Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Real Stuff with Lucie Fink

Today's guest spends her days looking at women in various states of undress, and somehow, the whole thing is a lot less sexual than you'd think. Meet Nomi, a boudoir photographer who splits her time between a jungle studio in rural Jamaica and a loft space in Brooklyn. For the past decade, she's been helping women feel at home in their bodies, one photo session at a time. On the surface, this is a conversation about a unique profession involving lingerie, nudity, and how to pose for a sexy photo. But underneath it, it's a conversation about womanhood, body image, and healing. Nomi shares how recovering from the eating disorder she developed at 16 shaped the philosophy behind her work. She talks candidly about why so many clients apologize for their stomachs, why boudoir sessions can unexpectedly bring sexual trauma to the surface, and why she believes the industry is quietly becoming a form of art therapy. We also dive into the business side that most people never consider: why she prices her sessions the way she does, what it's like to run every part of her business as a one-woman show, and how she built a career that's as emotionally demanding as it is creatively fulfilling. Along the way, she shares the unexpected story of how she met her husband in a Facebook group for Jewish singles before ending up on a farm in Trelawny, Jamaica. Listen for the moment she compares a boudoir session to a trip to the gynecologist. It's an analogy that completely reframes what professional comfort with nudity actually looks like—and it may change the way you think about the vulnerability of it altogether. Follow Nomi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boudoirbynomi/?hl=en Work with Nomi: https://boudoirbynomi.com Sponsors: Labcorp OnDemand: Visit https://www.OnDemand.Labcorp.com/realstuff and use code "realstuff" to save up to 15% on select tests. Alaya Naturals: Visit https://www.alayanaturals.com/realstuff and enter code REALSTUFF at checkout for 20% off your order. Forkful: Head to https://forkfulmeals.com/LUCIE for 50% off your first order today! Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink Website: https://luciefink.com/ Subscribe to my free newsletter "The Lucie List" here: https://thelucielist.beehiiv.com/subscribe Executive Producer: Cloud10 Produced by Dear Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's audience caller episode is one I’ve been so excited to share. Riana is a travel blogger (http://teaspoonofadventure.com) who, after having her daughter in early 2025, did something most new parents run far from: instead of taking a typical parental leave, she and her husband sold almost everything they owned and spent nine months slow-traveling through Canada, France, the UK, and Spain—with a five-month-old baby and their dog in tow. At first glance, this is a trip story. But really, it's a story about permission. Permission to build a life that doesn't fit the mold, permission for a dad to take 15 months of paternity leave when most take a few weeks, and permission to feel the FOMO and the exhaustion of new parenthood while still choosing adventure over fear. We get into everything: how her husband's paternity leave became the centerpiece of the plan, the family pushback (“you’re taking my grandbaby away!”), and how they kept relationships close despite being thousands of miles apart. Riana also opens up about money in a way most people never do. She breaks down the full cost of the trip, exactly how much her travel blog earns per month, and where they blew way past their budget. My favorite part of this conversation is when we get into the "vacation vs. trip" debate and how Riana found unexpected joy in the parts of travel she never would've chosen for herself before becoming a mom. If you're a parent, a soon-to-be parent, or just someone who's ever wondered "could I actually do this with a baby?”—this one's for you. Here’s that article from the Huffington Post: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/vacation-or-trip-a-helpful-guide-for-parents_b_7789310 Sponsors: Magnetic Me: New customers get 15% off sitewide at https://www.magneticme.com Quince: Go to https://www.Quince.com/REALSTUFF for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Labcorp OnDemand: Visit https://www.OnDemand.Labcorp.com/realstuff and use code "realstuff" to save up to 15% on select tests. Spindrift: Visit https://www.drinkspindrift.com and use code "lucie" for 15% off. Alaya Naturals: Visit https://www.alayanaturals.com/realstuff and enter code REALSTUFF at checkout for 20% off your order. Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink Website: https://luciefink.com/ Subscribe to my free newsletter "The Lucie List" here: https://thelucielist.beehiiv.com/subscribe Executive Producer: Cloud10 Produced by Dear Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's caller, Liz, has one of the most incredible stories I've ever heard on this show. After connecting with a pregnant, homeless woman named Cassandra in a Facebook adoption group, Liz received a single photo of a newborn baby and a message saying that she had been listed as the mother on the baby's birth certificate...with no other explanation. That photo sent her, her sick husband, and her two kids on a six-hour drive to Pittsburgh, where they spent two weeks fighting the state, navigating emergency court hearings, and sitting in a NICU doing skin-to-skin with a baby born addicted to drugs. This episode covers open adoption, neonatal abstinence syndrome, the complicated ethics of intervening in someone else's crisis, and what it looks like to build a family in the most unexpected way imaginable. Sponsors: Clean Simple Eats: Clean Simple Eats is undeniably clean and 100% delicious. Shop the best-tasting protein drinks at CleanSimpleEats.com. Tru Fru: Find it now in the freezer aisle of your grocery store. Cotton: Learn more at TheFabricOfOurLives.com. Magnetic Me: New customers get 15% off sitewide at magneticme.com. Spindrift: Visit drinkspindrift.com and use code lucie for 15% off. Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink Website: https://luciefink.com/  Subscribe to my free newsletter "The Lucie List" here: https://thelucielist.beehiiv.com/subscribe Executive Producer: Cloud10 Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Baby #2 is almost here! I’m currently in that weird stage where I could go into labor in two hours, two days, or two weeks (or more!)! In today's episode, I talk about how I'm feeling physically, what I've been doing to try to bring on labor naturally, and how I'm winding down as I prepare for maternity leave. Keep an eye on my Instagram to see when our baby girl makes her big arrival! Sponsors: Green Chef: Go to greenchef.com/realstuffclass for 50% off your first box + 50 FREE Credits with ClassPass!  Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX     To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod    Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink   Website: https://luciefink.com/   Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a content creator decides to redefine the influencer space with an innovative approach? Today on the pod we have Valeria Lipovetsky, the trailblazing content creator behind Valeria Inc., who joins us for a captivating discussion on how she’s transforming the influencer landscape. From her busy summer balancing trendy baking hobbies with the demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship, to revisiting her early years in Russia and Israel, Valeria's journey is one of resilience and transformation. We explore the evolving landscape of content creation, the significance of personal connections in brand partnerships, and the delicate balance of parenting in the age of social media. Join us as we uncover the unique approach and unwavering confidence that drives Valeria’s success in the creator economy. Sponsors: Hiya: Go to hiyahealth.com/REALSTUFF for 50% off your first order. Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX    To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod    Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink   Website: https://luciefink.com/   Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is someone who I instantly gravitated towards as soon as I found her online. April Lockhart is a fashion and lifestyle content creator and a disability advocate. In today’s episode, April opens up about her journey of embracing her limb difference in her late 20s and how it has shaped her online persona. We also discuss April's transition from a corporate career to becoming a full-time content creator, the financial leap involved, and her decision to join Digital Brand Architects. We touch on the importance of quality content, maintaining integrity, and how her unique perspective enhances opportunities in the content creation space. April's journey is an inspiring narrative of resilience, creativity, and self-acceptance, offering valuable insights for anyone navigating a difference.  Sponsors: Babbel: Get up to 60% off your Babbel subscription at Babbel.com/LUCIEFINK  Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX    To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod    Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink   Website: https://luciefink.com/   Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heartbreak isn't just reserved for romantic relationships—friendship breakups can be just as devastating. Join us as we unravel the poignant story of our audience caller, "Izzie," whose former best friend published a novel based on their friendship that included intimate details of Izzie's childhood, family, and past trauma. We’ll tackle the invasion of privacy, the blending of real and fictional events, and the deep scars left behind. From dissecting accurate childhood memories to confronting hurtful fictional incidents, Izzie's reflections offer a nuanced perspective on identity, authenticity, and the delicate balance of maintaining personal boundaries in friendships. Tune in for a compelling conversation on navigating betrayal and finding closure amidst public exposure. Sponsors: Dreamland Baby: Go to dreamlandbabyco.com and enter my code REALSTUFF at checkout to receive 30% off pajamas + free shipping. To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod    Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink   Website: https://luciefink.com/   Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When I first received Chiara's email, I had no idea how profoundly her story would affect me – in so many ways. The emotional rollercoaster of uncovering the layers of this particular fan interaction brought to light the complexities of online interactions and the importance of setting boundaries. This experience has taught me so much, and I hope sharing this journey will resonate with other creators and audiences alike.  