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It's just me today. No guest, no questions. Just me and everything that's been sitting in my head since my birthday. Here's the thing about turning 36. I thought I didn't want anything. No plans, no production, phone off, in my robe by 9pm. Then a small part of me panicked that maybe I was supposed to want more. And then the day fell apart on its own, nothing went the way it was meant to, and it landed as exactly what I needed. Which caught me off guard, because a year ago I would have planned the whole thing down to the minute and called that self-care. And that turned out to be the theme of the whole year, not just the day. I don't want every year of my life to be preparation for a better one that's always a little further up ahead. So in this one I get into the rest of it. The work summit where I walked into a room full of people who knew more than me, and for the first time the what-am-I-doing-here voice just didn't show up. The morning I realized I'd been checking an app to find out how I slept, when I was the one who slept. The strange freedom of not totally knowing who I am right now, and being more okay with that than I expected to be. And the three words I'm carrying into this year, which are very much not the ones I would have picked five years ago, back when my only word was more. Nobody tells you that the thing that got you here isn't always the thing that gets you where you're going next. That's the part I'm still in. This one's for the woman who did everything right and still feels like her real life is somewhere up ahead. You're not behind. You might just be allowed to enjoy the one you're already in. If that's you, tell me in the comments. And subscribe if you want more of these. It's the thing that tells the algorithm to send more women like you my way. FOLLOW VALERIA Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/valerialipovetskyblog FOLLOW NOT ALONE Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/notalonepod TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod Podcast:https://www.notalonepod.com/ SHOP MY LOOK FROM THIS EPISODE https://shopmy.us/collections/8080430 AMAZON STOREFRONT https://www.amazon.com/shop/valerialipovetsky WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT 0:00 - Just me today, no guest1:00 - What I thought I wanted for my birthday2:30 - The day fell apart and became exactly what I needed4:00 - Don't celebrate me, but also celebrate me5:30 - Nobody can read your mind, not even a man in a chef costume7:00 - I can buy my own flowers, I just don't want to8:30 - Your partner needs the update10:00 - The investing panel, and the room full of people who knew more12:00 - The what-am-I-doing-here voice that finally went quiet14:00 - Qualified and a beginner in the same room15:30 - The opposite of a thought leader17:30 - Less sure of myself, and happier for it19:00 - The energy healer and the Oura ring21:00 - When taking care of myself turned into grading myself23:00 - My easygoing era was a performance25:00 - No is a complete sentence26:30 - The nails post, and what do you mean I have a choice28:00 - Rosh Hashanah, and the word around the table29:30 - The men said business, the women said play31:00 - Taking the permission to play, and booking Paris32:30 - The three words I'm carrying into this year34:00 - The thing that got you here isn't what gets you there next35:30 - You might just be allowed to enjoy the life you're in DISCLAIMER The links in this description are sponsor or affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a credit or commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You built the life you were supposed to want. The career, the wins, the whole thing. And lately you've been quietly wondering why you don't want it anymore, and then feeling insane for wondering, because nothing is technically wrong. You're not insane. It's happening to almost every woman I know. Krista posted a reel about it that went viral, and the second I saw it I thought, there it is. That's the thing. Every woman she knows is pivoting. Walking away from careers they spent a decade building, from lives that looked good from the outside, toward something they can't fully explain yet. And I couldn't scroll past it, because it's happening everywhere I turn. My friends. The group chats. Me. So I brought her in, because we had to talk about it. Here's what we got into. So much of what we've been calling ambition our whole lives was never ambition. It was a trauma response in a nice outfit. We performed. We over-functioned. We achieved, and got rewarded for it, and quietly ran ourselves into the ground doing it. Nobody tells you the thing that built your whole life can be the same thing making you disappear. We got into the difference between being called to leave something and just running from it, because they feel identical and they are not the same thing. The pieces of ourselves we left behind chasing all of it, and how a lot of us are quietly going back to get her. And then female friendship, which is where I cried, because that's the part nobody prepares you for either. This one is for the woman quietly outgrowing her life who hasn't told a soul. The one running a life that fit her five years ago and doesn't anymore. And the one starting to suspect that the ambition that got her here isn't the thing that's going to take her where she actually wants to go. If this is you, tell me in the comments. And if it helped, subscribe. That's what tells the algorithm to bring more women like you here. FOLLOW KRISTA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristawilliams Almost 30: https://almost30.com/ FOLLOW VALERIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valerialipovetskyblog FOLLOW NOT ALONE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notalonepod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod Podcast: https://www.notalonepod.com/ SHOP THIS EPISODE Shop my look: https://shopmy.us/collections/7925852 Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/valerialipovetsky WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT 2:00 The pivot every woman is quietly making 3:08 The year and a half we've been circling this 4:30 Beyond achievement, beyond what everyone told me to be 5:42 When ambition is really a trauma response 7:03 Playing the roles: mom, wife, the woman who has it together 8:18 How our relationships are changing too 9:19 The marriage that ended at thirty-four 11:52 Why women are done performing 13:47 You don't have to fix everything 16:24 What the twenty-year-olds are eating up 18:30 I want visibility: the wanting we perform at work 20:58 I love everybody, I'm having the best time (are you?) 22:22 Giving your emotions to your little girl 25:00 Sometimes it's a gift, sometimes it's a lot 28:20 What her flow actually looks like 30:40 The leadership coach, and doing the work 33:00 Called to leave, or running away? They feel identical 33:59 What do I actually want? 35:15 Why the saying-no conversation triggers her 36:07 Can I? Should I? Do I even want to? 38:40 Loneliness, and what it's really telling you 40:00 How to truthfully answer what you want 43:50 You're becoming a whole new woman 45:53 Watching it happen to the women around her 48:48 The divorce phase, and coming out the other side 51:20 How she showed up in the hardest times 54:00 The premonition, and trusting what she knew 57:36 Holding good and grateful and still wanting more 1:00:00 Female friendship, and learning how to receive love 1:02:30 When we feel like we're overdoing something 1:05:00 Her village of women 1:07:17 Making your next choice a soulful one 1:08:30 The women over fifty living the most beautiful lives 1:10:54 A decade in spirituality, and what it taught her 1:13:00 The need to optimize, and letting it go 1:15:00 Rapid fire 1:16:00 What women aren't saying out loud Disclaimer: The links in this description are sponsor or affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a credit or commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A four-year-old boy who can't sit still for circle time used to just be a four-year-old boy. Now it's an evaluation, a diagnosis, a meeting where you nod politely and then cry in the car. That's where this conversation started, and it's the one I've been wanting to have for a long time. I'm a mother of three boys, and Dr. Michael Milobsky said the thing I've felt in my body for years: most of the boys who end up in his office are completely normal. The label is the problem, not the boy. He's a pediatrician of thirty years and a father of seven, and he told me he learned more from raising his own kids than from any of his training. He changed my mind on things I walked in sure about, which I don't say often. We get into why our boys are in crisis and what mislabeling does to a boy by the time he's fourteen. What our daughters actually need to grow up confident, which is not the conversation girl moms are being handed. Why he calls ADHD an operating system and not a disorder. And the one thing a father gives a child that a mother can't, which, to my surprise, is not discipline. It's regulation. Then it turned, the way the best ones do. He told me about the pain he carried in his body for years and refused to look at, until it cost him his leg, and what he found waiting on the other side of finally listening to it. His line for it: losing his leg let him grow wings. I came into this conversation thinking about my children. I left it thinking about myself. This is for the mother who has been told her child has a problem. For the one quietly certain she's doing all of this wrong. For the one who keeps promising she'll get to herself later. Our kids are not broken. A lot of what we're labeling in them is really just what we haven't looked at in ourselves, and you being okay is the single most powerful thing you'll ever give them. This is Dr. Michael Milobsky. New episodes of Not Alone every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. Follow Dr. Michael: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_michael_milobsky TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_mikem Your Kids Will Be Fine (podcast): https://www.youtube.com/@Dr_Michael_Milobsky Chicken Soup Concierge Care: https://www.chickensoupdenver.com/ Follow Valeria: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valerialipovetskyblog Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/7798209 Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/valerialipovetsky What we talked about: 2:06 How I found him, and why I manifested this conversation 2:47 The one parenting book I threw across the room 3:53 Why boys are in trouble right now 4:31 The normal boys getting labeled as a problem 5:10 Boy brains and girl brains are on different timelines 5:34 What actually changed inside the schools 7:00 What boys really need between three and five 8:42 What a label at four does to a boy at fourteen 10:06 Mislabeled boys grow into angry men 10:47 What Denmark gets right about early childhood 11:32 How to make up for it if your kids are past that window 12:04 The five things every kid needs, starting with a third place 13:03 Boredom is a skill now 13:39 Why we stopped letting our kids risk and fail 14:20 Why did we become this way? 14:56 The culture of safetyism, and the phone as an umbilical cord 19:11 Our parents were submarines 20:02 How our own anxiety gets passed straight to our kids 20:48 The demotion, and whether mothers do this more 21:32 The most important skill: learning to apologize to your kids 22:11 When mothers need to step back, starting when they walk 23:19 Why stepping back gets harder as they get older 24:43 The unresolved wounds we parent from 25:22 What's happening with our daughters that nobody's naming 26:49 The girl I was scared to raise 27:13 How a daughter absorbs her mother's emotional weather 27:31 The two modes so many men were raised with 29:10 The unique thing a mother and father each give a daughter 33:00 The five things, and why all roads lead to the phone 34:29 The right age for a smartphone 35:25 Why it has to be collective, not one family on an island 36:46 Shabbat, and the power of a weekly reset 37:00 ADHD is not a disorder, it's an operating system 39:29 Should you get the diagnosis, and the label fear 40:30 The negative story kids write about themselves without one 41:13 Landing on the right professional, not just medication 43:30 The other things that look exactly like ADHD 46:19 Iron, omega-3, and vitamin D 49:11 What raising seven kids taught him that medical school didn't 50:19 Parenting anxiety, and the Lindsay Clancy case 53:41 Where do mothers actually go for help? 54:08 Postpartum depression is neurobiology, not weakness 1:00:36 Why we're the most lost generation, and the village we lost 1:02:22 The night-nurse gift, and building each other a village 1:03:07 What a father gives that a mother can't: regulation 1:04:14 The two crayons in the box: anger or withdrawal 1:06:30 Where modern culture gets fatherhood most wrong 1:07:00 Planting and building: the two jobs of a parent 1:11:58 His own story, and the body that kept score for years 1:14:30 Losing the leg to grow wings 1:16:00 The body keeps score, and getting to yourself before it's too late 1:19:17 What he'd say to a mother listening right now 1:19:30 Rapid fire 1:21:00 What parents aren't saying out loud This episode touches on postpartum depression and maternal mental health. If you or someone you love is struggling, Postpartum Support International can help: call or text 1-800-944-4773, or visit postpartum.net. Disclaimer: The links in this description are sponsor or affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a credit or commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've been called too much your whole life. Too loud, too opinionated, too intense, too independent, too picky. You've done the work, sat through the dates, read the books, and still gone home wondering what's wrong with you. Nothing is wrong with you. You've just been looking in the wrong places. Serena Kerrigan spent six years as the loudest, most confident voice in the dating conversation, the woman millions turned to, and she almost didn't write her book because being single made her feel like a fraud. In this episode, she and Valeria get into the reframe that changed everything, and it's the same one that led Serena to the man she now lives with: she met him on a stranger's podcast, reading out a text from a guy who had ghosted her, and he told her she wasn't too much, she was just looking in the wrong places. They talk about why she invented a whole confident persona at eighteen because she was insecure, the year she went quiet building something no one could see, why the most successful women walk around in masculine energy that quietly keeps love out, and the dating advice she's had to fact-check now that she's actually in love. And the line every woman needs to hear: stop calling yourself picky. You're not picky. You're refusing to settle. You were the prize the whole time. New episodes of Not Alone every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. Follow Serena: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serenakerrigan TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@serenakerrigan Her book, Let's F*cking Date: https://letsfuckingdate.com/ Follow Valeria: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valerialipovetskyblog Follow Not Alone: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notalonepod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod Podcast: https://www.notalonepod.com/ Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/5542133 Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/valerialipovetsky What we talked about: 2:44 The book this isn't, and the book it actually is 3:31 Eighteen, insecure, and inventing SFK as armor 4:15 Standing at the mirror, saying the name out loud 5:17 When confidence starts as a performance 6:24 The night people were blown away that she stopped caring 7:04 I'm actually a sensitive person and an empath 8:30 When the persona became a crutch 9:27 The fine line of knowing when to turn it on 10:29 What guy is going to want to deal with that? 11:07 Altering yourself before you even walk into the date 12:21 Holding up mirrors to yourself 12:47 Going back to figure out what wasn't working 13:07 I didn't think I was worthy of a relationship 13:49 Deciding to show up as herself, not the persona 14:03 Why she walked away to write the book 14:56 When she finally felt like she figured it out 16:09 Calling her agent: what if I wrote a dating book? 17:20 I'm going to stop editing myself 17:38 On a stranger's podcast, reading out the text that ghosted her 18:06 For the right guy, you'll be the perfect amount 18:43 Meeting the man who saw the soft person underneath 19:22 What to actually look for: feeling safe 19:48 When you don't trust yourself around someone 20:40 When you meet the right person, the anxiety goes quiet 21:08 The daddy issues reframe, and the not-enough wound 22:04 The older man, and what she was really chasing 22:46 Whatever you want, that's fine: losing herself on dates 23:12 The dating advice she's had to fact-check now 24:06 The wall she put up when it was actually going well 25:21 Both of you still figuring out who you are 26:54 The three Ps: become the prize, enjoy the ride, never settle 27:32 We're so hard on ourselves 28:16 It's not men are trash, and it's not mason jar affirmations 29:37 The only thing you can control is how you show up 30:34 When was the last time you did something outside your comfort zone? 31:29 Writing the book was the most uncomfortable thing 32:04 A beautiful Miami story 33:28 Why stepping outside your comfort zone changes everything 34:50 You have to be outside, meeting people 35:18 You're most magnetic in your own energy 35:50 Why the modern woman keeps love out with masculine armor 40:00 Stop calling yourself picky. You're refusing to settle 45:00 Rapid fire 50:00 What women aren't saying out loud Disclaimer: The links in this description are sponsor or affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a credit or commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We live in a world that has made being a founder a whole personality: move fast, be visible, build in public, become the brand, and make sure everyone sees how hard you're working. Dianna Cohen built Crown Affair by doing almost the exact opposite. Crown Affair is at Sephora and Goop, with Gwyneth Paltrow as one of its earliest investors. But this conversation isn't really about beauty. Dianna built her company around three words: "take your time". And a few years into building it, she made a decision most founders would struggle to make: she stepped down as CEO after realizing her nervous system wasn't built for the way she'd been leading. We talk about why slowness can be a strategy, what it means to lead from feminine energy, the difference between being an operator and a creator, and why creativity and intuition deserve a place in leadership conversations. Dianna also shares what burnout taught her, why our bodies often know things before our brains do, and the line I haven't stopped thinking about: when everything in you says push harder, sometimes the answer is to do the opposite. This episode is for anyone tired of moving at everyone else's pace, and wondering whether success really has to cost you your sanity. New episodes of Not Alone every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. Follow Dianna: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannacohen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@diannacohen Crown Affair: https://crownaffair.com/ Take Your Time Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/take-your-time/id1896516883 Substack: https://dianna.substack.com/ Follow Valeria: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valerialipovetskyblog Follow Not Alone: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notalonepod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod Podcast: https://www.notalonepod.