Shell Me About It

It's the Year of The Horse everybody! We are cantering and we are bantering! Ashley Curtis (@agelessashley on instagram) returns to the pod for a buck-wild and wondering recap of the Sedona Glow Retreat she hosted with Leah in February. There is a lot to unpack here! Energy vortexes! Social Dynamics! Big emotions! It's all so human, it's all so good. Leah and Ashley have opened up spots to their next retreat (it's back on Kauai!) and you can find more information about it HERE!Come for the banter, stay for the decidedly NOT taro cards that Ashley brought. Text us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

Welp this is the unabashedly chattiest episode yet. Leah and Hali catch up on the mic with a loose plan to discuss the decades of our lives. Leah shares exactly why and how being a women in your 40s is the best!  She's talking mind, body, soul alignment that we haven't felt since we were tiny humans. And Hali observes that all of the 40 somethings in her life (*cough* leah *cough*) appear to be getting hotter, which gives her hope as a frazzled 30 something. Plus, two birth stories: one from reality and one from the Waldorf Kingdom of Childhood. And crazy birthday plans, the gospel of Head and Shoulders shampoo, striving to scoop cat poop, and goals an eight-legged, three-hearted What the Shell.Text us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

We have our first official podcast guest on the episode today! It's Ashley Curtis (@agelessashley on instagram) here to chat with Leah and Hali about the power of a proper retreat, emphasizing the importance of investing in yourself,  finding spaces that support and encourage openness and vulnerability, and connecting with other women. The episode highlights the transformative power of communal retreats in fostering deep connections and personal rejuvenation. The conversation also touches on the balance of woo-woo practices and practical business advice, making it a resourceful listen for aspiring and practicing estheticians and anyone who could use a little nudge to bet on themselves. Text us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

It's the first pod of 2026 and we're back!?Leah's word of the year for 2025 was Giddysweet, but what does that even mean and did it come to fruition for her? Looking ahead: Leah shares her word of the year for 2026 and helps Hali decide her first ever word for a year.The sisters share their unique relationships with "The Woo" and Leah decides it's high time to get re-acquainted with her inner woo. Hali remains skeptical of everything but is more than happy to entertain woo conversations.Phat grindz for the day are a re-cap of holiday food.And What the Shell? The solar system's largest volcano. Text us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

In this episode, Leah shares honest advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs, discussing the grit, sacrifice, and resilience needed to build a business. She gets real about the loneliness of entrepreneurship, the importance of support systems, and the value of self-care and delegation. Phat Grindz this week is the usual tofu talk but also can we talk about polenta?!And What the Shell is transportation trivia!!Text us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

Leah and Hali recap Leah's first Aloha Glow Retreat, sharing behind-the-scenes stories about planning and hosting a transformative experience for estheticians on Kauai. They discuss the power of women coming together, the importance of vulnerability, and how retreats can foster deep connections and personal growth. Leah reflects on her journey co-hosting with Ashley Curtis, the magic that happens when strangers gather, and why it's so much better to attend retreats solo rather than bringing a friend.The episode wraps up with the Phat Grinds segment about... you guessed it... tofu!  And a What the Shell DJ segment just for kicks.Text us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

Leah eats her own words (literally had to pep-talk herself with her own podcast), all three sisters finally on mic together, Tessa’s fat-grid chef debut,  Resort Hali™ brings the vibes, the wildest August of Leah’s life, and why we belong on the dance floor together. Our realist episode yet.Text us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

Motherhood meltdowns, quilting confessions, and our unfiltered thoughts on what “wellness” even means anymore. Plus, a popup event and a chatgpt ‘what the shell’ game. You know: chaos, joy, and everything in between.Text us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

In this episode of Shell Me About It, Leah and Hali hype each other up to do the things that freak them out. From flying solo over oceans to run a marathon to hosting neighbors over on a weekday, sometimes you have to make peace with your old frienemy, fear, and get on with it whatever it is you're trying to do. Leah reads something she wrote on her substack that serves as a reminder to stop waiting for confidence to step up, do it scared!In Leahlani Land, Leah embraces her dreaded task of being in front of the camera (Talk about doing it scared!!), and learns it's not so bad once you're used to it! For Phat Grindz, we're upping the protein in mac and cheese, sliding in some sneaky veggies, and busting out the immersion blender with a Mac Hack Hali leans on at least once a week.And in The Sloppiest What the Shell of All Time we assign each other pirate captain names with the help our pal, chat gpt, and all hell breaks loose. Text us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

If you want to know what it's like staying up til 2am chatting with your sister, this is basically what it's like for us. Accept, this episode was recorded at around 9am and in a podcast studio. But truly, this is a classic Leah - Hali conversation in a nutshell. For this week's Talk Story, Leah is naturally good at interpersonal communication, but leading a company and being a big sister to two little sisters has taught her to be an excellent mediator. In this episode, she shares her biggest tip for turning confrontation into communication. In Leahlaniland, Leah is pursuing a huge dream of hers! She's hosting a retreat with Ashley Curtis of @agelessashley and @goodskincircle on Kauai for estheticians!Phat Grindz this week is Disneyland Food. Is it good? Is it bad? What is it all about?Lastly, in What the Shell, we're talking about whale urine, lots and lots of whale urine. Let's dive in!Text us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

In this episode's Talk Story, Leah and Hali dive into an honest chat about sibling dynamics. Both middle sisters of four children, they have lots of thoughts about who is the most abrasive, most sensitive and most like a ball of sunshine in their family. The conversation shifts to childhood memories and sibling roles, shedding light on how the pecking order has shaped their personalities.For Phat Grindz, Hali talks about the Valentine's treats exchanged in the West Coast Leahlani office and swears to never make chocolate again.In Leahlani Land: Leah's is looking for someone to fill a brand new managerial position at her skincare studio.And wrapping things up with What the Shell: Leah shares her favorite collective nouns for groups of animals. Text us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

We're talking about the weird ways Hali completely fixates on events and parties to fill her creative cup. Does anyone else do this? Not with parties, necessarily, but creative projects in general?What creative fixations do you have? What does it even mean to be creative? How do we feel about being called creative? This episode covers what it feels like to crave a creative outlet and all the ups and downs that come along with creative fixation, which is a term we complately made up.Our Leahlani Land is a chit chat about The Original Mermaid Mask- our OG cult classic product that in so many ways, put Leahlani on the Green Beauty map. Leah shares how she came up with the product idea, the Hawaii-sourced ingredients in it, and just exactly how it makes your skin feel.Phat Grinds this episode is paprikash! Mushroom Paprikash, to be precise. Taken directly out of Hali's favorite blog, Cup of Jo. Recipe here!https://cupofjo.com/2025/02/19/easy-mushroom-paprikash-recipe/And our What the Shells this week are as weird as they are random, with two Kids Say the Darndest Things stories and delightfully bizarre funfacts about... sea cucumbers. Text us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

Leah jumped over to California to surprise Hali for Peter's birthday party only to be greeted by pre-school vomit scare and weekend full of canceled plans. The silver lining is that nothing is sweeter (or more rare) than chatting with a snuggly Peter when he's sequestered on the couch for hours on end, so Leah did that instead. And we got to squeeze in a podcast sesh!In this episode's Talk Story, we're discussing the craft of curating your friendships. Do you put all your proverbial eggs in one friendship or do you have a treasure trove of friends to turn to depending on what you need? You'll have to tune in to see what we mean. Leahlani Land is kind of a vent sesh on the qualms of owning a small business that literally manufactures a truly artisanal product. When you purchase a small business skincare product, how do you envision it was made?  Leah will tell you exactly how we make ours. Hali will tell you why our Holiday launch is low-key our problemed child right now.Phat Grindz is Leah's favorite cereal, which Hali had never heard of. And for possibly the most epic What the Shell ever, Leah reads a five minute poem on love that will shatter your heart in the sweetest way possible.Text us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

Today we're circling alllll the way back to the Sister Swap Episode Number 8 when Tessa got very vulnerable talking about her "inner child" to pick up with Leah's perspective on the practice. Leah shares how she identifies when past experiences shape present reactions (triggers! for the lack of a better term...) and uses a connection to her past self to help her pause and respond more thoughtfully to scenarios that make her uncomfortable. Hali gets emotional when Leah talks about the significance of championing one's younger self because Leah was always, ALWAYS there for young baby Hali so it's just so touching to see Leah be there for herself, too. Does that make sense? Just listen to the episode.For Phat Grindz we talk about the gnarly Turkey alternative we ate growing up during Thanksgiving and share the one single time Hali ate a land animal. And our What the Shell is another incredible Whale Tale.Text us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

Good friends are there for you when you're down, but great friends are out there hootin' and hollerin' when you're on top of the world, too. In this episode, Leah talks about a recent epiphany she had about identifying the cheerleaders in her life: the friends who go out of their way to congratulate and celebrate achievements that are easy to take for granted or simply let pass by. This episode is your reminder to cheer for your friends, they're doing great things!Our Phat Grindz segment is all about the weird food we turn to when no one is watching. Do you have anything you eat when you're solo but you would never serve anyone else? We do!And lastly, our What the Shell is basically a series of hot takes regarding cellphone  and airplane etiquette. Can you recline on an airplane? How are we dividing armrests these days? We have thoughts.Text us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

In this yappy final episode of 2024, Leah reflects on her word of the year and how it showed up for her in big, surprising ways. She reveals her 2025 word of the year (spoiler, it's a made-up word!) and plans on reveling in it as much as possible. Hali is around to discuss this week's Phat Grindz, which (surprise to no-one,) is a slightly alternative vegetarian food. This leads the sisters to discuss candidly what it means to be "bad" vegetarians.In Leahlaniland: the Black Friday busy season had a bummer setback with a case of 80 missing packages lost to the USPS. What's a small business to do when five bags of packed orders just disappear out of thin air somewhere in the United States Postal Service?And in a funny (to us) What the Shell segment, Hali shares her favorite  malapropism of all time. Text us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

Our first Leah's Littles Episode! Meet Tessa, the littlest of the family and Leahlani's Marketing Director! She's in today to chat about how to make sense of our ever-shifting self-identities. Tess describes herself as "flighty" (for a lack of a better term) and shares how traveling the world for a year has allowed her to acknowledge and accept some things about herself that she hasn't given much notice to before. Hali shares how entering motherhood and experiencing post-partum anxiety is the only thing that has ever really rocked her sense of self. It's kind of an intense episode but nothing some delightful Hyperfixation Phat Grindz and Whale Facts can't lighten right up. Thanks for listening!00:00 Introduction and Special Episode Announcement00:26 Discussing Leah's Absence and Endometriosis01:19 Identity Evolution and Shifts02:38 Personal Reflections on Aging and Identity04:08 Motherhood and Identity Crisis07:48 Postpartum Anxiety and Depression10:19 Rediscovering Joy and Self17:41 Tessa's Current Identity Flux21:38 Acknowledging and Accepting Self22:02 Finding a Place to Settle22:47 West Coast Reflections23:16 Travel and Home Realizations26:21 New Beginnings at the Office28:15 Hyperfixation Meals31:57 Whale Facts and FunText us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

Leah and Hali discuss Leah's deep love for Peloton, how it transformed her perspective on exercise, and the nuances of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Hali shares her struggles with postpartum fitness and her intentions to rediscover simply move a little bit every day. Additionally, the sisters hint at an exciting yet secretive project for Leahlani, explore a simple tofu gnocchi recipe, and fess up to their biggest pet peeves. 02:02 Talk Story - Leah's Peloton Addiction Journey18:16 Leahlani Land - Exciting Project Tease20:04 Phat Grindz - Tofu Gnocchi 22:45 Drugstore Dive - cheese grating feet25:49 What the Shell - Pet PeevesText us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

In this episode, the host, Leah, shares her profound experiences attending various women's retreats over the years. Beginning with her initial, nerve-wracking trip to a retreat in Oahu after 2018, she describes how overcoming her fears of public speaking and social anxiety has significantly impacted her life. Leah recounts subsequent retreats in Joshua Tree, Cornwall, and her latest adventure in Colorado, emphasizing the personal growth, empowerment, and deep connections she formed with other women. She discusses the transformative experiences of connecting with others through shared stories, finding her writing flow, and the therapeutic nature of these retreats. Leah highlights the importance of self-care and the unique bonding that takes place in these environments. The episode also features discussions on motherhood, a supportive community, practical tips, and a heartfelt wish to make such retreats accessible to more women.On a lighter-note, we learn that Leah might be a horse-girl and we're stoked for her. We also introduce a segment called "Drugstore Dives," share yet another no-recipe pizza dough recipe, and deliberate on our dream Female Mount Rushmore picks. Lastly, there is a fat discount available for the remainder of the month for our listeners. We won't say it here, you just have to listen!00:00 Hello Hello!00:03 First Retreat Experience: CEO Yeah in Hawaii03:31 Second Retreat: Woowoo with Oui Oui in Joshua Tree04:34 Third Retreat: The magic of Cornwall + writing as a self-care practice08:42 Recent Retreat: Poetry and Horse Therapy in Colorado30:07 Introducing: Drugstore Dives 34:19 Fat Grinds: 2-ingredient all-purpose, high-protein bread dough.37:17 Leahlani Land Update: Listener discount38:10 What the Shell: Female Mount Rushmore47:22 Wrapping it up! Love you, bye!Text us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

After a failed remote podcast recording attempt, Leah and Hali are back with groggy but determined energy.This week's Talk Story is about Hali and her chaotic journey from a religious studies student to a self-taught brand designer. The sisters get real about the emotional rollercoaster of working together, the pros and cons of doing everything themselves, and the ways that being very different kinds of people has helped them over the years.For Phat Grindz, Leah dishes out her famous coconut-infused rice recipe, one of the few foods that her food critic of a husband requests weekly. They also discuss rice cooking techniques, because apparently, Hali is very confused about rinsing rice.In Leahlani Land, Leah shares a heartfelt farewell to their cherished team member Cami. And finally, for this week's What the Shell Segment: Hali is still obsessed with Whales but her algorithm served up a new fascination: fossils!!  Plus, serious question: If you had to get an internationally renowned monument tattooed on your body, what would you go for?Text us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

Leah shares her journey of overcoming a fear of flying, offering encouraging insights and advice. Hali makes IKEA her home office and shares her latest obsession with sweet potato nachos . This week's What the Shell is presented by our AI friend, Chatty Spice. It's a mix of deep dives and light-hearted banter that you won't want to miss.00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer00:30 Fish Pond Drama01:35 Today's Episode Overview02:28 Childhood Memories and Missing Out on Everything08:46 Overcoming the Fear of Flying10:49 Medication and Managing Anxiety15:09 Reflecting on Fear and Control24:43 Leilani Land Update26:25 Working at Ikea29:34 Phat Grindz: Sweet Potato Nachos32:51 Would You Rather: Talk to Animals or Speak All Languages?35:50 Travel Memories and Language Barriers37:57 Conclusion and FarewellText us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

Leah and Hali delve into a personal conversation about Leah's infertility journey, including struggles with ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and IVF. The episode takes a lighter turn with a recipe for a sneaky chocolate silk pie, a giggly Would You Rather debate and Hali's growing obsession with whales.Text us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

This week Talk Story shares a special Paris memory that reminds us to re-frame our fears and focus on the euphoric high that only comes when you've faced something that genuinely stressed you out. We dive deep into a transformative trip to Europe in 2018, including a press event in Milan and nerve-wracking yet rewarding masterclasses in Paris. We also spill some tea on new products in Leahlani Land, and share Leah's somewhat insane recipe for making homemade cardamom bitters. Wrapping up with a nostalgic trip down memory lane from our days at the Iconic Hanalei Farmer's Markets, this episode is packed with personal growth, laughs, and some sisterly love.Don't forget to follow us on @shellmeaboutitpod to see the video we reference in today's What the Shell segment! Text us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]

In the inaugural episode of 'Shell Me About It,' hosts Leah, founder of Leahlani Skin Care, and her sister Hali, the brand's director, introduce their podcast dedicated to female entrepreneurship, mental fortitude, and modern sisterhood. They discuss the reason they decided to start a podcast, their inspiration, and the personal milestones that led them to launch this new venture. Leah shares an honest story about her career shift from being an esthetician to focusing entirely on her skincare line after experiencing debilitating anxiety. The episode also outlines the podcast format, which includes segments like 'Talk Story,' 'Leahlani Land,' 'Phat Grindz,' and 'What the Shell?,' providing listeners with a mix of personal experiences, business insights, and fun anecdotes. Let's dive in!Text us on our Shell Phone! Questions, comments, concerns, would-you-rathers, skincare recs... say hi!Follow Shell Me About It Podcast on InstagramFollow Leahlani Skincare on InstagramFollow Leah on InstagramEmail Hali alllll of your podcast thoughts at [email protected]