Sponsors: Green Chef: Go to greenchef.com/realstuffclass for 50% off your first box + 50 FREE Credits with ClassPass!  Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX    To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod    Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink   Website: https://luciefink.com/   Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the pod we have creator and host of the very successful We Met at Acme podcast, Lindsey Metselaar. We discuss her family's financial situation and how people on the internet have made incorrect assumptions about how she grew up. Lindsey candidly shares about how she's overcome addiction and how that has impacted her recent journey into motherhood. From finances to fertility, Lindsey’s story is a testament to resilience and growth, offering heartfelt insights and practical advice along the way. Sponsors:  Dreamland Baby: New and existing customers can go to dreamlandbabyco.com and enter code REALSTUFF at checkout to receive 30% off pajamas + free shipping.  Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX    To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod   Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Jess approached me in the elevator of our New York City apartment building nearly a decade ago, neither of us could have imagined the beautiful friendship that would blossom from that moment. Over the years, I've seen Jess transform as a person and a mother, especially when her second daughter was born with Down syndrome. This diagnosis came as a surprise at birth after genetic testing gave no indication of chromosomal abnormalities and it completely changed the course of Jess's life. She has since become the co-founder of Extra Lucky Moms, a space for parents of children with disabilities, and is a fierce advocate for this community. In today's episode, Jess completely opens up as we push past the comfortable questions and get into the taboo topics you'd struggle to ask the parent of a child with disabilities. Sponsors:  Babbel: Get up to 60% off your Babbel subscription at Babbel.com/LUCIEFINK  Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX   To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod   Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/  Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time for a second trimester pregnancy update! When I was pregnant with Milo, I was overwhelmed by constant symptom-checking and dietary worries. This time around, my second trimester has brought some new challenges, but also a surprising sense of ease and acceptance. Join me as I share the latest on how this pregnancy is going, what has changed since the first trimester, and how things feel different compared to my first pregnancy. Sponsors:  Dreamland Baby: New and existing customers can go to dreamlandbabyco.com and enter code REALSTUFF at checkout to receive 30% off pajamas + free shipping.  Products mentioned:  SI Band for Sciatica Nerve Relief: https://amzn.to/4bGrl2f  Baby Bub Maternity Pillow: https://rstyle.me/+L9b-2AMxuepVv9jU4-bgnQ    Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/  Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mari Llewellyn is a content creator, podcast host, and the founder of Bloom Nutrition, one of the most successful supplement companies . In today's insightful discussion, Mari shares her remarkable journey from a challenging childhood marked by emotional turmoil and mental health struggles to her transformative 90 pound weight loss journey. We explore the delicate balance of discussing weight loss in the context of the body positivity movement and how Mari's past experiences have shaped her current outlook. Mari's openness about her fertility struggles and the monumental success of Bloom Nutrition provides a powerful narrative of resilience and growth. What's fascinating to me is her current outlook on money, and how it hasn't changed one bit even since her company received a $90M investment. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that feels like a casual chat between friends, offering valuable insights on mental health, business, and personal transformation. Sponsors:  LMNT: Get your free Sample Pack with any LMNT drink mix purchase at: DrinkLMNT.com/RealStuff  Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX   To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod   Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink     YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink    Website: https://luciefink.com/   Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jessamyn Stanley is one of a kind. For starters, she’s our first Real Stuff guest with an OnlyFans profile. And as we peel back the layers, you’ll learn how creating bold content within body-positive communities isn't just about pushing boundaries—it's about fostering essential dialogues. While Jessamyn and I may seem like polar opposites from the outside, through our conversation we found that we are incredibly similar when it comes to the way we think and the values we align ourselves with. Jessamyn is a social media powerhouse known for her daring choices, like sharing photos and videos of herself online doing naked yoga and performing sex acts on her OnlyFans. We venture into the world of liberal communities, questioning whether they merely create echo chambers or if they can engage a broader audience. Jessamyn opens up about handling polarizing topics and the inevitable backlash, focusing on understanding differing viewpoints rather than changing minds. The episode wraps up by touching on the complexities of polyamory, the therapeutic nature of rope play, and the financial dynamics of running a personal brand, all while maintaining a narrative grounded in radical honesty and self-acceptance. This is an episode that challenges, educates, and inspires, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of body positivity, social media, and personal growth. Follow Jessamyn: https://www.instagram.com/mynameisjessamyn  Sponsors: Just Thrive: Go to Justthrivehealth.com and use promo code REALSTUFF for 20% off a 90-day bottle of Just Thrive Probiotic and Just Calm: https://justthrivehealth.com/discount/REALSTUFF  Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX   To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod   Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Luciebfink   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/   Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have to be honest — when I put out the casting call for people with interesting jobs, I wasn't expecting anything quite like this. Alexandra Sunshine is a senior editor at Kensington Books and, as she describes herself, is the number one romantic editor in the U.S. right now — meaning she has acquired more projects in the romantic genre than anyone else in the country. And yes, "romantasy" means exactly what you think it means: fantasy worlds, magical creatures, swords and crowns... and a lot of very explicit sex. In this conversation, Alex takes me on a full tour of the spicy book world — from the BookTok explosion that completely disrupted publishing, to the sub-genres you didn't know existed (shifter romance, omegaverse, dark romance, "why choose"... we get into all of it). We talk about why women are devouring these books right now, what it says about female sexuality and modern relationships, and why the "touch her and die" trope is basically the ultimate female fantasy. We also get into the surprisingly funny realities of her job: copy editors fact-checking whether a sex position is physically possible, boardroom conversations about explicit content, and the "chili pepper scale" that her sales team ultimately rejected. We also ended up having a really honest conversation about my own book (the psychological thriller I'm currently working on), and Alex gave some genuinely great advice for anyone who's been sitting on a story idea and hasn't started yet. Follow Alex: https://www.instagram.com/Alexhsunshine/ Follow Kensington Books: https://www.instagram.com/kensingtonbooks/ Alex's Book Recommendations Rain of Shadows and Endings by Melissa Roehrich: https://amzn.to/4cZJg6A  Chasing the Wild by Elliott Rose: https://amzn.to/4d5ZcEe Chasing the Ring by Lauren Rowe: https://amzn.to/4cQZIY7 Chasing the Rush by Lauren Rowe: https://amzn.to/4tMkwWB Sponsors: Ogee: Thanks to today's sponsor, Ogee: A higher standard for beauty. Go to ogee.com/LUCIE and use code LUCIE to get 20% off certified organic makeup that performs like luxury. Quince: Go to quince.com/realstuff for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Magnetic Me: New customers get 15% off sitewide at magneticme.com Rhoback: Use code "REALSTUFF" on Rhoback.com for a generous 20% off your first order through the end of this week. Nanit: The Nanit Smart Baby Monitor System is 20% off for Mother's Day. Use code LUCIEFINK at nanit.com to get the 20% off plus a free travel case. Spindrift: Use code LUCIE at DrinkSpindrift.com for 15% off your next order of Spindrift. Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink Website: https://luciefink.com/  Subscribe to my free newsletter "The Lucie List" here: https://thelucielist.beehiiv.com/subscribe Executive Producer: Cloud10 Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we have an unforgettable episode of the show as we sit down with two of my favorite people in the world — my brother Robbie and my twin sister Allie, to explore the unique dynamics of our sibling bond. I took to my Instagram stories to gather questions that you wanted answered and we even snuck in a game of "who's most likely to" before signing off. In this episode, we reflect on our special individual connections, highlighting the mutual admiration, creativity, and shared experiences that have shaped our closeness. From heartfelt compliments to nostalgic anecdotes, we explore the balance of intelligence, kindness, and normalcy within our family. We touch on sibling rivalry, the influence of our parents in fostering our strong connection, and the importance of maintaining these relationships while aiming to cultivate similar bonds in our future families. As we navigate significant life changes, we discuss the complex emotions and dynamics that arise when siblings reach major events at different times. We also address the idea of comparison between siblings, especially in relationships and personal milestones, and the invaluable support we provide each other during difficult times. Tune in for a heartfelt and engaging conversation that beautifully captures the essence of our sibling connection along with some unforgettable stories from our childhood. Follow Robbie here: https://www.instagram.com/robjfink  Follow East Love here: https://www.instagram.com/eastlovemusic  Sponsors: LMNT: Get your free Sample Pack with any LMNT drink mix purchase at: DrinkLMNT.com/RealStuff    Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX   To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod   Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink   Website: https://luciefink.com/   Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Living life child-free by choice in her 40s. Join us as we sit down with the remarkable Nitika Chopra—an advocate for those living with chronic illnesses, a podcast host, and the founder of Chronicon. In today’s episode, Nitika and I have an engaging and heartfelt discussion about her chronic illnesses and her decision to live a child-free lifestyle. Nitika shares the personal impact of her chronic illnesses on this choice and not only do we unpack the challenges of living with severe skin issues, arthritis, and myasthenia gravis triggered by COVID-19, but we also address the societal expectations and pressures surrounding a person’s decision not to have children. Nitika's decision to remain child-free is not only influenced by her health but also by her evolving perspectives on motherhood. We explore her thoughts on freezing eggs, the cultural expectations she navigates, and the reactions she got from her friends and family when she shared this decision. Nitika's longing for connection, her recent re-entry into the dating world, and her vision for the future add depth to this rich narrative. Finally, she introduces us to Chronicon's community membership—a supportive space for individuals with chronic illnesses—highlighting the importance of connection and understanding. Join us for an episode that celebrates diverse paths to a fulfilling life and emphasizes the value of self-awareness and respect for personal choices. Follow Nitika: https://www.instagram.com/nitikachopra  Sponsors: Dreamland Baby: New and existing customers can go to dreamlandbabyco.com and enter code REALSTUFF at checkout to receive 30% off pajamas + free shipping.  Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/  Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As I prepare to bring my second child into the world, I can't help but ask everyone I know who has more than one kid what their experience was like and how it compares to the journey of becoming first-time parents. I put a call out to my audience about their experiences navigating this transition and in today's episode, you'll hear intimate stories and insights from six listeners who reveal their personal journeys navigating these significant life changes. Just about half of our listeners found the leap from zero to one child to be easier, while the other half believed that welcoming a second child was less daunting. In today's episode, we'll hear from 3 people with each opinion. We also shed light on the day-to-day realities faced by parents, particularly stay-at-home moms who juggle childcare with minimal support from partners working long hours. The emotional toll on relationships is profound, as parents often find themselves wrestling with identity shifts, increased exhaustion, and evolving trust in their parental instincts. I have a personal theory about the type of people who find the transition from 0-1 to be harder than 1-2...so tune into the episode to see if my theory holds true! Let's dive into today's segment filled with heartfelt stories, practical advice, and a supportive community for parents at every stage of their journey.  Sponsors:  StoryWorth: Save $10 on your first purchase when you go to StoryWorth.com/REALSTUFF!  Omaha Steaks: Order mouthwatering gift packages starting at just $99 and as a bonus use promo code LUCIE to get $10 off your order. 00:00:00 - 00:04:51 intro 00:04:51 - 00:16:17 Sam (0-1 was easier) 00:16:17 - 00:18:11 StoryWorth 00:18:11 - 00:30:00 Lindsay (0-1 was easier) 00:30:00 - 00:44:40 Laura (0-1 was easier) 00:44:40 - 00:57:23 Camila (1-2 was easier) 00:57:23 - 00:58:28 Omaha Steaks 00:58:28 - 01:14:48 Tash (1-2 was easier) 01:14:48 - 01:26:45 Ashley (1-2 was easier) 01:26:45 - 01:28:42 closing thoughts + outro Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/  Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm so excited to be joined by social media star, Alexia Delarosa (@lex.delarosa), on this week's episode of the podcast. Lex considers herself a full-time stay-at-home mom but she has also found incredible success cultivating a following online as she shares glimpses into the beauty of motherhood and homemaking. Her journey from a simple bread-making video to becoming a viral sensation is a testament to the power of authenticity and humor in the content creation space. This isn't your average tale of a "trad wife" – it's an insightful look at how personal choices carve out unique family dynamics, with Alexia’s warm narrative leading the way. While Alexia and I bonded over the discomfort of being asked about our salaries on live television, she didn't shy away from discussing the often taboo topic of money, sharing her business’s revenue and how much she charges for brand partnerships. Finally, we waded through the evolving perceptions of gender roles and financial independence as she detailed the shift within her own marriage. She spoke candidly about the challenges of being a stay-at-home mom and a full-time content creator, juggling parenting and her professional life without losing sight of her needs and aspirations. Her story is a wonderful example for those balancing family and Internet fame, illustrating the changing landscape of digital media and gender expectations. Sponsors: Omaha Steaks - go to omahasteaks.com and use promo code LUCIE at checkout for exclusive savings on Father’s Day gift packages.  Storyworth - save $10 on your first purchase when you go to storyworth.com/REALSTUFF  00:00:00 - 00:04:52 intro 00:04:52 - 00:07:05 growing up 00:07:05 - 00:08:25 being categorized as a “trad wife” 00:08:25 - 00:11:22 the rise to social media fame 00:11:22 - 00:13:50 Lex’s signature head tilt 00:13:50 - 00:20:56 the negativity that comes with viral videos 00:20:56 - 00:21:58 Omaha Steaks 00:21:58 - 00:25:01 TikTok vs. Instagram 00:25:01 - 00:31:56 compensation  as a content creator 00:31:56 - 00:36:35 discomfort with talking about money 00:36:35 - 00:38:05 gross revenue in the past year 00:38:05 - 00:39:30 StoryWorth 00:39:30 - 00:43:12 being a SAHM, childcare, and homeschooling 00:43:12 - 00:53:51 division of labor and financial responsibilities 00:53:51 - 01:01:05 experience on The Tamron Hall Show 01:01:05 - 01:01:46 future goals 01:01:46 - 01:02:44 outro Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/  Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Jordy Glassner, a 31-year-old wife and mother who is living with terminal brain cancer. When Jordy first decided that she wanted to share her story publicly on social media, a mutual friend put us in touch so that I could show her the ropes. I’m so honored to have her joining me on our show to share her story with all of you. In this conversation, Jordy courageously opens up about her unexpected battle with glioblastoma. Her story begins with a chilling numbness and evolves into a fight for her life. Jordy’s recount of the disbelief, the emergency surgery, and the pain of not being able to see her son before the operation is a powerful testament to a mother's love and resilience in the face of harrowing odds. The narrative doesn't stop at survival; it's a relentless journey of adaptation to a new reality. Jordy eloquently speaks to how her diagnosis has permeated every aspect of her life, from the loss of a career to the redefinition of her self-identity and personal relationships. Through her eyes, we witness the grief for a past life and the transformation of relationships, yet we also discover the potential for deeper bonds and new perspectives. Jordy’s experience, punctuated by the ebbs and flows of treatment and waiting periods, offers listeners an intimate window into the emotional complexity that accompanies a life-altering diagnosis and the unwavering hope that can emerge from its depths. Sponsors: DrinkLMNT.com/RealStuff - Get your free Sample Pack with any LMNT drink mix. Also try the new LMNT Sparkling — a bold, 16-ounce can of sparkling electrolyte water. OmahaSteaks.com and use promo code LUCIE at checkout for an additional discount when you shop Gourmet gift packages for Fathers Day. Follow Jordy on Instagram: @jordyglassner Listen to Jordy's podcast, Grief Street: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-street/id1742465491 The gala is sold out, but here’s a link to donate to UCLA's fund for brain cancer research: https://giving.ucla.edu/Campaign/Donate.aspx?SiteNum=4010&AutoFN=Y&Trib=Y&TribT=M&TribFN=Stanford&TribLN=Kurland Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/  Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that I’m in my second trimester, it's time for another audience Q&A episode! I'm answering all of the questions that you sent through my IG stories box recently. Join me as I discuss the rollercoaster of our 20-week anatomy scan which unveiled that my baby's umbilical cord has one artery instead of two. Single umbilical artery (SUA) is, as I've learned, not as uncommon as they made it sound. While this discovery was scary at first, I offer comfort and insights for those facing similar prenatal concerns, highlighting how every pregnancy can bring its own set of unexpected turns. On a lighter topic, I share the creative process behind naming our baby, touching on why some beloved names didn't make the cut and the anticipation of a different postpartum experience in our suburban home. Balancing professional and family life with two children is a theme that resonates deeply in this episode. From deciding when to announce the pregnancy to contemplating a step back from work to prioritize family needs, I open up about the complexities and joys of transitioning from one child to two. Join me for a conversation that's as real as it gets, where we celebrate the joyous complexity of adding another heart to the family's beat! Sponsor: Songfinch: Go to songfinch.com/REALSTUFF and start your song – after you purchase, you’ll be prompted to add Spotify Streaming for your original song for FREE - a $50 value! 00:00:00 - 00:08:12 intro + 20-week anatomy scan 00:08:12 - 00:10:49 choosing a name 00:10:49 - 00:14:30 things I hope to do differently with baby #2 00:14:30 - 00:17:35 differences between my two pregnancies 00:17:35 - 00:19:34 does Milo know what's going on? 00:19:34 - 00:21:31 Songfinch 00:21:31 - 00:24:30 having enough time with Milo 00:24:30 - 00:25:55 hiring a baby nurse 00:25:55 - 00:30:09 breastfeeding tips & feeding plan for baby #2 00:30:09 - 00:31:22 when I started feeling baby moving 00:31:22 - 00:32:31 my energy level compared to first pregnancy 00:32:31 - 00:34:52 how I feel about giving birth 00:34:52 - 00:35:50 diet changes for high blood sugar 00:35:50 - 00:36:36 introducing Milo to his baby sister 00:36:36 - 00:38:58 cost of raising a child in the city 00:38:58 - 00:41:33 sibling age gaps 00:41:33 - 00:42:56 did this pregnancy affect how many children we want? 00:42:56 - 00:44:05 sciatica pain 00:44:05 - 00:45:32 announcing my pregnancy 00:45:32 - 00:49:53 fears about going from 1 to 2 kids 00:49:53 - 00:50:55 outro Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX   To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod   Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink   Website: https://luciefink.com/   Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me for an intimate conversation with Liz Moody: best-selling author, host of The Liz Moody podcast, and my long-time friend. In today's episode, we explore all things family dynamics, mental health, and the personal battles that shape our emotional landscape. When Liz told me she didn't want to discuss money or sex on the show, I instantly knew why...she doesn't feel those topics contribute to her business's mission. Mental health, however, is a different story. On her own platforms, Liz has opened up for years about her past struggles with anxiety, agoraphobia, disordered eating, and more. In this episode, we go deeper into each of those topics. Liz opens up about her unique experience growing up with parents who are therapists, challenging the myth that such a household is a sanctuary of emotional wisdom. She reflects on how her upbringing influenced her perspective on mental health and discusses the common misconception that therapists lead flawlessly balanced lives. We also venture into the complexities of navigating life's unexpected twists, from childhood trauma to the thrills and perils of living a nomadic lifestyle, and the courage it takes to confront deep-seated fears like intense agoraphobia and a lifelong struggle with anxiety. Note: this episode contains references to many mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. Follow Liz on Instagram: @lizmoody   Liz's book - 100 Ways to Change Your Life: https://amzn.to/3ydsCQ2  Sponsors: Lume: Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code REALSTUFF at LumeDeodorant.com! #lumepod Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/  Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ALL of your surrogate/gestation carrier questions will be answered in today's fascinating episode with Sam Mathews, a woman sharing her journey with the world on social media. Sam opens up about all of the challenges, joys, and intimate details of carrying a baby for another family. From navigating contractual obligations to managing public perceptions, Sam offers a refreshingly honest portrayal of her experience (which she's been through twice so far). We get into all the financial aspects of surrogacy (plus a shocking revelation about the compensation structure for her current journey), plus the impact this role can have on personal relationships as well as her own marriage. We dive deep and I ask ALL of your pressing questions in today's episode. Join us to discover the unspoken trials and tribulations of this selfless contribution, as Sam provides a raw and unfiltered perspective on her extraordinary journey. Follow Sam & Dan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearedanandsam Sponsors: Armoire: Go to armoire.style/realstuff to get up to 50% off your first month. Just Thrive: Justthrivehealth.com and use promo code REALSTUFF for 20% off a 90-day bottle of Just Thrive Probiotic and Just Calm: https://justthrivehealth.com/discount/REALSTUFF  Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/  Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode is all about the beauty of minimalism and nomadic living. As a person who just settled into my suburban lifestyle but very much longs for an exciting "phase 2" of life after my kids go off to college, I LOVED every moment of this conversation. Our audience caller, Jeesely, shares her story of taking a huge leap from living in her dream suburban home with a white picket fence in the yard to uprooting everything and opting for the fluidity of living in an Airstream. She shares how this change has not only redefined her reality but has also rekindled her marriage and strengthened family bonds amidst the great outdoors. Our dialogue opens a window into the daily dance of routines, the creative pursuits that thrive in simplicity, and the pivotal role of nature in nurturing mental health. So, tune in and let this story of adventure and self-discovery inspire your next chapter as we keep the wheels of exploration and personal growth turning. Follow Jeesely's journey on Instagram: @fromthehatch Sponsors: Songfinch: Go to songfinch.com/REALSTUFF and start your song – after you purchase, you’ll be prompted to add Spotify Streaming for your original song for FREE - a $50 value! Hatch: Visit hatch.co/REALSTUFF to get $20 off and free shipping! Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/  Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode contains references to suicide and sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.  This week on the pod we’re thrilled to have Gabriela Ulloa and Meadowlark Monaghan from the brilliant podcast, Thoughts May Vary. Join us as we hear how they navigate the often-murky waters of mental health with a sense of humor and candid vulnerability that's as refreshing as it is rare. Their serendipitous connection blossomed into a poignant mission to reshape our discussions around well-being, trauma, and the healing journey. Gaby opens up about the money behind being a freelance writer, how she experienced sex shame growing up as a Catholic Latin, and the transformative effects that the Hoffman Process had on her mental health. Meadow lets us in on growing up in an extremely sex-positive family, her early experiences with grief, and how microdosing mushrooms helped her anxiety. Tune in for an engaging conversation where the celebration of our individual and collective journeys reminds us of the beauty in simply being ourselves.  Sponsors: Storyworth: Save $10 on your first purchase when you go to storyworth.com/realstuff  Just Thrive: Justthrivehealth.com and use promo code REALSTUFF for 20% off a 90-day bottle of Just Thrive Probiotic and Just Calm: https://justthrivehealth.com/discount/REALSTUFF   Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX   To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod   Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink   Website: https://luciefink.com/   Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we have an audience caller episode for you and I am so grateful that Melanie wrote in because this conversation genuinely opened my mind in ways I wasn't expecting. Melanie is 34 years old, openly polyamorous, and has been practicing BDSM for 15 years. Her husband knows about her boyfriend. Her family knows she's in multiple relationships at once. And after a long-term relationship where she and her partner pushed the limits of BDSM together, she did something I had never heard of before: she created a detailed shared document — complete with a pain tolerance scale, body location charts, aftercare provisions, and a step-by-step guide to helping her reach "subspace" — and began sharing it with her sexual partners so they could learn the proper way to be with her. In this conversation, we get into all of it: Her sexual awakening from childhood through college, and how she first found her way into the BDSM community What BDSM actually is beyond what 50 Shades of Grey showed us — and what people in that world are truly chasing What "subspace" feels like (hint: she compared it to a runner's high, a cold plunge, and giving birth all at once) The wildest experiences she's had, including a night at a BDSM dungeon in Atlanta with an audience of 40 to 50 people How polyamory works when you're genuinely, deeply in love with your husband — and how she navigated telling her parents Why she sees jealousy as a "pointer emotion" and what that's taught her about herself What she'd recommend to anyone who is BDSM-curious or poly-curious and doesn't know where to start What I loved most about talking to Melanie is that she approaches all of this with