9: Laura Lea Bryant on Unlearning Social Media, Relationships and Food

Laura Lea Brant is a two time cookbook author, chef and voice of reason in the culinary world. Laura Lea has always had this strong desire to fit in and belong, more than her need to belong has been the pull to create a life that aligns with her core wants and desires. From ditching the conventional path of career, being a woman who grew up in the South to breaking relationship patterns, Laura Lea is vulnerable and honest in this conversation. Laura Lea also opens up in a bold way about the way social media has shaped her career but also about the boundaries she has had to create in what and how she shares her life. In this episode, you will learn:  What inspired Laura Lea to make the big move from Nashville to NYC  How food helped Laura Lea navigate mental health and anxiety  Laura Lea’s most influential people growing up  How growing up in the South influenced Laura Lea’s voice and sense of rebellion  The pivotal moment when Laura Lea decided to unlearn the learning that “women in the south were supposed to be seen, not heard”  The signals Laura Lea looks for when she needs to make big life decisions and on following her gut  The core learning about materialism and intentionality that continues to stay with Laura Lea decade after decade: “it doesn’t matter how many times you walk into a store and buy things, you are going to want more if that’s your perspective about it. There will always be new shiny things.”  How Laura Lea has had periods of living to eat and then during times of stress, eating to live.  What Laura Lea is learning and unlearning about what a healthy relationship looks like.  What social media “love bombing” can look like (yes, this is a thing!)  How social media has influenced Laura Lea’s career and how she has had to unlearn what and how to share to her growing audience.  How assumptions on social media can be dangerous and what boundaries she is setting to have a healthier relationship to social media.   We discuss Cal Newport’s approach to social media and his book, “Digital Minimalism”.  How to start with the work, then build your following - and the value of consistency.  How we both think about self care and alone time - and how it allows us to show up more fully for those we love.  In this episode, I mention the work of Cal Newport and his book, “Digital Minimalism”.  Please follow Laura Lea on Instagram and pre-order her next cookbook here.  If you enjoyed this episode, show some love by rating and reviewing the podcast on Apple.   To learn more about Elisa's work and The School of Unlearning podcast, click here. Elisa's Instagram account The School of Unlearning podcast on Instagram