Shows
Heavy Topics With LightweightsWill We Still Be In Trumps American in Season 3? with Aja & Laura*UPDATE: we have taken down our last episode with Shana Yao. We do not want to spread any misinformation regarding COVID. Can you believe we've made it to the end of season 2? We started this season because we were in a pandemic and sadly we end this season *STILL* in a pandemic. We've talked about a wide variety of topics in season 2 but the only thing they all have in common is that the government has failed us. How doom & gloomy huh? We don't know what the world will look like when we come back for season 3 but we do...2020-07-2249 min
The Clever Girls Know Podcast With Bola Sokunbi153 How Aja Dang Paid $200,000 Of Student Loans And Other Debt In 23 MonthsOn today’s episode, Aja shares her journey to becoming debt-free by paying off $200,000 in just 23 months. This podcast episode is brought to you by the incredible Fab Aid initiative created by First Aid Beauty. First Aid Beauty has committed $1 million this year to help new graduates pay off their student loans. Plus they are adding 10% of the sales of their limited-edition FAB AID Ultra Repair Creams to their commitment. Learn more and enter to win at http://bit.ly/CGFFABAID To enter, all you have to do is fill out an application and submit a video sharing your student lo...2020-07-1548 minHeavy Topics With LightweightsAccepting Your Own White Supremacy with Megan JacksonToday we are talking to our friend Megan Jackson about race relations in America. We originally wanted to speak to Megan about being in a multiracial relationship and how she's feeling raising her child in our current political climate but it quickly progressed into something so much more. We hope the horrible audio doesn't district you from this conversation because Megan is so open about accepting her own white supremacy and how she is learning from mostly Black women about the subject of racism.
SHOW NOTES:
The 1619 Project: Magazine Issue, Podcast
Roots Miniseries
Color...2020-07-081h 02Heavy Topics With LightweightsAnother Very Drunk Episode with Aja and LauraThe interview we had with a sheriff didn't quite work out so today we drink! Laura gets very drunk on her Arizonian vacation and Aja gets drunk trying to get to Laura level drunk. We talk about ex boyfriends, our fun party days and what our new normal is.
*trigger warning*
We do jump into the episode quite intensely with a conversation about pedophilia. Not about our personal experiences but how we've both been watching Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich documentary on Netflix. If this is a topic you're uncomfortable with, please skip forward a 10...2020-07-0141 minHeavy Topics With LightweightsEthical Non Monogamy with Jo EncarnacionAt Heavy Topics with Lighweights, we pride ourselves on talking to people with different life experiences and beliefs as us. Today we are so excited to talk to our friend and life coach, Jo Encarnacion. For the past two years, Jo has been involved in a polyamorous relationship with her husband Jon, and her boyfriend Chris. We explore what ethical non monogamy is, how radical honesty transformed her relationship and what it means to redefine gender roles.
To follow Jo and her journey - connect with her on Instagram at @GoFitJo and @HellaMarried, listen to...2020-06-241h 23Heavy Topics With LightweightsFertility Is Something You Don't Get Back with Rachel RheeWe work hard to graduate school, find a meaningful job and be in a fulfilling relationship but as we go on living our lives, our chances of getting pregnant decrease every year. Egg freezing... let's talk about it.
Whether we like it or not, some of us are at an age where this is a serious topic of conversation (and worry). We are so lucky to have our friend Rachel Rhee on this week's episode to talk about her experience, at age 36, of freezing her eggs. This conversation was so eye opening and Rachel did a...2020-06-171h 08Heavy Topics With LightweightsRacism is a Pandemic with Michael OjoThe fact that Black people are STILL fighting this battle is absolute insanity. But we are currently in the middle of a movement towards changing the landscape to a more free and just society.
Today we talk to Michael Ojo - a professional basketball player and photographer. Michael has been photographing the recent protests against police brutality in Los Angeles, and talks to us about why "Black Lives Matter" doesn't mean White lives don't, how he's more afraid of cops than gang members and the importance of voting.
Check out more of Mike's photography here: @bellikemike
To try BetterHelp, use...2020-06-101h 06Heavy Topics With LightweightsRelationship Issues? Blame Your Parents with Aja & LauraAnd in the most random podcast yet, we deep dive into how our parents shaped the way we look at relationships; Aja tries to convince Laura to dabble into the reality TV genre and we ask the question WHY WOULD YOU GET PLASTIC IF YOU CAN TELL IT'S PLASTIC SURGERY?! Basically the standard conversation ebb and flow of two drunk best friends.
