Shows
Life Talks with LaurenEp. 171: How to Want More Without Hating Where You AreCan you love your body and still want to lose weight? Can you accept where you are in life and still strive for something more? These are the questions we’re unpacking in this week’s episode of Life Talks with Lauren.
For years, I believed that being hard on myself was the only way to grow. I thought acceptance meant giving up. But what I’ve learned is that kindness and consistency go hand in hand—and that growth rooted in compassion is not only possible, but sustainable.
In this episode, I’m sharing my persona...2025-05-0651 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 170: This or That Got Personal… OopsIn today’s episode, we’re keeping it light, fun, and just a little reflective as I go through a round of “This or That” questions — but with a twist. From pancakes vs. waffles to questions about growth, love, and legacy, I’m sharing my honest picks, stories behind them, and maybe a few unexpected hot takes.
If you’re in the mood to get to know me better in a laid-back way (or just want to play along in your head), this one’s for you.
✨ In this episode:
The everyday things that bring me joy2025-04-2939 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 169: Reclaiming Confidence, Redefining WorthIn this week's episode, I’m opening up about my personal journey of regaining confidence in myself and my body. I share how I’ve come to realize—deep in my soul—that my appearance and body size do not determine my worth, my ability to be loved, or the quality of friendships I deserve.
This episode is part of a larger shift I’m on—a confidence journey that’s not only transforming the way I move through the world, but also laying the foundation for the book I’m writing about women’s self-worth and confidence.
2025-04-2235 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 168: Banana Fires, Mental Health Wins, and Why Empathy Isn’t WeakIn this episode of Life Talks with Lauren, we’re talking about everything from flaming bananas to personal breakthroughs. Yes, you read that right—my boyfriend lit a banana on fire, set off the fire alarm, and the fire department actually showed up. It’s funny now... but it definitely wasn’t at the time.
I’m also opening up about my mental health journey lately—how things have been improving, what’s been helping, and why a simple girls' day out turned out to be exactly the healing energy I needed. Sometimes laughter, connection, and a little martini...2025-04-1546 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 167: I Am Not Okay--But I Will BeEpisode Description:
In this deeply personal episode of Life Talks with Lauren, I open up about the mental health challenges I’ve been navigating over the past month. From feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained to moments where it felt hard to show up at all—I share what it’s been like behind the scenes, in hopes that someone out there feels a little less alone.
This isn’t a polished, picture-perfect episode. It’s raw, real, and from the heart. Because the truth is: it’s okay to not be okay. And it’s more than okay to a...2025-04-0829 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 166: Wearing Less, Stressing Less: Body Acceptance in SummerAs the weather warms up, so does the pressure to achieve the so-called “summer body.” Social media is once again flooded with weight loss tips, body “fixes,” and the outdated idea that only certain body types are worthy of showing up in the sun. In today’s episode, we’re cutting through the noise and talking about body acceptance and neutrality—practices that can help you show up confidently and comfortably, no matter your size or shape.
I’ll share my thoughts on the resurgence of 90s-style body messaging, the impact of comparison, and the ways I navigate dressin...2025-04-0146 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 165-Upgrade Your Discipline From Self-Criticism to Self-CareWhat if discipline wasn’t about punishment, but about self-respect? In this episode of Life Talks with Lauren, we’re rethinking the way we approach discipline—shifting from shame to self-love. Inspired by a quote from @bluewmist, I’m sharing how this mindset shift changed my life and how it can transform yours, too.
In This Episode, We Cover:
Why discipline rooted in shame leads to guilt, burnout, and inconsistency.
How reframing your habits as acts of self-care can make them more sustainable.
My personal experience with exercise—from using it as a punis...2025-03-2551 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 164-Not Where I Thought I'd Be - And That's OkayTurning 35 brings up a lot of emotions—gratitude, reflection, and sometimes, self-doubt. In this episode of Life Talks with Lauren, I’m opening up about the expectations I had for my life by this age versus the reality of where I am. We’ll talk about societal pressures, personal growth, and learning to embrace the journey, even when it looks different than expected. If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling behind in life, this episode is for you.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
✅ The pressures and expectations around aging and milestones
✅ My personal jour...2025-03-1845 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 163-Confidence, Freedom, and Embracing Aging as a Woman with SamiTurning 40 can feel daunting for many women, but what if this milestone is actually a gateway to greater confidence, freedom, and self-acceptance? In this episode of Life Talks with Lauren, I’m joined by Sami from SHE Unbound to explore how women can embrace aging with empowerment rather than fear. We dive into the myths surrounding aging, the newfound confidence that comes with life experience, and why midlife can be one of the most exciting chapters yet.
Tune in as we discuss:
✔️ Why so many women fear aging—and how to shift that mindset
✔️ The confidence a...2025-03-111h 42Life Talks with LaurenEp. 162-Managing Goals and Habits When Motivation is LowEver have those days—or even weeks—when motivation is nowhere to be found? You’re not alone. In this episode of Life Talks with Lauren, I dive into practical ways to stay consistent with your goals and habits when you’re feeling low on energy or motivation. I’ll share personal stories, simple strategies for maintaining progress, and tips on when it’s best to push forward versus when to rest. Whether you’re working on personal goals, wellness habits, or creative projects, this episode will help you navigate those tough days with kindness and purpose.
