Heavy Topics With Lightweights

Can you imagine a world where women... run it? The pandemic has shown major flaws in the political system and some still believe women are incapable of leadership roles. Yet, New Zealand, Taiwan and Iceland, all lead by women, have coronavirus related deaths under 10. This episode isn't all about lack of female representation in politics (truth be told, it's only about 5 minutes of it) but it is an interesting thought. As we think about the group of women we surround ourselves with chances are they are: 1. queen multitaskers, 2. attentive and loving caregivers, 3. boss ass bitches, 4. constantly thinking about how to make life better for their family and community. 

... sounds like great leader qualities to us. 

To try BetterHelp, use our code LIGHTWEIGTHTS for 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Lightweights

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @heavytopics!

It only took us six months and a global pandemic but we're finally back with season 2!

We really appreciate you sticking with us (...hopefully...). As mentioned in the episode, we previously recorded a few episodes before COVID-19 happened, but we didn't think it was appropriate to start season two without mentioning what was going on with the world. So think of this episode as an appetizer to the rest of the season.

We hope you all are staying mentally and physically healthy and would encourage you to buy some wine next time you go grocery shopping so we can drink together every Wednesday.  We really appreciate each and every one of you who have listened to us over the past year. Your comments, feedback and words of encouragement have meant so much to us. 

If you'd like to try BetterHelp, use our code LIGHTWEIGTHTS for 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Lightweights

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @heavytopics!

Holy cow - we made it. Our last episode of season 1!

We wanted to make it a very special one so we answered some listener questions and talked about two MAJOR topics that everyone struggles with at some point in their lives: 

- how do you know you're with "The One"?

- how do you know you're in the right career? 

YIKES! 

We really appreciate each and every one of you who have listened to us this season. Your comments, feedback and words of encouragement have meant so much to us. We hope to see you all in season two!

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @heavytopics!

Today we sit down with Cassidy Cousens - the founder of 1 Method drug and alcohol treatment center. We discuss what drives addiction, what it means to be an addict and what it's like to be in recovery. Cassidy shares his personal experience with addiction and talks about how his treatment center is based around fitness and living a healthy lifestyle and how the connection between fitness, mental health and addiction can lead to breakthroughs. In case you're wondering - we did drink wine while recording - and decided that Aja might be next in line for an intervention.  

If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction you can contact 1 Method here: 1 (800) 270-1389

Visit the website here and follow them on Instagram here. 

If you'd like to learn more about the fitness/wellness program at 1 Method, call Jenna Morigi: (310) 694-4085

What happens when we don't have a guest scheduled? We drink.

In today's episode we basically talk shit about everyone. From Lauren Conrad to Revolve, no topic is off limits. 

Plus, Laura indulges us in stories of eating edibles and being felt up at Bible camp (on two separate occasion btw).

So pop your favorite bottle and enjoy listening to two girls who are truly out of their minds. 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @heavytopics!

Death.  It's a topic we tend to avoid talking about. What happens to your loved ones you leave behind  when you die? If left with the task of pulling the plug on someone you love as they suffered could you do it? These are questions we discuss in this episode with Derek as he shares the beautiful story of his wife's life, the grueling road of her suffering, how he ended her life and his mission now that she's gone.  

Check out Derek's book Tea Time with the Reaper here. 

Follow along on Instagram 

Stay tuned for the Tea Time with the Reaper podcast coming soon

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @heavytopics!

HIV. 

Turns out, it's not that bad. 

In today's episode we talk to Kelly Gluckman, a 32 year old activist living with HIV. Diagnosed in her 20's, Kelly has turned a heartbreaking diagnosis into a passion to educate. We talk about how she contracted the virus, the coping mechanism that saved her live and the major role Planned Parenthood played in her journey. 

Oh ya, plus we drank. A lot. 

To follow Kelly's journey, follow her on Instagram @KellyGluckman. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @heavytopics!

*episode notes*

If you need sexual health and family planning services, please go to Planned Parenthood and/or Venice Family Clinic (Los Angles based)

For more information about HIV & AIDS: https://www.poz.com/, http://www.hivequal.org/ and https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/  

The Through Positive Eyes exhibit at the Fowler Museum at UCLA is going until Feb 16, 2020. If you'd like to see Kelly perform, head over to the website and check the dates and times. 

Immigration. It's a hot topic these days.

No matter what your political opinion is on the matter, here's our question: have you actually talked to someone who immigrated to America? 

Do you know their story? 

Today we talk to creative director extraordinaire Nicole Solissison. Her family fled the Philippines 20 years ago and are still having a hard time finding a pathway to citizenship. Every immigration story is different. With Nicole we talk about how an ICE agent helped her family, what it's like being a DACA recipient and how the overall system is just a cluster fuck of insanity. 

The only way the country will be able to find solutions to our immigration problem is to talk to people who know what's wrong with the system. We hope this episode starts a dialogue. 

To follow Nicole, follow her on Instagram @NicoleSolissison. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @heavytopics!