The L Podcast

Sometimes running away from your problems is a good thing. Processing all my grief, from losing my mentor to not having kids, through training for another half marathon has been exhausting but special. I never understood how running was supposed to be good for your mental health. Running sounds terrible quite frankly. But the benefits of running with my grief have become clearer and dare I say, I love running now? For anyone looking for a way to navigate living with grief, this episode is for you.

TW: Discussion of suicidal thoughts and suicide.My biggest fear in life isn't dying, its how I die. I've dealt with suicidal thoughts probably since I was around 14. This is a difficult and very stigmatized topic, but May is Mental Health Awareness Month so I'm talking about it today. We'll talk about the several factors that make people more likely to have these thoughts, how I push through them, and I have one ask for help from you at the end.For anyone who struggles with their thoughts, know you're not alone. You are wanted in this world. If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is there to call, text, or chat. Learn more about what these thoughts are at my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/suicidal-ideation.

What if your life drastically changed 25 years from now? For today's guest, Katrina Willis, that's exactly what happened. She realized later in her life, after marriage and four kids, that she was actually gay. But how does one come to that conclusion after already having a whole life established? Katrina shares her story of self-discovery and wonderful advice for others that may still feel like they haven't fully become who they're meant to be.To hear Katrina's full story, check out her memoir Hurricane Lessons, also released as an audiobook narrated by herself.TW: mention of suicide

Picture it, November 1991, a young nonverbal T.J. Rose is diagnosed with Autism. Fast forward to February 2026, he just won a speech contest! April is Autism Awareness Month and today's returning guest T.J. Rose shares his diagnosis story and life lessons of living with Autism. For anyone who knows and loves someone with Autism, T.J. has some great advice at the end on how you can best support them.

This episode is for the new parents, new job starters, new partners, and anyone feeling like they're failing or behind. Although you may feel like you're failing (your feelings are totes valid), we need to look at the facts. The matter of the fact is you're doing better than you give yourself credit for. This is just a season, not forever.

If you'd rather get a root canal than a compliment, then this episode is for you. There's something about getting praise, whether it's about an outfit or completing a project, that makes me want to immediately run away. But I'm the first person that will tell a stranger her shoes are cute. It's messed up. Today we're breaking down why receiving praise and compliments can be a struggle, and how we're going to break that cycle. Because we deserve better. We deserve to be celebrated. We deserve to be showered with the love we so freely give to others too.

Sometimes you gotta tell that little voice in your head to shut the f*ck up. Self-hatred can be an intense, persistent negative view of yourself, which can lead to self-criticism, shame, and low self-worth. Yesterday my self-hate talk was loud and constant. In this episode I chat about what can cause self-hate talk, what we can do about it, and most importantly, why we deserve better.For those who fight with self-hate talk, we can challenge those thoughts and seek support to get through. The key is to keep fighting and keep going. Because we deserve better.TW: mention of suicidal thoughts

Surviving chronic, long-term trauma? Then you need to hear this story. Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is a mental health condition that includes standard PTSD symptoms like flashbacks, avoidance, hypervigilance, but can also cause profound emotional dysregulation, chronic shame, worthlessness, and severe relationship struggles. Sound familiar? Today Lala shares her journey from getting diagnosed to trying endless types of treatments until she found something that worked for her. Her story and words of encouragement truly require tissues be on stand by!Know you're not alone and living with CPTSD is not a failure or your fault.Learn more about CPTSD from Cleveland Clinic.

This episode is for everyone who recently lost a loved one—a father, mother, friend, fur baby. Unexpectedly losing someone you love can be traumatizing, so today's episode is all about validating and sharing lessons I wish I knew about grief in the beginning.Know you're not alone and this grief is not yours alone to carry.

You probably don't know this about me, but I dream almost every night and I'm very superstitious about it. Today's episode is a bit wild, as I talk you through my dreamscape, which I call my Memory Multiverse. If you've ever dreamed about a loved one who is no longer with us, this episode is for you.

If you've experienced trauma, you need to know this. Trauma-related memory loss is a protective brain mechanism that tries to protect you from distressing memories. I've always called myself dumb because I had to study 10x harder than my peers in school, only to forget it all immediately after the exam. In this episode we talk about the different types of memory loss and what you can do about it.TW: Mention of sexual abuse.You are not alone. Learn more about dissociative amnesia at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9789-dissociative-amnesia#management-and-treatment.