What You’ll Learn i...2025-03-041h 06Life Talks with LaurenEp. 161-Hi, I'm a Recovering PerfectionistIt was a typical Wednesday evening roller derby practice. We had split into groups where half the skaters were doing laps while the other half stayed in the middle to do push-ups, squats, arm circles, etc. while waiting their turn. I was with the group in the center, and we were doing our usual chatting between sets. We started talking about comparison and how it affects us on the track - both during practice, and in bouts. Derby is a community where we make it a point to uplift and encourage each other, because we recognize how hard we...2025-02-2534 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 160-What Makes Women Feel Beautiful?On November 12, 2024, I journaled about my confidence wavering. I wrote that I felt neutral about my body and not-so-confident in my social abilities. BUT that I felt good about that day’s work out, because it left me feeling strong and capable. At one point, I wrote: “I feel most beautiful when I feel most connected to myself.” Then, I elaborated:
When I’m taking care of myself (i.e. walking, working out, eating well--and by that I don’t mean eating “perfectly,” I mean eating regularly and feeling satisfied with my choices). When I’m connecting to t...2025-02-1845 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 159-How I Went from "I Just Don't Get Along with Other Girls" to Becoming an Unapologetic Girl's GirlWhat does it even mean to be a “girl’s girl?” Does it mean we only respect women, and we hate on men? Do we have to unfailingly support each other, even when we’re in the wrong? And also - what can we do to celebrate and show up for the women in our lives? Those are questions I had, so I did some research.
Listen to the episode now to find out what I discovered, or if you prefer you can read the blog post version here.
And as always, subscribe to stay in the kn...2025-02-1139 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 158-What Do Seasons Have to Do with Mental Health & Joy?On January 6, 2025, I sent a 15-minute voice message to my good friend, Sami. She and I have gotten in the habit of sending weekly voice messages back and forth as a way to check in, motivate each other, and share what’s going on in our lives and minds. In my message to her on the 6th, I reflected on my thoughts about the upcoming year, and how it relates to my feelings about seasons. It inspired me to write a post on my exploration of embracing the push and pull of the seasons. Not just literal seasons based on...2025-02-0456 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 156: Did I get the job? | How the job hunt is going | My past experiences in finding workYou know how some things in life can bring up insecurities you thought you'd overcome? Like getting back into the dating world for the first time in a while. Or trying a new hobby. Or job hunting after being out of work for a while (or just getting your first job). That's been me lately. I've started looking for work as I make my way through a divorce, and let me tell ya--it's not for the faint of heart. BUT the good news is there are so many resources to help prepare. And it helps to have a community...2024-09-1948 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 157-Feeling Socially Awkward and Not Knowing How to Talk about DivorceHey friend--this week I'm sitting down to share all the upcoming things I'm excited about and all the fun things I've been up to. Birthdays, fun nights out, job interviews, Pap smears...ya know, all the good stuff. I'm also sharing some thoughts I've had about not knowing how to fit in, the discomfort that comes up when we talk about divorce or death--things like that.
Can you relate to anything I'm saying? Come share your thoughts with me on IG @laurenmkendrick. Can't wait to hear from youuuu.
2024-08-2731 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 156-Let's Talk Relationships | Anxiety | Confidence | Self-TrustHey, friend! Hope all is well with you. This week for the first time on the pod, I'm opening up about my divorce. It feels liberating to be able to talk about it, since I spent so many months keeping it between myself and a few close friends. I know firsthand there can be so much shame and judgement around divorce and "failed" relationships, so I hope that sharing my experience can help normalize that we all go through life changes. And it's okay to change your mind.
So yeah, I mostly talk about that--but near the...2024-08-2035 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 155: Let's Talk Making Friends in Your 30's or After Moving to a New PlaceLet's be real-making friends at any phase in life is intimidating. Especially as you get older and have more on your plate, or after moving a few states, across the country, or even across the world. I think we've all heard the advice on where to find friends (joining clubs, work, school, etc.), but how do you cultivate the right mindset to attract healthy friendships? Let's talk about it!
After listening, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the episode. You can reach out to me on IG @laurenmkendrick. Can't wait to hear from you!
2024-05-0731 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 154-Let's Talk Self-ValidationDo you ever feel insecure about your weight, how you think others perceive you, etc.? Because, same. Recently, I haven't been feeling pretty--and I know how trivial that sounds. But (especially as women) we think about our appearance so often. To the point where we're willing to spend thousands of dollars and torture ourselves just to look a certain way. But what truly makes us beautiful, and how can we learn to validate ourselves when we feel insecure about how we look? Let's discuss. You can always reach out and tell me your thoughts about this episode by connecting...2024-04-0228 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 153: Let's Talk Vulnerability and OversharingIs it hard for you to open up to people, or does it come naturally? For me, it's a mixture of both. People often ask how I'm able to be so vulnerable--especially with how much I share on this podcast, and how much I used to share on social media. And honestly? I do it so I feel less alone, and in hopes that you'll feel less alone too. How can you tell the difference between being vulnerable and oversharing? Let's talk about it! Dive into the episode and share your thoughts with me on Instagram @laurenmkendrick. Can't wait...2024-03-2729 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 152-Embracing Platonic Love and Women FriendshipsAs women, we're conditioned to prime ourselves for romantic love. So much so that when we struggle to find a long-term romantic partner, we think there's something wrong with us. But what about platonic love? The intimacy we share with our girls through laughter, secrets, asking for advice, and so much more. I wouldn't be where I am today without my female friendships, and I'm curious to know if you feel the same. You can share your experiences with me on Instagram @laurenmkendrick. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the episode!
2024-03-2142 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 151: Let's Talk Times When you Feel "Meh"You ever have those days or weeks where you're just in a funk? And you just wanna hide away, but you still have to show up as if everything is fine. I experience them more often than I'd like to admit, but over time I've learned how to support myself through it. So let's talk about it.
I'd love to hear your experience with the life lows and how you get yourself through it. You can find me on Instagram @laurenmkendrick. I'd love to hear from you!
2024-03-0521 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 150: Let's Talk Body ImageBody image and how comfortable we feel in our skin is such an individual journey. We come from a multitude of experiences that shape the way we feel, and that often leads to struggling to accept the body we're in. In this episode, let's talk about some of the things that impact how we relate to our own bodies, and think about others.
Give it a listen and if you want to connect to me further, you can find me on Instagram @laurenmkendrick. Enjoy!
2024-02-2753 minLife Talks with LaurenSupporting your Mental Health & Reigniting your Commitment to Self-LoveIn this episode, I share my current mental health challenges and ways I support myself through it. I also talk about the importance of developing an external support system, because as much as we try to convince ourselves--we can't do it alone.
