Shows
Virago 24/7Say AnythingEver wonder where to draw the line between romantic pursuit and something more alarming? This raw, unfiltered episode tackles a situation that started with a casual mention on our podcast and spiraled into something much more concerning.When Lyanette received an unexpected email from someone Shiney had gone on just one date with months ago, we decided to address it head-on. The conversation dives deep into the misconceptions about romance versus stalking, with powerful insights about personal boundaries and why they matter. We explore how seemingly innocent information shared during early dating—your city, your sch...
2025-08-271h 02Virago 24/7Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: What ChatGPT Reveals About Us AllWe ask ChatGPT to tell us uncomfortable truths about ourselves, resulting in surprisingly accurate and profound responses that leave us stunned, motivated, and ready for change. The AI's ability to "read us like a book" prompts deep discussion about how we hide behind excuses and avoid our full potential.• ChatGPT delivers personalized, brutally honest feedback to each host• Lyanette receives critique about playing small and lacking consistency with her podcast• Briana confronts how she uses her children as an excuse to avoid personal growth• Shiney faces truths about seeking external validation and using optimism as a shi...
2025-05-2955 minVirago 24/7Truth is LiberationAfter 100 episodes of Virago, Lyanette Talley, reflects on the podcast's journey and the power of speaking your truth as a path to healing. A recent trip to Puerto Rico provided perspective on personal growth and the importance of reconnecting with your roots.• Celebrating Virago's 100th episode milestone• Why Lyanette chose not to air a previously recorded episode where a friend wasn't ready to share her full story• The therapeutic value of speaking your truth and releasing pain• Understanding the difference between harmful gossip and healing truth-telling• How fear keeps us protecting those who have harme...
2025-04-3029 minVirago 24/7Coming Strong in 2025This episode delves into the journey of self-love, resilience, and community as the hosts, Lyanette, Shiney and Briana reflect on their personal experiences from the past few months of divorce, single motherhood, sobriety, and evolving relationships. They discuss the importance of embracing vulnerability and building connections while looking forward to creating supportive events in the future.• Reflection on the highs and lows of personal journeys • Emphasizing the power of community and vulnerability • Briana shares her journey through divorce and motherhood • Achievements in maintaining sobriety • Future plans for events fostering connection among womenSend us a te...
2025-02-201h 01Virago 24/7Advice to your 30-year-old selfThis episode of Virago 24-7 takes you through our hosts' personal tales of gratitude, self-reflection, and growth, inspired by the thoughtful practice of the Jesuit Examen prayer. Join Lyanette, Shiney, and Briana as they shed light on embracing life's unpredictability, from the relief of good biopsy results to the comfort of supportive relationships in navigating personal trials and triumphs.We explore the idea of adjusting to life's curveballs and discovering purpose beyond our initial plans. Lyanette shares her journey of becoming a stay-at-home mom, highlighting the importance of finding joy in the present and letting go of...
2024-10-3156 minVirago 24/7Drugs, Guns, and ButtsHave you ever wondered what it takes to turn a potential 10-year prison sentence into an inspiring story of transformation? Join us as we share a personal account of incredible journey through the demanding drug court program, a life-changing experience that tested resilience and strength. Witness a triumphant graduation, which brings home the profound impact of accountability, support, and second chances in shaping a new path toward a healthier and happier life.Tragedy struck at a courthouse in Griffin, Georgia, where an unexpected shooting shocked a community and sparked a conversation about safety that extends beyond the...
2024-10-0643 minVirago 24/7Spritzers, Laughs, and Life LessonsWhat if the secret to a healthier lifestyle lies in spritzers and a good laugh? Join us on this episode of Virago 24-7 as we kick things off with a light-hearted chat about the world of ASMR, or as I like to call it, "SSMR." Shiney, brings some fantastic news to the table: she's just landed a job. You won't want to miss her recounting the welcoming interview experience and the surprising revelation about the shop's owner—a former stuntwoman for "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."Personal health journeys can be quite the rollercoaster, and I share my ow...
2024-09-2549 minVirago 24/7Power of the MindWhat if you could harness the limitless optimism of your youth to conquer life's most daunting challenges? Join me as I share a conversation I had with Korynn of what she would do if she had to navigate hardships of homelessness—envisioning life from a car, working multiple jobs, and saving up enough to buy a home—serves as a powerful reminder of the "mind over matter" mentality. Her tale is not just a testament to youthful optimism, but also a call to rekindle our own indomitable spirits.Explore the profound themes of overcoming fear and self-doubt, embr...