To try BetterHelp, use our code LIGHTWEIGTHTS for 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Lightweights
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and...2020-05-2745 minHeavy Topics With LightweightsRedefining What It's Meant To Be Disabled with TJ LeeWe've had many people on our podcast who have overcome tremendous odds, but no one like TJ. TJ is a spinal cord injury survivor. He was paralyzed from the neck down from a car accident and basically willed himself to walk again. We know millions of people are going through tough times right now but TJ proves that a positive mindset can change anything.
show mentions:
Offset Med, Athlete Care & Education
The Movement Maestro, Dr. Shantee Cofield
One Day At A Time, TJ's blog
2020-05-201h 03Heavy Topics With LightweightsBack To Simpler Times with Laura & AjaRemember the times of spa days, date nights and dining in? Welcome to January 2020, when we recorded our original first episode of the season. We decided to still use this episode in the season because it updates you on whats been going on in our lives since last year. LOTS of updates and some tea. You'll definitely want to grab some wine for this one.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @heavytopics!2020-05-1346 minHeavy Topics With LightweightsCOVID-19 Is Like A UTI... with Health Economist Amanda NguyenToday we are joined by one of our best friends Amanda Nguyen. Amanda is a health economist on the research team of GoodRX and is breaking down what COVID-19 means for our finances - both on a global and personal scale. Many of you sent in question for Amanda to answer and we did our best to get to all of them. Below you can find the resources we talked about in this podcast:
How The Coronavirus Emergency Stimulus Package Impacts Your Healthcare
Where Can I Get A Drive Thru COVID-19 Test Near Me
Telemedicine Has Surged During COVID-19: How...2020-05-061h 03Heavy Topics With LightweightsWho Run The World? Not Girls. That's the Problem...Can you imagine a world where women... run it? The pandemic has shown major flaws in the political system and some still believe women are incapable of leadership roles. Yet, New Zealand, Taiwan and Iceland, all lead by women, have coronavirus related deaths under 10. This episode isn't all about lack of female representation in politics (truth be told, it's only about 5 minutes of it) but it is an interesting thought. As we think about the group of women we surround ourselves with chances are they are: 1. queen multitaskers, 2. attentive and loving caregivers, 3. boss ass bitches, 4. constantly thinking about how...2020-04-2940 minHeavy Topics With LightweightsWelcome To The End Of The World (and our new season!)It only took us six months and a global pandemic but we're finally back with season 2!
We really appreciate you sticking with us (...hopefully...). As mentioned in the episode, we previously recorded a few episodes before COVID-19 happened, but we didn't think it was appropriate to start season two without mentioning what was going on with the world. So think of this episode as an appetizer to the rest of the season.
We hope you all are staying mentally and physically healthy and would encourage you to buy some wine next time you go grocery...2020-04-2240 minHeavy Topics With LightweightsCreate The Career YOU Deserve with Aja and LauraHoly cow - we made it. Our last episode of season 1!
We wanted to make it a very special one so we answered some listener questions and talked about two MAJOR topics that everyone struggles with at some point in their lives:
- how do you know you're with "The One"?
- how do you know you're in the right career?
YIKES!
We really appreciate each and every one of you who have listened to us this season. Your comments, feedback and words of encouragement have...2019-10-021h 11Heavy Topics With LightweightsYou Can't Fight Nature with Sophie Pennes from Urban Farms LAThis week Sophie from Urban Farms joins us for an hour long conversation about sustainability, reconnecting with Earth and how she went from the Vogue accessories closet to growing food for her community.
Urban Farms LA is an organic farming business that designs, installs and maintains edible, organic gardens. We are in the middle of an ecological crisis and Sophie has taken the lead in inspiring others to become more self-sufficient and take charge of their health.
If you'd like to follow Sophie on her journey or contact her to start your own garden, go to http://www.urbanfarmsla.com/ or...2019-09-251h 02Heavy Topics With LightweightsFrom Drinking to Crack Cocaine in 30 Days w/ 1 Method's Cassidy CousensToday we sit down with Cassidy Cousens - the founder of 1 Method drug and alcohol treatment center. We discuss what drives addiction, what it means to be an addict and what it's like to be in recovery. Cassidy shares his personal experience with addiction and talks about how his treatment center is based around fitness and living a healthy lifestyle and how the connection between fitness, mental health and addiction can lead to breakthroughs. In case you're wondering - we did drink wine while recording - and decided that Aja might be next in line for an intervention. 2019-09-181h 35Heavy Topics With LightweightsA Drunk Episode w/ Aja and LauraWhat happens when we don't have a guest scheduled? We drink.
In today's episode we basically talk shit about everyone. From Lauren Conrad to Revolve, no topic is off limits.
Plus, Laura indulges us in stories of eating edibles and being felt up at Bible camp (on two separate occasion btw).
So pop your favorite bottle and enjoy listening to two girls who are truly out of their minds.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us...2019-09-111h 00Heavy Topics With LightweightsI Killed My Wife with Derek McCormickDeath. It's a topic we tend to avoid talking about. What happens to your loved ones you leave behind when you die? If left with the task of pulling the plug on someone you love as they suffered could you do it? These are questions we discuss in this episode with Derek as he shares the beautiful story of his wife's life, the grueling road of her suffering, how he ended her life and his mission now that she's gone.
Check out Derek's book Tea Time with the Reaper here.
Follow...2019-09-041h 25Heavy Topics With LightweightsIt's 2019, Everyone's Fucking with Kelly GluckmanHIV.
Turns out, it's not that bad.