I'd love for you to reach out to me anytime with thoughts or questions on the episode, or just to connect. You can find me on IG @laurenmkendrick.
2024-01-3036 minLife Talks with LaurenHow I Stay Consistent with my Gym RoutineDo you ever think about those people that make working out look SO easy? I used to look at people like that and think that were born with some gene or level of discipline I lacked. Until I became one of them--my gym journey spans over 15 years, and I can now say showing up to the gym is effortless for me. In fact, I feel so lost without my daily workouts! So what changed? Listen to this episode to find out, and let me know your thoughts over on Instagram (@laurenmkendrick). Love you!
2023-11-1647 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 147: My Anniversary Trip to BaliLet's talk about my recent trip to Bali! My husband and I celebrated our 3 year wedding anniversary with a 4 night stay at a villa, and a 4 night stay at a family-friendly resort. Which option would I recommend, and what other fun stuff did we do in Bali? Listen to the episode to find out! Afterward, you can catch me on Insta @laurenmkendrick to tell me about your travel experience or to ask for links, tips, etc. Talk to you soon!
2023-11-0244 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 146: How I Manage Mood and Energy ShiftsHi, friends! In this week’s episode you’re getting a deep dive into how my mind works. I've never necessarily felt "normal," and have always felt like there's something wrong with my mind. I feel like I never know who I'm gonna be from day to day--which feels really vulnerable to talk about so openly, because I hide it well. So if you're interested in hearing more, be sure to check out the episode and let me know what you think!
2023-10-1128 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 145: Does Jealousy Make you a Mean Girl?It's a short one this week, y'all! In the episode, I share a quick life update about the funk I was in the past few weeks and what I did about it. Plus, let's talk jealousy when it comes to friends and other women. Does being jealous mean something is wrong with you? Let's discuss! Tell me your thoughts over on IG @laurenmkendrick.
2023-09-2024 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 144-”For the Plot” Story ReadingJoin me this week as I read my fictional piece called "For the Plot" about a girl named Jaz navigating the dating world after a breakup and weight gain. Then, come chat with me on IG @laurenmkendrick and tell me what you think!
2023-09-1231 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 143: I’m Baaaack! (Again. No, but for real this time)Hey, friend! Join me this week as I catch you up on what’s been going on in my life lately. It’s been a whirlwind of a year, that started with an ankle break. It’s not the year I expected it to be--it’s actually better than I imagined. Isn’t it crazy how unexpected moments can change your life? Anyway, go hit play and get started on the episode. Then tell me what ya think by sliding into my DM’s @laurenmkendrick. Can’t wait to hear from you!
2023-09-0536 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 142: Unhinged Men | Body Comments | Letting Yourself DownHey bestie,
Can you believe I showed up two weeks in a row?! And boyyy do I have some tea for you this week. If you've been following along on Insta, you know this week we've been talking a ton about how it feels when people comment on your appearance, unhinged things men have told us, and stuff like that. I also share how I let myself down this weekend and what I did to pick myself back up. It's a juicy one, so grab your preferred drink and stay a while!
Oh, and here's a...2023-04-0651 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 141: My Broken Ankle | Posing Tips | The Male GazeI know, I know. I'm a flake. I started strong in January and promised I'd be back in your ear every week, and then I ghosted you. But I have a good excuse, promise! This week's episode (and my podcasting return) is all about the roller derby incident I had in January, what recovering from a broken ankle taught me about myself, and then we get to have some fun and chat about camera posing tips to make you feel like a baddie & the male gaze. Check it out and then share your biggest takeaway with me on IG...2023-04-0154 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 140: What’s your Personality Type?? (Am I still an INFJ??)Hi, friends!
This week I thought it would be fun to do a Meyer's Briggs personality test together. I took the test a few years ago, and at the time I was an INFJ. I heard it can change with time, so is that still true for me?
Come find out, and take the test along with me or after! Share your results with me on Insta (I'm @laurenmkendrick). I'd love to hear your overall thoughts on the accuracy of your results, and if it taught you anything about yourself!
I used the w...2023-01-101h 05Life Talks with LaurenEp. 139: A Realistic Way to Build Habits for the New YearHi friends!
Join me this week as I discuss how to build sustainable habits, inspired and guided by one of my all time favorite books! In this episode, I'm sharing some of the best tips I've learned from James Clear in his book Atomic Habits.
Enjoy, and come tell me your thoughts on Instagram! I'm @laurenmkendrick.
2023-01-0341 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 138: Self-Reflection, first loves, life updatesIt's been a while since my last episode--I had a few months of self-reflection, and was feeling closed off. I share more about it in the episode, plus thoughts on my first love, what I'm learning from being in roller derby, and a few other things!
Come find me on IG @laurenmkendrick and let's continue the conversation :)
Talk soon!
Lauren
2022-10-3134 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 137: Is Happiness just chemicals floating through your brain, or something more?Welcome back, friends! This week I'm sharing my thoughts on the philosophical question: Is happiness chemicals just floating through your brain, or something else? Listen to the episode and come share your thoughts with me over on Insta! I'm @laurenmkendrick.
2022-08-1128 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 136: Reflecting on my Younger SelfHi friends!
Join me this week as I share some life updates, and then reflect on my younger self. I share thoughts I had as I looked through photos and saw different versions of myself throughout the years. Plus I share how I feel about where I am now!
If you enoyed the podcast, please rate and subscribe :) You can also connect with me on IG @laurenmkendrick
Chat with ya again next week!
2022-08-0435 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 135: Getting out of my comfort zone | Life hacks for productivity and confidenceHey friends!
This week I'm sharing some life updates with you, including a recent staycation I had and a 4th of July festival I attended.
I'm also sharing a few of my biggest life hacks for more productivity, confidence, and consistency with your goals.
If you enjoyed the episode I invite you to share with a friend and come connect with me on IG @laurenmkendrick. See ya next week!
