Unhooked: Women, Wellness & Finding Wild Joy!

Join me in this enlightening episode where Leslie Sann, a seasoned teacher and pearl cultivator of human joy, shares insights from over four decades of guiding people through life's grit toward gleaming pearls of joy. Discover how to turn adversity into blessings, the importance of acceptance, and practical tools for cultivating happiness, regardless of circumstances.She talks about midlife, her divorces and what she was thinking when she found herself alone on a snowy, winter night. Key Topics:The metaphor of pearl cultivation to transform adversity into joyDefining grit as unexpected circumstances and how to dance with life's changeThe role of acceptance and response in awakening and joyThe significance of mindset reframing versus drastic external changesPractical strategies to embrace aloneness, loss, and life's unpredictable shiftsHow to identify and expand your personal joy portfolioThe importance of self-honoring, forgiveness, and gratitude in the journey to joyLiving intentionally and authentic joy beyond societal expectationsLeslie’s personal stories of resilience, including her snowblower story and solo journeyPractical tools to move beyond pity parties and cultivate a joyful attitudeTimestamps:00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Leslie Sann, joy teacher and pearl cultivator00:28 - Grounding meditation to receive joy and blessings03:32 - What does it mean to be a pearl cultivator? Turning grit into blessings04:40 - The metaphor of irritation and growth in oysters as a life lesson07:24 - How Leslie defines grit: life's unexpected changes and our dance with them09:16 - How awakening sparks through responding, not reacting, to life's circumstances12:14 - The role of reframing mindset around joy, success, and life purpose14:52 - Joy as authenticity versus societal standards and external achievements18:06 - Personal stories of divorce and resilience as catalysts for growth23:04 - The snowblower story: reframing challenges with humor and acceptance27:01 - Moving from victim stories to gratitude and empowerment in hardship32:38 - Recognizing our true identity beyond thoughts and circumstances37:03 - Tools for letting go of judgment, practicing kindness to oneself42:14 - The process of evolving joy with age and authenticity46:24 - Nourishing joy through living aligned with our passions and essence50:05 - Identifying feelings associated with joy to deepen awareness54:28 - The importance of joy as a choice, not a circumstance55:34 - Leslie’s role as an educator in cultivating consciousness and skills for joy59:10 - Embracing change as a friend and a catalyst for new possibilities60:51 - Connecting with Leslie and exploring her upcoming programsResources& Links:Connect with Leslie:LeslieSann - Official WebsiteWorkshop:Go Pearl YourselfMeditation & Grounding TechniquesNewsletter SignupConnect with [email protected]://www.facebook.com/UnhookedWomenPodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/unhooked_women_podcast/https://www.tiktok.com/@unhookedwomenhttps://www.youtube.com/@Unhooked_Women_Podcast

In this honest and deeply personal episode, Laura explores what it really means to “show up anyway” when life doesn’t unfold as planned. Speaking from her own lived experience, Laura reflects on a nonlinear career filled with unexpected pivots, creative risks, and reinvention.From launching a spray tan business to building a podcast that turned into a keynote platform, Laura shares how every chapter—no matter how messy or uncertain—served as a stepping stone rather than a setback. She introduces the idea of the “spaghetti phase,” a season of trying, experimenting, and discovering what truly sticks.This episode is a powerful call to women navigating transitions, especially in midlife, to stop performing at “fine,” get radically honest about what they want, and trust that their path is still unfolding. With warmth, humor, and real talk, Laura offers five actionable ways to reclaim your energy, redefine your timeline, and build a life that feels aligned—no matter when you start.Connect with [email protected]://www.facebook.com/UnhookedWomenPodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/unhooked_women_podcast/https://www.tiktok.com/@unhookedwomenhttps://www.youtube.com/@Unhooked_Women_Podcast