In today's episode we talk to Kelly Gluckman, a 32 year old activist living with HIV. Diagnosed in her 20's, Kelly has turned a heartbreaking diagnosis into a passion to educate. We talk about how she contracted the virus, the coping mechanism that saved her live and the major role Planned Parenthood played in her journey.
Oh ya, plus we drank. A lot.
To follow Kelly's journey, follow her on Instagram @KellyGluckman. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a...2019-08-281h 19Heavy Topics With LightweightsBeing A DACA Recipient w/ Nicole SolissisonImmigration. It's a hot topic these days.
No matter what your political opinion is on the matter, here's our question: have you actually talked to someone who immigrated to America?
Do you know their story?
Today we talk to creative director extraordinaire Nicole Solissison. Her family fled the Philippines 20 years ago and are still having a hard time finding a pathway to citizenship. Every immigration story is different. With Nicole we talk about how an ICE agent helped her family, what it's like being a DACA recipient and how the overall...2019-08-211h 19Heavy Topics With LightweightsVibrating on a High Frequency and Being an Energy Channel with Frances NaudeIs reiki actually healing? Are crystals just bullshit colored rocks? Join us as we deep dive into the world of “high vibe” frequencies and tarot cards. In today’s episode we chat with Frances Naude, a reiki healer, tarot card reader, yoga teacher and owner of Four Noble Holistic Health about what it’s like to be an energy channel and healer. To follow Frances, check out her website www.fournobleholistichealth.com and follow her on Instagram @four.noble.health If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on&nb...2019-08-1458 minHeavy Topics With LightweightsWorking Through Codependency w/ Ali JamesonCodependency and fear of abandonment.
Both issues we all have to work through in order to have successful relationships, but what if those were issues you inherited from birth?
In today's episode we talked to Ali Jameson; a writer, speaker, creator, who was adopted at birth.
Ali talked with us about communicating with her birth mom, how being adopted has affected her relationships and how she is growing from heartbreak. Now, Ali is focusing on discovering her authentic self. This woman emanates strength. A must listen!
To follow Ali check out her podcast, Unraveling To Self, and follow her on Insta...2019-08-071h 06Heavy Topics With LightweightsVictoria's Secret Ain't Shit with Britney VestWho runs the world? Girls. Of all shapes and sizes, that is.
This week we talk to Britney Vest, a health + wellness lifestyle blogger and Instagram influencer who shared her weight loss journey (she lost 80 lbs!). We talk about how Laura forced Britney to go to Bali, why Victoria's Secret sucks and photoshopping cellulite. To follow Britney check out her blog here and follow her on Instagram @fittybritty.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on ...2019-07-311h 04Heavy Topics With LightweightsCancer Is The Ultimate Equalizer with Annie BondEverything you thought you knew about cancer was wrong. Fuck.
Annie Bond is on our show today, a talented comedian (and dog owner) who was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer at 26. Apparently you can do everything right and still get breast cancer?! Annie talks about navigating the American healthcare system (surprise, it's impossible), dealing with the loss of friends and how a look-a-like Bernie Sanders helped saved her life. To follow Annie on her journey or to see her next improve show, head over to her Instagram @TheAnnieBond
If you enjoyed this episode...2019-07-241h 25Heavy Topics With LightweightsOur First Time & Yoni Massages with The Love Gurus LAIn this incredibly raw interview with The Love Gurus LA we talk about SEX. Aila and Jonathan, the couple behind Love Gurus LA, emphasize our need for connection: Connection with our partners and connection with ourselves and our bodies. To say this conversation was eye opening would be an understatement. Have we been having sex wrong this whole time?? Thanks Jonathan and Aila for spending your afternoon with us. If you're interested in attending one of their courses, head over to their website or Instagram @TheLoveGurusLA.
Here are the books that were brought up in...2019-07-171h 29Heavy Topics With LightweightsHo Rule #1: Get The Money Up FrontIn today's episode we are talking to Jillian, who is a legal courtesan working in a brothel in Nevada. We break down the stigma of being a sex worker, the consequences of legalizing prostitution and how her work really affects her marriage.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on everything Heavy Topics! 2019-07-1043 min
Heavy Topics With LightweightsFuckboys and FriendshipsWelcome to our first episode of Heavy Topics with Lightweights! This episode serves as an introduction into who we are, how our friendship began (hint hint, guy drama) and what listeners can expect from our new podcast. During this episode we talk about KKK members, not being married at 30 and trying to make a difference in a world where likes and followers rule. If you have any suggestions as to who we should talk to during our podcast, email heavytopics@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, please remember to leave us a comment...2019-07-0333 min
Heavy Topics With LightweightsHeavy Topics with Lightweights Podcast TrailerWelcome to Heavy Topics with Lightweights! We are best friends Aja Dang and Laura Varney and are launching our very first podcast episode on July 3. We take happy hour to a whole new level with unfiltered discussions about politics, popular culture, sex and real life struggles - all while drinking a glass (or two). Stay up to date with all our shenanigans on Instagram and Facebook and we hope to see you on July 3.
2019-06-2400 min