2024-09-1247 minVirago 24/7Barefoot and BralessWhat if you could transform your life simply by choosing better friendships? We’re sharing our personal journeys of reevaluating relationships and understanding the true essence of authentic connections. Shiney and I explore the emotional complexities of letting go of toxic friendships and the empowering feeling of surrounding ourselves with uplifting people. From heartfelt anecdotes to moments of honest reflection, we reveal the significance of setting boundaries and embracing the natural evolution of relationships.As the whirlwind of 2024 sweeps us into new routines and unexpected changes, we talk about adaptability and finding balance in the chaos. Whether it...
2024-08-291h 20Virago 24/7Coming to GripsWhat happens when life hits you with a whirlwind of personal and professional challenges? Join me, Lyanette Talley, in this heartfelt episode of Virago 24/7 as I break my long hiatus to share the overwhelming journey of the past few months. Amidst the chaos of transitioning out of a managerial role at work, I also faced the emotions of the loss of my stepmom, Karen, to cancer.I have struggled with the decline of my grandmother's health. Her struggle with diabetes, heart issues, and multiple strokes has led to a rapid decline in independence, ultimately relocating her to t...
2024-08-2242 minVirago 24/7The Human ExperienceNavigating the interwoven complexities of family and work has never been a stroll in the park, and every choice comes with its share of second-guessing. Join me, Lyanette Talley, as I lay bare my own intricate dance of stepping into an interim manager role at Innovative Smiles while fiercely guarding my husband Philip's interests. Our journey together in this episode also weaves through the emotional battlefield that is my stepmother Karen's terminal cancer diagnosis. It's a candid exploration of the push and pull between control and trust, a reflection that many of you, no doubt, can resonate with.
2024-04-0336 minVirago 24/7Beyond the Vows Part 2Facing unseen challenges in a relationship can feel like navigating a ship through a foggy night, unsure of what's ahead. Join us as we chart the waters of spiritual blindness in marriage, where hidden forces threaten the bond between partners. Together, we discuss the power of vigilance and prayer in guarding our unions and share personal stories that shine a light on the struggles we face internally—those battles that test both our human insecurities and our higher aspirations.Embarking on the journey of financial unity as a couple is like climbing a mountain—you need the righ...
2024-03-201h 11Virago 24/7Beyond the Vows Part 1When Philip and I escaped to Tybee Island, little did we know that our new condo's acoustics would become the backdrop for a heart-to-heart on marriage that's as real as it gets. It's not every day you find two lovebirds willing to spill the beans on keeping the fires burning after 18 years, but here we are—juggling humor, honesty, and a dash of warrior spirit. Join us as we wander through the winding paths of partnership, from the profound to the practical (yes, even dishwasher loading strategies make the cut), and how we're tackling the Four Laws of Love wi...
2024-03-0659 minVirago 24/7Nurturing and Letting Go with Kathy BowersHave you ever caught yourself mimicking your parents' approach to raising kids, for better or worse? That's one of the many topics we tore into with UK-based parenting guru Kathy Bowers, who joined me, Lyanette Talley, for a candid talk on Virago 24/7. With Kathy's seasoned insights, we navigate the complex waters of family communication, shedding light on the silent power of non-verbal cues and the significance of confronting our own personal challenges to improve familial bonds. This is a hearty discussion on recognizing and reforming those engrained parenting patterns that may not serve us or our children well.
2024-02-2140 minVirago 24/7Life's Changes and the Power of TimeI never thought I'd find myself back in the trenches of dental practice management, yet here I am, sharing the unexpected twists of my 2024. My journey this year is a tapestry of work and leisure. As I reflect on my experience with working with my husband in his dental practice, and the unique managerial challenges it brought, I'm considering dusting off my leadership hat. Join me in unraveling the threads of valuing time and the nuanced dance of stepping back into a role I thought I had left behind.Life's a little like ice skating—sometimes you gl...
2024-02-0839 minVirago 24/7Men of Virago: Modern Dating and Marriage Part 2I, Lyanette Talley, continue the conversation with Philip, Justin, and Milky. This week's episode of Virago 24/7 is a beacon of insight for those charting a course through blended families. With raw honesty, we dissect the delicate balance between building bonds, handling feelings of invisibility due to absentee biological parents, and the seismic aftershocks of past betrayals on our ability to trust and love again.Amidst the ebb and flow of family life, we also shine a spotlight on the monumental task of fostering resilience in our children against the backdrop of an evolving society. The nuances of...
2024-01-2441 minVirago 24/7Men of Virago: Modern Dating and Marriage Part 1As the confetti settles on another festive New Year's celebration, I, Lyanette Talley, alongside Justin, Philip, and Milky, take a heartfelt look at the roads we've traveled and the paths we're carving out for the future. Our heartfelt exchange kicks off with a toast to our goals for 2024!Journey with us through the world of dating apps where we chuckle over the tug-of-war between a captivating bio and a striking profile pic—a modern-day quandary that just might be reshaping our social finesse. As we swap tales from the trenches of dating and marriage, expect a rollicking ri...
2024-01-1759 minVirago 24/7Embracing New Beginnings and Coming out of our Comfort ZoneAs your host, Lyanette Talley, I get real about the challenge of stepping outside our comfort zone. Sharing my trek from the grips of the fear zone, filled with self-doubt and worry about opinions, to the exhilarating embrace of the growth zone, I'm laying it all out there. Growth is not just about reaching a destination; it's about the rich, transformative process of learning, facing challenges head-on, and holding steadfast to our dreams—even when the path gets rocky.Finally, let's tackle fear and how to conquer it in order to get out of our comfort zone to...
2024-01-1137 minVirago 24/7The Men of Virago: A Roundtable Discussion on Relationships, Gender, and CommunicationEver wondered why men take so long in the bathroom? That's just the tip of the iceberg in our revealing round-table discussion with a diverse panel of men, all ready to offer us the unfiltered scoop on relationships and gender dynamics from their point of view. From the lighthearted to the profound, we navigate through the terrain of marriage, intimacy, gender differences, and truth-telling, with a focus on respect and understanding for the evolving societal landscape. This intimate journey takes us through the ups and downs of marriage and how hormones and brain function play into gender d...
2023-11-151h 36Virago 24/7From Trapped to FreeFeeling trapped and stagnate in life is a common experience, but one with multitudes of hidden meanings behind it. On this episode of Virago 24/7, we pull back the veil on these feelings, revealing how they often stem from a sense of lost control. Fear of others' opinions can be paralyzing and often leads to feelings of confinement. Join us as we tackle this fear head-on, sharing strategies to regain control of our lives and emotions. Throughout the journey, the embrace of mindfulness, acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes, and the process of building self-confidence come to the forefront.
2023-10-261h 04Virago 24/7Secrets of a Man's SoulWhat happens when you combine personal experiences, insightful discussions, and the intricate dynamics of gender roles and relationships? You get a profound exploration of the challenges that men face in expressing their inherent qualities, and the beauty and worth that women need to realize. Join me, Lyanette Talley, and my guest, Philip Talley, as we draw insights from John Eldridge's enlightening book, "Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul."As we navigate through this stimulating conversation, we tackle the complexities of marriage, the danger of complacency, and the importance of effort in nurturing relationships...
2023-10-1100 minVirago 24/7Unpacking the Mental LoadWondering why you're constantly drained, even when your day's tasks seem manageable? Welcome to the realm of the 'Mental Load' - an invisible but often overwhelming burden that falls on women's shoulders. I'm your host, Lyanette Talley, and this week on Virago 24-7, we're peeling back the layers on this cognitive effort that pervades every aspect of our lives - from work and relationships to household management.Let's unpack this together - sharing experiences, victories, and strategies. Discover how to lighten your mental load with practical tips from delegating tasks to family members, to writing down to-do...
2023-09-2726 minVirago 24/7Breaking the Cycle Part 2 Let's continue the journey with Dawn Roberts and Briana Deck. This episode delivers a real-life narrative of loss, love, and survival. From discovering her estranged brother only to lose him to a drug overdose, to navigating her father's troubled legacy and her mother's return from prison, Dawn's story is one of resilience and strength. This episode's narrative is filled with emotional ups and downs that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you inspired.Dawn shares her survival tactics - from stealing to using drugs - and the realization that good looks can’t save you in cour...
2023-09-1346 minVirago 24/7Breaking the Cycle Part 1What happens when a family's dark history of crime, addiction, and evasion of the law catches up with them? This powerful episode invites you on a journey through a troubled past with our guests, Dawn Roberts and her daughter, Briana Deck. Tune in as Dawn confesses her criminal past, shares her story of recovery, and demonstrates how she's breaking the generational cycle of destruction that has plagued her family. From teaching her daughter to shoplift to coping with the arrest and subsequent sentencing of her parents, Dawn opens up in a brutally honest discussion about their lives...
2023-09-061h 02Virago 24/7From Isolation to Inspiration: Veronica's Faith-Filled JourneyWhat if you could witness a miracle through relentless faith? Join me, Lyanette Talley, as we journey through a story of unshaken faith and miraculous healing, the narrative of Veronica. This woman, having been isolated for twelve long years, teaches us about determination, the power of seeking help, and the importance of placing faith over fear.We draw parallels to our own lives, emphasizing the principle of not being afraid to ask for help and trusting in divine timing. Veronica's story also brings to light the concept of everyday warriors, those of us who muster courage to...
2023-08-3129 min