Hey girlfriend… welcome to Unhooked.If you’ve been asking yourself:What’s next? Why doesn’t this feel right anymore? What am I missing?You are exactly where you’re supposed to be.This first episode is your invitation to step into something different. Not a complete life overhaul… but a reset. A reframe. A recalibration. Because here’s the truth:You don’t need fixing. You need freedom.In this kickoff episode, Laura introduces the Unhooked movement and what it means to start living life on your own terms.This isn’t just a podcast.It’s a space for women over 40 to unhook from:ExpectationsRoles that no longer fitThe pressure to “have it all together”And yes… even the bra and the BSYou’ll also hear how Unhooked evolved from The Braless Lush—and why that bold, playful, slightly rebellious energy isn’t going anywhere… it’s just growing up with you.You did everything right. So why doesn’t it feel right?If something feels off, it doesn’t mean you’re behind or broken. It means you’re ready for a shift.This episode helps you recognize that quiet nudge and start listening to it instead of pushing it down.Connect with [email protected]://www.facebook.com/UnhookedWomenPodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/unhooked_women_podcast/https://www.tiktok.com/@unhookedwomenhttps://www.youtube.com/@Unhooked_Women_Podcast

In this insightful conversation, Maria Dastur shares her journey and the impactful work she is doing to empower women during a time when pivoting can be stressful, confusing yet exciting! She emphasizes the importance of identifying non-negotiables and needs, and how many people often skip this crucial step. Maria also discusses the significance of networking, stating that 85% of jobs are landed through connections, and advises spending a similar percentage of time building one's network. The discussion is filled with practical advice and personal anecdotes, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to advance in their career.(My apologies but my sound is a little wonky due to mic issues. This episode is still a great listen!)Takeaways- Identify your non-negotiables and needs.- Networking is crucial for career advancement.- Spend 85% of your time building connections.- Many people skip identifying their needs.- Maria's journey is inspiring and impactful.- Practical advice for career growth.- Personal anecdotes enrich the discussion.- Empowerment through self-awareness.- The importance of personal growth.- Maria's work is empowering women.Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariadastur/Link to your FREE playbook: ⁠⁠2026Screw It Strategy Playbook | The Braless Lush Podcast⁠Resources & Links:Want to connect? Website: www.thebralesslush.comEmail: [email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠EpisodeDrink Recipes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

In this energizing New Year’s mashup episode, The BralessLush Podcast returns with your braless bestie and unhooked host, Laura Nozicka, laser-focused on helping women redefine reinvention in 2026 over 50. Broadcasting from her 1950s tiki bar studio in Chicago (really my family room...so cheesy, but fun), Laura spotlights powerful insights from her 2025 guest lineup, each woman navigating bold pivots, unexpected identity shifts anda refusal to age quietly over 50.Listeners hear wisdom from:Dr. Traci Hill, a retired firefighter turned PhD inintegrative medicine, proving it’s never too late to pursue the next credential, calling, or chapter.Michelle L’amour, international burlesque artist, whoreframed her alopecia diagnosis into a liberation journey and now teaches women to “redline” what no longer serves them.Tricia Brouk, award-winning speaker coach and former balletdancer, who encourages women to curate their lives with intention and trust their instincts.Colleen Winters, entrepreneur and dog-bakery franchiseowner, demonstrating that courage plus preparation is the winning formula for a midlife pivot.Ms. Mélusine, kink educator, who found her confidence andjoy through exploring identity beyond convention.And Laura herself, who dismantles the “shoulds” women carryinto adulthood and invites listeners to pursue what they crave whether that’s adventure, pleasure, creativity, or peace.Together, these women deliver a manifesto reinvention andcelebration!Laura closes the episode with an invitation to join her 2026“Screw It Strategy Playbook,” an unapologetic roadmap to designing the life women over 50 deserve, no bra required.Link to your FREE playbook: ⁠2026Screw It Strategy Playbook | The Braless Lush Podcast⁠Guest EpisodesDr. Traci Hill — How to Heal, Reinvent and Live on Your Own Terms After 50: Tools and Inspiration From a Boss Babe Firefighter — August 12, 2025 Apple PodcastsMichelle L’amour — Alopecia, Authenticity and Dancing Your Way to Finding Your “No” — November 13, 2025 Apple PodcastsTricia Brouk — Ditch the Bra and the Bullsh*t!: Finding Your “Hell-Yeah!” Voice After 50 — July 30, 2025 Apple PodcastsColleen Winter — Ditch the Bra and the Bullsh*t!:Divorce, Dogs, and a New Direction After 50 — September 29, 2025 ApplePodcastsLaura Nozicka — No Bra, No Rules, No Apologies:Welcome to The Braless Lush Podcast! — July 30, 2025 Apple PodcastsMs. Mélusine — Bottoms Up PJ Party! Feathers and Flogging — How Kink Builds Confidence Over 50 (Hell, Yeah!) — October 21, 2025 Apple Podcasts Resources & Links:Want to connect? Website: www.thebralesslush.comEmail: [email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠EpisodeDrink Recipes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ 

In this captivating episode, I sit down with the radiant and fearless Michelle L'amour — an international burlesque dancer, creative visionary, and living embodiment of reinvention. Her story is one of bold transformation: from burnout to sequins and spotlights, from self-doubt to total self-acceptance, and from hair loss to owning her power in every sense.Michelle opens up about her deeply personal journey with alopecia, sharing how losing her hair forced her to redefine beauty, identity, and femininity on her own terms. Instead of retreating, she stepped forward choosing to shine brighter than ever. Through burlesque, she found freedom, sensuality, and a creative outlet that became both rebellion and reclamation.This episode is a glittering manifesto for women everywhere who have ever felt invisible, “too old,” or “not enough.” Michelle reminds listeners that confidence isn’t about perfection but it’s about showing up as you are and celebrating every inch of your story. Because real beauty is what happens when you stop hiding and start dancing anyway.Connect Michelle:www.michellelamour.com and on InstagramMichelle's Butt-Toven performance: https://youtu.be/NSdk92pvDu8?si=gSHMmEB9hy1fkEXZResources & Links:Want to connect? Website: www.thebralesslush.comEmail: [email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode Drink Recipes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

Hiya, toots! Tonight we fluff your feathers and your confidence straight from the boudoir of the Lush Lounge. Your braless bestie and unhooked host, Laura invites Ms. Mélusine —aka “the Kink Fairy Godmother” to demystify the kink community: what it is (enthusiastic consent, safety, negotiation) and what it definitely isn’t (50 Shades cosplay or anything nonconsensual). From “munches” and masks to St. Andrew’s crosses and the art of flogging, we explore how power exchange can translate into everyday power, body positivity, and clearer communication especially for lushes over 50. Grab a Cosmo and get unhooked.Kink 101 without the cringe: Consent, safety, and protocols How to start safely: “Munches,” vetting, and building trust before you ever playTools & toys: From feather-sensation to rope, paddles, floggers, and suspension with negotiation at every stepConfidence booster: Learning to articulate desires in the bedroom builds your voice everywhere elseBody positive AF: Every size, every age, every scar desired, seen, and celebratedSpice it up respectfully: How to bring up kink with a partner (without triggering the “who taught you that?” spiral)Myth-busting: Not swinging, not porn, not 50 Shades and absolutely not anything involving minors or coercion The world famous burlesque dancer, Michelle L'amour was mentioned in the episode as a guest I'd like to invite on the show. She will be a guest on the next episode, so stay tuned! Key takeaways (sass included)Consent is sexy. If it’s not an enthusiastic “yes,” it’s a hard no.Talk first, tie later. Negotiation makes the fun safer and hotter.Your voice grows muscles. Asking for what you want in bed strengthens your voice at work, with friends, and with yourself.Age is an asset. Over 50 ≠ over anything. Desire evolves—and so do you.Bodies are beautiful. Voluptuous, athletic, scarred, soft—bring the whole you.Starter script (to introduce kink to a partner)“Babe, I heard a podcast that made me curious. I’m not cheating; I’m learning. I’d love to try one small, safe thing with you—maybe a new toy or some sensation play—and talk about what would feel good for both of us.”Mentions & inspoDita Von Teese, Michelle L’amour (burlesque), FetLife (to find events), “Art of Kink” Resources & Links:Want to connect? Website: www.thebralesslush.comEmail: [email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode Drink Recipes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

Hiya, Dollface!In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Colleen for a no-holds-barred conversation about the messy, magical, and marvelous chapters of life. From rebuilding after divorce to rediscovering yourself in motherhood and daring to launch new ventures, this one’s as real as it gets.💔 Divorce & ReinventionColleen and I open up about what it’s like to start over after divorce — the grief, the grit, and the unexpected freedom it can bring. We talk about reclaiming identity and shaking off old expectations to step into the next lush chapter.👩‍👧 Motherhood, UnmaskedFrom sleepless nights to the sacred bond, we explore the raw truth of motherhood. We reflect on how being moms has shaped our resilience, our priorities, and even our humor (because if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry).🚀 New Business VenturesMidlife isn’t about slowing down — it’s about stepping up. We swap stories on building businesses from scratch, taking risks when the world expects you to play it safe, and why saying “screw it” might be the smartest business strategy of all.🍷 Friendship That Holds It All TogetherAt the heart of it, this episode is about the power of having someone who’s walked through the fire with you — and still laughs with you until your cheeks hurt.This isn’t a sugarcoated chat. It’s two women talking about the things we often whisper about — divorce, motherhood, money, business, identity — and reclaiming them with sass, honesty, and a whole lot of laughter.Sip along with us and raise a glass to reinvention, resilience, and the lushness of life after 50.🔗 Resources & Links:Want to connect? Website: www.thebralesslush.comEmail: [email protected]⁠⁠⁠Episode Drink Recipes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠💋 Until next time, remember: You don’t need permission to rewrite your story. Don’t think, just do — and always stay a little lush.

Hiya, dollface! You’re about to meet a woman who’s living proof that you can stare down life’s biggest curveballs and come out more fabulous than ever.My guest, Dr. Traci Hill, isn’t your average 50-something. She’s a former Chicago firefighter who’s faced heat most of us can’t even imagine and I’m not just talking about flames. When she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, the world told her there was one way forward: daily meds and a lifetime of side effects.But, toots, Traci doesn’t do “one way forward.” Now armed with a Ph.D in Integrative Medicine, she walked away from the prescriptions, tuned into her own body, and rebuilt her health from the inside out through holistic living, subtle energy work, and sheer, unshakable belief in herself.In this episode, we spill:💋 The unfiltered truth about trusting your own intuition over the “experts.”💋 How to embrace reinvention in your 50s and beyond (with zero apologies).💋 The life-changing freedom of the “F@&k It” mindset.💋 Why starting over isn’t starting from scratch — it’s starting from experience.This isn’t just a feel-good story. It’s a full permission slip to stop waiting for “the right time” and start living on your own damn terms.So grab your drink of choice, settle in, and let Traci’s fire light yours.Chapters00:00 Welcome to the Bra-Less Lush Podcast01:22 Embracing Age and Freedom06:03 Life as a Raver in Your 50s09:02 Tracy's Journey to Holistic Health11:47 Overcoming Adversity and Finding Strength18:15 Life as a Firefighter and Personal Struggles30:28 From Darkness to Light: A Journey of Transformation35:26 The Power of Authenticity and Self-Discovery40:31 Breaking Free: Empowering Women to Leave Toxic Relationships44:08 Subtle Energy Alchemy: Understanding Healing Beyond the Physical49:09 Energy Management: Finding Balance in a Busy Life53:02 Debunking Health Myths: Aging and Hormones59:00 Practical Steps for Immediate Energy Shifts01:03:54 Building a Community: Support and Resources for HealingConnect with Traci:www.consciousevolution.coachWant to connect? Website: www.thebralesslush.comEmail: [email protected]⁠⁠Episode Drink Recipes⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

