Confident Collective

Are you someone who has been on birth control for years yet doesn't really understand its long term effects? How familiar are you with your cycle? Did you know that having horrible PMS symptoms is NOT normal and due to hormone imbalances that we can fix through lifestyle adjustments in each phase of our cycle? Unfortunately, women haven't been well-informed about our own bodies, but it's time to take our power back and equip ourselves with knowledge of how our bodies can function their best. And we have the best guest to lay it all out for us "hormone virgins" in this episode!

Alisa Vitti is busting female wellness myths and teaching us how to get to know our bodies and cycles better. Alisa Vitti is a women's hormone and functional nutrition expert and pioneer in female biohacking. She is the best selling author of WomanCode, and her new book, In the FLO. She is the creator of the Cycle Syncing Method™— a female centric diet and lifestyle program that leverages hormonal patterns for optimal health, fitness and productivity. As the founder of FLOLiving.com, she has built the world's first menstrual healthcare platform that helps women around the world put their period issues like PCOS, Fibroids, Endometriosis, and PMS into remission naturally using her highly effective FLO Protocol and the FLO Balance Supplements.

Get out your notebooks, because this episode is full of information you need to know to optimize your life through hormone balancing with the Cycle Syncing Method. We talk about why so many women struggle with hormone imbalances, how to cycle sync your workouts, what to eat in the different phases of your cycle, and so much more. We know you're going to learn so much in this episode, just like we did. Make sure to share this episode with a friend because all women deserve to know what's going on with their bodies.

"That whole relationship that women historically have had with exercise, with fitness, with dieting, with their bodies, with weight has been made unnecessarily toxic because they've been given a blueprint that belongs to the self optimization for a man's metabolism. I created the cycle synching method because the form of our self care must follow the function of our hormones." - Alisa Vitti

What we talk about:

• Alisa's journey with PCOS that led her to this work

• Why we haven't learned about hormone balancing until now

• What is cycle syncing?

• The effects of women being left out of medical fitness and nutrition research

• Food and fitness you should incorporate in each phase of your cycle

• Why women shouldn't follow a static routine

• The root of women's toxic relationship with food and exercise

• Why you have brain fog

• Where to start with cycle syncing

• What happens to your cycle on birth control

• The disadvantages to not ovulating during your reproductive years

• The contraceptive gel you should ask your doctor for

• Ask Away: my mom is constantly bringing up my weight. What can I do?

"The cycle syncing method is the method I created to help women really understand what to do to take care of themselves correctly in each phase of their cycle. Doing this reduces stress, protects your delicate reproductive hormone balance, protects ovulation, reduces PMS, keeps blood sugar; does all the things you need it to do which is the direct opposite of how you've been told to care for yourself." - Alisa Vitti

New podcast episodes of Confident Collective drop every Tuesday.

Thank you to our sponsors:

• Go to zocdoc.com/CONFIDENT and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. Then find and book a top-rated doctor today. Many are available within 24 hours.

• Get $20 off your fertility test when you go to ModernFertility.com/TCC.

• Learn more and save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/confidentcollective or use code "confidentcollective" at checkout.

Resources:

• Download the app: MyFlo - myflotracker.com

• Go to Floliving.com for supplements

• Read In the Flo and Woman Code by Alisa Vitti

• Follow @alisa.vitti and @floliving on Instagram

• Follow us on Instagram: @confidentcollective

• Follow the Hosts/Founders: @kristinazias & @raeannlangas

• Learn more: https://www.theconfidentcollective.com/

• Join the Facebook group.

• Subscribe to ournewsletter for weekly updates, reminders and what we're obsessed with.

Get ready for some laughs as we dive into our personal unpopular opinions. This IS a comedy podcast after all, right?! First, it's dating story time with Raeann as she shares the awkward moment she had on a recent date in NYC. Kristina's also sharing an update about what she's trying to accomplish before baby #2 arrives and how she's feeling in her body. Then, Raeann and Kristina share their unpopular opinions on foods, traditions, trends, habits, places and celebrities they think are overrated. Do you agree or disagree? What are some of your unpopular opinions? Share them in our Facebook group!

"The 'I hate men' narrative is so unproductive. I want a man who respects and loves women and I do think they exist." - Raeann

What we talk about:

• Dating storytime!

