A Fresh Story – Détails, épisodes et analyse

When the world shut down, Anna Rollins opened a door she had kept locked for over a decade. A longtime teacher and private writer, Anna found herself postpartum, isolated during the pandemic, and struck by a single, urgent question: Would she go her whole life without telling the truth about what had shaped her? What followed was a furious commitment to finally write the book she’d always feared—and needed—to write. In this intimate episode, Olivia Howell sits down with Anna to discuss her forthcoming memoir, Famished: On Food, Sex, and Growing Up as a Good Girl, and the winding, courageous path to saying the unsayable.

Anna’s memoir dives deep into the tangled roots of evangelical purity culture and diet culture, unearthing the ways these ideologies collude to separate women from their own bodies, appetites, and desires. Structured in three acts—girlhood, marriage, and motherhood—the book blends personal narrative with reportage, including interviews with nearly 50 women who have lived under these same scripts. Anna shares how writing this story helped her reclaim her body, her voice, and her authority after years of self-erasure, and why she believes telling the truth about our most tender experiences is an act of rebellion and liberation.

This conversation is not just for those who grew up in religious communities—it’s for anyone who was ever taught to shrink themselves. With vulnerability and clarity, Anna reminds us that writing for yourself first is sacred, and that the courage to share your story doesn’t have to arrive all at once—it can come quietly, in the margins of your life, and grow louder with time. Whether you're an aspiring memoirist, a woman untangling herself from cultural expectations, or simply someone in search of a fresh story, this episode offers hope, resonance, and a powerful invitation to reclaim the narrative.

Buy Famished by Anna Rollins here: https://amzn.to/40E0aT3

🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:

The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry

🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartspodcasts

📬 Newsletter: https://freshstartsregistry.substack.com/

It starts with a hot flash. That moment—unexpected, uninvited, and disorienting—becomes the spark that ignites Clementine Crane’s quiet rebellion. In this moving and laugh-out-loud episode of A Fresh Story: Book Talk, Olivia sits down with novelist and writing teacher Kristin Bair to discuss her forthcoming novel Clementine Crane Prefers Not To, a fierce and funny feminist tale of a woman who wakes up, drenched in sweat, and realizes she’s been sleepwalking through a life of over-functioning, over-giving, and never asking herself what she wants. What follows is Clementine’s unraveling—and remaking—of her life, one “I prefer not to” at a time.

Kristin brings her sharp wit and deeply lived insight to a conversation about writing, rage, midlife, and the radical awakening that can occur in the most mundane moments of motherhood. Inspired by both her own perimenopausal experience and the literary ghosts of Melville and Ibsen, Clementine Crane Prefers Not To is part love letter to women who are done saying yes to everything—and part battle cry for those still trying to find the language for their no. Clementine is a mother, a wife, a library worker, and a woman who has spent decades appeasing the world around her. But in the quiet heat of hormonal upheaval, something cracks open, and she begins to reclaim the person she’s long buried beneath obligation.

For anyone moving through a major life transition—whether it's divorce, menopause, career change, or simply waking up to the ache of self-neglect—this novel is an anthem of autonomy. Kristin shares her writing journey with warmth and vulnerability, reminding us that transformation rarely looks glamorous, but it often begins with the smallest refusal. Clementine’s story is not just fiction—it’s a mirror, a permission slip, and a hopeful blueprint for choosing yourself, over and over again.

Buy Clementine Crane Prefers Not To by Kristin Bair: https://amzn.to/3INQ6kg

🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:

The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry

🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartspodcasts

📬 Newsletter: https://freshstartsregistry.substack.com/

Olivia had a secret—and not the bad kind. This week on A Fresh Story, she shares a joyful surprise: after quietly enrolling in and completing a certification, she’s now a certified divorce coach. For someone who’s spent years writing about divorce, supporting others through it, and building an entire support ecosystem, it wasn’t about adding another title. It was about taking responsibility for her words and the people who read them. What started as a quiet spark during meditation became a proud milestone, made even sweeter by the sisterly reveal.

Meanwhile, Genevieve battles a broken washing machine in a rental that seems to fight back at every turn, shedding light on the invisible emotional labor of tenants everywhere. Her story isn’t just about appliances or landlords—it’s about boundaries, burnout, and the frustrating gray area between dependence and control. But even amid chaos, she finds joy in small rituals: a new bathing suit, the return of lap swimming, the soft power of reclaiming personal style.

This week’s episode is a celebration of progress—messy, nonlinear, but beautiful. Olivia and Genevieve share music, routines, and reflections on the sacred act of feeling good in your skin. With honest laughter, a few “I told you so”s, and a new podcast award under their belt, the sisters remind us that wisdom lives in the little things—and that you’re never too busy (or too tired) to grow.

🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:

The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry

🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartspodcasts

Nia Dennis, a viral gymnastics sensation, is known for her inspiring performances and dedication to showcasing Black excellence. Her 2021 Met Gala debut, complete with a dynamic entrance accompanied by the Brooklyn United marching band, highlighted her seamless transition from gymnastics to red carpet glamour. As a member of the U.S. National Team (2012-2016) and a leading gymnast at UCLA, Nia's culturally rich routines have captivated audiences, earning millions of views and praise from high-profile figures like Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Nia's journey reflects her resilience and commitment to her dreams.

We asked Nia for her wise words for anyone who is starting fresh, and she shared her philosophy of being compassionate to yourself and why it's so important to be kind to yourself before anything else.

Nia's webite: https://nianationdennis.com/

Nia's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niaadennis/

Nia's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nia.nation?lang=en

Laurel is a Cleveland based art therapist, scooter enthusiast, wife, mom of three boys, and style genius - but, you may know her better as the middle aged, mid sized mom from the midwest, (@laurelladeville) as she is also a TikTok icon inspiring mid-sized fashion lovers every day on her account with her let’s get dressed videos. We asked Laurel for her wise words for anyone going through a fresh start, and here's what she had to say. If you're going down a fresh start journey, Laurel adds her wisdom about how to heal, and how to shift your perspective on your fresh start journey - and how we can stay authentic to ourselves.

Laurel's website: https://laurelladeville.com/

Laurel's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laurelladeville

Laurel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurelladeville/

Looking to make a change in your life and unsure how to move forward? Take a quick listen to these wise words from Laura Danger, also known as That Darn Chat. Laura tells us the one question she poses to herself when she's deciding to pursue a new endeavor or life change. Whether it's leaving your job, leaving a relationship, waiting for something to happen, or making a life pivot, tune in to hear what Laura's lightbulb moment was when making a major change in her life.

Laura Danger, also known as That Darn Chat, is a passionate advocate, educator, and content creator dedicated to promoting equitable household labor and fostering healthy relationships. With a background in teaching and social work, Laura uses her platform to engage in meaningful conversations about gender roles, mental load, and the importance of fair division of domestic responsibilities. Through her engaging and informative content, Laura aims to inspire individuals and couples to create more balanced and fulfilling lives. Laura is the co-host of the Time to Lean Podcast, as well.

Laura's website: https://www.thatdarnchat.com/

Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatdarnchat

Laura's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatdarnchat

Time to Lean Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/time-to-lean/id1620236607

What is the Fresh Starts Expert Membership?

The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a business membership for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to support them in business development, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. The membership includes a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual co-working, open hours business coaching, and accountability groups, as well as exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, a content and video library of resources, a podcast episode, and so much more. Membership is $55/month. Fresh Starts Registry is the first and only support registry platform for people to access the items and experts they need during life transitions. Fresh Starts has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, The Today Show, and more. It was founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen. 

Who can be an expert? 

An expert is simply a small business owner, freelancer, entrepreneur, solopreneur, writer, creator, podcaster - or more! See HERE for a list of potential expert types. We are open to any and all expert types. 

https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/expert-types

What are the benefits of joining Fresh Starts? 

Joining Fresh Starts as an expert offers numerous benefits for professionals passionate about guiding individuals through life transitions. For just $55 a month, you gain access to a thriving community, complete with business development support, marketing tools, coaching, and networking opportunities. Your profile will be SEO-optimized, making it easier for clients to find you. You'll also enjoy press and media exposure, weekly offers including workshops and events, and a supportive network to share insights and celebrate successes.

Please see THIS LINK for more info!

https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/become-an-expert

How can people sign up to join? 

Every expert has to apply and we vet them to make sure they are a good fit. We have a six month commitment to join - and after six months it is month to month and you can cancel anytime. To apply to be an expert, please use THIS LINK: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/application

Welcome to a special season of A Fresh Story Podcast: The Divorce Announcement Season. This season is co-produced by Divorce.com; Divorce.com offers a streamlined path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs. 

On this episode of The Divorce Announcement Season, we talked to crisis communication strategist Molly McPherson, about the trend of announcing divorces on social media. We discuss why people, both celebrities and regular individuals, are choosing to be open about their divorces on social media. Molly provides tips and strategies for announcing a divorce publicly, emphasizing the importance of considering what's at stake and framing the message in a way that focuses on collaboration and a positive future. We also discuss the empowerment of having control over the narrative and the possibility of talking about divorce without explicitly mentioning it. We chat about Kelly Clarkson's divorce strategy and how celebrity divorce is just like a regular divorce.

Welcome to a special season of A Fresh Story Podcast: The Divorce Announcement Season. This season is co-produced by Divorce.com; Divorce.com offers a streamlined path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs. 

On this episode of The Divorce Announcement Season, we talked to mom, writer, and professor Kelly McMasters. Kelly McMasters, author of The Leaving Season, discusses her experience with divorce and how she announced it to the world. She shares that her book served as her divorce announcement, as the process was prolonged and gradually revealed to different people. Kelly emphasizes the importance of keeping the announcement respectful and focused on one's own perspective. She also highlights the power of sharing and finding support from others who have experienced divorce or loss. Kelly's advice is to be open and not be ashamed, as it helps in moving forward and feeling less alone.

Welcome to a special season of A Fresh Story Podcast: The Divorce Announcement Season. This season is co-produced by Divorce.com; Divorce.com offers a streamlined path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs. 

On this episode of The Divorce Announcement Season, we talked to mom, actress, and podcast host Monika Casey. Monika talks about how she de-activated her social media during her divorce, however felt dis-empowered when her divorce announcement was revealed in TMZ. We talked about how to handle your divorce announcement when the narrative spins out of control, and how to empower yourself as you re-write the narrative of your divorce.

Monika Casey is the co-host of Divorce Party Podcast with Tom Arnold.