2022-07-2143 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 134: Making and Keeping Friendships | Roller Derby Lessons | Father of the BrideHola! Join me this week as I chat about:
-Making and maintaining friends (especially after a big move)
-Lessons I'm learning from being in roller derby
-My thoughts on the new Father of the Bride Movie (do I like it more than the classic?)
After you listen, come find me on IG and tell me what you thought about the episode! And share it with a friend! I'm on IG @laurenmkendrick.
Talk to ya next week!
2022-07-1445 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 133-Life Talks with Lauren and Jason | Parenting | Marriage | The IckCome join me this week as I chat with my husband, Jason about the joys of parenting, the challenges of marriage, and habits to keep your long-term relationship alive and fresh!
We also discuss the ick (which is not Jason's favorite topic, as you'll see), and jealousy in relationships.
Tell me what you think of the episode! You can find me on Instagram @laurenmkendrick. I'd love to hear from you!
2022-07-071h 04Life Talks with LaurenEp. 132-Life Updates: Where have I been? | Why I left coaching and online biz | What’s ahead?Welcome to another episode of the Life Talks with Lauren podcast!
Join me this week as I update you on my months long hiatus from the podcast. I share the discoveries I've made about myself in the past few years and how they've led to rebranding this podcast multiple times.
Plus I share why I quit the online coaching space, and where I plan to go with this podcast.
After you listen, come chat with me on IG! I'm @laurenmkendrick.
Talk to ya next week!
2022-06-3028 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 131: Life Lessons I Learned from Playing the SimsThis week we have another unique, fun episode! I recently reconnected with my childhood obsession with the Sims game. And now that I'm an adult, it just hits different. There are so many things I'm learning from playing this game that I didn't pick up on when I was younger, and I'm sharing them with you in this episode!
If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave me a 5 star review, or pass it onto a friend :)
I'd also love if you'd come hang out with me on Insta...I'm @laurenmkendrick!
2022-02-1031 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 130: A Tipsy Ted TalkHave you ever gotten tipsy and hopped on the phone with a friend? Some of my favorite memories come from those conversations. And in this week's episode, you're in for a treat! Because I'm drinking wine and sharing what's on my mind...and this time, it's mostly about friendship.
Why is friendship so weird? Why do we hangout with people if we don't like them? I also share some funny stories of my childhood friendships (that weren't so funny at the time, but I now find hilarious).
Anyway, dive in, enjoy and come tell me wh...2022-02-0129 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 129: New Year, New Podcast?Notice anything different?? It's a whole new podcast! I've decided to completely quit my business and start a new venture. Part of that process includes shedding the body acceptance label and giving myself the freedom to talk about whatever I want!
I'll explain the changes & my reason behind making them in this episode.
Come connect with me on IG @laurenmkendrick. Enjoy!
2022-01-2432 minLife Talks with LaurenBody Acceptance Book Club: Episode 4Welcome to part 4 of 4 parts of this virtual Body Acceptance Book Club, based on the Body Acceptance Book! This week we’ll cover chapters 7&8 of the Body Acceptance Book.
Each week for the month of January, you'll get an episode plus a study guide, and a popup Facebook group to follow along with. If you’re not officially part of the book club and you wanna join, here’s the link: https://billowing-violet-9887.ck.page/dcbf013cca
You can gather a group of friends and do it together, or you can go through...2022-01-241h 05Life Talks with LaurenBody Acceptance Book Club: Part 3Welcome to part 3 of 4 parts of this virtual Body Acceptance Book Club, based on the Body Acceptance Book! This week we’ll cover chapters 5&6 of the Body Acceptance Book.
Each week for the month of January, you'll get an episode plus a study guide, and a popup Facebook group to follow along with. If you’re not officially part of the book club and you wanna join, here’s the link: https://billowing-violet-9887.ck.page/dcbf013cca
You can gather a group of friends and do it together, or you can go through...2022-01-171h 06Life Talks with LaurenBody Acceptance Book Club: Part 2Welcome to part 2 of 4 parts of this virtual Body Acceptance Book Club, based on the Body Acceptance Book! This week we’ll cover 2 chapters of the Body Acceptance Book.
Each week for the month of January, you'll get an episode plus a study guide, and a popup Facebook group to follow along with. If you’re not officially part of the book club and you wanna join, here’s the link: https://billowing-violet-9887.ck.page/dcbf013cca
You can gather a group of friends and do it together, or you can go through...2022-01-101h 07Life Talks with LaurenVirtual Body Acceptance Book Club Series: Episode 1Welcome to part 1 of 4 parts of this virtual Body Acceptance Book Club, based on the Body Acceptance Book! This week we’ll cover 2 chapters of the Body Acceptance Book.
Each week for the month of January, you'll get an episode plus a study guide, and a popup Facebook group to follow along with. If you’re not officially part of the book club and you wanna join, here’s the link: https://billowing-violet-9887.ck.page/dcbf013cca
You can gather a group of friends and do it together, or you can go through the material by your...2022-01-0452 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 128: Are you Really Addicted to Sugar, or is Something else Going on?Ever feel like your sugar cravings are out of control? Do you notice that when you completely cut sugar out of your diet, you don’t really miss it much at first, but as soon as you introduce the smallest amount, your cravings intensify?
There’s a reason for that, which we’ll explore in this episode of the Body Acceptance Podcast.
So are you really addicted to sugar, or is something else going on? Listen to the episode to find out! You’ll also learn some great tips for managing sugar cravin...2021-11-1923 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 127: To Drink or Not to Drink? Thoughts from a Sober-CuriousHave you ever been sober-curious, or at least questioned the role alcohol plays in your life?
I know I definitely have. More than once. In fact, I had a moment this weekend where I was laying on the couch hungover where I thought, “why do I subject myself to this?”