Before you set your 2026 resolutions, you NEED to hear this. Being goal-oriented and driven can be a great trait to have, but how you APPROACH reaching said goals makes all the difference. This year, we're done comparing ourselves, we're done adding unnecessary stress, and we're done living by invisible societal standards. This is our year of small wins with big meaning.

Even things as enjoyable as the holidays can be a struggle for a neurodivergent person. Loud kids running around, too many bright lights, and your aunt Mary's "dip" that shouldn't be that lumpy. It's A LOT. In this episode, T.J. Rose shares his experience growing up with autism. Now as an adult, he manages the holiday season a bit differently. T.J. shares his tips and words of encouragement for our neurospicy friends, so we can all enjoy the holidays too.Have more questions about living with autism? T.J. is happy to chat with you! You can reach him at [email protected].

I had to say goodbye to my mom all over again this week. My old car finally needed to be replaced and it was the last place that I had carried memories of her with me. The thing about losing a loved one is that you don't lose them just once, but in a million tiny ways too. Having to say goodbye over and over again can be painful, but before every goodbye, comes a beautiful hello.

The holiday season can bring tons of things, including stress. Road rage during holiday traffic, dealing with THAT aunt, fighting for the last fruit cake (seriously, let them have it!). We may not be able to control all the stressors in our lives, but we can control how much we let them impact us. That's why I live by the motto "everybody needs to sh*t". In this episode I share this stress management tool to help us all live a little more stress-free and protect our daily joy instead.

With the holidays around the corner, I wanted to take a moment and reshare this message: You're not alone when you feel despair in tough times. But we can't let moments of despair turn into lives of despair. In this episode we're talking about how to snap out of these moments of despair and tangible actions you can take right now.

No one likes having difficult conversations. They're uncomfortable, but they need to be done. Avoiding tough discussion only makes it more awkward and hard to have. Jamie and I are really proud of the fact that we can count the number of times we've argued on one hand. Strong communication is the foundation of our marriage. However, from years of putting my foot in my mouth, I'll learned these five things to help keep the conversation going, prevent resentment, and have a good conversation about a shitty topic.

You're not alone in this. Whether it's living with a chronic illness, battling cancer, going through grief, or facing food insecurity, we all need a community to get through. For anyone feeling helpless or hopeless during these really dark times, this episode is for you. There's still good happening in our communities. If you don't see it, start it.It's good to be back....

I'm embarrassed to admit that I almost died a few weeks ago. I ended up in an ambulance, at the emergency room, with acute kidney damage. Ever since then, the biggest thing I can remember is the feeling of embarrassment of everything that happened and WHY it happened. Living with ADHD means our brains work a little different, and sometimes that means things that sound like they "should be easy" are actually REALLY FUCKING HARD. But whether you live with ADHD or not, we all struggle with feelings of embarrassment. And you're not alone.

Do you have your whole life figured out? I sure as hell don't—and I'm not sure when I will. But as soon as you turn 18, the world expects you to know WHAT you want to be, WHEN you're going to do, and HOW you're going to do it all. No pressure right? In this episode Jillian Reilly and I talk about how outdated the blueprints and paths we've been sold have led us astray and why we need to learn how to lean into our agency. What does that even look like? We talk about that too! If you've ever felt lost or confused as to why you've checked all the boxes society said you should, and still can't check the one that says you're happy and fulfilled, then this episode is for you.Learn more about Jill and her upcoming book at tenpermissions.com.

Ever hit a goal and still feel like a total fraud? Like you're just faking it and someone’s going to find out? That’s imposter syndrome—and it’s way more common than we think. In this episode Christine Blosdale and I unpack why high-achieving people often feel the least worthy—and how to stop letting that voice run the show. This conversation won’t fix imposter syndrome overnight. But it might help you call it what it is: a lie. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong, even when you’ve worked your ass off to get where you are, this one’s for you.Learn more about Christine at ExpertAuthorityCoach.com or book a free discovery call with her at ChatWithChristineB.com.

A year can go by so fast and so slowly at the same time. It's been a year since my PMDD diagnosis and giving up our dream of having children with infertility. It's been rough and I've learned a lot, changed a lot, and have definitely cried a lot. Dealing with a new type of grief has been humbling and lonely, but the life I've started creating for myself and my family has been a blessing. If you or a loved one are dealing with grief, infertility, or PMDD, this episode is the raw reality that we share. But we have each other.

Domestic violence impacts people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds—and too often, it goes unnoticed or misunderstood. In this essential episode, we’re joined by Jen Pencek from Centre Safe, an organization dedicated to empowering survivors and eliminating violence. Jen helps us unpack what domestic violence really looks like, including the often-overlooked emotional, psychological, and financial forms of abuse. You'll learn how to recognize the warning signs, what to say (and what not to say) if someone confides in you, and how to offer meaningful, nonjudgmental support. Whether you’re a friend, a family member, or someone who simply wants to be a better ally, this conversation will equip you with the insight and tools to support survivors and be part of lasting change.Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of domestic violence, abuse, and trauma. Listener discretion is advised.Learn more at centresafe.org.

Ever wish relationships came with instructions? Same. That’s why I'm chatting with Zoey Charif, author and founder of The Love Formula, to help decode what really makes relationships work. In this episode, Zoey and I break down her signature formula—a mix of self-awareness, insight, and intention—that can change the way you show up in every connection. Whether you're navigating love, friendship, or work dynamics, this conversation is the formula you didn’t know you needed!Learn more about Zoey, her book, and the Love Formula at www.lovecaninfactbecalculated.com.

You can be healthy AND embrace your culture, despite what society and doctors say. For years I struggled with trying to be "healthy", and doctors told me the only way to do that was to trade in my tortillas for a salad fork. Bland and pretty boring. Excited is an understatement for how I felt when I finally found today's guest, Dalina Soto, Founder & Bilingual Dietitian of Nutritiously Yours & Your Latina Nutritionist. In this episode Dalina discusses the importance of culturally sensitive nutrition, the role of registered dietitians, and the misconceptions surrounding nutrition education. She emphasizes the value of enjoying cultural foods while managing health, and has some great advice for anyone who wants to do just that. If you've ever been told your cultural foods are "bad" and "unhealthy", then this episode is for you!To learn more about Dalina, how to work with her and her team, or to buy her amazing new book, go to yourlatinanutritionist.com.

Don't knock it till ya try it. We've all heard that phrase, yet we're always shocked when we try something new and realize we actually LOVE it. Trying new things at any age can feel scary, but what's scarier is possibly missing out on finding your passion. Today we're chatting with the very talented Alecia Imbert, who at the young age of 50 has found a new passion that makes her feel as excited as a kid on Christmas morning. Alecia's journey to find her new passion is filled with so much love and joy, it's what I wish for every listener of this show! Check out Alecia's art on FB and IG at creationsbyalecia.

Getting a job is WAAAY harder than it was even a decade ago. Requirements have changed, the process has changed, and it seems like getting ghosted by recruiters is a new thing too. In today's episode we're chatting with returning guest and good friend Bill Imbert on his recent success of navigating the job hunt. From where to start, to tips and advice, Bill shares what helped him finally land a job that he loves. For anyone considering switching roles or that has been on the market for a while, this episode is for you!

Where the hell has this year gone?! We're halfway through 2025, which makes this the perfect time for a thoughtful mid-year check-in. In this episode, we'll chat through a series of reflective questions to help us pause, take stock of the past six months, and realign our goals and intentions for the rest of the year. Whether you’ve been crushing it or just trying to stay afloat, this conversation is a chance to get honest with yourself, celebrate progress, and reset with purpose.

You're not meant to stay the same person. Change is inevitable, we've all heard the phrase. And that doesn't exclude us. I'm turning 34 and I'm such a different person from when I was 12, 20, 28. I've been immature, a b*tch, a friend, a loyal daughter, a scientist, a wife, and so many other things in my life so far. Without the role of becoming a mom I had an existential crisis of who I was meant to be, so this past year I really got to know myself all over again. It's been fun, hard, playful, exciting, scary, and everything in between. But there's three things I wish I could back and tell all the other versions of me. Buckle up buttercup, we're going on a nostalgic ride!