so much intention, communication, and self-awareness. She described herself as a "sex nerd," and I think that framing genuinely changed how I understood this whole world. It's not what most people picture — it's thoughtful, it's deeply personal, and it's fascinating. Follow Melanie: https://www.instagram.com/millicent.kent/  Sponsors: SKIMS: Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at https://www.skims.com/realstuff #skimspartner Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink Website: https://luciefink.com/  Subscribe to my free newsletter "The Lucie List" here: https://thelucielist.beehiiv.com/subscribe Executive Producer: Cloud10 Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we are coming at you with a special EXPERT episode of The Real Stuff podcast. Thus far, all of our guests have come on to discuss taboo topics relating to sex, money, and mental health...but this week we wanted to try something new. Almost all of the podcasts I listen to personally are educational (mainly about health, wellness, and science). This week, I'm joined by Tina Anderson, the founder of Just Thrive Probiotics (the brand I've been taking over the past few months), to hear all about the importance of gut health and having a diverse gut microbiome. I've been having chronic sinus infections recently and thus have been on multiple rounds of antibiotics this year, and Just Thrive's spore-based probiotics are one of the only antibiotics I've heard of that can be taken alongside your antibiotic and still survive. We also dive into Tina's transformation from being an attorney to becoming an entrepreneur. Tina opens up about the personal and professional shifts that led her from courtrooms to conference rooms and shares why Just Thrive's spore-based probiotics hold the key to a thriving digestive system. Together, we discuss my own struggles with celiac disease and more. This episode isn't just about health; it's a candid reflection on work-life harmony, navigating career shifts while working alongside your spouse, and the complexities of being a parent and business leader. Sponsors: Just Thrive: Justthrivehealth.com and use promo code REALSTUFF for 20% off a 90-day bottle of Just Thrive Probiotic and Just Calm: https://justthrivehealth.com/discount/REALSTUFF  Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod   Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink   Website: https://luciefink.com/   Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The moment Chelsea realized she couldn't sit down, something told her this was going to be a day unlike any other. Her story of giving birth to her second child, which unfolds like a scene straight out of a movie, kicks off our latest podcast episode with a bang. All stories of labor and delivery are unique, often leaving parents' expectations flipped upside down, but the raw power of motherhood always shines through. From the pulse-pounding dash to the hospital to Chelsea's astonishing car birth, we're sharing tales that underscore the unpredictability of childbirth and the incredible strength women possess. Chelsea's roadside delivery, complete with a Macy's backdrop, an unproductive 911 call, and sweatpants that are forever stained, turned an 11-minute drive into a life-changing journey with a very happy ending. Sponsors: Songfinch: Go to songfinch.com/REALSTUFF and start your song – after you purchase, you’ll be prompted to add Spotify Streaming for your original song for FREE - a $50 value! Lume: Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code REALSTUFF at LumeDeodorant.com! #lumepod Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod   Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink   Website: https://luciefink.com/   Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for a special Thursday edition of the podcast where we step away from our typical Tuesday format to bring you an audience Q&A. In today's conversation, I share a slice of my personal life, from the heartfelt reasons behind my baby's name to my hands-off approach to parenting and milestone tracking. I also get candid about how my husband and I worked through the challenges of having a long-distance relationship during our college years. This episode is full of personal anecdotes and insights, from the potential of stepping away from social media for mental wellness to the complexities of gender expectations with children. I also talk about how the intimate details of my postpartum sexual experiences have made headlines recently and how my family feels about me sharing such personal details about my life. Tune in for an honest and intimate look into life, love, and the little moments that have shaped my journey so far!  Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/  Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week is all about the money as we have an enriching (no pun intended) dialogue with Tori Dunlap, an amazing internationally-recognized money and career expert, New York Times bestselling author, and podcast host. As we discuss her remarkable journey to multimillionaire status, Tori unravels the complexities of 'coast FIRE' and the influence of hitting that first $100k milestone. She offers a treasure trove of insights into savvy investment strategies and underscores the transformative effects of financial literacy. Our conversation is more than a guide to wealth—it’s a rallying cry for open discussions about money, challenging societal taboos, and embracing the delicate dance of privacy in our personal lives. Tori is also a friend of mine in real life who I’ve had the pleasure of watching first-hand as she’s grown her incredible business and personal wealth. Her journey has been so inspiring to me, and I hope you feel the same way. Follow Tori on Instagram: @herfirst100k Sponsors: Hatch: Visit hatch.co/REALSTUFF [hatch.co] to get $20 off and free shipping! Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/  Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Embark on an insightful journey through the labyrinth of new parenthood with our guest, Cameron Rogers, who's currently in the trenches of the fifth trimester with her second child. I love it when I get the chance the bring my friends on the podcast, and Cameron is a close friend in the industry. The two of us connect frequently and share intimate thoughts and financial figures about our businesses. As a fellow podcast host and fresh to the motherhood scene, she brings a raw, unfiltered perspective on the Herculean task of balancing infant care with career aspirations. Together, we peel back the curtain on the dream and the reality of striving for professional fulfillment while nurturing a family, all while sleep deprivation looms large. Cameron's candor about the societal pressures of postpartum life, the importance of carving out time for herself and her marriage, and how her privileged upbringing has impacted her outlook on financial success is incredibly refreshing as she offers a glimpse of the often unspoken trials and tribulations of early parenting and "having it all."  Find Cameron on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cameronoaksrogers Sponsors: Jenni Kayne - get 15% off with promo code REALSTUFF15 at jennikayne.com/REALSTUFF15  BetterHelp - head to betterhelp.com/LUCIEFINK to get 10% off your first month of therapy  Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/  Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s episode is an intimate journey through the heart of New York City with an audience caller who happens to be a friend of mine in real life. In this vulnerable conversation, Elia opens up about her pursuit of love at 42 years old. What I find so amazing about today's episode is the fact that this type of conversation is SO rare to listen in on let alone have. We all know someone who's still single even when most of their friends have found love and settled down, and these are the topics that we don't often feel comfortable broaching with them. Elia was such an open book and I can't thank her enough for coming onto the podcast and spilling her heart out. Listen in as she shares her past dating escapades, the evolution of her readiness for a relationship, and the distinct challenges of singlehood in the bustling metropolis that is NYC. Elia's candid storytelling, laced with humor and vulnerability, paints a relatable picture of the quest for companionship and the realities of modern relationships. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who's ever navigated the delicate balance of personal and professional life, or for those who find comfort in shared experiences of love and longing. Follow Elia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feedyoursister Sponsors: Hatch - Visit hatch.co/REALSTUFF to get $20 off and free shipping! Lume - Get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code REALSTUFF at LumeDeodorant.com  Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/  Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The Real Stuff, our guest is Natalie from Natalies Outlet. She is one of the ORIGINAL YouTubers who grew her channel during those peak years of being a YouTube creator, and in this episode, we talk all about balancing the limelight of YouTube fame with our quieter, more introspective areas of personal growth and self-discovery. Listen in as Natalie shares her evolution from the shy, artistic spirit in the back of the classroom to a social media powerhouse. We peel back the layers of an identity crafted in the public eye, touching on the irony of how many online extroverts, including Natalie, are intrinsically introverted. It's a conversation that explores the balance between nurturing a massive digital community and fostering the crucial moments of offline reflection. We also dive into her marriage (she works with her husband) and discuss how working with a spouse can impact your relationship.  Sponsors: Factor - Head to https://www.factormeals.com/realstuff50 and use code realstuff50 to get 50% off.  