So in this episode, let’s chat about:
My family history with alcohol. Whether or not it was acceptable to drink, and where that led me in my adult life
How I used (or abused) alcohol, especially in my early adu...2021-11-1232 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 126: 3 Unique Ways to Build your Self-WorthWelcome to another episode of the Body Acceptance Podcast! In this episode, we’ll discuss how the way you view your body impacts your self-worth. Then I’ll share 3 unique ways you can begin to improve your self-worth without having to change your appearance.
By the way, if you haven’t already you can download my free Body Acceptance guide that’ll help you navigate the journey of learning to connect with and treat your body with respect. You can download that by clicking here.
Here’s the mantra mentioned in the episode. F...2021-11-0515 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 125: Life Update-Where I‘m at with Body ImageThis year has been a pretty challenging one for me when it comes to body image. There were things that resurfaced after I gained a significant amount of weight in 2020. Things I thought I’d already worked through, but as we know--the work is never done.
I even changed my brand from All or Something Living to Body Acceptance so I could really share and document what my journey has been like. And halfway through the year I wrote a book called Body Acceptance.
So where am I currently at when it com...2021-10-2931 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 124: 3 Reasons you Binge Eat (And What you Can Do About it)Do you ever eat large amounts of food all at once and feel totally out of control while doing it?
Many people come to me sharing their stories around binge eating, eating emotionally, and just feeling overall out of control around food.
Binge eating may not sound like a big deal on the surface, but it can lead to destructive emotions and behaviors, negative health outcomes, and maybe even a full blown eating disorder.
In this episode I share:
The textbook definition of binge eating
...2021-10-2224 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 123: Can Body Acceptance and Wellness go Together?Can body acceptance and wellness go together?
This week’s episode was inspired by a conversation I had with my friend Kris. When I confided in her that I don’t believe I have a place in the wellness space (even though I’m a Holistic Health Coach by trade), she challenged that belief.
There seems to be two sides when it comes to health: You’re either super body positive, or you're a health freak. But if you know me, then you know I love to live in the gray area.
2021-10-1531 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 122: 5 Steps to Navigating Negative Body TalkWelcome back! This week I have a quick, 5 step process for you to manage negative body talk (or any sort of negative self-talk.)
I’ve started recording video versions of my podcast episodes for YouTube, so if you prefer to watch, click here and subscribe to my channel! I’ll also be uploading weekly vlogs and occasional styling and singing videos.
How you speak to yourself has a major impact on the way you treat yourself, how you treat others, and how you show up in the world. Which is why it’s so...2021-10-0815 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 121: The Wonderful World of Food FreedomWhat is food freedom, anyway? The best definition I was able to find comes from the article linked below. According to the article, food freedom is “eating in alignment with your values without stress, anxiety, guilt, or shame.”
Stress-anxiety-guilt-shame. Do you ever associate those words with food? If so, you’ll definitely benefit from this episode!
It can be challenging to have a healthy relationship with food when you constantly feel like you should be eating something different, or “better for you.”
In this episode, I’ll share 5 ways you c...2021-10-0133 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 120: 3 Myths of Body AcceptanceI polled some of you about your preferred episode length, and about half chose between 30-35 minutes, and the other half wanted 15-minute episodes. So I’ll be rotating between quicker, more educational episodes and longer, conversational episodes.
This week is a quick one where we’ll be covering 3 Myths of Body Acceptance. It can feel like there’s a lot of rules around body acceptance and who’s allowed to participate, or what it’s “supposed” to look like so hopefully these myths can help clear up some of the confusion.
In the episode...2021-09-2414 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 119: Recognizing and Navigating Body DysmorphiaWelcome back to another episode of the Body Acceptance Podcast! Let's talk body dysmorphia. In this episode I cover how it shows up, why it’s important to notice the ways, and how you can use the information to navigate negative body image moments
Here's a little teaser of some of the ways it shows up that I mention in the episode:
Body comparison
Avoiding mirrors
Not believing compliments
And more!
Before you listen, I just wanna put out a disclaimer that I am not an expert of body dysmorphia, and I’m onl...2021-09-1737 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 118: 3 Ways to Coach yourself through Anything without Spending Thousands on a Professional CoachDo you ever wish you had a coach in your back pocket? Maybe you can’t always afford to hire a coach, or you don’t have the time, or there’s something very specific and simple you need to work through.
Coaches are powerful and necessary, but not required for every step of the way. In fact, a coach is meant to empower you to find the answers within yourself. Because you already have infinite wisdom within you.
Coaching is necessary for you to learn to build consistent habits, work on mindset shifts, and become a...2021-08-2043 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 117: What if you Gain Weight and your Partner no Longer Finds you Attractive?So you’ve decided to go the body acceptance route, and you’re excited to finally experience freedom within your own body. You’ve accepted the reality that you might gain some weight in the process, and you feel that it’s worth it because of everything you’ll also gain.
But suddenly, it hits you--what if your partner isn’t on board? What if you gain weight and your partner no longer finds you attractive? What if your relationship is going to end when you finally give your body the freedom to be whatever size it’s mean...2021-08-141h 05Life Talks with LaurenEp. 116: How to Show up for yourself Even when you Don't Feel Like itI’m in a funk this week. I’d planned on talking about what to do if you have an unsupportive partner when it comes to weight gain, but I wanted to wait until I could do the topic justice since it’s a heavy one.
So instead, I’m sharing how I handle being in a funk or depression, and what sort of things I tell myself during this time.
I also talk about how I still show up for myself instead of completely going off the grid (like I want to!)...2021-08-0636 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 115: Reading my Favorite Chapter from the Body Acceptance BookDoes body acceptance require you to give up on your health goals? Most people think that choosing to accept the body you’re in means giving up, or becoming complacent. Which really couldn’t be further from the truth--body acceptance was the catalyst for me to give up on unrealistic goals and beliefs so that I could learn to focus on what’s really important.
If you’ve heard about the Body Acceptance book, but you’re unsure if it’s something you really want to invest in, then this is a great episode for you!
