Fresh Perspectives

Have you ever been in the middle of something you chose — something you were genuinely excited about — and hit a wall so hard you wondered if you'd made a mistake? That moment has a name: the pit of despair. And in this episode, I make the case that reaching the pit isn't a sign to quit. It's actually proof that you're doing something that matters.Inspired by last week's conversation with Michelle Salerno about her IVF journey and the non-linear reality of any meaningful pursuit, I break down why the pit of despair shows up, why so many people lose themselves in it, and — most importantly — three practical ways to talk yourself through it and keep going.Because the middle is where the real work happens. And if you're in it right now, this episode is for you.The visual I mention will be posted on my instagram (@freshperspectivespod)

What happens to your sense of self when becoming a new parent, especially when the journey to parenthood isn't what you thought it would be?In this episode, I sit down with my friend & new mom Michelle Salerno for an honest conversation about parenthood, IVF and identity.Michelle opens up about the identity shift that hit when her daughter Sadie was born, what it felt like to return to work as a new mom, and why going through IVF forced her to give up control in ways she never expected. We also get into how Michelle is approaching work-life balance, and why she choses to sit in discomfort instead of looking for silver linings.If you're a new parent, thinking about starting a family, or navigating any season of life that is playing out differently than you thought, this episode is for you.

Opportunity isn't something that happens to you — it's something you create! In this episode, host Rachel Lauren shares four personal lessons that opened unexpected doors in her own life: telling people what you want, starting before you know how, acting without permission, and embracing failure as part of the process. Whether you're stuck waiting for your moment or looking for a push to finally start, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on how to make things happen. Subscribe for more fresh perspectives!

In this episode of the Fresh Perspectives Podcast, I'm talking about NASA's Artemis II mission: the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years, watched by over 18 million people worldwide. But more than the science and the history, I want to talk about what it made me feel — and why it gives me hope for humanity.On this episode I talk about:Why space puts everything in perspective (yes, even leg day)What 18 million strangers watching together says about humanity right nowWhat space missions & marathons have in commonWhy this mission gave me genuine hopeIf you've been feeling disconnected, divided, or just a little burnt out on the world lately — this one's for you.Tell me how you felt watching this historic mission! Reach out to me on:📸 Instagram: @freshperspectivespod 📧 Email: [email protected]#ArtemisII #NASA #MoonMission #FreshPerspectivesPodcast #Podcast #Hope #Humanity #SpaceExploration

In this solo episode of The Fresh Perspectives Podcast, Rachel Lauren gets honest about the moment she realized she hadn't felt truly hopeful in a long time — and what brought it back.Inspired by Raye's stunning new album This Album May Contain Hope, Rachel explores what hope really means, why so many of us have quietly slipped into cycles of despair and why choosing and sharing hope can lead to a better world. In this episode:Why despair becomes all-consuming if we let itHow hope is contagious — and how you can spread itThe Reddit definition of hope that will stick with you: "unwavering stubbornness"Why hope isn't about ignoring the hard things — it's about choosing to keep going anywayThis one is for anyone who needs a reminder that hope is yours — and nobody can take it away from you.🎙️ Subscribe to The Fresh Perspectives Podcast for new episodes every week.🎵 And listen to Raye's new album This Album May Contain Hope.

What if the key to becoming your most authentic self isn't success — but failure?Alex Marshall is the kind of person who walks into a room and owns it. The haircut, the tattoos, the infectious energy — he is unmistakably, unapologetically himself.In this conversation Alex opens up about what authenticity actually looks like from the inside — the discomfort, the self reflection, the moments of looking in the mirror and not liking who looks back. We talk about why failure is the fastest path to finding yourself, how the communities you surround yourself with shape who you become, and why being authentically you and being the best version of you aren't always the same thing.He also shares the one word he has written on his desk every single day this year as a reminder of who he wants to become.If you've ever felt like you were performing a version of yourself rather than actually living as yourself — this conversation will change how you think about what it means to be authentically you.

When most people imagine quitting social media they imagine feeling free, productive, or less anxious. What they don't imagine is their world getting smaller — and actually loving it.Two years ago I quit social media cold turkey. What started as a 40 day Lent commitment turned into nearly six months offline. And the most surprising thing I discovered wasn't what I lost — it was what I got back.In this episode I reflect on what really happens to your brain when you step away from the scroll — the unexpected clarity, the free time I didn't know I had, the daily walks that gave my mind room to wander, and the moment I realized my thoughts might not be entirely my own.This isn't an episode telling you to delete your apps. It's an invitation to get curious about how social media is making you feel — and whether the life happening inside your phone is crowding out the one happening right outside your door.If you've ever wondered what your mind would be like with a little more silence, this one is for you.

What if the antidote to doom scrolling wasn't another app or a digital detox — but a handwritten sign and sharing a joyful moment with a stranger. A few weeks ago Rachel was rushing through the Union Square subway station when she spotted a woman standing alone holding a sign that read "tell me your good news." That woman was Meg, the creator behind Signs with Meg. What started as a way to combat negativity online has grown into one of the most genuinely joyful corners of the internet.In this episode Meg opens up about the courage it took to stand in public with her sign, what hundreds of strangers have taught her about joy and the human condition, and why she believes good news is one of the most radical acts of resistance we have right now. If you've ever felt worn down by doom scrolling or the weight of the world online, this conversation will change how you think about joy - spreading it, consuming it and being an advocate for it in your every day life.

If you’ve ever stared at your closet and thought, “None of this feels like me anymore,” this episode is for you.In this conversation, personal stylist Tannya Bernadette shares how to find your personal style, stop chasing fashion trends, and build a wardrobe that actually reflects who you are — and who you’re becoming.With over 17 years in the fashion industry and as the founder of The Closet Edit, Tannya walks us through practical steps to define your style in three words, break out of a closet rut, modernize pieces you already own (yes, even skinny jeans), and reduce decision fatigue when getting dressed. We also talk about dressing for life transitions — new jobs, new decades, divorce, leveling up — and how what you wear directly impacts your confidence.Whether you’re starting from scratch or simply ready to upgrade your wardrobe, this episode will help you feel more aligned, more intentional, and more confident in how you show up every day.Connect with Tannya and The Closet Edit at www.myclosetedit.com

What does it take to build real community — not just once, but across the world?In this episode of Fresh Perspectives, I sit down with GGI Founder Anne Scott, the visionary behind Girl Gone International — a global volunteer-powered community connecting women living, working, and starting over abroad in more than 300 cities worldwide.What began as a small meetup between six women in Hamburg grew into a global movement built on culture, kindness, and belonging. Anne shares the deeply personal story behind GGI’s creation — from isolation and reinvention to scaling a values-driven community without losing its heart.We talk about:How to build community from scratchWhy culture matters more than growthDelegating without losing your visionLeaving what no longer serves youStarting over in a new city (or a new life)How to create belonging anywhere in the worldIf you’ve ever felt alone, outgrown a version of yourself, or dreamed of building something meaningful, this conversation will inspire you to trust your instincts — and maybe even create the community you’ve been searching for.