OneSkin - Get 15% off OneSkin with the code REALSTUFF at https://www.oneskin.co/ Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/  Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am pregnant with baby #2! Come inside my first-trimester pregnancy diaries, where I've been popping on the microphone weekly and providing real-time updates throughout this entire trimester. As I navigate the labyrinth of expecting our second child, I pull back the curtain on the decision-making process, the wavering between reluctance and readiness, and the early physical telltales of pregnancy. It's not just a countdown of 249 days until our new arrival; it’s an invitation to walk alongside me through each tender, taxing moment as we prepare to welcome another life into our fold. Sponsors: Hatch - Visit hatch.co/REALSTUFF to get $20 off and free shipping! Lume - Get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code REALSTUFF at LumeDeodorant.com  Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/ Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode contains references to sexual abuse that some listeners may find upsetting. Join me as I connect with Parvathy Thiruvothu, an Indian actor and activist (and a longtime friend of mine) whose voice resonates with heartfelt authenticity. Listen in as Parvathy and I navigate the complexities of international friendships, how a simple message exchange blossomed into a profound digital companionship, and the beautiful realities of social media's power to bring people together. Parvathy is both a fascinating artist and an open book of human experiences, and I so deeply appreciate her insights about her income, sexuality, and her life’s journey thus far. Sponsors:  OneSkin -  Get 15% off OneSkin with the code REALSTUFF at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod BetterHelp - betterhelp.com/LUCIEFINK to get 10% off your first month of therapy Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/  Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When I first decided that the podcast would bring on audience callers as guests, I was hoping my friend Alanah Dixon would apply. She is in a lesbian marriage and is currently the mother of 2 children, both of whom she carried (one came from her egg and the other from her wife's). Join us for a heartfelt conversation as she shares her poignant moments of self-discovery and her liberating experience of coming out as a lesbian, juxtaposed against her earlier relationships with men. Our discussion also embraces the warm acceptance of her family and the joyous serendipity of meeting her wife, marking the beginning of her loving, five-year union. We’ll talk about the complex path to parenthood faced by same-sex couples, tackling everything from the emotional to the logistical. We discuss the initial decisions, such as choosing who will carry the child, and the emotional intricacies of using donor sperm, including an amusing story about the unconventional funding of their sperm purchase. The conversation also highlights the vital support and shared responsibilities during the postpartum period, the non-biological partner's nurturing role, and the significant emotional and financial investment in starting a family. We’ll dive into the nuanced landscape of LGBTQ+ parenting and family dynamics, where the ordinary challenges of raising children meet the unique hurdles faced by gay parents. We talk about the societal assumptions, the heartfelt moments of inclusion, and the quest for diverse, accepting communities for our children. So tune in for an episode that celebrates love, intention, and the true essence of family beyond biological ties. Sponsors: Hatch -  hatch.co/REALSTUFF to get $20 off and free shipping! BetterHelp - betterhelp.com/LUCIEFINK to get 10% off your first month of therapy Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/  Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have been fascinated by today's guest ever since I came across a profile piece about her when I was working at Refinery29. I never got the chance to film a Lucie for Hire episode with her back then, but when we recently put a casting call out for people who have interesting jobs, Jen wrote in and the rest is history. Jen Glantz is a bridesmaid for hire. Brides from all over the country and beyond pay her to show up to their wedding, stand in the bridal party, and be the supportive best friend they needs on their big day. She attends engagement parties, bachelorette trips, and bridal showers. She memorizes a fake name, a fake backstory, and every detail of the bride's life so she can blend in seamlessly. In most cases, not even the person the bride is marrying knows she's been hired. What started as a half-joking Craigslist ad posted on a frustrated Friday night has become Jen's full-time business, with packages starting at $2,500, an hourly rate of around $200, and a team of bridesmaids she can send when she's double-booked. She's worked over 100 weddings since 2014 and the stories she has from those weddings are absolutely wild. In this episode, we talk about the many reasons why brides actually hire her; what the job really involves, the craziest things she's witnessed on the job, the ethics of the whole thing, and the emotional whiplash of stepping back into real life after a weekend undercover. I was absolutely riveted by this conversation and I think you will be too. And whether you could ever do something like this yourself or not, I promise you'll be thinking about it long after the episode ends. Find Jen: www.bridesmaidsforhire.com www.jenglantz.com www.instagram.com/jenglantz/ Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink Website: https://luciefink.com/  Subscribe to my free newsletter "The Lucie List" here: https://thelucielist.beehiiv.com/subscribe Executive Producer: Cloud10 Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me for a heart-to-heart with none other than the rock and roll king, my dad, Jimmy Fink. In this special episode, I sit down with my dad to unravel the tales of a life deeply intertwined with music history. We embark on a personal journey from the heady days of Woodstock and Studio 54 to the intimate moments that have defined our father-daughter bond. The laughter, the struggles, and even the recording snafus of this podcast episode itself stitch together a story that's as rich and vibrant as the music he's played. As we explore his experiences, you're transported to a time of free love, cultural revolution, and the birth of a music legacy. We also get an inside look at the era's drug culture, its impact on the industry, and the stark contrast between public personas and private lives. Jimmy's tales from this transformative period in music are not just nostalgia; they're a testament to the power of radio and its enduring connection to listeners.  Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX Sponsor: Factormeals.com/realstuff50 and use code realstuff50 to get 50% off  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/  Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, I'm sharing every salary I've ever made and every amount of rent I've ever paid in my NYC apartments. For some reason, these topics are incredibly taboo and I've been through my entire media career thus far without sharing this. As the host of this podcast, however, I've decided to practice what I preach and OPEN UP. I once believed that an influencer's worth was directly measured by their follower count – but that myth is quickly dispelled when you step behind the scenes of the content creation world. This episode unpacks the financial landscape of the influencer industry, where numbers don't always mean worth and follower engagement can be deceiving. I recount my own evolution from an eager intern at a prestigious advertising firm to becoming one of the faces of Refinery29, offering a frank examination of how privilege can influence the trajectory of success in this unpredictable digital realm. Our exploration doesn't end there. I invite you to walk with me through the pivotal chapters of my career. From the first spark of interest in stop motion videos to founding Lucie Fink Media, I share the struggles and triumphs of placing value on my work and realizing its worth in the market. Reflecting on my financial journey, I discuss the powerful milestone of nearing seven-figure gross revenue and how personal life transitions, like sharing a home with my partner Michael, have intertwined with my professional growth. Join me to redefine openness and redefine the boundaries of what we can share, as we collectively navigate the unspoken intricacies of our lives. Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/  Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode contains a reference to suicide that some listeners may find upsetting. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.  In the first audience caller episode of The Real Stuff podcast, join us for a heartfelt journey into the complex world of parenthood and relationships. We're breaking new ground by bringing our audience into the conversation, featuring personal stories that reveal the profound impact a new baby can have on a couple's life. From the dissolution of partnerships to the strengthening of bonds, our guests share their raw and diverse experiences. We navigate through the euphoria and the turmoil, presenting an honest look at how children can both test and transform the relationships of their parents. We'll explore the multifaceted challenges that can arise in post-baby marriages, including the strains of postpartum depression, diverging parenting styles, infidelity, and more. We'll unravel the importance of maintaining connection, the hurdles in seeking quality time, and the resilience required to co-parent effectively through separation. Each story guides us through the emotional extremes and provides solace in the shared struggles of parenthood.  Find Isabella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabellaeisenmann/ Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX [youtube.com] To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply [luciefink.com] and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod [instagram.com] Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/[instagram.com] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink [tiktok.com] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink [youtube.com] Website: https://luciefink.com/[luciefink.com] Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me as I sit down with the multifaceted Mike Johnson, whose journey from "The Bachelorette" fame to a career in sexology has been anything but conventional. Listen in as we explore Mike's unexpected transition into the spotlight and how his distinct background informs his current passion for promoting sexual and mental well-being. In this episode, we peel back the layers when it comes to the influence of childhood experiences and how they shape our aspirations for parenthood and legacy. We round off with a deep exploration into the realms of intimacy, tantric practices, and the delicate interplay between socioeconomic backgrounds and financial mindsets. Mike and I tackle the taboos of sexual pleasure and communication, shedding light on gender perspectives and the importance of connection beyond the physical. As we discuss the intricacies of balancing money, career, and gender roles in the field of sexology, you're invited to gain a new understanding of the importance of open and healthy discourse around intimacy.  This episode contains references to sexual assault that some listeners may find upsetting. Listener discretion is advised. Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/  Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To properly introduce you to The Real Stuff podcast, I’m sitting down and diving into all the dirty details. In today's solo episode, you'll learn everything from the driving force behind the series to the line of questioning I plan on asking my guests, the show's format, and more. This series has been a long time coming, and there's never been a better time for these important conversations to unfold. What’s inside? - Why I chose to record a solo episode for episode 1 - How my platforms have changed and evolved over the years since my Refinery29 days - What types of conversations I’m interested in having - The format each future episode will take - Some boundaries I’ve set in my life and how I plan to explore them in future episodes - The types of questions I want to ask my guests in the realms of sex, money, and mental health - The story of how I wound up sharing my business’s revenue on social media - How you can apply to be a guest on the show (anonymously, if you wish) - How I anticipate future guests feeling uncomfortable or rejecting my offer to come on the show - The story of one creator who already backed out of an interview with me - How I feel about connecting with people from my audience and community - Why podcasting feels like the best medium for me at this moment in time - My goals for the podcast (pssst. it’s not monetization) 
Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX [youtube.com] To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply [luciefink.com] and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod [instagram.com] Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ [instagram.com] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink [tiktok.com] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink [youtube.com] Website: https://luciefink.com/ [luciefink.com] Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Real Stuff is a weekly podcast series hosted by Lucie Fink who has spent the past decade getting curious and creating engaging and educational content for an audience of millions. On this show, you won’t hear your favorite guests talk about things they typically share — rather, Lucie pulls them deep into some of the world’s most taboo topics, asking intensely personal questions about sex, money, and mental health, all in an effort to help you feel less alone as you navigate through the world. And the best part: we want to invite YOU onto the show. Apply to call in as an anonymous guest at luciefink.com/apply. Pop in your voyeuristic headphones, or call in and spill your secrets! Visit Lucie on Instagram (@luciebfink) and find the show across social media @therealstuffpod.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode of The Real Stuff, I'm sharing a theory I've been quietly developing for years. If you've ever watched my TEDx talk on The Power of Trying New Things, you know I've always championed getting out of your comfort zone. But today I’m going one layer deeper — asking the question: what is the underlying force that drives all of that trying? My answer: curiosity. I'm calling it The Curiosity Crisis — a societal theory about how and why adults gradually lose the childlike wonder they were born with, and what it's costing us collectively. Drawing on my own career journey — from pitching a YouTube show as a freshman at Johns Hopkins, to discovering stop motion animation, to launching this very podcast, to now writing a psychological thriller novel — I make the case that curiosity isn't just a personality trait. It's a life strategy. I break down the four forces I believe are dimming our curiosity light switches (societal skeletons, the burnout burden, toxic tech, and the fear factor), then I get practical. I share a handful of ways to start recharging your curiosity light bulb — from carving out just 10 minutes a day to explore something new, to practicing what I call "conscious content consumption," to simply looking up from your phone and noticing what's always been around you. This episode is equal parts personal reflection, cultural commentary, and pep talk. If you've ever felt stuck in a routine, disconnected from what excites you, or like you used to be a more interesting version of yourself, you’re going to want to listen to this. Thank you to our sponsors:  Clean Simple Eats: Shop the best tasting protein drinks at https://www.CleanSimpleEats.com Blissy: Wake up with clearer skin, smoother hair, and cooler sleep. Use code LUCIE for an extra 30% off at https://www.blissy.com/LUCIE Ogee: A higher standard for beauty. Go to https://www.ogee.com/LUCIE and use code LUCIE to get 15% off certified organic makeup that performs like luxury. SKIMS: Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at https://www.skims.com/realstuff #skimspartner Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink Website: https://luciefink.com/  Subscribe to my free newsletter "The Lucie List" here: https://thelucielist.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to "The Creator Confidential": http://www.luciefink.com/confidential Executive Producer: Cloud10 Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I genuinely believe every single person needs to hear this conversation. Jackie Blankenship is an intersex advocate who was born with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome — meaning she has XY chromosomes, but her body couldn't respond to testosterone, so she developed externally female. She also has no internal reproductive system and no vaginal canal. And she didn't tell a single soul until she was 40. In this episode, Jackie walks me through everything: what it actually means to be intersex, what her childhood was like being told to keep her diagnosis a secret, the surgery she had at 15 that she wasn't fully informed about and didn't consent to, the dilation therapy she went through at 18, and what it was like navigating relationships, intimacy, and marriage while carrying this secret for decades. We also talk about her journey to motherhood — her sister served as her gestational carrier, and the process of choosing a donor egg is something you truly have to hear to believe. And then there's the moment that changed everything: Jackie won Mrs. America. And while crowning the next queen live on stage, she read aloud a rule that she realized — in real time — wouldn't have included her. That was the moment she knew she had to speak up. We get into intersex advocacy, nonconsensual surgeries on intersex children, what the word "intersex" actually means versus transgender, what it's like to come out publicly in today's politically charged climate, and why Jackie says she doesn't consider her diagnosis a disorder — just a really cool quirky trait that the world needs to understand better. This episode will genuinely expand the way you think about the human body, identity, and what it means to live authentically. Sponsors: Ritual: For a limited time, save 25% on your first month at https://www.Ritual.com/REALSTUFF Clean Simple Eats: Shop the best tasting protein drinks at https://www.CleanSimpleEats.com Rhoback: Use code REALSTUFF at https://www.rhoback.com for 20% off your first order through the end of this week. Magnetic Me: Get 15% off at https://www.magneticme.com Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink Website: https://luciefink.com/  Subscribe to my free newsletter "The Lucie List" here: https://thelucielist.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to "The Creator Confidential": http://www.luciefink.com/confidential Executive Producer: Cloud10 Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I put out a casting call asking for audience members with unconventional family setups and Laura's submission stopped me in my tracks. Honestly? I think it should be a movie. Laura is 40, lives in New York City, and is mom to her almost-two-year-old daughter Adeline. But the story of how Adeline came to be is one of the most intentional, creative, and genuinely heartwarming things I've ever heard. After a divorce in her early 30s, a traumatic IVF experience, and years of navigating the dating scene with a “ticking” biological clock, Laura made a decision: she was going to become a mom — with or without a husband. What she didn't expect was that the answer would come in the form of a DM to a peripheral acquaintance named Lenny. In this episode, Laura opens up about uncoupling motherhood from marriage, the very practical (and sometimes hilarious) process of co-parenting with your gay best friend, what it actually costs to do IVF out of pocket in New York City, how they navigated co-parenting agreements and reproductive lawyers, and what their unconventional but deeply loving family unit looks like today. We get into egg freezing, embryo transfers, single motherhood by choice, platonic co-parenting, the mental load of raising a child across two apartments, dating as a single mom, and why Laura says becoming a mother made her feel more free — not less — when it comes to finding love. This one is sweet, funny, and just a little bit life-changing. If you've ever questioned the "traditional" path to building a family, you need to hear Laura's story. Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink Website: https://luciefink.com/  Subscribe to my free newsletter "The Lucie List" here: https://thelucielist.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to "The Creator Confidential": http://www.luciefink.com/confidential Executive Producer: Cloud10 Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My husband Michael is back on the podcast— and this time, we're getting into the biggest life shift our family has made in years. At the end of last year, Michael made the decision to leave his corporate job in sports media after over a decade of climbing the ladder. He had no new job lined up… it was just a leap of faith toward a different kind of lifestyle. I've been watching him grind through high-pressure, around-the-clock work for years, and honestly? I've had a front-row seat to what corporate burnout, work-life imbalance, and sacrificing your well-being for a paycheck can really look like from the inside of a marriage. In this episode, we're co-telling the story of how we got here — from the cyclical conversations we kept having, to the moment I finally said what I needed to say in a way that actually landed, to Michael's very “Michael” way of making one of the biggest decisions of his career.  We're also getting into what comes next: Michael joining me at Lucie Fink Media, what it means to truly run your life like you run a business, and how we've been building our version of a "rich life" as a couple and as a family. We talk about corporate burnout, setting work-life boundaries, the mental load of running a household, couples and individual therapy, quitting your job without a plan, leaving a high salary, working with your spouse, and what it actually looks like to redesign your life from the ground up together. Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink Website: https://luciefink.com/  Subscribe to my free newsletter "The Lucie List" here: https://thelucielist.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to "The Creator Confidential": http://www.luciefink.com/confidential Executive Producer: Cloud10 Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have been waiting to have this conversation. Les Alfred — host of the She's So Lucky podcast and one of the most refreshingly honest voices in the self-development space — sat down with me in the studio, and we went deep. We talk about what it really means to want a big life. Les is unapologetically vocal about wanting wealth, success, and a life that is anything but average, and in this episode, she explains exactly why she thinks more women need to say that out loud. We get into the psychology of perfectionism and why it's rarely actually about getting things right; it's about the fear of being seen trying. I also open up about a very personal block I hit while launching my own YouTube course and how working through it completely changed the outcome. Les shares her theory on the post-peak pivot and why the most successful women know when to step back, lie low, and let the next chapter build. We use everyone from Rihanna to Jackie Aina to Taylor Swift as case studies. Plus, we get into the concept of creating your own luck, best-case scenario journaling, and why negative comments and criticism might actually be the best sign your career is growing. Follow Les: https://www.instagram.com/lesalfred/  Listen to the She's So Lucky Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/46muBfvOgp2U44ycqZJPPN  Sponsors: Vuori: Get 20% off your first order at Vuori.com/REALSTUFF Ritual: For a limited time, save 25% on your first month at Ritual.com/REALSTUFF Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink Website: https://luciefink.com/  Subscribe to my free newsletter "The Lucie List" here: https://thelucielist.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to "The Creator Confidential": http://www.luciefink.com/confidential Executive Producer: Cloud10 Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered what it's actually like to be a twin? In this deeply personal episode, I'm going solo to share everything I've never fully unpacked on camera about growing up as a fraternal twin — my experience, my perspective, and yes, the fact that my twin Allie is very much not here with me for this episode (she's private, she's pregnant, and she said no... and I respect it). I'm diving into the science of fraternal vs. identical twins, what it means for your identity when you share your entire childhood with someone, and how Allie and I managed to stay incredibly close without ever feeling competitive with one another. I talk about twin telepathy (and exactly how ours works), the unique social dynamics of growing up as a "package deal," navigating friend group drama as a twin, going to college together, living together well into adulthood, and the emotional turning point when we finally branched off into our own separate lives. I also get into: birth order and how being one minute younger shaped my whole personality, the way our wildly different childhood interests perfectly predicted our adult careers, and what it means to be entering a new, exciting parallel chapter now that Allie lives just seven minutes away. This episode is for twins, siblings, people who have a ride-or-die best friend, and anyone who's ever been curious about the twin experience. Allie may not be with me for this one, but I've got more than enough to say for both of us. Sponsors: Magnetic Me: New customers get 15% off at MagneticMe.com SKIMS: Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at http://skims.com/realstuff Vuori: Get 20% off your first order at Vuori.com/REALSTUFF Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink Website: https://luciefink.com/  Subscribe to my free newsletter "The Lucie List" here: https://thelucielist.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to "The Creator Confidential": http://www.luciefink.com/confidential Executive Producer: Cloud10 Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is Dr. Kolbe Hancock, a fertility specialist at Spring Fertility in New York City—but before she was delivering babies, she trained to be a professional ballerina. Kolbe's path took a hard left turn at 16, when a hip injury from years of overuse (and an unhealthily low body weight) ended her ballet career overnight. It was in the aftermath, interning at an orthopedic clinic for dancers, that she witnessed something that changed her life: dancers so calorie-deprived that their bones resembled those of women decades older. That was her lightbulb moment into reproductive endocrinology. In this episode, we get into it all: what actually happens in your body when you lose your period from undereating, why she calls your menstrual cycle a "vital sign," the years she spent (like me) not truly understanding her own cycle while on birth control, and what it's like matching intended parents with gestational carriers and egg donors.  We also don't shy away from theethics, including where the field is headed as genetic testing on embryos becomes more advanced, and the uncomfortable questions that it raises about what parents should be "allowed" to select for. If you're in the trying-to-conceive world, or just want to understand your own body better, this one is a masterclass. Visit https://www.springfertility.com to book an initial fertility consult to learn more about your reproductive health. Use code REALSTUFF for $150 off the consultation. Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink Website: https://luciefink.com/  Subscribe to my free newsletter "The Lucie List" here: https://thelucielist.beehiiv.com/subscribe Executive Producer: Cloud10 Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I'm sitting down with an anonymous audience caller I'm calling "Emily," a married mom of two who has never told a single person (not a close friend, not a therapist, not ANYONE) about her husband's sexual kinks. Until now. What starts as a candid, almost lighthearted conversation about a husband with some unconventional sexual preferences quickly becomes something much deeper: a story about trauma, secrecy, isolation, and what it really means to be a supportive partner when your needs and your spouse's needs don't exactly align. We're talking bondage, sensory deprivation, a homemade "sex dungeon" above the family garage, snowsuits with padlocks, a chicken coop, a gas mask, and a key ring full of chains and locks. And yes...it is as wild as it sounds. But what moved me most about Emily's story wasn't the kink itself. It was the loneliness she carries. The weight of being sworn to secrecy. The tension between being a full-time working mom, a wife, and essentially a dominatrix, all at the same time. And the very real question of whether what's happening in her marriage has crossed from "adventurous sex life" into something that deserves more attention. I'll be upfront: somewhere in the middle of this conversation, I stopped being just an interviewer and started being a friend. You'll probably hear it in my voice. Emily wasn't asking for advice, but I couldn't help offering some because I genuinely care, and I think you will too by the end of this episode. Sponsors: Wedderspoon: Go to https://wedderspoon.com/discount/REAL20 and use code REAL20 for 20% off your order. Laundry Sauce: Get 20% off your entire order at Laundry Sauce with code REALSTUFF at laundrysauce.com/REALSTUFF and let them know we sent you. Pique: Unlock 20% off and begin your journey toward sustained wellness today at Piquelife.com/REALSTUFF Rhoback: Use code REALSTUFF at Rhoback.com for 20% off your first order through the end of this week. Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink Website: https://luciefink.com/  Subscribe to my free newsletter "The Lucie List" here: https://thelucielist.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to "The Creator Confidential": http://www.luciefink.com/confidential Executive Producer: Cloud10 Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices