Episodes
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Not Losing Hope
In wake of the horrific school shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, Sammi sits down in hopes of helping everyone process the horror. She acknowledges why so many people feel burned out when it comes to mass shootings and reminds herself and others of a grave truth: Regardless of how bad…
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Advice For College Graduates
Last May, Sammi graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with zero intel on how to navigate life after college. One year laster, she sits down to impart 12 pieces of advice for preparing and adjusting to post-grad life. She talks applying for jobs, moving out, changing social...
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The History of Abortion
Sammi explains the history of how abortion became a prevalent topic in Christianity and politics. She breaks down major supreme court cases, explores fatality statistics if Roe V. Wade were to be overturned and highlights ethical dilemmas and possible outcomes of keeping unwanted pregnancies. The...
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Studying Abroad and Embracing Discomfort (with Luke Emano)
UIUC student Luke Emano has been studying abroad in Europe for five months. He and Sammi discuss alone time, culture shock, individual growth, couch surfing, climbing mountains and solo traveling. They explore how to find strength to face fears, avoid spiraling with "what if" thinking and…
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Kanye West and Bipolar Disorder (Pt.2 with Missy Carroll)
Sammi continues her interview with content creator Missy Carroll. Missy is well known for a variety of content, including TikToks she created to open up about living with Bipolar Disorder. The two cover Kanye West's Bipolar via breaking down his 2022 Netflix documentary "jeen-yuhs: A Kanye...
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White Sox Fans, Tim Anderson and Women in Baseball (with Missy Carroll)
Sammi sits down with popular content creator Missy Carroll to talk about her new sports media brand "Southside Behavior" in Trust Me I'm A Novice's FIRST video interview. The two discuss what inspired the brand, why women and Gen Z are less involved in baseball, using TikTok trolls to your...
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Let's (try to) Talk About Sex
Sammi acknowledges the irony of how prevalent sexual themes are in media despite their lack of presence in conversations within our households. She explains the lack of these conversations contributes to high rates of teen pregnancy, STI transmission and struggles with sexuality. She breaks down...
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The Meaning of Life
Sammi brings back Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist for perhaps the deepest discussion of all. She says during her first podcast on The Alchemist (The Blueprint to Following Your Dreams) she left out her favorite part of the New York Times bestseller. This includes a story within the story that she...
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The Pursuit of Happiness? More like youth
In honor of International Women's Day and Sammi's 23rd birthday (Both on March 8th!!!!) she introduces a new perspective on aging and birthdays. The podcast references an inspiring clip from Oprah Winfrey and the late Maya Angelou as the two discuss aging on The Oprah Winfrey Show. From there,...
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And They Were Roommates (with Molly Mehta)
In honor of Sammi visiting her Alma Mater, UIUC, this weekend, she has a chat with her oldest roommate - Molly Mehta. The two discuss the value of learning each other's differing backgrounds, address the concept of "Roommate Horror Stories" and highlight the benefits of being involved on campus...
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Astrology for Dummies and Why Your Sneaky Link Wants to Know Your Sun Sign
Sammi covers spirituality and self - breaking down the basis of a birth chart. She explains many individuals don't believe zodiac signs have validity because they only are familiar with sun signs. She notes how astrology is far more complex and gives insight on The Big Three: three planet...
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Why You Should Love Valentine's Day Regardless of Your Relationship Status
If you're single on Valentine's Day, listen to this. Episode 16 of Trust Me I'm A Novice takes a new perspective on an old holiday.
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Contrary to Popular Belief, You're Not Being Too Sensitive
Have you ever been told you're "being too sensitive"? Have you ever felt uncomfortable viewing extreme examples of violence or pornography? Sammi rethinks what it means to be sensitive after a jarring experience watching Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs. She highlights how sensitivity is…
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Why She Might Be Temporarily into Your Beard
Sammi breaks down the science behind attraction, highlighting how female preferences for different types of men change according to a girl's ovulation cycle. She begins the pod with her own experiences and explores why a girl may only be into a guy for a brief period of time. She jokes about pop...
