharon and glean as much wisdom from her as much as I did!

To follow Sharon and her work:

The Shot | PlayMakers Repertory Company

(13) Facebook

Sharon Lawrence (@sharonelawrence) • Instagram photos and videos

(20) Sharon Lawrence (@sharonlawrence) / X

(34) Sharon Lawrence | LinkedIn

With the new year approaching, I decided it was time to unpack the journey I've experienced in 2024 producing and hosting my podcast, AGELESS. My lovely friend and former colleague, who also happened to be my very first guest on the show in January 2024, Sloane Heffernan, agreed to put me in the hotseat to talk about the ups and downs of being a one-woman show and all that I've learned in the past year. I'm so thankful for all the women who trusted me with their powerful stories about everything from love, loss, illness, addiction, mental illness, and every other curveball that life throws at us. I'm so humbled they chose to tell their stories to me and my audience. I'm also humbled by the support I received from all of you. Stay tuned for a brand new format coming in late January 2025 where I will dig deeper into some of these hot button topics women are talking about and get some advice from experts. Enjoy this fun conversation with my dear friend Sloane who always makes me smile!

For more information on how to follow me and get notified about my latest episodes see below:

North Carolina State University's Coach Kay Yow died in 2009 after a 22-year battle with breast cancer. She was one of the most successful women’s basketball coaches in history, amassing more than 700 wins during her 38-year career. Yet, she is more than just a sports icon, she was a helper, someone who left a lasting legacy of helping others on and off the court. Yow had the foresight to start the Kay Yow Cancer Fund in 2007 before she died in order to support women battling every type of cancer. The organization has raised $8.78 million dollars to help in the fight cancers that affect women. In today's episode, we talk to a breast cancer survivor who shares her story through the Kay Yow Cancer Fund to show other women they are not alone. We will also talk to Jenny Palmateer who played for Yow in college, was an assistant coach with her for a decade, and credits Yow with teaching her some of her most important life lessons.

TTo learn more about the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and their upcoming Run/Walk Celebration February 1: Celebration Run/Walk - Kay Yow Cancer Fund