Hiya, toots! It’s Laura, your Braless Bestie and Unhooked Host and in this episode we’re getting loud, proud, and completely unhooked. If you’ve ever felt like midlife left you muted or unsure of what’s next, this one’s for you.I’m joined by the incredible Tricia Brouk—award-winning director, speaker coach, and founder of The Big Talk Academy who has put thousands of thought leaders on stages around the world. She is also the former executive producer of TEDxLincolnSquare, and host of The Big Talk podcast. Her bestselling book The Influential Voice helps people speak with purpose and her newest book Being Smart Is Stupid releases in October 2025. Her documentary Big Stages is streaming now on Amazon Prime.Together, we’re diving deep into how women over 50 can reinvent themselves by reclaiming their voice, their desires, and their damn spotlight.Whether you dream of public speaking, writing a book, or just being heard at home, your voice is powerful. And it’s time to use it. Here are the deets...How to stop playing small and start showing upWhat “speaking from the scar, not the wound” really meansHow to overcome the fear of public speakingWhy midlife is the perfect time to reinvent yourselfHow your story (yes, yours!) can create changeConnect with TriciaLearn more at triciabrouk.comGet her free masterclass: triciabrouk.com/commandSubscribe to "Unhooked,"⁠ the no-BS, all-bold newsletter from The Braless Lush Podcast. Get ready for juicy convos, lush living tips, reinvention inspo, and the occasional martini-fueled mic drop. When you subscribe, I have a special gift for all of my luscious sisters...the official Braless Lush "Screw-it Strategy" journal and workbook to help you jump on the train to Bralessville and live your lush!! Want to connect? Website: www.thebralesslush.comEmail: [email protected]⁠Episode Drink Recipes⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠YouTube⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠⁠Instagram

Hiya, dollface! Welcome to the first-ever episode of The Braless Lush, the unapologetic, unfiltered podcast for bold women over 50 who are ready to live their best damn life.I’m Laura, your Braless Bestie and Unhooked Host, and in this first episode, I’m taking you inside my messy midlife journey that sparked this entire quest for reinvention. I turned 50 in lockdown with hot flashes and all of the "shoulds," and then… I said, “Screw it!”We’re talking midlife reinvention, menopause, breaking free from the “shoulds,” and what it really means to live a lush life after 50. I’ll share the backstory behind the name, the funny moment with my mom that sparked this whole thing, and why I believe now is the perfect time to start over.If you’re navigating life after 50, wondering how to reinvent yourself, or just craving some sass, sisterhood, and self-discovery—you’re in the right lounge.In this episode, we’re diving into:- What being a Braless Lush really means (hint: it’s deeper than ditching your bra or being inebriated)- How menopause and midlife woke me up- Why it’s never too late to start living lushly- My mission to help women stop shrinking and thinking smallWhat you can expect each week in the Lush Lounge: If you're a woman navigating midlife reinvention, still figuring it out or just want to feel seen, heard, and slightly buzzed, you’re in the right place.See you in the Lush Lounge for cocktails or mocktails, conversations, and a whole lot of lush living.Subscribe to "Unhooked," the no-BS, all-bold newsletter from The Braless Lush Podcast. Get ready for juicy convos, lush living tips, reinvention inspo, and the occasional martini-fueled mic drop. When you subscribe, I have a special gift for all of my luscious sisters...the official Braless Lush "Screw-it Strategy" journal and workbook to help you jump on the train to Bralessville and live your lush!! Want to connect? Website: www.thebralesslush.comEmail: [email protected] Drink RecipesFacebookYouTube TikTokInstagram

Unhook the bra, pour the wine, and let’s talk about what’s next. The Braless Lush is the bold, unfiltered podcast for women over 50 who are ready to ditch the rules, embrace reinvention, and live life unapologetically. Hosted by Laura Nozicka, this podcast is your weekly dose of cheeky wisdom, candid conversations, and “screw-it” strategies for navigating midlife with confidence and a little bit of mischief.From career pivots and personal growth to relationships, health, and saying yes to the things that truly bring joy, no topic is off-limits. Expect hilarious stories, real talk, and inspiring guests who prove that life after 50 is where the real fun begins.Join me, Your Braless Bestie and Unhooked Host in the Lush Lounge for loads of laughs and sassy talk. Cheers!Episodes dropping soon! So grab a glass, get comfy, and get ready to laugh, learn, and live lush.Contact Laura: [email protected] with topic suggestions or to join me in the Lush Lounge as a guest. Sign up for "Unhooked," my email cocktail of lush tips, reinvention stories, drink recipes and more! https://www.thebralesslush.com/contactFollow now so you don’t miss a single sip!Website: thebralesslush.comFacebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561059776575Tiktok: ⁠tiktok.com/@b_lush_podcast:⁠Instagram: instagram.com/the_braless_lush