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Making Decisions 101: Let It Burn
Sammi discusses the empowering perspective of #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Glennon Doyle in her third memoir: Untamed. Doyle's perspective emphasizes embracing change with 3 words "Let It Burn." Sammi reads from the book and says it is essential to make a decision in line with who you are...
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The Blueprint to Following Your Dreams
Sammi does an in depth discussion on one of her favorite books, The Alchemist, written by Paulo Coelho. She describes the story, stating: "This book, to me, is a book about the meaning of life. In many ways, it is a simplified blueprint or manual, and ultimately it is a story of profound truth."...
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Why I Believe in a Higher Power
Sammi recounts the multiple odd occurrences she's experienced within the past year that led her to believe in the existence of something outside herself. She opens up about her own spiritual awakening and highlights how her mindfulness allowed her to be aware of signs she believes were...
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The Instagram Face (with Maddie Rice)
Sammi brings Maddie Rice back on the show to discuss an article in the New Yorker written by Jia Tolentino. The article "The Age of Instagram Face" highlights the new beauty standard emerging in the past decade that has been created and perpetuated by Instagram's algorithm. Quoting a famous...
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Let Men Be Emotional (with Anthony Pasquale)
Men? Emotions? Existing together in harmony? The title says it all. In a two-part podcast, Sammi first highlights two videos that opened her eyes further to the importance of allowing and encouraging men to express emotions - referencing long-term psychological and societal impacts in those who...
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A Walk Down Memory Lane: Everything I've Learned Since Episode 1
Sammi takes listeners on the journey of how Trust Me I'm A Novice came to be, revealing everything she's learned since episode 1. She delves into how the simple task of going on a walk began a massive transformation in her life, opening her eyes to several lessons: 1. You control your own your…
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TikTok on the Clock (with Missy Carroll)
Sammi interviews famous TikToker and UIUC student Missy Carroll. Missy is best known for her comedy and realness on the app, TikTok, where she posts entertaining and candid videos about her life as a young adult. She discusses the role simply being herself played in her rise to popularity, opens…
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The Reality of Post-Grad Life: Breakthroughs and Breakdowns (with Maddie Rice)
Sammi interviews her first guest on the show - longtime friend and creative Maddie Rice. The two discuss realities of life after graduation and life in your early twenties, highlighting breakdowns that lead to breakthroughs in perspective. They touch on life slowing down, going with the flow,...
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Can You Spare Some Change?
This week, Sammi first complains about getting kicked out of her house, then covers how to implement sustainable change into your life. Segment two questions the phrase and mindset "I don't need anybody," exploring it's connection to hurt and fear. The episode wraps up on a serious note with a...
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Beware of Booooooze this Halloweekend
In this episode, Sammi goes back in time to describe a wedding she went to and offers insight on picking a date when you're single (Spoiler: don't panic). From there, the show dives into finding balance with alcohol consumption and explains the psych/science *cough* technically it's neuroscience...
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It's Not You It's Your MHC Variant
Sammi explores the importance of changing your reality when you feel stuck and an aspect of your genetic makeup that determines who you are attracted to (Hint: opposites do attract). She wraps up in the deep end with a talk about how to support a friend in need. Episode 3 of Trust Me I'm A Novice...
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The Scariest Part of Halloween is Getting Ghosted
On Episode 2, Sammi talks about the pressure social media puts on people to achieve constant success. She also explains the science and psychology behind why early intimacy with someone can lead to being ghosted. To end, she explores the importance of dialing it back early in dating even if you...
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Refinding Happiness, Glowing and the Great Double Standard
Sammi discusses a strong mindful habit she discovered during the pandemic, the science behind physical attraction and why the way men are socialized may be causing more breakups. Welcome to Trust Me I'm A Novice with your host Sammi St. Leger.
About this show
The podcast about connections: science, psychology, spirituality and self.
Hosted by
Sammi St. Leger
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