• What Kristina's trying to get done before the baby comes

• Nikolas' first Disneyland trip

• Reflecting on pregnancy and body acceptance

• What people are saying about Raeann on Reddit

• Raeann's hair extensions review: do you need to spend $2k?

• Unpopular opinions about our culture, trends, traditions, clothes, food, celebs, etc.

• Ask away: how do you know someone's right for you or just telling you what you want to hear after a month of dating?

"Drinking is so overrated. When you wake up hungover and you look in the mirror and see every wrinkle and pore because your skin is so dehydrated, it is not cute." - Kristina

New podcast episodes of Confident Collective drop every Tuesday.

Resources:

• If you're looking for an easier way to take supplements, Athletic Greens Is giving you a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with your first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/CC or use promo code "cc" at checkout.

• Follow us on Instagram: @confidentcollective

• Follow the Hosts/Founders: @kristinazias & @raeannlangas

• Learn more: https://www.theconfidentcollective.com/

• Join the Facebook group.

• Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, reminders and what we're obsessed with.

Welcome Ashley and Taryne, fellow besties turned podcast co-hosts of Unsolicited Advice podcast, to the Confident Collective! We love hearing Ashley and Taryne's amazing advice and perspectives as we tackle some complex and interesting scenarios and give our advice. We'll be discussing everything from navigating the dating scene & confidently setting boundaries after going through physical changes to reigniting the spark in your long term relationship. We all have unique insights to share based on our individual experiences, and hope we can help with situations you have or potentially will go through. Make sure to check out Unsolicited Advice to hear more from us!

"If that person can't accept anything about you, whether it's a scar, boundaries or preferences you have then that's not your person and that's a reflection of them, not you." - Taryne (@tarynerenee)

"In the fun magazines I'd look at the clothes then I'd read the advice columns in the back. I loved the advice columns: how they were funny, embarrassing, sometimes serious and mostly about relationships and that's what I wanted my podcast to be. Once I figured that out, I knew I had to do it with Taryne." - Ashley Nichole (@ashnichole)

What we talk about:

• What 2023 goal Raeann has already given up on

• Grilling is for the guys or #girlswhogirll?

• Baby update

• Do you shave your toes?

• An embarrassing story from Raeann

• Our current Tik Tok rabbit holes

• Our hot take on the debate: women who want to have kids vs women who don't

• How Taryne and Ashley's friendship formed

• Taryne and Ashley's secret talents

• Our advice for scenarios like:

• How to be confident dating after going through physical changes

• How to get through a sex life rut or dry spell in your relationship and support a partner going through something difficult

• When a guy love bombs then ghosts you then comes back asking for forgiveness, should you give him another chance?

"We make excuses for people because we are looking at the potential that we see and not the facts that are presented to us." - Raeann Langas

New podcast episodes of Confident Collective drop every Tuesday.

Resources:

• Learn more and save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/confidentcollective

• Check out Unsolicited Advice Podcast with Ashley and Taryne

• Follow us on Instagram: @confidentcollective

• Follow the Hosts/Founders: @kristinazias & @raeannlangas

• Learn more: https://www.theconfidentcollective.com/

• Join the Facebook group.

• Subscribe to ournewsletter for weekly updates, reminders and what we're obsessed with.

We're sharing our mindset heading into 2023, and the different categories of goals and intentions we've set for the new year. We're focused on taking steps to feel our best and work towards positive, supportive change. We're excited to share our thought process and how to set goals that are sustainable and attainable. We hope this episode helps you feel inspired, motivated or encouraged to go after the things you want that come from your heart. You can make your life feel however you want it to! There's no better time to start than now.

"Setting goals and intentions for the new year is about being mindful of what life you want to create and taking the steps to get there." - Kristina Zias

What we talk about:

• Baby update from Kristina

• Raeann's feelings about packing up her LA apartment

• How we're feeling starting the new year

• How to embrace the present moment

• Enjoying the day to day journey to your goals

• How to figure out what your goals and intentions are

• Our goals and intentions for the year in these categories:

• Personal development

• Career

• Health and wellness

• Financial

• TCC Goals

• Ask Away: Advice for overcoming jealousy in your relationship

"Whatever your goals are with health and wellness, you need to enjoy the journey of what that is. That's more important than having a specific looking body." - Raeann Langas

New podcast episodes of Confident Collective drop every Tuesday.

Resources:

• Get $20 off your fertility test when you go to ModernFertility.com/TCC

• If you're looking for an easier way to take supplements, Athletic Greens is giving you a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with your first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/CONFIDENTCOLLECTIVE.