...2021-07-3042 minLife Talks with LaurenEp 114: 5 Simple Hacks for Overcoming a Bad Body Image DayI’ll be the first to admit that some days I look in the mirror and think, “heyyyy, girl!” and other days feel more like, “who’s body is this?? Not mine!”
Although I’ve done years of work around self-love and improving my body image, I’m not immune to the struggle. I still have bad body image days just like everyone else. Body acceptance is a lifelong practice. The difference between now and in my past is that I no longer allow those days to hold me back from living my most fully expressed, vibran...2021-07-2335 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 113: Was it Wrong for Pinterest to Ban Weight Loss Ads?In this episode, I share my thoughts on Pinterest recently announcing their ban on weight-loss ads. Here are some things I cover:
The details of the ban, and why they’ve decided to do it
My initial thoughts, and why I think it’s a huge win for the Body Positive Community
My opinion on censorship on social media
Why weight loss ads are harmful in the first place
Alternative ways to promote and seek out sustainable, positive habit change
Links mentioned in this episode:
Body Acceptance Book
2021-07-1748 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 112: Empowering your Children to Become Intuitive EatersIf you’ve ever done the work to learn to eat intuitively as an adult, then you know how complex it can be. It’s one thing to trust yourself around the choices you make with food, but what about trusting your children? How can you empower your kids to make their own decisions around food, while also teaching them to be healthy?
That’s what this episode is all about! Dive in to learn how you can trust that your child was born naturally intuitive, guide them into trusting their intuition, and confidently navigate conversa...2021-07-0950 minLife Talks with LaurenEp.111: Losing your "Hot Status" after Weight GainThis week's episode is real, and raw, and bound to take you on a rollercoaster. It definitely took me on a ride, that's for sure.
I want this episode to feel like a conversation with me, curled up on my cozy couch with your drink of choice. I share unfiltered, not-so-flattering thoughts and beliefs I still have-even after years of work on body image and body acceptance.
I used to get a lot of compliments and comments about my body and how “hot” I was. Now that I’ve gained weight and I’m o...2021-07-0230 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 110: The Difference Between Confidence and Self-AcceptanceDo you ever feel like you’d be more confident if you were skinnier, looked different than you do now, or felt more successful or qualified?
Most of us tend to view confidence as something that appears after some external factor is achieved. We think if we lose weight, then we’ll have the confidence to wear the two-piece. We believe that once we make more money, we’ll have the confidence to show up more fully in our business and lives.
The truth is: Confidence is available to you now. But there’...2021-06-2531 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 109: Why you Should be Weary of Online "Health Gurus"I used to believe I was an “expert” in weight loss because I knew how to lose weight successfully. And even though I was unqualified, I offered advice left and right, even when it wasn’t asked for.
Nutrition, weight loss, exercise, and health are all very individualized and nuanced topics. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. If someone offers you a “quick fix” or magic pill solution, that’s a major red flag.
It’s important to recognize that what worked for one person rarely works for the majority. And even though you may be...2021-06-1828 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 108: When Body Image Holds you BackI had a moment in the shower yesterday (a place where some people do their best thinking), and I came to a halting realization...I still allow my body image to hold me back from living life fully.
Which is ironic and borderline hypocritical, because I’m always encouraging my listeners and audience to live life to the fullest--regardless of how they feel about their appearance.
And even though I’ve healed my relationship to my body, and it’s usually not my body that holds me back from living life...I realized...2021-06-1122 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 107: Healing Generational Body ShameBody image struggles often stem from our family of origin.
For many of us, our mothers or grandmothers played a big part in what we learned about the size of our bodies and how it relates to our worthiness.
I can totally empathize with wanting your kids to grow up learning healthy habits. So how can you teach them to care for their beautiful bodies, without developing an unhealthy relationship to food or exercise?
It begins with you. The best thing you can start with is healing your...2021-05-2820 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 106: At What Point Does Dieting Become Harmful?At what point does dieting become harmful?
This is a really important question to explore, especially if you’ve engaged in dieting behaviors in the past and struggled to stay consistent.
Why is it so hard to stick to a diet? That’s also a question we’ll explore in this episode.
Short answer-if dieting interferes with the quality of your life, it may not be the best option for you. What can you do instead?
Let’s chat! Dive into the episode now :)
2021-05-2054 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 105: The One Question you Need to Ask yourself before Making any Lifestyle ChangesWhether you’re working towards a weight loss goal, health improvement, or something else..do you ever take the time to consider why you desire the change, and what you’ll get out of it?
Feeling uncomfortable in your body may serve as short-term motivation for wanting to make changes. So say you put on an outfit in the morning, look in the mirror, and you’re just like…”ugh, I need to lose weight”. Maybe you try to eat healthier that morning, maybe you hire a coach that day, or maybe you even commit yourself to a...2021-05-1140 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 104: How to Love your Body at All StagesDo you ever feel like your body can sometimes dictate the kind of day you have? Like on the days where your clothes are fitting perfectly, you’re suddenly more confident and at ease with yourself? And then on days where you feel more out of touch, and your body feels more foreign...you feel more agitated and less confident? In this week’s episode, we’re talking about how you can learn to love your body at all stages, and not allow how you feel about what you see in the mirror to run your life.
We...2021-04-2241 min
Life Talks with LaurenEp. 103: My Journey through Body AcceptanceThis week’s episode walks you through my 5 year journey through body acceptance. Click here for the blog version. Here’s what I cover:
What led me to believe my body wasn’t worthy in the first place
Where my journey actually began & what prompted it
The steps I took to heal not only my body image, but also my relationship to food
The highlights and turning point of my journey (hint: what body acceptance really felt like at first)
The lessons I want my listener to take away from hearing my story
This week’s a...2021-04-141h 05Life Talks with LaurenBonus Episode: Where Have I Been, and Where am I Going?Hello hello! I’m finally back with a brand new episode of the podcast. I took a bit of a hiatus to focus on our move from Las Vegas to Japan. But not to worry...weekly episodes are starting back up again soon!
