Lex sits down with author Liv Maddux (aka Lizzie) a tech exec and debuting author, to discuss her book Eight Days in a World Apart. The book was born of a deeply personal long-distance relationship that ultimately came to an end. Liv, a techie at heart, looked to AI to help her examine 500+ pages of WhatsApp messages. The episode explores how Liv used this process to re-examine the relationship, reconnect with herself, and find healing through creativity.

Liv talks openly about authenticity, rejection, and emotional growth. She shares how AI surfaced patterns she hadn’t noticed, how she faced her own self-criticism, and how she decided to show up more grounded and aligned with her values. She also reflects on how being authentic has cost her relationships, but led to deeper self-connection and stronger bonds with people who accept her fully.

If you've ever struggled with letting go, faced heartbreak, or felt the fear of showing up as your full self, this conversation will hit home. It's vulnerable, insightful, and filled with real talk about what it means to own your story.

Find Liv: Instagram: @ms.olivia.maddux
Book: Eight Days in a World Apart available on Amazon https://a.co/d/irowTmu
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01:37 Meet the Author: Liv Maddux
02:46 The Journey to Authenticity
07:14 Writing the Book: A Therapeutic Process
10:46 Lessons from Relationships and Self-Discovery
13:26 Connection and Empathy
23:19 Navigating Self-Criticism and Personal Growth
33:40 Reflecting on Past Relationships and Friendships
34:10 Living a Life of No Commitment
35:03 Unexpected Connections and Friendships
35:44 Authenticity in Relationships
36:52 Mimetic Desire and External Validation
37:35 Personal Growth and Following Your Gut
39:26 Writing and Authenticity
42:03 Balancing Authenticity and Boundaries
44:03 Facing Rejection and Staying True to Yourself
53:22 Daily Practices for Staying Authentic
55:55 Books and Media Influences
57:24 Final Thoughts and Reflections
01:03:14 Outro and Podcast Recommendations

#TransformationalJourneys #AuthenticLiving #AIandHealing #LivMaddux #CreativeHealing #PersonalGrowth #LongDistanceLove #SelfDiscovery #HealingWithAI #EmotionalGrowth