• Go to GreenChef.com/TCC60 and use the code TCC60 to get 60% off plus free shipping.

• Follow us on Instagram: @confidentcollective

• Follow the Hosts/Founders: @kristinazias & @raeannlangas

• Learn more: https://www.theconfidentcollective.com/

• Join the Facebook group.

• Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, reminders and what we're obsessed with.

Alexa Lemieux has had such a big impact on curvy women all over the world, including Raeann and Kristina, and we loved watching her journey to find love on the reality TV show, Love Is Blind. Her confidence has sparked positive, dare we say viral, attention on the internet and she has inspired women to be unapologetically themselves and take up space. Although breaking the reality tv mold wasn't exactly part of her plan, she has embraced her position as a role model for curvy women with pride. Hear the inside scoop about her unconventional and in some ways groundbreaking journey to the altar with her now husband, Brennon, what her expectations were going on the show, what her dating life was like before meeting Brennon, how they've strengthened their relationship since the show, when they want to have kids and seriously SO much more. If you're an Alexa superfan like we are, you're going to love getting to know her better in this episode.

"It's not something I planned on doing; to be a curvy representation on TV. It just kind of came out that way and I am really glad that it did. If that's something I'm going to stand for, that's a really great thing to stand for." - Alexa Lemieux

"What helps me a lot of the time is knowing this is such a temporary feeling, and next week you're not going to be thinking about how down you are. When you've made it through your lowest, you know you're doing to be fine." - Alexa Lemieux

What we talk about:

• Update from Raeann's psychic

• What Alexa's dating life was like before she went on Love is Blind

• What dating in the pods was like for Alexa

• How Alexa gained and cultivated her confidence

• What helps Alexa boost her confidence

• Being unapologetically yourself and taking up space

• Alexa's mindset about body confidence going on reality TV

• Did Alexa describe her physical appearance before meeting Brennon face to face?

• Was Alexa nervous about what people would say about her weight?

• Not limiting yourself to one "type" when you're dating

• Why Alexa almost left the show

• Does there need to be an initial spark or can it grow?

• How to have a thriving sex life

• Alexa's favorite things about being married

• How Alexa and Brennon handle conflicts

• Alexa's opinion on the cutie incident

• When are Alexa and Brennon having kids?

• Get to know Alexa better in our rapid fire segment

• Ask Away: How to make friends in a new city

"I'm not for everyone and I shouldn't be. If I was for everyone that wouldn't make sense. We're all supposed to be so different." - Alexa Lemieux

"Brennon and I would not be together if I did not put myself out there. During the show I was going to peace out and imagine if I did." - Alexa Lemieux

New podcast episodes of Confident Collective drop every Tuesday.

Resources:

• Learn more about BetterHelp and save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/confidentcollective.

• Kristina's Drew Barrymore Show segment

• Follow Alexa: @mrsalexalemieux

• Watch Love Is Blind Season 3 on Netflix

• Domestic violence hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/

• Follow us on Instagram: @confidentcollective

• Follow the Hosts/Founders: @kristinazias & @raeannlangas

• Learn more: https://www.theconfidentcollective.com/

• Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, reminders and what we're obsessed with.

ICYMI: Raeann is officially moving to NYC! Check out this solo episode where Raeann is giving you the exclusive update on how she's adjusting. Is NYC really more expensive than Los Angeles? What's the dating situation? Has she noticed an energetic difference living on her Jupiter line versus Pluto line? Raeann is answering your most common questions and giving her advice for anyone looking to make a similar move. Plus, hear about our TCC dreams for 2023 here first! Remember, getting outside of your comfort zone is the best way to build your confidence. Have fun hanging with Rae!

"If there is something you want to do in your life, just go for it. It's going to be scary and terrifying. But then you're going to blink and you'll be living in a reality that was just a dream for you." - Raeann

What we talk about:

• Did Raeann get scammed by a psychic? Hear about her $500 experience

• Prices of things (fitness classes, apartments, etc.) in NYC vs LA

• Tips to making a transition to a new city easier

• Raeann compares dating in NYC vs LA

• Are East-coasters mean?

• What she loves about NYC

• Next steps for Raeann moving to NYC

• Goals and intentions for 2023

• What to expect from TCC in 2023

"People see me differently here. People see me for who I truly am and recognize that which is really cool and feels good." - Raeann

New podcast episodes of Confident Collective drop every Tuesday.

Resources:

• Follow us on Instagram: @confidentcollective

• Follow the Hosts/Founders: @kristinazias & @raeannlangas

• Learn more: https://www.theconfidentcollective.com/

• Subscribe to ournewsletter for weekly updates, reminders and what we're obsessed with.

This guest has transformed Kristina's life. Dany D'Andrea is a professional home organizer and styler, and will give you a holistic approach to editing your home that will impact more than just your closet. In this episode, Dany shares her easy tips for home organization that will transform your space. She offers insight about how and where to start decluttering your home, how you can identify your aesthetic in order to be more intentional with your purchases, and how to know if it's time to part with an item in your closet. She acknowledges the financial and emotional impact this process can have, and gives great advice for working through it. Enter 2023 with a clear mind and a clear space! There's seriously nothing more liberating.

Takeaways & Tips from Dany:

"Action inspires motivation. It's not actually as intense as your mind has built it up to be." -Dany

"A lot of people don't realize that their disinterest in wearing something is because they actually don't feel comfortable in it physically." - Dany

"Ask yourself: how do you use the space the most?" - Dany

What we talk about:

• Nervous bumpdate from Kristina

• Raeann's recent dating hack & update from Brooklyn

• Navigating the physical changes of pregnancy and how it affects confidence

• How to start organizing your space

• How to edit out items in your closet

• What to do with items that have sentimental value

• Reevaluating shopping habits

• The #1 rule for cycling items through your closet

• Honing in on your personal aesthetic and style

• Helpful tools for organization

• Tips for styling items and creating a practical flow

• Ask Away: advice for saying no, listening to your intuition and enforcing your boundaries in a sketchy situation

"I don't think you understand how liberated I feel after having Dany in my space. She's been so instrumental in clearing my mind and my space." - Kristina

"We see something that's on trend and we want to buy it, but we don't think about how it makes you feel. It just boils down to being more intentional with your purchasing habits." - Raeann

New podcast episodes of Confident Collective drop every Tuesday.

Resources:

• Work with Dany: https://www.spatialsoulutions.com/services

• Follow Dany on Instagram: @dany_d.andrea

• Dany's Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dany_d.andrea

• Follow us on Instagram: @confidentcollective

• Follow the Hosts/Founders: @kristinazias & @raeannlangas

• Learn more: https://www.theconfidentcollective.com/

• Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, reminders and what we're obsessed with.

The holidays can be a crazy busy time of year. Between going to events, finding the perfect outfit for said events, shopping for yourself and others, and taking advantage of all of the festive activities, there's so much to do in such a short amount of time. We're hoping to take some of the stress out of the season by sharing some of our favorite outfit recipes you may already have in your closet, seasonal activities you shouldn't miss, tips for staying within your budget, and reminding you to take time to rest. You can enjoy the holidays without breaking the bank or feeling mentally and physically drained!

"If I can't think of 3 ways to style it with items I already have in my closet, I'm not going to get it." - Raeann

"Rest up. Don't feel pressure to have to do everything, have to go to everything. You don't." - Kristina

What we talk about:

• How Raeann's adjusting to the nomadic lifestyle

• Takeaways from the Lizzo concert

• Tips for shopping for holiday outfits (sustainability and cost effectiveness)

• Outfit recipes you may already have in your closet

• Embrace the season with our favorite holiday activities

• How to make the holidays more budget-friendly

• Tips for keeping up with your health and wellness routines

• Ask Away: How have you settled into your inherent worthiness? Tips for not getting down when you get ghosted or rejected.

"When you are so ruthlessly and authentically yourself, and don't care if people don't like you, then that confidence continues to grow." - Kristina

New podcast episodes of Confident Collective drop every Tuesday.

Resources:

• Follow us on Instagram: @confidentcollective

• Follow the Hosts/Founders: @kristinazias & @raeannlangas

• Learn more: https://www.theconfidentcollective.com/

• Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, reminders and what we're obsessed with.

Do you know what your body likes and desires? Do you want connect more intimately with your partner, or just feel more confident saying what you want? We all deserve to feel empowered in our sex life. Today's guest is an expert in the sexual wellness space and is about to teach you how to experience more pleasure and feel more connected to your body.

Kiana Reeves is an educator, practitioner, speaker, and leading voice in the sexual wellness movement. Her approach is wholistic and includes the emotional, biological, social, and spiritual nature of sex & intimacy. Her work in this field ultimately led her to join Foria as Chief Content Officer, where she has helped grow and shape the sexual wellness brand over the last five years.

In this episode, Kiana explains how masturbating really is self care, beneficial from a health perspective and can improve your overall sex life. We cover the science behind orgasms, how to experience more pleasure, and how to communicate your desires with your partner. We also talk about removing shame from the equation when it comes to sex, and embracing vulnerability. Whether you already feel sexually empowered or don't even know where to start, we know this conversation will inspire you to try something new & have a better sex life.

"Masturbation and orgasms can boost your immune system, it can support your sleep, it's really good at resetting your response to stress and lowering cortisol. When you orgasm and when you're touching your body or masturbating, experiencing pleasure, you're releasing dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins. All of those chemical cocktails really play a role in feeling powerful, creative and connected." Kiana Reeves

What we talk about:

• Our Thanksgiving plans

• Raeann's latest date story

• The activity that's changing Kristina's life for the better right now

• Feeling FOMO from social media

• Is dating in NYC better than in LA?

• Thoughts on the recent season of Love Is Blind

• Viewing masturbation as self care

• How masturbating impacts your sex life with a partner

• The science behind the positive effects and health benefits of self pleasure

• How to be more comfortable with masturbating

• Addressing the shame around self-pleasure

• Embodiment practices for self-pleasure

• Kiana's recommendations for beginner tools and toys

• Destigmatizing the use of lube

• The pressure we put on sexual performance

• What impacts our arousal and sexual pleasure physiologically

• Can using a vibrator "too much" be a negative thing?

• How to get out of your head during sex

• How to have the best or multiple orgasms

• Tips for talking to your partner about sex

• How and when to communicate what you want with your partner

• Ask Away: Is it okay to not have a "wild phase"?

"To destigmatize the use of lube: When you introduce lube, research shows that all parties experience more pleasure." - Kiana Reeves

New podcast episodes of Confident Collective drop every Tuesday.

"When you expand your pleasure capacity and pathways, what's possible in your body alone really impacts what's possible in your body with a partner." - Kiana Reeves

Resources:

• Follow Kiana @kiana.reeves

• Get some Foria Arousal Oil and explore their resources

• Follow us on Instagram: @confidentcollective

• Follow the Hosts/Founders: @kristinazias & @raeannlangas

• Learn more: https://www.theconfidentcollective.com/

• Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, reminders and what we're obsessed with.

Diet culture and thin-praising has been highlighted in news articles, entertainment and culture a lot lately, and we know how harmful these messages can be. If you're struggling with comparison, or the pressure to be thinner or lose weight before going home for the holidays, hit play on this episode to reframe your mindset on what will really help you feel more confident, and remind yourself that your worth is not tied to your weight. If you're being influenced by negative comments or people around you that believe being thin or losing weight is the answer to your problems, you have the power to change the conversation. And we've got your back.

"I don't have a goal to dress to look thinner. I have a goal to wear things that make me feel confident, feel cool or inspire me in some way. That's something we have to remind ourselves: you don't have to dress to look thinner. You don't have to workout to lose weight." - Kristina

What we talk about:

• Raeann's first week in NYC recap

• THE BEST event Kristina has been to with Knix and Ashley Graham

• Why the New York Post article mentioning "heroin chic" is so harmful

• Body types as "trends"

• How the Kardashian's body types have changed and how that influences culture

• The responsibility influencers have to be transparent around weight loss

• Our confidence during times we were more thin than we are now

• Figuring out why you want to lose weight

• Setting an example for those around you by standing up for yourself

• How to keep people in your life from impacting your body confidence

• Ask Away: How do I deal with wedding diet or weight loss pressure from my family when I actually feel really confident in my body?

"During that time in my life I could not have felt worse about myself. I thought I was the biggest human being to walk the earth. I'm 30 pounds heavier now and I'm so much more confident. Losing weight will not make you happier in your body if you're not doing it for the right reason and if you're doing it for outside validation." - Raeann

New podcast episodes of Confident Collective drop every Tuesday.

Resources:

• The New York Post article

• Follow us on Instagram: @confidentcollective

• Follow the Hosts/Founders: @kristinazias & @raeannlangas

• Learn more: https://www.theconfidentcollective.com/

• Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, reminders and what we're obsessed with