In the episode I talk about where the All or Something brand is headed, and the mission of this podcast. I’m making some changes in hopes that you can really get something out of each & every episode. I want to make it super accessible for women to heal their relationship to food a...2021-04-0128 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 102: Using Self-Care to Step Out of Anxiety and into your LifeThis year has impacted not just our physical health, but our mental health as well. And while self-care used to feel like a luxury, it’s now moving into the realm of necessity.
Self-care can seem like an abstract tool for some, especially because it’s just another trending topic. But the practice of self-care (and the benefits) differ from person to person, which is what we explore in this episode.
So what’s your version of self-care? And how can self-care make a difference in how you show up in your life...2020-11-2546 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 101: Navigating Infidelity with Elsie B.This week I’m excited to bring you our very first guest interview! I know I’ve been saying that I was going to start bringing guests on...and I meant it. It just took me a while!
Elsie B. is a relationship coach and podcast host who experienced a major wakeup call earlier this year when she discovered that her husband cheated on her. She found out right as we went into quarantine, which gave her plenty of time to reflect on everything that went down and decide on her next steps.
Th...2020-11-1850 minLife Talks with LaurenBonus: Talking Body Image with my HusbandBuckle up, cuz this episode is JUICY. I start out by sharing the story of when we were first dating...and I asked him if he was less attracted to me because I'd gained weight. He said "yes"...and things spiraled out of control from there. How did we get through it?? Listen to the episode to find out!
In the episode we walk you through the journey of wrestling through the challenges of body image as a couple with the opposite struggle. Me putting on weight too easily, and him struggling to put on weight.
...2020-11-1459 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 100: How Podcasting has Skyrocketed my Confidence & More Lessons from 100 EpisodesIn celebration of the 100th episode of this podcast, I’m sharing all about how podcasting has changed my life! I stumbled into podcasts about 5 years ago, and they literally changed my life. I had the goal to give back by starting my own for the longest time, but I put it off. In the episode I share the details on why I procrastinated, plus the revelation I had that pushed me to finally get started.
As a thank you gift for being a listener, and in hopes of spreading the positive ripple effect that come...2020-11-1143 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 99: What do you do When your Clothes don't fit Anymore?It’s one thing to gain weight...but then what happens when your clothes don’t fit anymore?? Do you start a strict diet or cleanse in an attempt to fit back into them ASAP? Do you buy some new clothes, and keep the old ones “just in case”?
Obviously there’s no wrong answer to this somewhat complex occurrence. But in this episode I’ll provide some of my most useful suggestions.
Here are some other things I share in the episode:
The highlights of my wedding day!
What’s next...2020-11-0440 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 98-Keeping an Open Mind & Heart when the World feels DividedNow more than ever, it’s important that we learn to think critically and decide where we stand on major issues. But doing so can be really difficult, and in this episode I’ll walk you through the complexities I’ve faced while deciding what I believe and value most.
This is a juicy, raw episode so I highly recommend listening when you’re in somewhat of a good headspace. Here are some of the things I cover:
How to develop and dig into your beliefs about policies, and people
How to speak your tr...2020-10-2154 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 97: I'm Writing a Book! Here's the First ChapterI’m writing a book! It’s about the All or Something Living concept. I’m sharing the turning points in my life that led me to becoming a perfectionist (I’m sure you’ll be able to relate to some of my story), plus how the All or Something Lifestyle has helped me overcome striving for perfection in exchange for a more real, authentic life.
In this episode I’ll read the first chapter to you. Here are some of the main points I talk about in chapter 1:
When and how my 14 year old s...2020-10-1417 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 96: I Survived COVID! What was it Like?Just when I thought this year couldn’t get any crazier or more unpredictable...my fiancé Jason and I ended up getting COVID-19 at the exact same time.
I was someone who was skeptical about things all throughout the year. I questioned whether or not the virus was something we should be concerned about...or if masks are effective...and so on. One thing I have done is kept an open mind, and held space and compassion for everyone’s experience.
I imagined I would eventually get The ‘Rona, but I have to adm...2020-10-0742 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 95: Why your Chase for Perfection Holds you Back & How to Get out of your own way so you can Achieve Success Beyond your Wildest DreamsRaise your hand if you’re a perfectionist, or recovering perfectionist. *Raising my hand*. At this point I consider myself a recovering perfectionist, because it’s a conscious decision I have to make every single day. In this episode I’ll talk about where my chase for perfection began, and where it led me.
In the episode I also share where our perfectionist tendencies usually stem from (can you guess??), and then how you can recover from perfectionism and actually embrace imperfectionism.
If you feel like you’re not good enough, no matter wha...2020-09-3028 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 94: Manifestation and the Law of Attraction: How to Believe in What’s Possible for your Life & BusinessDo you sometimes feel unworthy or incapable of getting what you truly desire out of life? There are times when I still struggle with feeling “good enough”...which is why it’s so vital that I have practices in place that keep me focused on my big vision.
Learning to match your energy to the vibration you want to attract is key to building the future you’ve always dreamed of. When you put out positive energy and believe in what’s possible, it’s a powerful form of manifestation.
So what exactly is...2020-09-2322 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 93: 5 Ridiculously Simple Ways for Boss Babes to Supercharge their Health & HappinessYour habits create your reality. Everything that you do each day...no matter how seemingly small & insignificant...adds up over time. So while you may not think that meditating for 5 minutes a day, or drinking wine daily, exercising for 30 minutes, etc. makes a huge difference...it can actually make or break your ability to achieve your goals & desires.
That’s why I feel that habit building is one of the foundational pieces to creating a business and life that is fulfilling & joyful.
In this episode I share with you 5 ways you can us...2020-09-1623 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 92: How to Own your Gifts and Step Into your Power as a Woman & CEOI believe you’re here for a reason. Not just here...listening to my podcast and hearing the message that I’m sharing (although that is an important part of your journey). I believe you have a gift to offer the world.