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/valerialipovetsky What we talked about: 2:02 Meeting in Miami four years ago 3:31 Building a world around taking your time 5:13 Time is the ultimate luxury 6:25 It started from a Google Doc 9:02 Getting into beauty and why ignorance is bliss 10:39 Two years of nights and weekends before going all in 12:45 The bathroom as a sacred space 14:11 Is slowness actually a strategy? 16:48 What she gained by going slow 17:43 Stepping down as CEO 19:27 Couples therapy for a founder and operator 20:04 The nervous system that wasn't built for the way she was leading 20:32 Do the opposite of what your brain is telling you 20:52 “Happy people don't start companies” 22:36 Gary and Valeria's own sabotage 26:33 Operator vs. creator 27:44 The fear of being seen 30:35 Why the CMO should be the last hire 32:46 Creativity and feminine energy in a masculine industry 35:23 What feminine energy looks like in practice 36:04 Intuition is a hard skill 39:30 Playing in the sandbox again 42:28 Why isn't creativity in leadership books? 45:15 The Artist's Way 48:53 Trust vs. faith 52:04 Why we don't talk enough about the nervous system 52:55 Our bodies speak a different language than our brains 55:36 Growing up in a household that didn't allow crying 58:14 Scarcity and learning to receive abundance 1:00:22 Success with emptiness inside 1:03:03 Lessons from iconic women she worked for 1:05:40 Founder culture and cosplaying CEO 1:07:18 Expert, creator, celebrity and product brands 1:08:57 The triangle of delusion 1:11:37 How many people you move—not how many you reach 1:12:00 Why she'll never build in public 1:16:33 The two-phone trick for Instagram addiction 1:19:37 What women should understand about creativity 1:21:30 Rapid fire 1:25:30 What women aren't saying out loud Disclaimer:The links in this description are sponsor or affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a credit or commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A while back I posted something about my kids, and a woman sent me a DM that has been quietly sitting in the back of my mind ever since. She said, it feels like you resisted motherhood for a while and now you've fully embraced it. What changed? And here's the honest thing. If that message had landed in my inbox two years ago, it would have sent me straight down a dark hole. It would have fed the mom guilt so well I'd have needed months to climb back out. So this one is me finally answering her, out loud. I had a very specific image of what motherhood would look like, and when it actually arrived, it looked nothing like the picture. I was exhausted. I was, if I'm being honest, bored. And I felt so much guilt for even thinking that, because everyone around me seemed to be glowing in exactly the season that was making me feel lost. I thought I was failing at the one thing I was supposed to be built for. What I've come to understand is the thing I most needed someone to tell me back then. Loving your children and feeling fully lit up by every single stage of raising them are two different things. You can adore your kids and still not feel like yourself in the baby years. That doesn't make you a bad mother. It makes you a human one. And some of us, it turns out, come alive in the chapters that come later. This is for the woman quietly wondering why she doesn't feel the way she was told she would. The one comparing her insides to everyone else's highlight reel. The one grieving the version of herself she was before, not knowing the best is still ahead of her. Nobody warns you that some seasons of motherhood just won't feel like yours. I'm telling you now, so you don't spend two years thinking something is wrong with you. There isn't. You're not alone. New episodes of Not Alone every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. Follow Valeria: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valerialipovetskyblog Follow Not Alone: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notalonepod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod Podcast: https://www.notalonepod.com/ Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/7358472 Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/valerialipovetsky What we talked about: 0:00 The DM that made me stop 0:52 Two years ago this would have wrecked me 1:37 The very specific image of motherhood I had 2:22 When it arrived, it looked nothing like the picture 2:43 I was so bored, and so guilty for feeling it 3:07 The woman I was before the kids 4:19 Trying, and failing, to find one clear memory 5:03 Feeling like I was failing at what I was built for 5:30 Everyone else looked like they were in their flow 6:20 What the curated feed does to mothers 6:44 The borrowed guilt from a script 7:09 But what about the rest of us? 7:32 Loving your kids and being lit up by every stage are two different things 7:55 What shifted with an eleven and a seven-year-old 8:19 The conversations are my favorite part now 9:08 The expectations I grew up carrying 10:38 Not every woman is built for the baby chapter 11:08 To the woman who doesn't feel it yet 11:31 It doesn't mean you're failing. It means you're human 12:14 The comparison loosened its grip 12:36 Sometimes your best motherhood years come later 13:00 You are not alone Disclaimer: The links in this description are sponsor or affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a credit or commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are people you meet once and think about for years. Codie Sanchez is one of mine. She is the founder of Contrarian Thinking, a Forbes 2026 Top Creator, and one of the most powerful voices in business on the internet, the rare person in her world who says the quiet part out loud instead of selling you the highlight reel. A New York Times bestseller with a nine-figure portfolio of businesses most people will never see the inside of, and a way of talking that makes you sit up straight. So I asked her the thing I actually wanted to know. What's the most dishonest part of the entrepreneurship dream we're all being sold? And she did not flinch. We get into why most business owners don't run their businesses, their businesses run them. Why the thing you build to give you freedom so often ends up with you by the throat. The vacation test that Gary and I failed miserably. And her whole argument, the one behind her new book Own or Be Owned, that being needed is not the same thing as being free, and most of us confuse the two until it's very expensive to learn the difference. But this one got personal fast, because Codie is about to become a mother for the first time, at the exact moment she's releasing the biggest work of her career. So we talked about what happens to a woman who built the whole machine when she has to evolve into a different woman for the next chapter. Running a business with your husband. Softness and power, and how they actually meet in leadership. Whether we even want it all, or whether we've just never been asked what we actually want. This is for the woman who is burned out, or tired, or quietly talked herself out of starting the thing. The one who suspects most of what she sees online is a little bit fake, and is right. Codie is proof you can build the business and still have the life, but only if you're honest with yourself about which life that is first. This is Codie Sanchez. New episodes of Not Alone every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. Follow Codie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codiesanchez TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realcodiesanchez YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@codiesanchezct BigDeal podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bigdeal/id1736593333 Preorder her book, Own or Be Owned: https://codiesanchez.com/book/ Follow Valeria: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valerialipovetskyblog Follow Not Alone: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notalonepod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod Podcast: https://www.notalonepod.com/ Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/7214312 Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/valerialipovetsky What we talked about: 3:00 Round two, and a whole new chapter 5:00 Should you even become an owner? 6:00 Everybody can build a $10 business, but should they 9:19 The most dishonest part of the entrepreneurship dream 10:30 Selling a dream that's missing all the context 12:36 The questions nobody asks before they start 13:46 The price of the visibility 14:50 What do you actually want, though 16:00 The first million is the hardest 18:30 The martyr trap 21:03 Profit and revenue, not vanity metrics 24:11 Everybody's doing the most 25:19 Getting your team invested and leveraged 28:00 I'm not happy, and I'm the one who built this 30:27 Being needed is not the same as being free 33:10 What women in particular have to unlearn 35:30 Knowing what your person actually wants 36:38 The asset nobody wants to buy 39:00 What's my real hourly wage? 42:53 This is our era, ladies 44:00 The vacation test, which Gary and I failed 46:23 It won't work if you want different things 47:28 The moment she realized she had to evolve 48:51 Fresh flowers, and building a company you want to be in 50:55 Creating something from nothing 52:17 A world builder 55:00 What if you want something different now 58:07 Running a business, and a marriage, at the same time 1:00:44 The bargain you don't want to make 1:02:44 We're more capable than we're told 1:03:38 It's okay to say you want less, too 1:06:15 Softness and power in leadership 1:08:02 Buy or build? 1:09:28 Time is the real currency 1:11:00 Rapid fire Disclaimer: The links in this description are sponsor or affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a credit or commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At thirty-nine, Cat Pierce had no marriage, no career, no baby, and no plan. If you did the math on her life the way we're all quietly taught to, she was failing. The music money was gone. The marriage was over. She had never been the one left before, and suddenly she was. And then she said the thing that made me put my pen down. Underneath all of it, she felt a flicker of freedom. Because for the first time she could admit she wasn't fulfilled, and now she got to build the life she actually wanted. I found Cat the way half the internet did, one of those videos where her whole inner monologue plays across her face without a word, and I've been a little mesmerized ever since. I wanted to know what she was drinking. Turns out the answer is a life she made twice. First act: signed at nineteen, fifteen years on the road with her sister, opening for Coldplay and Elton John, writing the song that became the sound of an entire generation. Second act, the one that got me: a beauty line she started while trying to conceive, a tarot deck she drew by hand and published, a New York Times feature, a memoir, and a daughter she had at forty-four with donor eggs and a husband she called in by writing him down on a list. None of it happened on the timeline she thought she was failing. That's the whole thing. We get into the rockstar years and what fifteen years of needing to be seen quietly did to her. The collapse, and the strange grace that grew out of it. Whether she believes we're all a little bit witches. And the line I keep repeating to every woman I know: you can miss every timeline you ever set for yourself and still land somewhere better than the place you were aiming. This is for the woman who watches everyone else hit the milestones and keeps quietly moving her own goalposts back. The one grieving a version of her life that never showed up, not yet realizing a completely different one already did. You are not behind. You are not late. You're just early to a life you haven't met yet. This is Cat Pierce. New episodes of Not Alone every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. FOLLOW CAT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcatdog Omen Beauty on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omenbycatpierce Omen Beauty + The Omen Oracle Deck: https://omenbycatpierce.com/ FOLLOW VALERIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valerialipovetskyblog FOLLOW NOT ALONE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notalonepod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod Website: https://www.notalonepod.com/ Shop Valeria’s look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/7077651 Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/valerialipovetsky WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT 02:16 The timeline every woman is scared of 03:11 The video where her inner talk showed up on her face 05:23 Leno, Letterman, and the rockstar years 06:10 From nineteen to her mid-thirties 07:00 What the industry taught her about being seen 09:00 Learning to read a room and grab a crowd 11:18 Saying, “That’s actually not what I want” 13:07 Being asked to show up as herself now 15:44 We’re constantly healing 17:13 The breakup that broke her open 19:22 Thirty-nine, and everything gone at once 20:54 No one is coming to save you 22:00 The maternal instinct she didn’t expect 24:46 A real blow to the ego 25:53 Drawing the first tarot cards to survive it 27:36 Feeling like she had failed 28:47 Freezing eggs and the hot topic nobody says out loud 31:00 Writing it down and calling him in with a list 35:23 You can miss the timeline and still find a way 36:01 Starting Omen Beauty while trying to conceive 37:43 The new dream and the donor egg decision 40:00 What it actually costs, financially and otherwise 42:21 Growing into a different kind of mother 44:16 Happy with one and the sister comparison 45:17 The frequency, the knowing, and trusting herself 49:00 Tarot, oracle decks, and where the art came from 51:30 You need the dark soil to grow something good 53:58 Do you believe we’re all witches? 55:30 We have more power than we’re taught 58:19 Learning to be by yourself 59:22 The Disney story we were sold 01:00:17 Shockingly low maintenance 01:04:30 The memoir and connecting all the dots 01:08:46 To the woman who’s single, tired, and sure she’s behind 01:11:27 You might just be recharging 01:13:06 Rapid fire DISCLAIMER Some links in this description may be sponsor or affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a credit or commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have a complicated relationship with parenting experts. I usually leave them feeling worse than when I walked in, one more list of things I'm apparently getting wrong. So I sat down with Dr. Becky Kennedy, the most trusted parenting expert in the country, half braced to feel like a failure again. Instead I said the quiet thing out loud. I'm tired. I'm so tired. And the woman who wrote the book looked at me and said, me too. We're the first generation of parents in a world that never turns off. Then she told me the only thing she'll call herself an expert in is imperfect parenting, and something in me unclenched for the first time in about a year. Because here's what nobody hands you with the baby: the exhaustion isn't a sign you're doing it wrong. Sometimes it's just proof of how much you're carrying. We get into all of it. Why our kids' feelings run the entire household now, and how that even happened. Whether we're performing motherhood for an invisible audience instead of just living it. And the line I genuinely cannot shake, that optimizing for our kids' happiness is the fastest way to optimize their anxiety. She also asked me one question I was too embarrassed to answer honestly. How often are you just around your kid, quiet, not on your phone? Reader, I did not have a good answer. Somewhere in there I had to admit I don't fully know what I'm doing as a mother, and she let me off the hook in the best way: nobody does. The whole conversation kept landing on two words. Do less. So much less. I cannot tell you how good it felt to be told that by the one person allowed to say it. This is for the mom who reads every book, holds every boundary, names every feeling before it becomes a tantrum, and still lies awake certain she's the one getting it wrong. You're not. You're just tired, and you've been sold a version of good mom that was never real. This is Dr. Becky Kennedy, and I left this one lighter than I've felt in a long time. New episodes of Not Alone every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. FOLLOW DR. BECKY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbeckyatgoodinside Good Inside Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodinside Good Inside with Dr. Becky Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-inside-with-dr-becky/id1561689671 Good Inside: https://www.goodinside.com/ FOLLOW VALERIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valerialipovetskyblog FOLLOW NOT ALONE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notalonepod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod Podcast: https://www.notalonepod.com/ SHOP Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/6585812 Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/valerialipovetsky WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT 2:00 My tricky relationship with parenting experts 3:30 I'm sick of it, and I don't think doing it all made me a better mom 6:10 When did being a good mom mean never stopping? 9:05 Why we hear a mother want less and think she loves them less 11:40 She's tired too, even as the one everyone runs to 13:30 Around your kids versus actually with them 16:20 The performance of motherhood 18:30 Optimizing for their comfort at every moment 21:15 Happy kids don't become happy adults the way we think 24:00 Optimizing for happiness optimizes for anxiety 26:30 The two words that change everything: I believe you 29:03 Why fixing their feelings backfires 33:10 The death of the tiger mom 36:40 The childhoods we came from 40:00 Raising them entitled without meaning to 42:23 Stop negotiating the same thing every day 45:30 A firm boundary and real empathy at the same time 49:15 What she actually does at seven in the morning 52:00 She doesn't parent like Dr. Becky either 55:30 Do less. So much less 58:42 You yell, I yell, and then we repair 1:02:41 Repair is the whole thing 1:05:30 This isn't really a parenting book 1:07:05 Perfect parenting was never the goal DISCLAIMER The links in this description are sponsor or affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a credit or commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I think I'm a little over the mental health conversation. I know how that sounds, so stay with me. I believe in therapy. It has helped me more than I can say, and I'll keep doing the work. This isn't about anxiety, or burnout, or real trauma. Those are their own conversations, and they matter. This is about something else, something that started out helpful and quietly turned into something I'm not sure is helping us anymore. Here's what I keep noticing. Every uncomfortable feeling has become a red flag. Every hard week has to mean something. We've built this whole vocabulary, attachment style, nervous system, activated, aligned, not aligned, and we've started reaching for it to describe a bad Wednesday. Somewhere in there we forgot the difference between something being hard and something being wrong. They feel almost the same in the body. They are not the same thing. So I get into how you actually tell them apart, because that's the muscle I think we've lost. Hard gets quieter when you sit with it. Wrong gets louder. Hard makes you bigger. Wrong makes you smaller. Hard moves through and ends. Wrong feels the same today as it did three months ago. And then I get honest about my own life, the modeling shoot at fourteen where I froze, the year I moved to Canada and was depressed the whole time and stayed anyway, marrying Gary at twenty-one through all the judgment, filming my first videos alone and cringing the entire time. If I'd read any of that as a sign to stop, I wouldn't have the life I have now. I'm not saying this from the other side of it. I'm in it this week, still catching myself calling something "not aligned" when the truth is I was just scared. But I'd rather be the woman who tried the thing and complained the whole way than the one who protected her peace so carefully she never learned anything about herself. There's a difference between protecting your peace and protecting your potential. This one's a developing conversation, and I want to keep having it with you. New episodes of Not Alone every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. Follow Valeria: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valerialipovetskyblog Follow Not Alone: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notalonepod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod Podcast: https://www.notalonepod.com/ Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/6814030 Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/valerialipovetsky What we talked about: (1:03) I think I'm ready to say some truths (1:23) I'm a little over the mental health conversation (1:49) What I actually mean, and what I believe in (2:11) The stuff I'm not talking about: anxiety, burnout, real trauma (2:46) Every uncomfortable feeling has become a red flag (3:04) The whole vocabulary we've built (3:46) Borrowing that language for things that are just hard (4:46) We're making ourselves scared of our own lives (5:02) The difference between hard and wrong (6:26) If they feel the same in the body, how do you tell? (7:19) One: hard gets quieter, wrong gets louder (7:56) Two: hard makes you bigger, wrong makes you smaller (8:41) Three: hard moves, wrong stays (9:18) Every version of me I'm proud of came from discomfort (9:48) Fourteen, and frozen at the modeling shoot (10:25) Moving to Canada at twenty, depressed for a year, and staying (11:03) Marrying Gary at twenty-one, and the judgment (11:36) Filming alone, cringing, wanting to quit (12:34) My mom, the loudest voice in my head (12:46) Her story: a single mother starting over with nothing (13:23) She had to trust herself because there was nothing else (14:20) The millennial load, and the muscle we lost (15:25) I'm not speaking from the other side. I'm in it this week (16:05) The cage of overhealing (16:21) Feeling a hard thing without naming it (16:51) The difference between rest and avoidance (17:12) Catching myself using the language to avoid (17:52) The version of me who feels ready is never coming (18:35) To the woman who's quietly tired of all of it (19:00) You're allowed to feel things without diagnosing them (19:49) Protecting your peace vs protecting your potential (20:14) I'd rather be the woman who tried the thing (20:18) A developing conversation. Tell me where you stand Disclaimer: The links in this description are sponsored or affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a credit or commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A billion views. Twelve million women. All of it started on a living room floor, postpartum, in lockdown, with a phone and no plan. Jo had gained fifty pounds, she was in the middle of postpartum depression, and she has said her body was nothing she recognized. She almost didn't press record. She thought if she showed up looking like that, people would look away. She showed up anyway. Not for an audience, not for the algorithm, not even for the woman she used to be. And that quiet decision, made on a bad day when nothing felt possible, is the whole reason twelve million women found her. We got into the girl before all of it. One of eleven kids, a family band, university at sixteen. Why she gave up training athletes to train regular women. The husband she met on a shoot, the one who never pulls her down. The woman in China who told her that her smile through a screen was the only thing that got her through the pandemic. The first stage she ever walked onto turned out to be an arena of forty thousand. And she said the smartest thing about consistency I've heard anyone say out loud. It isn't a daily workout. It's knowing what season you're actually in and showing up for that one. Two fifteen-minute workouts a week after a baby counts. So does a workout every day when life lets you. Neither one is failing. We talk about transformation like the point is the after photo. I don't think it is. The real story is the woman who got on the floor when nothing felt possible and chose herself anyway. Coming home to yourself isn't a transformation. It's a decision. Quiet, daily, usually made when no one is watching. New episodes of Not Alone every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. Follow Jo: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growwithjo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growwithjo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@growwithjo Follow Valeria: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valerialipovetskyblog Follow Not Alone: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notalonepod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod Podcast: https://www.notalonepod.com/ Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/6634193 Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/valerialipovetsky What we talked about: 3:00 The girl before Grow With Jo 3:41 One of eleven kids, and a family band 8:52 University at sixteen 11:04 A new school, and learning to adapt 14:03 Why she left training athletes for regular women 17:26 The moment she knew she could reach more people 19:46 This is what I actually look like now 21:50 The first baby, and the lockdown 22:57 The weight, and the out-of-body feeling 24:19 It gave me purpose instead of feeling sorry for myself 24:44 The first step was the living room floor 25:19 Too embarrassed to film at first 26:01 I didn't want to do my therapy in public 26:56 Moving to Florida, four months postpartum 28:19 Posting it on YouTube, and I guess that's what I do now 28:41 Meeting her husband on a shoot 32:33 China, and the woman whose day her smile got through 35:47 Her first stage was forty thousand people 38:30 Consistency is not a daily workout 40:13 Stay consistent to stay confident 41:04 Faith, and crying through a workout 44:10 Coming home to yourself is not a transformation 45:21 Larry, the husband who never pulls her down 46:44 The loneliness of building alone 48:34 Why she sought out Creator Method 50:58 London, and the power of the right environment 52:41 Where Grow With Jo goes next 54:53 Not alone, and women meeting in person 55:21 Keeping the team small and the culture intact 56:45 One thing she'd tell the woman on her couch 58:14 Rapid fire 1:01:52 Close Disclaimer: The links in this description are sponsor or affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a credit or commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a book every woman I know is reading right now. It's called Strangers, Belle Burden's memoir, and Gwyneth Paltrow just bought the rights to turn it into a film. I picked it up expecting to join the bandwagon. I did not expect it to hold up a mirror. It's about a woman whose husband leaves, and in the rubble of that she realizes she doesn't know a single real thing about her own financial life. What they own, whether her name is on anything, where she stands. He walks out the door and takes the whole map of her life with him, because she never once looked at it herself. Here's the part I couldn't shake. Her marriage looked exactly like mine. Fifteen years in, three boys, my name on everything we've built, my own money since I was a teenager. I always thought that was what independence meant, making your own money. It took me fifteen years to realize independence is actually knowing what your own money is doing, and I closed that book and realized I didn't. Her husband had to leave for her to find out. Mine is sitting right here with me, and I still didn't know So I brought it to Gary, in the least graceful way possible, in the car on the way to dinner, and it did not go how I planned. We get into the prenup I signed at 21 and why the math has since flipped to protect me, the fight that followed, why he heard my questions and thought I was about to end our marriage, and the difference between trusting someone and actually knowing your own life. We only ever teach women this after a marriage is already over. I think that's backwards. I think a good marriage is the best place in the world to have this conversation, so I brought him here to have the rest of it with you. New episodes of Not Alone every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. Follow Gary: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetsky Follow Valeria: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valerialipovetskyblog Follow Not Alone: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notalonepod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod Podcast: https://www.notalonepod.com/ Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/6367477 Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/valerialipovetsky What we talked about: 0:00 The book that scared me 1:02 How I brought it to Gary 2:23 My money, and watching my mom 5:09 Gary's parents and the scarcity mindset 7:12 The day you said yes, everything became ours 10:50 Beyond the prenup 11:56 Signing it 15 years ago 13:54 The prenup was protecting me too 14:44 Re-examining it now that the math has flipped 16:05 If a friend asked for a prenup and she said no 17:19 Bringing it to the present 28:42 I keep myself in the dark 35:01 You thought I wanted a divorce 35:21 Not in the car on the way to dinner 43:21 I trusted him, so I thought I didn't need to know 45:32 Knowing the balance now, and estate planning 47:50 The way I think finances should work in a marriage 52:12 Making money and raising kids is not the whole marriage 55:16 What I'd tell other women 58:25 Did you learn anything about yourself? Disclaimer: The links in this description are sponsor or affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a credit or commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I posted a video in my car saying I stopped getting my nails done and my life got better. That was it. One less appointment, one less thing to manage. I thought I had cracked the code, and the code was nails. Then the internet lost it. Twice. The first time, women were relieved, like nobody had told them opting out was allowed. A year later, it came back and turned into something else entirely. First, I was broke for not doing my nails. Then, I was rich for not doing my nails. My little video ended up next to Carolyn Bessette in think pieces, and I am over here just trying not to drive to a salon. So I called Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton, who built Chillhouse from one SoHo salon into the brand that created the press-on category. She said the part I had not thought about at all: when I skip my nails, it gets called quiet luxury. When a woman of color skips hers, it can read like she is not keeping up. Same bare nail, completely different verdict. I had become the poster child of a trend I never signed up for, and I had not once considered whose hand it was on. We stayed there for a while. Why we go after each other so hard over our own faces. Whether we quietly judge other women, which she answered honestly instead of pretending she does not. What her mother's spa in Queens had—a room full of women talking for hours—that we do not really have anymore. Why she builds loudly and improves quietly. And what it is actually like to build a company with the man you are married to, which is its own thing entirely. At the end, I asked her what women are not saying out loud right now. She said she wishes we could fully own being who we want to be and not feel bad about it. We can change, we can stay the same, and we can do whatever we want. I think a lot of women need to hear that right now. Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton is the founder and CEO of Chillhouse, the self-care brand she built from a single SoHo salon into one of the most influential beauty companies of her generation. She is the woman behind Chill Tips, the press-on line that helped redefine what nail care even is. An Inc. Female Founders honoree and one of WWD's 40 of Tomorrow, she partnered with Kiss Beauty Group in a deal that keeps Chillhouse independent, staying on as CEO with her team and her SoHo flagship intact. She is a wife, a mother, and a proud Colombian-American—the daughter of an esthetician who started with a single chair in Jackson Heights and grew it into four stores. The Queen of Chill. Cyndi's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyndiramirez Chillhouse Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chillhouse Valeria's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky Valeria's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky Not Alone's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notalonepod Not Alone's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/6367477 WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT: 0:00 – I posted one video about my nails 2:16 – Why she called the Queen of Nails 3:37 – The year it came back and changed shape 5:37 – Becoming the poster child she never signed up for 6:39 – The part that did not sit right with her 7:52 – Are we bored, or is everything a trend? 