Quitting Law School to Eat Cupcakes with Martha Stewart (with Rachel Kramer Bussel)

Content warning: This episode contains a mention of miscarriage that is described in some detail. Please take care when listening; if you'd like to avoid that part, it starts around 41:15 and ends by 42:10.When Rachel Kramer Bussel took a break from law school, she started trying different things. She worked as an admin assistant, wrote erotica on the side, and started a cupcake blog that landed her on The Martha Stewart Show. Her one year leave of absence turned into leaving law forever, but that pivot led Rachel exactly where she was supposed to be. Now, she is a successful writer, editor, consultant, and teacher. We discuss her decision to move away from writing erotica later in life, her enthusiasm for Open Secrets Magazine and sharing other people's stories, and why she's launching a podcast about our attachments to our belongings called Finders and Keepers. In the second half of the show, we talk about the latest chapter in Rachel's life: motherhood! In 2024, she and her partner adopted a baby. She shares what the adoption process looked like for them, how she felt meeting her daughter for the first time, the predatory Instagram ads targeted at moms, and lots more. Links:Open Secrets Live Personal Storytelling Summit - May 2, 2026 at Symphony Space in NYCOpen Secrets MagazineRachel's new podcast, Finders & KeepersFor more of Rachel and her work, check out her Instagram or website.Emily's website & Instagram.To support the show, leave us a one-time (or recurring!) tip. We'll send you a sticker to say thanks!We're a proud member of the Lunchador Podcast Network. Our logo is by Tenderchomps Art.Mentioned in this episode:Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own BusinessCheck out Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own Business on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/gettingrealwithbossy/ Common Thread Check out Common Thread on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/common-threads-hardcore/ Connections with Evan DawsonConnections with Evan Dawson - Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts ConnectionsJoe Bean Coffee - Coffee that Lifts EveryoneUse promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com