I also believe that when women step into their power and own their gifts, it’s truly magical. I haven’t always considered myself a “girl’s girl”, but once I was able to heal those sisterhood wounds I had and create lifelong bonds with powerful women...I realized the beauty that results from women uplif...2020-09-0928 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 91: Can you Really Live the Life of your Dreams?Entrepreneurship, and especially being an online business owner can get really lonely sometimes. There are so many challenges you face alone, and it may feel like you’re the only one going through it.
When I started my online coaching business, I had no idea what I was doing. I just knew I had a dream, and a vision, and I was ready to take action. In my mind...I would build a business, and sales would come zooming in.
I was SO wrong about the amount of time it would take t...2020-09-0233 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 90: How to Plan your Days for Success in Business AND Life (Using my 3X3 Method)Here are a few things I know about you...I know that you’re ambitious, somewhat of a perfectionist (hopefully a recovering perfectionist), you like structure and you love quality.
But sometimes you overthink, or overanalyze...and it prevents you from taking the action it requires to get closer to living your ideal life, and becoming who you’ve always wanted to be.
The honest truth is...life ebbs and flows. Maybe one week you’ll have tons of energy and motivation, but the next you’ll be exhausted and begging for a break...2020-08-2633 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 89: How to Develop an Abundant MindsetDo you ever believe that if you had everything you desire right now, you’d suddenly be happy? What you may not realize is that choosing to feel happy and abundant is available to you, even if your bank account isn’t where you’d like it to be.
When I think of abundance, I imagine myself cozied up in a warm blanket and feeling supported. Your interpretation of abundance may be different from mine. But the key message is to get in the habit of feeling grateful for all you have right now.
2020-08-1916 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 88: Beliefs Required to Become a Successful EntrepreneurStarting a business requires courage and grit. It’s one of the most effective forms of personal & professional development I’ve ever experienced.
Some days you feel on top of the world, and other days you’re left wondering why the hell you decided this was right for you.
For the hard days, it’s important to hold some key beliefs close in order to keep you moving forward. By the end of this episode, you’ll be equipped with the beliefs you need to not only be successful in your business ventu...2020-08-1225 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 87: How to Respond Instead of ReactHave you ever snapped at someone and immediately regretted it? When my bonus son moved in with us full time over 5 years ago, I found myself snapping at him a lot. I was often caught off guard by his presence or his requests (especially because I wasn’t used to having children around), and it caused me to react with irritation.
I didn’t like my rude, snippy reactions but sometimes I felt like they were out of my control. But since I’m all about empowerment, I chose to take control instead of allowing the situ...2020-08-0516 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 86: 3 Surprising Facts about Body PositivityWhat comes to mind when I mention “body positivity”? Do you cringe and think it sounds gluttonous? Does it seem mystical and out of reach for you?
The true purpose of body positivity has been hijacked, which has created many misconceptions around the movement. I’m here to clear that up. In this episode, I share a few surprising truths about body positivity that will have you wishing you had liberated your body a long time ago!
Here’s the link to the All or Something Living Crash Course. Enjoy!
...2020-07-2918 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 85: 3 Ways you Unknowingly Self-SabotageDo you ever struggle to follow through with a goal, and you know it’s because you’re holding yourself back? Sometimes the fear of failure or even success can cause you to do some sneaky things to get in your own way. So sneaky that you may not even realize it.
There are some obvious forms of self-sabotage, such as procrastination. But are you aware of the not so obvious ways that you do it?
In this episode, I’ll help you become aware of a few less obvious forms of self-s...2020-07-2214 minLife Talks with LaurenBonus: Conversations with my Fiancé about RaceTensions are high in America as we become further divided on who to vote for in the upcoming election, whether or not to wear a face mask, and oh...do Black Lives Matter??
In this bonus episode I sit down with my fiancé Jason, and have a difficult conversation about race. But this isn't new to us...as an interracial couple (he's Black, I'm white) we've been having a lot of these conversations lately.
And while these conversations may be uncomfortable, intense, and time-consuming...they're important. We both find it important to educate ourselves and ope...2020-07-161h 15Life Talks with LaurenEp. 84: 3 Keys to Living a Successful Life
The most basic definition of success is “the accomplishment of an aim or purpose”. Most people think of success as some sort of end game...a destination, or a “when”. I hear so many women saying things like…
“When I lose 20 pounds”
“When I get the job”
“When I live in my dream house”
We think our major accomplishments are the epitome of success. And then we assume that our happiness and fulfillment must be delayed until we possess those accomplishments.
But the truth is...2020-07-1514 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 83: How to Build the Courage to Step out of your Comfort ZoneFor a really long time, I held onto a belief that if I’m not naturally good at something then that’s all there is to it. I should just not do that thing. Couple that with my belief that I should strive for perfection, and I rarely felt brave enough to step out of my comfort zone.
In the process of not wanting to make myself uncomfortable, I felt like something was missing. I knew that if I wanted to be a successful woman and make a difference...I’d have to learn to be brave...2020-07-0818 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 82: 8 Self-Love Journal PromptsYou probably dedicate energy to building relationships with others, but do you ever take time to work on the relationship you have with yourself?
Journaling is one of the best ways you can strengthen the bond you have with yourself. It can help you understand yourself on a deeper level.
Through these 8 journal prompts, I’ll show you how you can use your journaling practice to become more self-aware which will allow you to develop more confidence, joy, and self-love.
Want more steps on how you can infus...2020-07-0117 minLife Talks with LaurenEp. 81: My Top 5 Stress Management ToolsStress is something we all have in common. And even though it’s something we can relate to, we all handle it in different ways. I grew up with a very stress-prone mom, and as a result I picked up her frantic worrying tendencies. It wasn’t until I realized how much it was negatively impacting my happiness and health that I decided it was time for a change.
Although stress isn’t inherently “bad”, it’s important to make sure that you’re not allowing it to overpower or exhaust you. The negative impact brought on by st...2020-06-2421 min