TW: Mention of suicidal tendencies.This is probably the hardest episode I've done. It's been almost a year since our infertility journey ended and today my husband is helping me share my experience through it all. From IVF, to societal pressures, to almost losing everything, this journey changed me as a person, as a woman, and as a wife. It might not have had the happy ending we dreamed of, but we got the ending we deserved—a healthy one. For anyone else starting their infertility journey or staying strong through IVF, know that we are here for you.

In honor of Infertility Awareness Month, I’m joined by my husband Jamie—as we share what IVF looked like from his side of the journey. This episode shines a light on what IVF felt like for Jamie, how couples can stay connected, and why men need more support, space, and voice in this conversation. Infertility is so often centered around women—and while that’s valid and necessary, men are also deeply impacted. Their emotions, questions, and grief often go unheard. If you or someone you love is walking this path, we hope this episode offers understanding, comfort, and a reminder: you’re not alone—and neither is he.

I've lived through many traumatic events in my life, but I didn't want trauma to BE my life so I started my self-healing journey in 2016. As I reflect on what almost a decade of working on myself, healing on the inside and outside, here are three things I was not expecting from this journey. Self-healing is hard work. Many hours of therapy, some medication assistance, lots of self-care, and a strong support system have all made my progress possible. Even though the work isn't over, I'm really proud of how far I've come...how far WE have come.Learn more about trauma healing at health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-heal-from-trauma

Grief can change how a holiday or special occasion feels. This is the first Mother's Day since dealing with infertility and finding out I can't have kids. I've been dreading it. But the first holidays after loss, whether it's a loved one or a future you envisioned, is always the hardest. Yet somehow we get through it. Because holidays are tough. Grief is tough. But we're pretty effin' tough too.

Just because you can't dodge all stress doesn't mean you have to drown in it. In this episode, we’re talking about how to make life less stressful, not stress-free because that's not realistic. I'll share my favorite practical, gentle strategies that help me stay grounded so you can too. Whether you’re feeling stretched thin or just need a reset, this episode is here to remind you: you’re not alone, and you’ve got the tools to handle this. Take a breath, press play, and let’s work through it — together.

Let’s talk about what chronic stress actually does to your body — because it’s more than just feeling overwhelmed or anxious.When we’re stressed, the brain turns on what’s called the fight or flight response. That’s helpful in short bursts — like slamming on the brakes to avoid a car accident. But when that stress response gets stuck in the ‘on’ position for days, weeks, or even years, things start to break down.Chronic stress isn’t just a mood — it’s a full-body health risk.Learn more about the health impacts of chronic stress at these resources:https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/stresshttps://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1361287/

Look at how far you've come. All the things you've had to overcome. All the roles you've had to take. All the healing you've done. Look at the person you've become DESPITE everything that life has thrown at you. I still beat myself up when I'm not where I want to be, when instead I should be giving myself more credit for how far I've come (according to my therapist, who is always right). We all need this reminder. This episode is for you.

Dealing with infertility can feel very isolating and overwhelming, especially when others don't understand what you're going through. It's also difficult when no one wants to talk about such a sensitive and sad topic. So how do you support someone going through infertility? Today we're chatting with my bestie Casie about her journey with infertility. She shares some really vulnerable experiences and provides insightful advice on what to do and what NOT to do when supporting someone going through infertility. If your partner, friend, or loved one is dealing with infertility, then you'll want to listen to this episode!

Sometimes saying "I'm tired" is the easiest and only response I can give because there's no words to describe what I'm feeling when living with multiple chronic conditions. The trifecta of tiredness: emotional, mental, and physical fatigue is brutal. How do people deal with it? Asking for a friend...

Ever find yourself stuck in an endless loop of bad news and negative headlines? I know I have lately. With so much going on in the world, many of us are torn between being informed and wanting to shove our heads under a pillow for some peace. In this episode, we talk about the harmful effects doom scrolling has on our mental health—fueling anxiety, stress, and burnout. We break down why we’re so addicted to it and, more importantly, how to stop. Ever heard of hope scrolling? We’ll talk about that too! This episode is your guide to breaking the cycle and taking back your peace of mind.

In this episode, we get real about the anxiety that comes with doctor’s appointments and why so many of us dread them. Whether it's fear of bad news, past experiences, or just the stress of being in a medical setting—it’s still very important not to put these appointments off. We’ll talk about practical tips and strategies for managing appointment anxiety, including preparation, relaxation techniques, and even alternative options many don’t consider. If you’ve ever felt nervous about a doctor’s visit, this episode is for you!

Isn't couples therapy is only for relationships that are about to end? Wrong! In this episode, my husband Jamie joins us to dive into our personal experience with couples therapy and share how it’s changed our relationship. Throughout the conversation, we bust some of the biggest myths we’ve heard about couples therapy—like the idea that it's only for couples on the verge of breaking up or that it’s all about blaming one person for the problems. If you’ve ever been curious about couples therapy or wondered if it’s really worth it, this episode is for you. We hope to offer some fresh perspectives and challenge the misconceptions that might be holding you back from giving it a try.

Anyone else struggling with feeling hopeless lately? Join the club. With natural disasters, genocide, and freedoms at risk, anyone with a soul and heart would feel this way. You're not alone when you feel despair in tough times. But we can't let moments of despair turn into lives of despair. In this episode we're talking about how to snap out of these moments of despair and tangible actions you can take right now.

How do you cope with the heaviness of all the negativity happening in the world? It's tough. There's so much devastation and despair in the air that I think we're all feeling really down, which is an absolutely normal response to the state of the world right now! So I wanted to take this time to remind ourselves how we're going to get through this together: by creating moments of joy to balance us out. You are not alone. We are in this together. We will get through this like we have every other tough time we've faced. But we have to make sure we're taking care of ourselves in the process. If you need more support, please reach out: Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 9-8-8 (call or text)

The soft life lifestyle was coined was by the Nigerian influencer community as a movement for Black women to live restfully, and put themselves first. Women have been entering their #softlifeEra ever since! As I've evaluated what I want my life to look like this year and moving forward, I realized I want to live a soft life too. A lifestyle that's low stress, comfy, relaxing, and feels like a baby kitten! How do you live that kind of life? We're going to talk all about what a soft lifestyle means and how to start living it!

Have you ever picked a word for the year? Most people do New Year's resolutions or vision boards for their goals, but when I heard about choosing a word to set your intentions for the year, I absolutely knew I wanted to do it. Today we're talking about why you might want to choose a word for this year and how you go about picking one.

Grief always feels heavier during the holidays. It's having everyone else's joy and happiness all around you that just feels like salt in a wound. People who are grieving, like I am, can dread holiday time. It keeps coming back every year! So how do we get through it? Today we're talking about what to do if you're grieving this holiday season or if you're trying to support someone who is. And remember, you are so loved. We'll get through this together.

TW: Mention of suicidal thoughts. PMDD almost took everything from me this year. I was diagnosed with PMDD in July, and at the age of 33, I had never even heard of it. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a SEVERE form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that can impact daily life. It can affect up to 5% of individuals of childbearing age, yet so few actually know about it. I'm sharing my diagnosis story and journey so far with PMDD to not only help raise awareness but remind people that what they might be going through is because of their hormones. You are wanted in this world. You are loved. You are not alone. Learn more about PMDD at womensmentalhealth.org.

The world seems to be on fire and now it's dark before dinner time. I think we all could use a reminder of how to deal with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which I know I'm dealing with. SAD is a real thing so we have to take extra care of ourselves! Let's relisten to Ep. 94 and make sure we get through this winter together. For more info on SAD, check out bit.ly/SADresource. If you need someone to talk or help, you can always reach out to the crisis line by calling or texting 9-8-8. You're not alone.

Thinking of buying a home soon? Here's what you NEED to know! Today we're talking with realtor and friend, David Ferrel Jr about all things homebuying. From first-time buyer mistakes to how the election might impact the market, David gives all the chisme (that's gossip in Spanish)!

118,000 children and youth in America are waiting to be adopted, but many may age out of the system. There's more foster kids than there are foster parents. November is National Adoption Month and we're talking with Bethany and David Carter about their experience as foster parents and adopting through the foster care system. They share the tension and beauty they experienced as foster parents and share advice for anyone considering fostering or adopting. To learn more about fostering or adopting in your state, visit www.childwelfare.gov.