8:57 – Who actually wears bare nails 10:06 – The question nobody wanted to ask out loud 11:01 – Valeria pushes back: status or race? 12:23 – Why beauty is so loaded 12:41 – Burgundy hair, black eyeliner, and needing a flag to carry 14:15 – So I'm trending now? 15:29 – Wait, I have a choice 15:36 – Russian mother, Colombian mother, same rules 17:10 – Her mother's chair in Jackson Heights 17:38 – What those rooms full of women had 19:18 – Building Chillhouse and self-care as a necessity 21:04 – Why people still crave the salon 25:59 – Holding two truths: organic and Botox 28:08 – The Botox conversation she was scared to have 29:18 – Why she talks about what she gets done 30:33 – The magazine where Valeria did not recognize her own face 31:15 – Cyndi's teenage modeling years 31:56 – Do you judge other women? Be honest 33:44 – Judging as a mirror, not a verdict 33:54 – Each other's greatest critics, each other's greatest teachers 34:46 – The real takeaway from the bare-nail discourse 35:07 – Recession indicator to status symbol 36:42 – The poster child of having fun with beauty 37:45 – Finding a personal style and dressing like a chameleon 38:29 – Being the face of the brand 40:09 – 2020: putting nails in women's hands at home 41:21 – The pivot, the pandemic, and making payroll 43:12 – The intuition she never second-guessed 43:43 – Why intuition is the business skill 47:28 – Build loudly, improve quietly 50:35 – When vulnerability goes too far 52:34 – Leaving New York to find solid ground 53:51 – Building a company with the person you married 57:06 – The real version of building with your husband 59:02 – The coach they needed and the next version of themselves 1:00:34 – Rapid fire 1:02:28 – What women aren't saying out loud Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly Piquet was born into Formula 1 royalty. Her father is Nelson Piquet, a three-time world champion. Her partner is Max Verstappen, a four-time champion. She has millions of followers watching her life, and most of them think they know her. They don't. This is the first time Kelly has sat down for a real conversation, and she goes places she never has before. She talks about growing up inside a name that opened every door, then walking away from it at eighteen to move to New York and become nobody. About the version of herself who climbed Kilimanjaro on a whim, and where that fearlessness went. About what it actually takes to protect your own identity inside the most-watched relationship in sport, to build a modern partnership where two ambitious people refuse to disappear into each other. About raising children in the glare of it all, and why she's decided that not every meaningful moment deserves an audience. It's a conversation about being seen versus being known, about holding on to yourself when the world has already written your story, and about the quiet cost of a life that belongs to everyone but you. Kelly's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellypiquet Valeria's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky Valeria's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky Not Alone's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notalonepod/?hl=en Not Alone's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/6233292 What We Talked About: 0:00 - The F1 first lady 3:00 - Meeting Kelly first, the world second 4:16 - Why she finally said yes to this 5:05 - Growing up around greatness 6:40 - Breaking free from a name that wasn't hers 7:05 - Going to New York to be nobody 9:00 - The plane, the headphones, taking over the city 11:00 - The UN dream, Tanzania, Kilimanjaro 13:44 - Leaving fashion, going home, regrouping 16:50 - The thing she refuses to shy away from 17:00 - The price of being visible 20:00 - The part of herself she fought hardest to keep 22:33 - Modern partnership, and two people not managing ego 26:29 - Criticism, lies, and the line around her children 31:47 - The season of experience, and slowing down 34:11 - What motherhood made her say no to 44:19 - Raising grounded kids in a privileged world 49:40 - Rapid fire, and the F1 first lady title 52:47 - Valeria's takeaways: your story is yours to hold❤️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Nutrafol, the #1-selling hair growth supplement brand. Start from within to see thicker, fuller hair in 3-6 months. Use code VALERIA for $10 off your first month at https://nutrafol.com In this episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with board-certified dermatologist and lifestyle medicine expert Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd for an eye-opening conversation about hair health, supplements, stress, and what it means to take a whole-body approach to hair thinning. From postpartum shedding to perimenopausal thinning, Dr. Heather breaks down why hair changes and why it takes time to see results. She also helps break down why so many women feel confused by the supplement space. She shares what to really look for in your supplements - from clinical trials and randomized controlled studies to third-party certifications like NSF.  Valeria opens up about her own postpartum hair experience, and the women discuss the emotional toll hair changes can take. Dr. Heather also shares simple, actionable shifts, like five-minute meditation, daily walks, and realistic habit-building, that make wellness feel less overwhelming and more sustainable. Learn more about Nutrafol: https://nutrafol.com Dr. Heather’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drheathermd/Dr. Heather’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drheathermd Valeria’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/Valeria’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky Not Alone’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notalonepod/Not Alone’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/3551713 What We Talked About: 0:34 – Valentine’s Day, stress & post-holiday burnout 1:45 – Getting Motivated for 2026 2:45 – Meet Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd 5:38 – Why she chose dermatology 6:50 – What is lifestyle medicine? 9:05 – The truth about supplements (and doctor skepticism) 10:29 – Why hair takes 3–6 months to respond 12:30 – Stress, sleep & actionable daily habits 15:00 – Why baby steps beat perfection 17:30 – How to read a supplement label (efficacy + safety) 18:55 – What NSF certification actually means 20:25 – Counterfeit supplements & buying safely 23:09 – The importance of randomized controlled trials 25:20 – Types of Hair Thinning 26:07 – Active Ingredients in Nutrafol 28:22 – Supplement stacking: helpful or harmful? 30:00 – Should you be getting blood work? 35:24 – Dr. Heather’s 3 supplement rules 37:10 – The psychological impact of hair thinning 38:38 – How can supplements fail us? 40:58 – Gray hair: is innovation coming? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, Valeria revisits some of her most powerful and revealing conversations with iconic women in modeling - going beyond the runway & behind the camera to explore identity, resilience, motherhood, and the experiences that shaped who they are today. Kelsey Merritt opens up about growing up in the Philippines with a strict mother, navigating the modeling industry as a biracial woman, and how her immigrant family values gave her thick skin. Next, Jasmine Tookes reflects on being raised by a young single mother, always knowing she wanted to be a model, and building confidence in an industry where she was often the only Black woman in the room. Finally, Miranda Kerr joins Valeria for a deeply honest conversation about life after Victoria’s Secret. Her motherhood journey - as a mom of four boys, miscarriage, breastfeeding, aging, and more. Miranda shares how her priorities have shifted and tells us more about her brand, KORA Organics.  Together, these conversations peel back the layers behind globally recognized faces to reveal the real women underneath - their values, doubts, lessons, and quiet strength. Follow The Women - Kelsey MerrittInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseymerritt/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kelseymerritt Jasmine Tookes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtookes/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jastookes Miranda KerrInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirandakerr/KORA Organics: https://koraorganics.com Valeria’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/Valeria’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky Not Alone’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notalonepod/Not Alone’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod Shop My Looks: https://shopmy.us/collections/3871837?tab=collections What we talked about: 0:00 – Introduction 1:57 – Kelsey Merritt: growing up Filipina & being scouted online 4:05 – Kelsey Merritt: Strict immigrant parents & modeling feedback 6:03 – Kelsey Merritt: Identity, representation & being “the first” 11:16 – Kelsey Merritt: Commercial vs high fashion modeling realities 14:49 – Kelsey Merritt: Discovering independence in New York 18:04 – Kelsey Merritt: Beauty standards in the Philippines 24:25 – Introducing Jasmine Tookes 26:13 – Jasmine Tookes: Dreaming of Victoria’s Secret from childhood 28:03 –Jasmine Tookes: Modeling young & having a protective mom 33:18 – Jasmine Tookes: Being the only Black model in the room 35:21 –Jasmine Tookes:  Motherhood & identity shifts 39:23 – Jasmine Tookes: Daddy issues & family boundaries 42:52 – Introducing Miranda Kerr 45:34 – Miranda Kerr: Choosing not to return to Victoria’s Secret 47:06 – Miranda Kerr: Motherhood & breastfeeding 49:02 – Miranda Kerr: Miscarriage 52:17 – Miranda Kerr: Raising boys & navigating teen years 56:06 – Miranda Kerr: Wellness, skincare & aging with gratitude 1:00:49 – Final reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, Valeria shares why she’s intentionally choosing a quieter year, and what that really looks like in a world that constantly asks us to be louder, faster, and more visible. She reflects on her approach to 2026 - why she doesn’t want it to be a “bigger” year, and how focusing on less distraction has brought her more clarity and joy. She also recaps a recent trip to the Dominican Republic with her boys, opening up about how different traveling feels now that her kids are older. And how those slower, more present moments reminded her of what truly matters. Throughout the episode, she shares practical shifts she’s making - like using the Be Present app, protecting offline moments, and choosing opportunities that expand her life, not just her calendar. From living more offline and rethinking her relationship with social media, to finding balance as a creator whose work exists online, Valeria explores the tension between visibility and peace. And why not everything meaningful needs an audience while it’s forming? This is a good listen for anyone craving more calm, fewer distractions, and a slower, more intentional way of living. Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/3768639?tab=collections Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  Reel By Jasmine Darke: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DQBSaPWElUe/ The Art of Spending Money: https://amzn.to/4rmMF4U What I talked about:  1:00 - Living offline as a modern status symbol 1:55 - Traveling with older kids  4:00 - Reconnecting through simple moments 5:00 - Be Present App & & limiting social media 6:40 - It’s officially 2026 7:25 - Why 2026 is about quiet, not “more” 9:25 - Finding balance & cutting the noise 10:30 - Why not everything meaningful needs an audience 12:10 - Joy, hobbies, and staying in a student mindset 15:00 - Offline Living 20:40 - How we accomplish this 21:27 - The Art of Spending Money  24:08 - Thinking Outside the Culture Bubble 26:02 - Protecting your mind as a form of wealth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vivian Tu, aka Your Rich BFF, is back on Not Alone to talk about her new book, Well Endowed, and what it really means to build a life that’s financially aligned, intentional, and values-driven. In this conversation, Valeria and Vivian break down the idea of “optimization” in everyday life, from money habits shaped by childhood lessons (including her now-famous Chinese buffet analogy) to understanding your personal value system and learning how to resist the constant pull of targeted marketing. They dive into media literacy, why spending money feels easier than ever, and how to decide what’s truly worth it. Vivian also gets personal about building a strong financial foundation, getting financially honest with your partner, navigating prenups as a form of choice (not mistrust), and why women need to deeply understand their finances. The episode closes with a thoughtful look at teaching kids about money, estate planning basics, and how to leave behind more than just dollars - plus a peek at Vivian’s new financial platform, Ask Dolly. Follow Vivian Tu on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your.richbff/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourrichbff?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/yourrichbff Listen to Her Podcast: https://www.yourrichbff.com/podcast Get Financial Advice from Vivian: https://askdolly.com/ Shop Her New Book HERE: https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/wellendowed Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/3614194 Follow me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky?lang=en Not Alone TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod?lang=en What we talked about:  0:25 - Setting up the episode 1:00 - Introducing Vivian Tu 2:37 - Start of interview 3:00 - What’s new with Vivian 4:23 - Inspiration behind “Well Endowed” 7:37 - Optimization in your life 7:49 - Lessons from the chinese buffet 10:33 - Figuring out your value system 12:50 - The importance of media literacy 14:25 - The ease of marketers targeting you 16:05 - Deciding if the purchase is worth it 18:35 - Not enough friction in the purchasing process  24:35 - Building your financial house 24:57 - Why women need to understand their finances 27:24 - Getting financially naked with your partner 30:00 - Social media setting unrealistic relationship standards 33:51 - Early days with her husband  35:44 - Falling in love with his generosity 37:40 - Prenups are about choice, not mistrust 41:53 - Teaching kids financial literacy  44:06 - Not leaving your children every dollar you have 47:29 - Telling your children “Yes, if…” 48:50 - Estate planning basics 53:44 - Leaving impressions for the readers 54:42 - New financial platform “Ask Dolly” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with one of the original social media influencers and SAME founder & CEO Shea Marie, for a candid conversation about evolution, personally, publicly, and professionally. Shea opens up about entering a new season of life, from ringing in the New Year in Aspen and sharing her engagement story to navigating what it really means to keep a relationship both public and protected. Together, they talk about dating in the spotlight, why Shea has intentionally chosen to share less online, and how her relationship with the internet has changed over time. Shea reflects on her early move to LA, her first tough job in PR, and the lessons that ultimately led her to start blogging at a time when influencers weren’t taken seriously. She dives into the realities of being an OG in the space, from doing unpaid campaigns and being underestimated, to learning how to separate herself as a creator from the brand she built. Shea also talks about the journey of building and scaling SAME, what the future holds for the brand, and the one belief she had to unlearn along the way. This episode is about growth, boundaries, and building something that lasts. Follow Shea Marie on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheamarie/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sheamarieofficial?lang=en Shop SAME: https://www.samelosangeles.com/collections/shop-all Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/3622996?tab=collections Follow me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky?lang=en Not Alone TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod?lang=en What we talked about:  0:29 - Valeria’s 2026 energy 2:53 - Introducing Shea Marie 3:52 - Start of interview 4:29 - Shae’s New Year’s in Aspen 7:07 - Engagement story 8:13 - Making your relationship public vs private 11:05 - Dating as a public figure 12:45 - The shift to sharing less online 18:15 - Her move to LA and terrible first job 19:50 - Lessons learned from PR job 20:45 - Starting her blog 24:00 - No respect for early-day influencers 24:55 - Separating the influencer from the brand 27:27 - Creating SAME 29:15 - Highs and lows as an OG influencer 32:53 - Doing a free campaign for Forever21 35:55 - Running and growing a brand 40:47 - The future of SAME 44:01 - One belief she had to unlearn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode of Not Alone, Gary and Valeria sit down with beloved creator and entrepreneur Camila Coelho and her husband Icaro - who, for the first time ever, steps up to the mic beside her. The four of them talk about bonding during their trip to Brazil, celebrating Carnival, what it’s really like being the husband behind a social media powerhouse, and the early days of Camila’s YouTube career when she had no idea what she was doing. Camila and Icaro share the highs and growing pains of becoming business partners, from figuring out their roles to navigating the pressure that success places on their relationship. The conversation goes deep on identity shifts, the messy days when you don’t see eye to eye, and why being recognized for the work you do, even behind-the-scenes, matters. Plus, how they stay grounded in gratitude, and their hopes for the future as entrepreneurs and parents raising a son in the social media age. A rare and intimate look at love, life, and building something real together. Follow Camila on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camilacoelho/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@camilacoelho?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDl9AK32Xzr_2UOxjt03f6w Website: https://camilacoelho.com/ Shop Elaluz: https://www.elaluz.com/ Follow Icaro: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icarobrenner/?hl=en Shop my look from this episode:  https://shopmy.us/collections/3446110?tab=collections Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  0:29 - Setting up Camila & Icaro’s episode 1:20 - Start of interview 1:30 - Connecting in Brazil  2:50 - Celebrating Carnival 3;44 - Behind-the-scenes husbands 5:58 - Icaro’s first podcast with Camila 6:35 - How Icaro & Camila met 11:00 - Their love for Brazil 13:31 - Camila’s start on social media 15:05 - Early days posting on YouTube 19:54 - Going into business together 24:00 - The challenge of dividing the roles 27:57 - Learning how to work with each other 29:05 - Advice for getting husbands and partners on board 33:35 - Icaro & Gary on perception & recognition  35:51 - Career pressures affecting your personal relationship 42:24 - Not getting along 44:40 - Identity changes within the relationship 49:35 - What’s next for them 52:04 - Gratitude & contentment 54:42 - Social media moms raising sons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Little Saints, a zero-sugar, non-alcoholic cocktail and spirits brand created for people who love the ritual of drinking but not the aftermath. Use code VALERIA for 15% off at https://littlesaints.com In this episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with Megan Klein, founder of Little Saints, a non-alcoholic cocktails and spirits brand, for a candid conversation about sober curiosity, reinvention, and building a business that challenges the way we socialize. Megan shares her unconventional career path and what she discovered after testing nearly every non-alcoholic drink on the market. They dive into betting on yourself, her Shark Tank experience (and why she walked away from the offers), and her complicated relationship with the word “sober.” The conversation goes deeper into the physical and emotional effects of alcohol, why so many of us drink to numb, and what dating without alcohol can look like. Megan also opens up about how her personal experiences, including extensive work with ayahuasca, shaped her outlook on wellness, presence, and connection. It’s a thoughtful, honest episode about choosing clarity, building something meaningful, and redefining what it means to feel good. Follow Little Saints on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlesaintsco/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlesaintsco Shop Little Saints drinks here: https://littlesaints.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoruaDMYXrtdiYTR7lCR2iMKX2fpyV74KyHXDhxcv7bg1zQ7Omza Megan’s Book Recs: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron - https://amzn.to/498dvYq  A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas - https://amzn.to/44QVHys  Shop my looks from this episode:  https://shopmy.us/collections/3446096?tab=collections Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  0:20 - Dry January & Sober Curiosity  2:35 - Introducing Megan Klein 4:19 - Start of interview 6:55 - Her common thread through careers 9:55 - Pivot from farming to a food brand 12:04 - Birth of Little Saints during Covid 13:18 - Testing all the non-alcoholic drinks 15:03 - Explaining Little Saints 16:50 - Decision to invest her own money 17:28 - Selling Little Saints out of a trailer 19:18 - Megan’s Shark Tank experience 21:57 - Why she didn't take the deal 22:40 - After the tank 23:40 - Why she dislikes the word ‘sober’ 27:30 - The side effects of drinking alcohol  31:30 - Drinking to numb ourselves 33:00 - Personal benefits from not drinking 35:54 - Doing Ayahuasca 60 times  38:16 - Lessons learned from Ayahuasca 39:42 - Data about the impact of alcohol  41:14 - Dating without alcohol  43:50 - What’s next for Little Saints 48:10 - Megan’s book recommendations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re rolling out some of Gary’s most iconic moments on Not Alone with a compilation of his most memorable conversations. We’re starting with the story of how Gary and Valeria’s age gap shaped their relationship from day one, how their mothers reacted, the moment Gary asked for Valeria’s hand in marriage. Then, we shift into a raw and revealing conversation about infidelity, why men cheat, the role of emotional maturity, the importance of communication, and why working on yourself is essential to building a lasting relationship. Finally, we dive into marriage and money: power dynamics, childhood beliefs around wealth, business wins and losses, spending freedoms in marriage, and the decisions that shaped their future together. This is the ultimate “Gary Edition,” full of vulnerability, humor, and the kind of perspective you can only get from Mr. Lipovetsky. Listen to the full episodes here: Bridging the Gap: Age Differences and Marital Challenges with Gary Lipovetsky: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hCykGJXAgE&t=1153s Why Do Men Cheat? Understanding Infidelity in Relationships & Marriage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0FlLiQmsxI Money and Marriage: An Honest Conversation About Our Finances with Gary Lipovetsky: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOzQ6arTX44 Shop my looks from this episode:  https://www.shopltk.com/explore/valerialipovetsky/posts/1fb71221-858b-11ee-83c1-0242ac110002 https://shopmy.us/collections/1442019 https://shopmy.us/collections/2203496?tab=collections Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky Follow Not Alone: https://www.instagram.com/notalonepod/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod What we talked about:  0:28 - Setting up Gary’s compilation episode 2:52 - What their moms thought of their age gap 7:10 - Asking Valeria’s mom for her hand in marriage 8:02 - Gary’s relationship with Valeria’s mom 10:13 - Advice for couples with an age gap  12:36 - The mentality difference when it comes to age 15:34 - Gary uplifting Valeria’s career 16:37 - Meeting Kris Jenner 19:00 - Gary’s proudest moments 20:35 - Theories on why men cheat 27:13 - Why men in their 20s cheat 30:19 - Gary was a ghoster 35:00 - The golden cage 35:50 - Communication is key 36:24 - Being satisfied with your marriage 38:10 - Importance of working on yourself in marriage 39:35 - Valeria never feeling poor as a child 41:43 - Gary’s deal that didn’t go through 45:20 - Wives needing permission to spend money 49:44 - Best money Gary has ever spent 50:50 - Valeria’s nutrition diploma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 2 of Valeria’s conversation with Dr. Mindy Pelz, the focus shifts from understanding menopause to actively working with it to improve your life. Dr. Mindy introduces the concept of “microdosing menopause,” breaking down simple, daily habits women can use to support their changing brains and bodies, from metabolic markers like hemoglobin A1C to lifestyle shifts that ease anxiety and improve energy. They dive into why menopause often acts as a mirror, revealing what’s no longer working in your life, while reframing this phase as a powerful leadership chapter rooted in the “grandmother hypothesis.” The episode also covers how to communicate changes with partners, which hormones to check at different ages, how to build a true alliance with your doctor, and a clear-eyed discussion of peptides and hormone replacement therapy. Ultimately, Dr. Mindy reframes menopause not as something to “get through,” but as a strategic, self-aware upgrade, one that gives women the tools, clarity and confidence to step into the most grounded and powerful phase of their lives. Follow Dr. Mindy on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mindypelz/?hl=en TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@drmindypelz YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/drmindypelz Shop her new book, AGE LIKE A GIRL, and others: https://www.drmindypelz.com/books Listen to her podcast: https://www.drmindypelz.com/resetter-podcast Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/3269976?tab=collections Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  0:24 - End of Hanukkah  0:42 - Setting up Part 2 with Dr. Mindy 1:35 - ‘Microdosing Menopause’ concept 3:15 - Start of conversation 4:02 - Make sure hemoglobin A1C is close to 5 4:45 - Daily habits you can do to support the changes 6:15 - Communicating changes with partners 10:50 - What’s causing anxiety 13:28 - Menopause is a mirror of what is & isn’t working  16:10 - The grandmother hypothesis 19:16 - The leadership phase 26:00 - What hormones women should check at certain ages 30:15 - Form an alliance with your doctor 32:45 - What we need to know about peptides 34:22 - Pros and Cons of Hormone Replacement Therapy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part one of this powerful and insightful two-part conversation of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with Dr. Mindy Pelz to unpack the real reason she wrote Age Like a Girl, and why menopause is far more than a hormonal ending, but a profound rewiring of a woman’s brain and identity. Dr. Mindy opens up about her own breaking point, the need to pull away and admit “I’m not okay,” and what actually happens to women emotionally, neurologically, and metabolically as estrogen fades. Together, they explore the loss of key neurochemicals, the shift away from people-pleasing, and why menopause may be preparing women to become better, more intentional leaders. This episode also offers practical insight for women in their 30s and 40s on lifestyle changes, micro-habits, and ways to support dopamine, serotonin, and metabolic health, setting the foundation for the next chapter of power rather than decline. Follow Dr. Mindy on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mindypelz/?hl=en TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@drmindypelz YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/drmindypelz Shop her books: https://www.drmindypelz.com/books Listen to her podcast: https://www.drmindypelz.com/resetter-podcast Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/3269976?tab=collections Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  0:35 - Celebrating the holidays with family 2:05 - Introducing Dr. Mindy Pelz 4:16 - Start of the interview 5:12 - Why she wrote “Age Like a Girl” 8:42 - Dr. Mindy’s personal journey with menopause 11:00 - The breaking point  11:52 - Pulling away & needing isolation 14:07 - Admitting to people “I’m not okay” 17:43 - What happens to women after menopause 18:45 - Losing the neurons that make women people-pleasers 20:56 - Learning to ask yourself “What do I want?” 23:36 - The three phases of rewiring in women’s brains 26:01 - Menopause rewires women to be better leaders 29:20 - Losing over 12 different neurochemicals  30:51 - What 30 & 40-year-olds need to know now 31:08 - Lifestyle & neurochemical shifts 32:10 - Getting metabolic system in order 34:26 - Making time for yourself 35:24 - Ways to help dopamine & serotonin  39:04 - Shifting out of your old habits 40:36 - Becoming more sensitive to your environment 42:36 - Microdosing habits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special “Miami Besties” episode of Not Alone, Valeria brings together the most memorable, honest, and vulnerable moments from her conversations with the women closest to her. The episode begins with friend Vita Sidorkina, whose conversation dives into raising resilient kids, the value of honesty with children, and the Russian cultural principles she still carries. Plus, an open conversation about how “daddy issues” can shape who we choose to marry and life with a husband who is 20 years older. Next, Isabela Grutman reflects on what marrying young taught her, navigating the early modeling world, and the reality of “high-value” men. We also get into long-term partnerships, and what it means to renegotiate your marriage as you evolve. Then, Martha Graeff opens up about her first marriage, the courage it took to prioritize her mental health, and the financial realities of leaving, including why she believes prenups are empowering, not limiting. Finally, Camila Coelho shares her deeply personal experience growing up with epilepsy, from getting diagnosed as a child to managing her condition as an adult, and the stigma that still surrounds it.  Together, these conversations reveal the raw, real, and resilient sides of womanhood, friendship,and the stories that shape us. Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/3190104 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky?lang=en Follow Not Alone TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod What we talked about:  0:26 - Setting up the “Miami Besties” Episode 1:53 - Introducing friend Vita Sidorkina  3:22 - Start of Vita  3:26 - Bringing back honest communication with children 5:09 - People being too soft 7:28 - Russian values Vita holds on to 9:50 - Not growing up with childhood trauma 11:15 - Daddy issues & marital age-gaps 15:21 - Introducing friend Isabela Grutman 16:22 - Start of Isabela  16:26 - Wasting people’s time 18:06 - Marrying young vs. later in life 21:47 - Modeling at a young age 22:57 - Women looking for high-value men 23:53 - Lessons from marriage 25:15 - Not taking everything personally 26:18 - Renegotiating the marriage terms 30:01 - Introducing friend Martha Graeff 31:07 - Start of Martha  31:28 - Early days with her ex-husband 33:35 - Prioritizing mental health 35:16 - Financial aspect of leaving your marriage 36:09 - Importance of a prenup  38:25 - Introducing friend Camila Coehlo 39:41 - Start of Camila  40:19 - Getting diagnosed with epilepsy as a child 44:00 - Managing her type of epilepsy 45:55 - The stigma around epilepsy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of Not Alone, Valeria and Gary sit down to unpack the wild, hilarious, and surprising stories that caught their attention recently. What starts as a response to her last solo episode, quickly turns into a rapid-fire conversation about everything from “Scrotox” going mainstream to the debate around who really sets beauty standards. They dive into the rise of the “facekini,” why broke men date attractive women, and what healthy masculinity actually looks like today. Gary brings his own lineup of headlines too, including the unexpected link between Viagra and hearing loss prevention, a new app changing how people flirt, and why old-school tech is making a comeback. The two also break down the Chiara Ferragni scandal, challenge each other over an “offensive” post, and end with a debate on why women multitask better. It’s chaotic in the best way - smart, funny, and filled with the kind of honest back-and-forth only these two can deliver.  Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/3109283 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  0:19 - Responding to feedback about lip filler 2:32 - Setting up this episode with Gary 3:19 - Start with Gary 6:22 - “Scrotox” going mainstream 9:06 - Beauty standards 13:40 - The “Facekini” industry 16:13 - Broke guys dating attractive women 18:19 - Healthy masculinity 19:18 - Gary’s stories from the week 19:47 - Viagra could help hearing loss 22:41 - New app for sending someone a drink 25:00 - The evolution of technology 28:38 - Chiara Ferragni scandal 35:07 - Gary calls Valeria out for “offensive” post 36:59 - Why women are good at multitasking Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with content creator, entrepreneur, and Aureum co-founder Cass DiMicco for a deeply relatable conversation on ambition, creativity, and the evolving meaning of success. Cass opens up about the early signs that hinted at her creative future, her leap from fashion buyer to full-time influencer, and the vulnerability that came with putting herself online. She shares how Aureum was born from intuition, grit, and a little bit of impulsiveness, and opens up about what it took to run the business during its first year ‘til now, and how she stays connected to her “why” while navigating pressure, growth, and creativity - all while trying to start a family. Cass and Valeria also dive into the truth behind the “Girl Boss” era, the myth that women need to choose between career and motherhood, and the importance of carving out solitude to stay grounded and creatively aligned. From delegation and leadership to letting go of control and imagining what’s next for Aureum, this episode is an honest look at womanhood, work, and the freedom that comes from paving your own path. Follow Cass on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassdimicco/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cassdimicco?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CassDiMicco Shop Aureum Collective: https://aureumcollective.com Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/2984674?tab=collections Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  0:28 - Debrief on Valeria’s Nashville Girls Trip 2:56 - Cass DiMicco intro 4:10 - Start of interview 4:23 - Their inspiring female entrepreneur event with Emma Grede 9:10 - Childhood signs that led to Cass’s creative future 12:02 - Early days as a buyer  13:09 - Starting her blog 13:35 - Quitting her job, influencing full time 16:14 - The difficulty of putting herself out there 19:45 - The “no plan” plan 21:00 - Starting Aureum 25:07 - The need to delegate  30:38 - Huge success the first year 32:32 - Pressure to scale the business 35:45 - “Connected to my why” 36:27 - Being ready for motherhood 37:48 - The “Girlboss” Era 39:10 - Career & Motherhood, no right answer 41:35 - Being creatively vulnerable 43:58 - The importance of being alone with your thoughts 45:00 - Using her environment to level herself up 48:04 - Ready to loosen the reigns  49:16 - What’s next for Aureum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo catch-up episode, Valeria invites listeners into a candid life update that is messy, honest, and a little chaotic in the best way. She recaps her recent trip to Nashville and the inspiring female entrepreneur event she attended before diving into a wide-open Q&A. From beauty procedures and where she stands on lip filler to the latest on her nose job and why she doesn’t wear her engagement ring, nothing is off the table. Valeria also talks about reconnecting with her body, the importance of intentional time with girlfriends, and the perspective that keeps her from living with regrets. She shares a therapy update, her best advice for keeping a marriage thriving, and why she believes there's no single “right” way to live, especially in a place overflowing with possibility. Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2924722 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What I talked about:  0:06 - Why this episode might be a rough but fun one 0:26 - Debriefing her Nashville trip 2:55 - Female entrepreneur event with Emma Grede 8:00 - Start of Q&A portion 8:23 - Recent beauty procedures 15:29 - Update on her nose job 16:02 - Not wearing her engagement ring 17:18 - Tips for connecting to your own body 19:17 - Spending intentional time with girlfriends 21:09 - Why she wouldn't change any part of her past 24:27 - Therapy update 25:49 - Advice for keeping your marriage alive & well 29:35 - Never being set in a right or wrong way to do things 31:45 - The abundance of living in Miami / The U.S. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Furtuna Skin: Italian, olive oil–based skincare that’s pure, potent, and transformative. Try their LXR06 Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Olive Leaf Botanical Tea at https://www.furtunaskin.com, and get 20% off your first purchase with code VALERIA20. In this week’s episode of Not Alone, Valeria is joined by Gary for a fun, unfiltered, not-so-deep chat about the latest pop culture headlines, and a few real-life reflections along the way. Fresh off Valeria’s dream trip to Peru, the two unpack everything from “Nobody Wants This” Season 2 and Kristen Bell’s Instagram backlash, to Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s surprising split. They debate modern marriage, from separate bedrooms to taking your spouse’s last name, and share their thoughts on chivalry, “the princess treatment,” and who should pick up the bill. Valeria challenges Gary on talking about pop culture (who proudly doesn’t keep up) and why sometimes, it’s okay to care about the “dumb stuff.” It’s a light, honest, and hilarious peek into how two very different minds see love, fame, and everyday life.  Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/2843418?tab=collections Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What I talked about:  0:18 - Start of the episode 0:25 - Follow @notalone.pod on TikTok 0:38 - Dream trip to Peru debrief 2:09 - Trying something new in today’s episode with Gary 4:05 - “Nobody Wants This” season 2 6:30 - Converting to Judaism 8:33 - People criticizing the show 10:58 - Fortuna Skin Ad 12:35 - Kristen Bell IG post backlash 16:20 - Married couples with separate bedrooms 20:11 - Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban ending 19-year marriage 21:30 - “Babygirl” Movie 24:30 - Defining a successful marriage 27:29 - Thoughts on Katy Perry & Justin Trudeau dating 29:44 - Husbands taking wives’ last name 31:15 - Gary’s vintage kick 32:38 - Confusion around Katy & Justin 34:59 - Is Chivalry dead? 36:39 - Splitting the bill 39:15 - Bringing back the “Princess Treatment” 41:29 - Landlines are back 43:08 - Dumb phones vs. smart phones for kids 45:15 - Not easy talking to Gary about pop culture 47:10 - Advice from Amanda Hirsch 47:33 - Caring about dumb stuff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode of Not Alone, Valeria takes listeners on a journey through her past and present, from celebrating her 35th birthday and Rosh Hashanah with family, to reflecting on the early days of her modeling career in Paris and Japan. She opens up about the lessons learned from those formative years, from living in cramped model apartments to finding her voice and standing up for herself in an often unforgiving industry. Valeria also shares how she’s been reconnecting with joy and confidence lately, discovering new passions like dance, heels classes, and even a few unexpected finds (like smut & Quinn). It’s a nostalgic, funny, and refreshingly honest episode about growth, self-expression, and feeling empowered at every stage of life. Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2723615 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What I talked about:  0:30 - Start of the episode 1:00 - The decision to throw a birthday party 3:20 - The family birthday dinner 4:00 - Rosh Hashanah & family traditions 5:50 - Early modeling days in Paris 8:13 - The hard lessons learned 11:25 - Living in a model apartment 13:15 - Standing up for herself and others 16:00 - Living in Japan & enjoying life 17:06 - Being part of the golden era of modeling 18:11 - Discovering smut & spreading the word 21:00 - Stumbling upon Quinn & loving it 22:20 - Taking a heels class 24:50 - Dancing in the Russian culture 25:59 - Feeling herself & learning new things Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Floatley - A bra brand offering feel-good basics that combine cloud-like comfort with reliable support. Try our bestselling Cozy Adjustable Bra at https://www.floatley.com/products/cozy-adjustable and get 20% off your order with code VALERIA20, plus free shipping on US orders over $50. In this revealing episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with an OG digital creator, entrepreneur and mom Brittany Xavier, for an honest conversation about faith, motherhood, and staying grounded in a rapidly changing online world. Brittany opens up about her early start on social media, the business behind her brand, and the journey from being a young single mother to one of the most recognizable figures in the influencer space. She shares how trusting in God’s plan guided her through life’s biggest turning points, from choosing to keep her baby and balancing school, work, and motherhood, to navigating a difficult custody battle and ultimately finding her voice through content creation. Together, Valeria and Brittany explore what it means to live authentically online, the lessons she’s passed down to her daughter about social media and technology, and how her family’s move from California to Tennessee brought both public scrutiny and peace. It’s a conversation about growth, resilience, and choosing faith and family over everything, and a reminder that the most powerful influence comes from being true to who you are. 📱Follow Brittany: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittanyxavier/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brittany.xavier?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/brittanyxavier Website: https://brittanyxavier.com/ Brittany’s Book Recommendations: The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus: https://amzn.to/4o4sZ4B I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist: https://amzn.to/4ob6B9S Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2702040 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  0:29 - Valeria’s upcoming trip to Peru 0:47 - Introducing Brittany Xavier 2:12 - Start of interview 2:45 - Brittany’s start on social media 4:39 - The business behind the posts 6:33 - Brittany’s early motherhood days 7:30 - The decision to keep her baby 13:02 - Being a young mother 15:06 - Floatley Ad 16:15 - Balancing school, work and motherhood 18:42 - The decision not to pursue law school 20:42 - Trusting her faith in God and his plan for her 22:25 - Her custody battle 23:14 - Signs from God 24:33 - Her community 25:26 - Her daughter and social media 27:25 - Children and technology 28:22 - Teaching her daughter the business side of TikTok 29:31 - Brittany’s shift in content  32:16 - The shifting of priorities 33:52 - The decision to leave California 36:26 - Backlash on their move to Tennessee 39:49 - Dealing with the online hate 43:36 - Being her most authentic self online 48:13 - Bringing faith to the forefront  49:50 - Brittany’s book recommendations 52:22 - Her biggest regret Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Natural Cycles: The company changing the contraception game with the world’s first FDA-cleared birth control app. Whether you're looking to prevent pregnancy or plan for it, the Natural Cycles app offers a non-hormonal, non-invasive alternative to traditional birth control. Right now, you can get 15% off an annual subscription plus a freeBluetooth thermometer when you visit https://www.naturalcycles.com and use promo code VALERIA at checkout. Natural Cycles is for 18+ and does not protect against STIs. Always read and follow the instructions for use. In this episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with Dr. Elina Berglund Scherwitzl, a former particle physicist turned femtech innovator, and the co-founder of Natural Cycles, the first FDA-cleared birth control app. Together, they dive into how Dr. Elina’s background in physics led her to develop a groundbreaking algorithm that helps women better understand their bodies, and offers a hormone-free alternative to traditional birth control. The conversation explores everything from the skepticism she faced in disrupting a multi-billion-dollar industry, to how data and wearable technology are transforming women’s health. Valeria and Dr. Elina discuss the phases of the female cycle, the negative effects of hormonal birth control, and the importance of empowering women with better education and tools for their reproductive health. They also touch on the future of personalized medicine, male contraception, and the potential of syncing our lives more intentionally with our bodies. 📱Follow Dr. Elina: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elinascherwitzl/?hl=en About Natural Cycles: Website: https://www.naturalcycles.com/ Dr. Elina’s Book Recommendation: This Is Your Brain on Birth Control Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2638644 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  0:19 - Halloween at the Lipovetsky’s house 1:20 - Introducing Dr. Elina Berglund Scherwitzle 2:42 - Start of interview 4:00 - Dr. Elina’s background as a physicist  5:13 - Starting Natural Cycles 7:00 - Creating an algorithm as a birth control method 9:00 - Skepticism about disrupting the birth control industry  12:50 - Explaining how Natural Cycles work 13:35 - How the algorithm works 14:39 - Effectiveness is the same as hormonal birth control 17:17 - Negative effects of hormonal birth control 19:00 - Perimenopause  21:00 - Changing sex ed 22:22 - Thoughts on male contraception 24:20 - Breaking down the phases of female cycles 26:15 - Monthly fertile window 27:40 - Women with Irregular cycles using Natural Cycles 29:00 - Getting Natural Cycles data to doctors 30:15 - Wearable technology 31:20 - Working with her husband 32:55 - The future of women’s health 36:53 - Can women sync their cycles? 37:20 - Users questions and comments 40:13 - Dr. Elina’s Book Recommendation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Vuori: Versatile athletic and performance clothing. Head to https://vuori.com/notalone for 20% off your first purchase, plus free shipping on US orders over $75. This episode is brought to you by Floatley - A bra brand offering feel-good basics that combine cloud-like comfort with reliable support. Try our bestselling Cozy Adjustable Bra at https://www.floatley.com/products/cozy-adjustable and get 20% off your order with code VALERIA20, plus free shipping on US orders over $50. In this heartfelt episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with her husband Gary for an intimate and honest conversation about family life, parenting, and the values that shape their home. Together, they open up about raising their three boys and reflect on how their approach to parenting has evolved over the years. From Gary’s “clairvoyant” instincts about their kids’ genders to navigating the early days of parenthood and finding patience along the way, the couple shares stories that are both funny and deeply touching. They discuss teaching their sons critical thinking in the digital age, the importance of leading by example, and how they stay intentional about what they allow into their home. With moments of laughter, reflection, and even tears, Valeria and Gary discuss what kind of parents they want to be for their boys, and why, in the Lipovetsky household, accountability, integrity, and love are always at the core. Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2558840 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  Books I Mentioned: The Sovereign Child - https://www.amazon.com/Sovereign-Child-Forgotten-Philosophy-Liberate/dp/1544547978 What we talked about:  0:20 - Valeria sets up episode with Gary on raising boys 2:48 - Gary and Valeria start chatting 3:04 - Gary noticing their kids seem smarter 3:58 - Max’s magical birth  4:55 - Finding out the gender of their babies 5:07 - Gary’s clairvoyancy with Jake 6:33 - Max’s gender reveal story 8:46 - Valeria’s mother wanting a girl   9:43 - Experiencing no gender disappointment 10:16 - Honeymoon stage with the boys now 11:52 - Valeria thinking Gary’s takes the lead on parenting 13:08 - Vuori Ad 14:05 - Floatley Ad 17:09 - Finding your parenting style 17:27 - Gary’s motivation when it comes to the kids 20:52 - Not limiting access to the internet, teaching critical thinking 23:46 - “The Sovereign Child” Book 24:45 - Regretting lack of patience with the first child 27:12 - The different relationships with each child 28:25 - Valeria wanting to see more role model dads 30:14 - Lipovetsky core family values  31:16 - Most repeated phrase in the household - “that’s not fair” 35:37 - External validation is very short-lived & won’t make you happy 37:29 - What the boys will say about their dad in 20 years 39:54 - Open House night at the kids’ school 40:48 - Non-negotiables in the household 42:11 - Gary’s favorite “Just the two of us” lyrics 44:27 - Gary preparing kids for the day he won’t be around 47:00 - Crying on the podcast 48:08 - Talking about the business in front of the kids 49:40 - Evolving as parents 50:20 - Gary’s focus on leading by example Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Furtuna Skin: Italian, olive oil–based skincare that’s pure, potent, and transformative. Try their eye revitalizing cream and more at https://www.furtunaskin.com, and get 20% off your first purchase with code VALERIA20. In this solo episode of Not Alone, Valeria opens up about the emotional work she’s doing behind the scenes as she enters her next stage of growth. From revisiting therapy and learning how to embrace joy after being raised in a “survival household,” to reflecting on vulnerability, creativity, and her openness to new things living in Miami. Valeria shares an honest glimpse into the challenges and breakthroughs shaping her right now. She questions how to be both an emotional and high-functioning person and wonders if it’s possible. She answers listener questions with her signature candor, talks about the pressure of always being “on” online, and even revisits stories from her past, including her “trophy wife” days and a behind-the-scenes Victoria’s Secret moment that made her step away from modeling. It’s a thoughtful, intimate conversation on emotional growth, choosing joy and stepping into a new chapter with more presence and purpose. Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/2501087?tab=collections Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  Books I Mentioned: The Many Lives of Mama Love - https://www.amazon.com/Many-Lives-Mama-Love-Stealing/dp/1982197668 God Wears Lipstick - https://www.amazon.com/God-Wears-Lipstick-Kabbalah-Women/dp/1571895817 The Art of Thinking Clearly - https://www.amazon.com/Art-Thinking-Clearly-Rolf-Dobelli/dp/0062219693 What we talked about:  0:24 - Start 1:10 - Working overtime on my emotional state 3:00 - Needing help for the next evolution of Valeria 4:05 - Revisiting therapy  6:35 - “I cried of course” 7:30 - Being at the right place at the right time 8:36 - Needing more joy in life  11:14 - Furtuna Skin Ad 12;33 - “I don't trust emotions” 14:49 - Being raised in a survival household 16:00 - “I’m ready to embrace joy” 17:15 - Answering listener questions 17:19 - Being vulnerable online 19:20 - Wanting to work on being less cautious online 20:31 - What I’m enjoying most about Miami 23:03 - Men being attracted to caretaker types 24:15 - Reminiscing on trophy wife days 25:48 - Pressure to always be “on” creatively  27:39 - Have any past failures kept you from trying something new? 28:48 - Victoria’s Secret story 31:30 - Ben’s camp calling Gary first 33:31 - Valeria’s Book Recs 33:42 - The Many Lives of Mama Love 35:47 - God Wears Lipstick 36:18 - The Art of Thinking Clearly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with Amanda Hirsch, the voice behind the hit podcast and Instagram account Not Skinny But Not Fat. Known for her witty, unfiltered takes on pop culture and reality TV, Amanda opens up about her journey from acting and odd jobs in Israel to becoming one of the internet’s go-to voices on celebrity culture. They dive into everything from boy-mom life and her unapologetic obsession with pop culture (yes, the Britney and Justin breakup was a turning point) to the behind-the-scenes of launching Not Skinny But Not Fat. Amanda shares how she went from a meme page to interviewing A-listers, how becoming a mom didn’t change things, and how she balances sharing opinions while navigating the sensitive side of gossip. From her first big celebrity interview to the moments that made her spiral, her reality TV recs, and what it’s really like meeting your icons, Amanda proves that loving the “silly stuff” can build a serious career. It’s a funny, honest, and refreshing conversation about building something on your own terms, and how you can feel truly content when you embrace what you love. Follow Amanda on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notskinnybutnotfat/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notskinnybutnotfat Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@notskinnybutnotfat  Get Tickets to Amanda’s Live Show: https://www.livenation.com/event/k7vGFbiQbfwrP/one-night-only-with-amanda-hirsch Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2478422 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  0:26 - Episode Intro 0:30 - Valeria on work trips and being away from home 1:24 - Intro to Amanda Hirsch 2:58 - Start of Interview 3:01 - Being a boy mom 5:02 - Amanda’s current show obsession 7:40 - The start of the pop culture obsession  8:02 - The Britney and Justin breakup 9:52 - Media-trained celeb culture 11:06 - Loving ‘Love Thy Nader’ 12:06 - Amanda Hirsch’s acting career 15:10 - Working odd jobs in Israel 17:41 - Being content with life 20:15 - The hard move back to New York  22:32 - Starting ‘Not Skinny but Not Fat’ 23:26 - Interacting with the OG Meme Accounts 24:20 - Bringing Amanda and her opinion to the account 26:51 - Knowing something would come of it all 27:45 - Not being aesthetic, being approachable 30:02 - Kids don’t stop your career 31:07 - Loving the same dumb things after kids 32:35 - Getting nitty gritty DMs & not posting 33:45 - Connecting on pop culture for water cooler talk 35:35 - Knowing all the pop culture gossip in Israel 36:50 - Sensitivity with sharing information 40:50 - Interview moments that made her spiral after 42:59 - Watching cringey celebrity interviews 44:13 - Amanda’s first big celebrity interview with Erin Foster 46:30 - Still excited to do her job 48:27 - Getting cancelled on 3 times by her idol 50:00 - Meeting her pop culture heroes  51:05 - Meghan Markle 51:51 - Amanda’s first live show 54:35 - Wanting to quit ‘Love Island’  55:50 - Amanda’s reality TV recommendations 56:54 - Valeria’s pop culture obsession Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with lifestyle photographer, cookbook author, and content creator Chloé Crane-Leroux for an inspiring conversation about art, food, and finding balance in a world that never stops moving. Chloé opens up about her early years growing up in Montreal, always driven by a “five-year plan,” and a desire to create beauty. She shares her journey from the highs and challenges of the fashion industry to discovering a more soulful creative outlet in food photography and storytelling. Together, she and Valeria dive into burnout, creative ruts, and the pressures of the internet, while also exploring the rituals and meditations, like cooking, that ground her in joy. Chloé reflects on the vulnerability of sharing her life online, the profound loss that shifted her perspective, and why she no longer clings to rigid plans for the future. At its heart, this episode is a reminder that your life is your art and your canvas, and that creativity thrives not just in output, but in presence, connection, and growth. Follow Chloe on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloecleroux/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chloecleroux?lang=en Website: https://www.chloecraneleroux.com/ Get Chloe’s Recipes: https://www.chloecraneleroux.com/recipes Shop Chloe’s Essentials: https://www.chloecraneleroux.com/chloes-essentials Chloe’s Book Recommendation: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2357926 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  0:34 - Valeria sets up episode 1:03 - Introducing Chloe Crane-Leroux 2:19 - Start of interview 5:27 - Growing up in Montreal surrounded by art 7:35 - “I’ve had a 5-year-plan since I was 5-years-old” 8:01 - Wanting to create beauty and share it 9:10 - The toxicity of the fashion industry 11:29 - Switching to food photography 13:03 - Going in front of the camera 15:10 - Creating cookbooks with her mom 16:20 - Teaching herself to cook 20:06 - Reaching burnout 22:39 - Creative Ruts 23:18 - Getting caught up in the likes and followers 24:41 - AI making Valeria optimistic  26:24 - Creativity being down right now 29:29 - Rituals that help her slow down 31:00 - Her love of Pinterest 32:50 - “For me, cooking is meditation” 35:13 - Touching different aspects of her job, and growing within that 37:40 - The balance of being vulnerable online 39:08 - Her year of loss and how it changed her 41:20 - Thoughts on the “30 under 30” Forbes List 44:33 - Not having a 5-year-plan anymore 46:52 - “Your life is your art” / “Your life is your canvas” 47:39 - Rapid Fire Round Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by CLEARSTEM: My favorite skincare brand that fights acne and aging at the same time, with zero pore-clogging ingredients, ever. Get 15% off at https://clearstem.com/Valeria with code VALERIA. In this special solo episode of Not Alone, Valeria reflects on turning 35 and what this milestone means to her. She opens up about the lessons she’s carrying forward, the habits and pressures she’s choosing to leave behind, and the aspirations guiding her next chapter. From learning to be more present and putting herself first, to accepting that not everyone will like you, Valeria shares the mindset shifts that have shaped her growth. She talks about aging in a culture obsessed with youth, embracing contradictions as part of evolution, and the importance of pausing before reacting. With honesty and vulnerability, she explores her own “hero’s journey,” reflects on her children and mother getting older, and why success is about feeling, not chasing. It’s an intimate, thoughtful conversation on awareness, boundaries, and stepping into your mid-thirties with clarity and confidence.   Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/2367051 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  Books I Mentioned: The Art of Thinking Clearly: https://amzn.to/3Iiy9ds The Power Pause: https://amzn.to/4mYaM88 The Hero's Journey: https://amzn.to/3JYXBoY What we talked about:  0:24 - Start of the conversation  0:30 - Turning 35 2:40 - Sharing the things Valeria knows now 2:46 - Life is all about evolution and contradicting yourself 4:25 - Learning how to be more present 7:15 - The importance of putting yourself first 8:50 - Pausing 10:55 - Most things don’t need a reaction 11:50 - Being “okay” with not being liked by everyone 13:40 - Choosing your own lens on life 15:11 - Clearstem Ad 16:25 - “The Hero’s Journey” Breakdown 20:26 - Things she may never figure out 20:39 - The idea of time 22:14 - Feeling success instead of chasing the next goal 23:15 - How to age in a world obsessed with youth 26:33 - Being kind vs. being nice 29:30 - Taking more time to process emotions 30:49 - Leaving behind having answers for everything 31:54 - Overexplaining my boundaries to get approval 33:04 - Moving away from sharing too much, too fast online 36:02 - Sharing things that took a long time to process 37:10 - Admiring Pamela Anderson 38:00 - Igniting Awareness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Furtuna Skin: Italian, olive oil–based skincare that’s pure, potent, and transformative. Try their Olive Lip Butter Balm and more at https://www.furtunaskin.com, and get 20% off your first purchase with code VALERIA20. This episode is also brought to you by Floatley - A bra brand offering feel-good basics that combine cloud-like comfort with reliable support. Try our bestselling Cozy Adjustable Bra at https://www.floatley.com/products/cozy-adjustable and get 20% off your order with code VALERIA20, plus free shipping on US orders over $50. In this week’s episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with astrologer, author and speaker Mia Pineda (aka Mia Astral) for an intimate conversation about identity, intuition, and the paths that guide us. Born to a mother who was only 14 and raised by her grandparents in Venezuela, Mia often felt like an outsider, questioning her place in the world. Astrology became the way she found her footing, transforming uncertainty into purpose. Mia shares the wisdom she learned from her grandmother, talks about leaving Venezuela to move to Miami, and the surprising path from criminology and forensic law to becoming a leading voice in Kabbalistic Astrology. Together, they explore how to tell the difference between fear and intuition, the evolution of astrology in our modern world (yes, even Taylor Swift comes up), and how to lean into discomfort as a catalyst for growth. It’s a thoughtful, soulful episode about reframing your mindset, resilience, and finding your own purpose through the stars.  Follow Mia on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mia_astral/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mia_astral?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mia_astral Website: https://miastral.com/ Become a Member on Mia’s Website: https://miastral.com/my-account/ Shop her Books: https://miastral.com/shop/   Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2146915 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  0:28 - Valeria on turning 35 and her birthday traditions 2:39 - Valeria on the end of summer for her family 4:40 - Introducing Mia Pineda 6:24 - Start of interview 6:37 - Mia’s unusual upbringing in Venezuela 9:19 - Being raised by her grandmother 11:59 - Figuring out her place in the world 12:50 - Grandmother’s mentality of abundance  13:47 - Getting a bad reading from a popular astrologer 15:05 - Fortuna Skin Ad 16:14 - Floatley Ad 19:29 - Understanding the mathematics of astrology 22:18 - Studying criminology and forensic law 23:31 - Discovering Kabbalah  23:51 - Leaving Venezuela and moving Miami 27:11 - Working on her mindset 29:07 - Kabbalistic Astrology 34:01 - Differentiating between intuition and fear 36:43 - The evolution of astrology 37:40 - “I’m pretty sure Taylor Swift uses an astrologer” 38:32 - Explaining eclipse seasons 45:40 - “How can you get into uncomfortable but manageable situations?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by CLEARSTEM - my favorite skincare brand that fights acne and aging at the same time, with zero pore-clogging ingredients, ever. Get 15% off at https://clearstem.com/valeria with code VALERIA. This episode is also brought to you by Vuori: Versatile athletic and performance clothing. Head to https://vuori.com/notalone for 20% off your first purchase, plus free shipping on US orders over $75. In this week’s episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with clinical psychologist and friendship expert Christie Ferrari to unpack the complicated world of adult friendships. They explore why friends can feel so different after childhood, and why we sometimes fight to keep certain people in our lives while letting go of others. Christie introduces the concept of growth flags vs. red flags and helps us identify what healthy, evolving friendships look like versus the ones that may be holding us back. Together, Valeria and Christie dive into questions we all face: What kind of friend am I? Am I a fringe friend? How do I deal with “mean girls” even as an adult? From cultural differences in how friendships form, to tips for approaching conflict, to understanding when it’s time to quietly distance yourself, this conversation offers both validation and practical tools for navigating relationships. If you’ve ever questioned your place in a friend group or wondered how to deepen your connections, this episode is a must-listen. Follow Christie on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christie_ferrari/?hl=en  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christieferrari?lang=en  Website: https://www.christieferrari.com/ Subscribe to Assertive You: https://www.christieferrari.com/assertive-you Book a session with Christie: https://www.christieferrari.com/services   Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2205029 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  0:38 - Valeria sets up the episode about friendships 3:52 - Start of the conversation 4:01 - Introducing Christie Ferrari 6:33 - Why adult friendships seem so different 8:28 - Why we work for friendships & why we let them go 9:48 - Growth flags vs red flags 12:38 - Understanding what kind of friend you are 15:12 - Clearstem Ad 16:35 - Vuori Ad 17:57 - Christie’s draw to studying friendships 18:49 - The importance of being assertive 20:28 - What is a fringe friend? 23:18 - Helping a fringe friend  25:35 - Tips to find good friends 27:42 - Christie’s story on being a fringe friend 28:17 - Dealing with Mean Girls 29:29 - Why Mean Girls exist in adulthood 31:03 - Cultural friendship differences 32:05 - How Mean Girls lose power 34:10 - Approaching a friend with an issue 36:36 - When to let a friendship go 37:25 - Quiet distancing 40:14 - Mourning friendships 41:07 - Having more than one “best friend” 43:56 - Trying a friendship reset 44:48 - What healthy friendships look like 45:34 - Men’s reactions to female friendships 47:46 - Why friendships are easier in your 20s 48:35 - Underrated green flags 49:01 - Rapid Fire Questions 51:19 - Christie’s Reading Rec    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Vuori: Versatile athletic and performance clothing. Head to https://vuori.com/notalone for 20% off your first purchase, plus free shipping on US orders over $75. This episode is brought to you by CLEARSTEM — my favorite skincare brand that fights acne and aging at the same time, with zero pore-clogging ingredients, ever. Get 15% off at https://www.clearstem.com/valeria with code VALERIA.  In this week’s episode of Not Alone, Valeria and her husband Gary open up about their journey with money, what it symbolized in their childhoods, how they laid everything on the table when they first got together, and the transparency they’ve had with money ever since. They revisit pivotal moments that tested and strengthened their bond—like the time Gary’s big business deal fell through before their wedding and he gave Valeria the chance to walk away. Her response, “never say that to me again,” became a defining moment in their partnership. They talk about how they approach finances in a traditional way—Gary managing everything day-to-day while Valeria leans in with curiosity and questions—and the ways they don’t always see eye to eye on how their values were worked out along the way. Together, they share lessons learned, laugh over the “ROI” of Valeria’s nutrition degree that unexpectedly sparked her career in content creation, and offer advice for couples who struggle to have honest conversations about money. This episode is both vulnerable and lighthearted, pulling back the curtain on the realities of love, trust, and building a life together. Follow Gary on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetsky/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@garylipovetsky Listen to Gary’s Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/@Gary.Lipovetsky https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rise-podcast/id1688773397   Apply for Creator Method: https://creatormethod.com/ Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2062213 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  0:29 - Setting up the conversation with Gary 3:07 - Start of the episode 4:30 - Gary’s childhood mindset on money 5:41 - The scarcity mindset 8:40 - Thinking of money in terms of necessity 10:06 - Valeria’s money mindset growing up 11:22 - Valeria’s mom crowdfunding with other single moms 12:24 - Vuori ad 14:42 - Financing basic needs 15:36 - The importance of financial literacy 16:32 - Valeria leaving home at 16 and making money 18:42 - People with fallback plans and people without 19:21 - Remembering their first conversation about money 20:33 - Valeria changing her approach to money 22:16 - Clearstem ad 24:30 - Gary’s big deal falling apart 26:24 - The outcome of losing out on big money 28:08 - Their traditional approach to finance 34:07 - The language difference around making money 35:30 - Agreeing on “what’s worth it” when spending 39:07 - Communication on money 39:33 - Disagreeing on how they work on or through things 42:21 - Best money they’ve ever spent 43:22 - The ROI on Valeria’s nutrition diploma 46:56 - Valeria being clueless on life and money 48:23 - What Gary wishes he knew earlier about money 52:02 - Tips for couples who struggle talking about money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with model, entrepreneur, and content creator Emily DiDonato to explore the joy of trying new things, no matter how imperfectly. Emily shares the story of being discovered at a mall as a teenager, stepping into a whirlwind modeling career, and eventually finding her creative spark in content creation. We dive into how Emily channels any flickers of comparison into motivation, why she’s never been competitive or jealous, and how motherhood has redefined her version of “balance” (hint: there isn’t any!). Emily opens up about the weekly “admin meetings” she and her husband use to keep their busy lives in sync, and why she believes there’s magic in being a beginner. From career pivots to personal growth, Emily’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: it’s fun to try, it’s fun to fail, and the learning process is where the real reward lies. This episode will leave you feeling braver about starting, more forgiving of the messy middle, and reminded that the courage to try, again and again, is what truly shapes a fulfilled life. Follow Emily on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilydidonato/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@didonatoemily?lang=en  Shop Emily's Skincare Brand Covey: https://coveyskin.com/?srsltid=AfmBOore9LtSOvC5ftxSnkNL8m2rn6SoZV3Zx8KYIdYPSM9sjbQuZN2U Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2062111 https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2071219 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  Apply for Creator Method: https://creatormethod.com/ 👉Related Links: NYFW 2019 vlog: https://youtu.be/eVLdfF_4n8k Drunk GRWM: https://youtu.be/vtEL61OUvHg Emily Collab: https://youtu.be/NoobVS82bj8 What we talked about:  0:50 - Valeria’s recent trip to New York 1:30 - Creator Method Summit 3:46 - Introducing Emily DiDonato 6:06 - Start of interview 6:14 -  Valeria and Emily’s friendship history 8:59 - Emily’s start in modeling 12:23 - Emily’s evolution to content creation 18:02 - “That creative outlet lit a flame for me” 18:51 - Starting on instagram and moving to YouTube 19:54 - Using comparison to push herself 21:11 - Being overwhelmed and needing help 24:45 - Spiritual challenges 26:16 - “There is no balance as a mom”  29:01 - Emily and her husband’s weekly admin meeting 31:21 - Emily on trying anything and everything 33:28 - “It’s fun to suck” 35:17 - On being vulnerable online 36:53 - Navigating negativity online 38:48 - Audience Q&A 39:29 - Who are the people behind you who help you get it all done? 41:08 - What days are you slumming it and what days are you in full glam? 42:43 - Advice to the younger generation on body image and confidence 44:28 - Things she would do differently when starting a business 46:38 - Knowing which hobbies and interests are worth pursuing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Eight Sleep, the leader in sleep fit technology. Their award-winning Pod 5 sleep system helps you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling more refreshed by automatically adjusting to your ideal temperature, elevation, and sound throughout the night. Upgrade your rest and your recovery: use code VALERIA for $350 off at http://eightsleep.com/valeria  In this insightful and inspiring episode, Valeria sits down with Alex Zatarain, co-founder of Eight Sleep, to discuss how she’s transforming the way we think about rest, recovery, and performance. Alex shares the story of building one of the most innovative sleep technology companies in the world, from identifying the gap in the market to creating the Pod - a smart mattress designed to personalize and optimize your sleep. Together, they explore the science behind quality rest, the connection between sleep and mental health, and how technology can help us live longer, healthier lives. Alex also opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, balancing ambition with self-care, and the habits that keep her grounded. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, a tech enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to sleep better, this episode offers actionable takeaways and a behind-the-scenes look at a brand changing the future of sleep. Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/2101362?tab=collections   📱Follow Alex & Eight Sleep  Instagram: @alexzatarainj https://www.instagram.com/alexzatarainj/?hl=en  Eight Sleep: https://www.instagram.com/eightsleep/?hl=en  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrazatarain/?locale=en_US X / Twitter: https://x.com/a_zatarain Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  0:35 - Valeria Recap Toronto Team Retreat  2:54 - Introducing Alexandra Zatarain 5:43 - Start of Interview 6:35 - Growing up in Mexico 7:18 - Learning what opportunity really means 12:22 - The college assignment that changed the game 14:04 - Meeting her husband and future co-founder 15:37 - Opening her world to tech in the “Silicon Alley” 18:32 - Working with her husband 21:08 - Trying to building something in 3D printing 22:15 - Coming up with the idea of Eight Sleep  25:30 - Leaving her job and forming the company 27:00 - How the technology works 30:55 - Temperature is crucial for good sleep 32:06 - Changing the conversation on sleep 34:09 - Sleep Fitness 38:20 - Mitigating women’s sleep issues 41:37 - Keeping it simple with sleep products 43:10 - Being a female Latina founder 46:51 - Building a company with her husband 49:58 - Valeria triggering people with Gary work dynamic 51:41 - “The team you build is the company you build” 52:32 - Balance and keeping herself in check 58:20 - Alexandra’s book recommendation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode, Valeria sits down with Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman, best friends and co-founders of Monday Swimwear, for an honest and energizing conversation about building a business, growing through friendship, and redefining leadership. Natasha and Devin open up about the rare bond that has held them together for over a decade, one built on unwavering trust, shared values, and deep emotional loyalty. They reveal how they’ve come to trust each other even more than their romantic partners, and why that unshakable connection is the foundation for everything they’ve built. The trio also explores how they launched a globally recognized brand without formal fashion training, what it means to lead as women, manage teams with heart, and stay grounded while scaling a company. From navigating dating in your 30s and freezing eggs to staying obsessed with work and each other, this episode is a love letter to ambition, authenticity, and choosing the people who lift you higher. Follow Tash: https://www.instagram.com/tashoakley/  Follow Devin: https://www.instagram.com/devinbrugman/  Follow Monday Swimwear: https://www.instagram.com/mondayswimwear/   Shop Monday Swimwear: https://mondayswimwear.com/  Book Recommendations:  Excessively Obsessed by Tash Oakley https://a.co/d/aski91P  The Power of Now by Ekchart Tolle https://a.co/d/8DeuoAV  Sex at Dawn by Christopher Ryan https://a.co/d/2ZiptCN  Good Morning, Monster by Catherine Gildiner https://a.co/d/3ud8vUW  Attached by  Amir Levine and Rachel Heller https://a.co/d/ivLtVkS  Only Love Is Real: A Story of Soulmates Reunited by Dr. Brian Weiss https://a.co/d/4nVFYrT The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan https://a.co/d/4LEoWHX The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett https://a.co/d/iS1jwER Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1898265  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  01:00: Swim Week in Miami04:00: How Tash and Devin first met 07:00: Building a business on friendship and trust 12:00: The secret to their communication style 14:00: Managing team dynamics with empathy 20:00: The Bikini A Day origin story 24:00: Designing swimwear that actually fits 31:00: Choosing partners 34:00: How Monday Swimwear became the standard 38:00: Dating in your 30s with clarity 41:00: Freezing eggs and taking the pressure off 47:00: Opening a store and staying playful 51:30: Wellness habits that keep them grounded 54:00: Advice for aspiring influencers 56:00: Running a brand that lasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by CLEARSTEM! If you’re looking for skincare that’s both anti-acne and anti-aging, CLEARSTEM has you covered. Their science-backed formulas help you achieve clear, glowing skin without pore-clogging ingredients. And we have a special deal for you get 15% off your order when you visit https://www.clearstem.com/valeria and use the code VALERIA at checkout! In this week’s episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with entrepreneur, investor, and best-selling author Kim Perell to talk about the failures, risks, and mindset shifts that helped her build a multimillion-dollar business empire. Kim opens up about losing everything in her 20s and the lessons that came from hitting rock bottom. They go deep on the pressures to prove yourself, how to tune out the noise, trust your gut, and why your biggest mistakes might be your greatest assets. If you’ve ever questioned your path, feared failure, or felt alone in the hustle - this episode will remind you that success often starts where the plan falls apart.  Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1952399  https://shopmy.us/collections/1983683  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  📘 Kim's New Book Pre-Order 👉 KimPerell.com/mistakes Her new book Mistakes That Made Me a Millionaire is available now for pre-order — and comes with $300 in free bonuses, including her Fast Action Millionaire Playbook to go alongside the book! 🎟 Upcoming Event: Meet Kim in Vegas at Entrepreneur's Level Up Event! Attendees will have the opportunity to pitch their business live to investors and industry leaders. 👉 https://entrepreneurlevelup.com/get-your-tickets  🌐 Website: KimPerell.com 📱 Social Media Instagram: @KimPerell Facebook: facebook.com/KimPerell LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/KimPerell TikTok: @KimPerell X / Twitter: @KimPerell What we talked about:  0:35 - Valeria’s Story about her son, Benjamin 4:38 - Introducing Kim Perell 5:48 - Why failure is a necessary part of success 7:28 - Parents normalizing failure 9:35 - Getting laid off at 23 and hitting rock bottom 12:40 - Clearstem Ad 16:08 - Valeria on losing herself in ambition and external pressure17:01 - Building her business from the kitchen with no money 19:37 - “No one is successful alone” 20:54 - Why asking for help is necessary 22:52 - “Let’s have coffee”24:02 - Selling her first business 26:32 - You don’t know what’s possible unless you try 28:12 - The $235-million-dollar sale 30:11 - Nobody knows what they’re doing 33:15 - Lessons in leadership from building multiple companies37:49 - The power of being underestimated  41:14 - Why you need to start small and start now 45:11 - Kim’s advice for entrepreneurs 48:08 - Going for the “no” 49:28 - Finding balance at home 53:35 - 100.co  54:58 - Creators and founders using AI 57:26 - How to be an industry disruptor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by CLEARSTEM! If you’re looking for skincare that’s both anti-acne and anti-aging, CLEARSTEM has you covered. Their science-backed formulas help you achieve clear, glowing skin without pore-clogging ingredients. And we have a special deal for you—get 15% off your order when you visit https://www.clearstem.com/valeria and use the code VALERIA at checkout! In this week’s episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with wellness expert, author, and content creator Aggie Lal for a refreshingly honest conversation about the current state of modern health culture for women, and what it really means to feel well in today’s world. Aggie shares her personal journey from rigid routines, veganism, and biohacking for good labs to finding balance by reconnecting with her intuition, hormones, and overall purpose. Together, she and Valeria dive deep into the pressure to be “healthy” at the expense of joy, the shame around beauty choices like Botox, and why women are often left out of mainstream health narratives. Plus, a powerful discussion on how to separate your roles from your identity - so you can thrive, not just survive. Whether you’re burnt out by wellness trends or looking to redefine your relationship with health and womanhood, this episode is a must-listen. Follow Aggie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aggie Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  Shop my looks from this episode: intro/ads: https://shopmy.us/collections/1952399  aggie: https://shopmy.us/collections/1983674  What we talked about:  0:55 - Valeria’s Family trip to Spain 3:29 - Introducing Aggie Lal 5:40 - Aggie’s First Impressions of Valeria 7:13 - The World of Biohacking 9:35 - Being Vegan 10:30 - Body Trends 11:59 - Clearstem Ad 13:50 - Pillars of Biohacking  15:25 - What is Different for Females 18:00 - Aggie’s Favorite Health Rituals 19:08 - Hypnotheray  23:45 - 4 Pillars of Health 24:10 - The Importance of Purpose 27:20 - Valeria’s POV on Motherhood 29:55 - The Role of Mothers 31:57 - Best Methods of Recovery 38:04 - Ways to Connect with your Partner 40:32 - Pushing the Definition of Wellness 42:33 - Health Habits that Don’t Work 45:52 - Aggie’s Pregnancy 49:15 - Everything Women Must Juggle 51:30 - The Importance of Rest 53:50 - The Beauty of Feeling Free 56:25 - What’s Next for Aggie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with journalist, content creator, and “queen of questions” Danielle Robay for a thought-provoking conversation about identity, ambition, and the pressure to have it all figured out. Together, they unpack what it means to chase your dreams, navigate career pivots, and show up authentically - both professionally & personally. From quitting her “dream job” to manifesting a show at Hello Sunshine, Danielle opens up about what it took to get where she is today & her super power - asking good questions! She shares stories about her childhood dinner table, dating in the modern world, and freezing her eggs. Together, she and Valeria explore the fear of not living up to your potential, the vulnerability of putting yourself first, and the courage it takes to say ‘I don’t know.’  Danielle is the host and co-executive producer (alongside Reese Witherspoon) of ‘Bookmarked’ from Hello Sunshine, the podcast ‘Question Everything,’ and E!’s ‘While You Were Streaming.’  Follow Danielle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellerobay/  Follow Danielle on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@daniellerobay  Subscribe to Danielle’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/question-everything/id1550883345  Shop the QUESTION EVERYTHING Card Game: https://questioneverythingshop.com/collections/shop Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1972268https://shopmy.us/collections/1972338 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  0:40 Valeria’s Realization 2:35 Introducing Danielle Robay 5:43 Interview Begins 6:28 Why the Beginning of Podcasts are Awkward 7:00 Valeria’s Mom’s Resilience 8:01 How to Successfully Manifest 9:02 Danielle Manifesting a Job at E! & Hello Sunshine 11:30 How Valeria Manifested Her Career 17:45 Feeling Embarassed on the Internet 18:55 Living Up to Your Potential 22:56 Gary Predicting Their Career 25:07 The Power of Being Selfish  26:50 The Big Piece of Chicken 29:49 Danielle’s Career & the Power of Questions 35:40 The Importance of Being in the Room 37:55 Not Asking for Advice & Not Going to Therapy  40:00 Danielle’s Love Life & Going Deep 43:27 Courage is a Big Word 44:38 Danielle’s Egg Freezing Journey 47:55 Pros & Cons of Being a Young Mom  50:33 The Part of Feminism We’re Still Figuring Out 51:19 Do Married Couples Still Have Sex? 55:30 Why Gary Triggers Women 57:49 The Message vs The Delivery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s very special 100th episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down for a powerful and deeply honest conversation with writer and creator, Heidi Clements. Known for her unfiltered storytelling and viral presence online, Heidi opens up about aging, sobriety, 25 years without sex, surviving trauma, and what it means to live life on her own terms. The two explore the emotional realities behind choosing a nontraditional path, including living single, redefining intimacy, and navigating the invisibility many women feel after 50. They discuss how society conditions women to seek validation, how the male gaze has shaped generations, and why self-approval is the ultimate freedom. With humor, heart, and vulnerability, this episode is a candid look at healing, wholeness, and the courage to tell your story out loud. Follow Heidi: https://www.instagram.com/welcometoheidi/  Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1909988  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  00:00 Not Alone’s 100th Episode! 00:14 The Humbling Journey of Podcasting 01:38 Overcoming Perfectionism and COVID Challenges 02:28 The Birth of 'Not Alone' 02:58 Finding My Groove in Podcasting 04:07 Introducing Heidi Clements 06:12 Heidi's Journey to Internet Fame 07:43 Navigating Social Media and Personal Growth 13:11 The Impact of Sobriety and Personal Trauma 16:06 Empowering Women and Challenging the Patriarchy 20:07 Generational Shifts and Future Hopes 36:00 Gen X and Menopause: A New Conversation 37:02 Cultural Silence and Women's Health 38:52 Living Shamelessly and Embracing Authenticity 41:57 Intimacy and Sobriety: A Personal Journey 45:43 Redefining Intimacy and Relationships 52:47 The Evolution of Self-Love and Acceptance 01:01:47 Visibility and Aging: Embracing Change 01:05:07 Final Thoughts and Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m back for another solo episode! In this one, I’m catching you up on everything: life lately, parenting epiphanies, personal shifts, and a few hot takes I had to get off my chest. From summer travel plans and raising pre-teens to why I’m not falling for every wellness trend online, this one's a mix of honest reflections and playful rants (yes, we’re talking about fantasy books, healing culture, and capri pants). I also open up about feeling disconnected from social media, the emotional weight of parenting older kids, and the importance of building real community. If you’re navigating your own in-between season or need some camaraderie in the messy, beautiful chaos of life, this one's for you. Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1825890  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What I talked about:  00:26 Life Updates 01:32 Puppy Adventures and Parenting Reflections 03:08 Navigating Parenting Challenges 13:30 Father's Day Reflections 15:47 Summer Plans and Travel Excitement 19:40 Social Media Presence and Personal Growth 21:45 Rediscovering Myself 22:03 Current Projects and Redirections 23:07 Book Recommendations and Reading Journey 24:39 Motherhood and Community 25:18 Propaganda I’m NOT Falling For  25:54 Supplements and Personalized Health 30:05 I read ACOTAR… 31:45 50/50 Relationships and Equity 32:55 Political Views and Social Media 34:20 Fashion and Overdressing 37:02 Healing and Self-Improvement 40:10 Contradictions and Personal Growth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Natural Cycles: The company changing the contraception game with the world’s first FDA-cleared birth control app. Whether you're looking to prevent pregnancy or plan for it, the Natural Cycles app offers a non-hormonal, non-invasive alternative to traditional birth control. Right now, you can get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer when you visit https://www.naturalcycles.com and use promo code VALERIA at checkout. Natural Cycles is for 18+ and does not protect against STIs. Always read and follow the instructions for use. In this episode, Valeria sits down with digital pioneer, designer, and mom of two Aimee Song for an intimate and honest conversation about identity, motherhood, and the evolution of personal ambition. Aimee opens up about building her career before the influencer industry even existed, the highs and hidden lows of success, and why her definition of fulfillment has completely shifted in recent years. They talk postpartum depression, therapy breakthroughs, creative burnout, and the magic of slowing down to reconnect with what really matters. Aimee also shares what inspired her return to interior design and the intention behind her new fashion brand, Amiya. It's a raw, funny, and deeply personal look at what happens when you let go of the hustle and finally come home to yourself. Follow Aimee: https://www.instagram.com/aimeesong/  Shop Lulu + Georgia Collab: http://bit.ly/43PbQUQ  Shop Amiya: http://bit.ly/3HOWRl8  Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1811792  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  00:55 Navigating Early Career Challenges 01:48 Reflecting on Industry Changes 05:52 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health 08:12 Therapy and Self-Discovery 15:54 The Hoffman Process 24:18 Redefining Success and Happiness 35:26 Diving into New Ventures 35:46 Reflecting on Career Choices 37:05 The Importance of a Strong Foundation 38:32 Embracing Cringe Moments 39:06 Returning to Interior Design 40:31 Feng Shui and Home Harmony 47:04 Launching a New Brand: Amiya 56:19 Lessons from Motherhood 59:12 Embracing Aging and Redefining Milestones 01:04:28 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Valeria sits down with Stefanie Broes, the co-founder of Moonbird, for a refreshing conversation about something we all need more of: calm. They explore how breathwork can help us manage stress, sleep better, and feel more grounded in our daily lives. Stefanie opens up about her own journey, from battling burnout during her PhD to discovering the power of the breath as a healing tool. They unpack the science in a super accessible way, talk through the differences between breathwork and meditation, and share simple ways to bring these practices into your routine. Plus, Stefanie gives us a look into Moonbird’s mission and why she believes teaching breathwork to kids and adults alike could change lives. This episode is brought to you by moonbird: Tired of stress hijacking your day or struggling to fall asleep at night? Meet moonbird, your handheld breathing coach, designed to help you slow down and reconnect with your breath. Born from personal need and backed by science, moonbird merges biometric intelligence with guided breathwork to help you calm your mind, ease anxiety, and sleep better. It gently expands and contracts in your hand, guiding your breathing rhythm in real time — no screens, no noise, just you and your breath. Go to moonbird.life/VALERIA and use code VALERIA for $25 off. Follow Stefanie: https://www.instagram.com/stefaniebroes/  Follow moonbird: https://www.instagram.com/moonbird.life/  Shop moonbird: https://www.moonbird.life/VALERIA  Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1791757  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  00:00 Intro 01:11 Discovering Breathwork: A Personal Journey 02:52 The Science Behind Breathwork and Meditation 04:41 Practical Applications and Benefits of Breathwork 10:09 The Nervous System and Stress Response 18:18 The Importance of Sleep and Personal Well-being 19:55 Heart Rate Variability and Breathwork 22:35 Guided Breathwork Exercise 25:49 Balancing Health and Wellness Practices 27:00 Exploring Women's Unique Health Challenges 29:02 Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction 30:58 The Impact of Shallow Breathing and Modern Posture 31:26 Proper Breathing Techniques 36:10 Incorporating Breath Work into Daily Life 46:40 Breathwork and Digestion 50:05 A Personal Story and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices