In My Shell

In My Shell

By Ludovica BallouSociety & Culture
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In My Shell episodes

  • Documenting Artistic Lives

    What does it actually mean to live a creative life?

    In this episode, Samuel Garza Bernstein reflects on his career across theater, film, acting, writing, and biography, and how each experience has shaped the way he understands art and creativity. We talk about the artists who have influenced his work, his experience writing about the lives of artists like Roddy McDowall, and what studying their careers has taught him about his own.

    Samuel also shares his perspective on acting, identity, representation, and the difference between performing a character and fully embodying one. We discuss the realities of creating art, including collaboration, censorship, and creative compromises. Together, we explore what it means to build a creative life while continuing to learn from the artists who came before us.


    Follow Bernstein Here

    Instagram

    Facebook

    Website

    56 min
  • Rewired to Prevail

    Youness El Fehdi is a polyglot, author, motivational speaker, and host of the YE show. His content focuses on positivity and self-improvement, autism advocacy, health and wellness, and language mastery. El Fehdi’s mission is to help you achieve your goal by offering simple and actionable steps.

    In this episode we discuss

    • Rewiring a negative mindset 

    • Entrepreneurial lifestyle 

    • Being a parent to a child with autism

    • How he overcame type 2 diabetes 

    Follow Youness here 

    Youtube

    Instagram

    51 min
  • The Cost of Becoming Yourself | Why Reinventing Your Identity Feels Like Grief

    Some of the hardest decisions you'll ever make don't look brave. They look like anxiety, exhaustion, and quietly questioning everything you've ever believed.

    In this episode, Audra Phelps (Mama Audra) shares what it took to leave the Mormon church, rebuild her identity, and learn to trust herself again. We explore grief, motherhood, self-worth, and why becoming yourself is often the hardest transformation of all.


    If you’re a woman navigating life after leaving a high-control organization, Audra is offering podcast listeners 50% off their first individual coaching session.

    This opportunity is open to women from any high-control organization—not just Mormonism.

    Learn more about one-on-one coaching and book a free consultation to see if you’re a good fit: https://mamaaudra.com/oneonone


    Follow Phelps here

    https://www.instagram.com/mamaaudraofficial/

    https://www.youtube.com/@Mama-Audra

    51 min
  • Turning Pain Into Purpose

    What happens when your darkest chapter becomes someone else's reason to keep going?

    After surviving her own mental health struggles, Kyah Springs turned her pain into purpose by founding Six Feet Above, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health advocacy.

    In this episode, Kyah opens up about the moments that changed her life, how faith transformed her healing journey, why asking for help is so difficult, and what it truly means to be there for someone in crisis. She also shares the impact of Six Feet Above's annual Mental Health Awareness Festival and the mission driving its work.

    This is a conversation about resilience, purpose, and the power of choosing hope—not just for yourself, but for others.

    Follow Kyah

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyahhjo/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sixfeetabovela

    54 min
  • Turning Pain Into Purpose

    What happens when your darkest chapter becomes someone else's reason to keep going?

    After surviving her own mental health struggles, Kyah Springs turned her pain into purpose by founding Six Feet Above, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health advocacy.

    In this episode, Kyah opens up about the moments that changed her life, how faith transformed her healing journey, why asking for help is so difficult, and what it truly means to be there for someone in crisis. She also shares the impact of Six Feet Above's annual Mental Health Awareness Festival and the mission driving its work.

    This is a conversation about resilience, purpose, and the power of choosing hope—not just for yourself, but for others.

    Follow Kyah

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyahhjo/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sixfeetabovela

    54 min
  • Behind the Image A Model's Perspective

    This week, I sit down with Model Emma Burg We talk about how modeling first entered her life, what the industry has taught her, and her experience working internationally, including Milan Fashion Week.

    Emma shares the moments that challenged her most, the growth that came with them, and what life is really like behind the scenes of creating the 'perfect' image.

    Follow Emma

    IG: @emmakateburg

    TikTok: @emmakateburg

    54 min
  • Life Is a Canvas

    Join us for an in-depth conversation with artist Paul Schexnayder as we explore his journey through illustration, storytelling, and children’s literature. He shares how his unique perspective has shaped both his creative voice and his work.In this episode, we dive into:

    • What led him to pursue a career in art
    • The inspiration behind his children’s books
    • How his creative process blends words and visuals
    • Memorable moments from teaching and exhibiting
    • His thoughts on storytelling, emotional intelligence, and creative expression
    • His expansion into galleries and film, including festival features

    This episode is a must-listen for artists, educators, and anyone curious about the power of storytelling and visual art. Follow Paul SchexnayderInstagram: schex66

    Facebook: Paul Schexnayder 

    58 min
  • The Sign That Inspired a Foundation

    The experience of walking alongside her mother through cancer changed the course of Jessica Piglia's life—and ultimately inspired the creation of When Dragonflies Appear, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families facing serious illness feel supported, seen, and less alone.

    In this episode, Jessica shares the story behind the dragonfly sign that became a lasting connection to her mom, her experiences with mediums, and the hidden emotional, financial, and mental challenges many caregiving families face behind closed doors. We discuss anticipatory grief, caring for a parent, finding meaning after loss, and why she believes no caregiver should have to navigate the journey alone.

    43 min
  • Hire a planner so you can be present

    What does it actually take to turn creativity into a business? Ligia, founder of Justina Belle Events, shares the unseen side of event planning — undercharging, creative risk, emotional labor, and the pressure behind creating meaningful experiences for other people. The episode also explores grief, healing, and how personal experiences shape the way we create.

    ⁠Follow Ligia ⁠

    ⁠Instagram: @justina.belle.events⁠⁠

    TikTok: @justina.belle.events⁠

    51 min
  • From Music to Real Estate Videography

    Ludovica sits down with Gibran Nassif, founder of House of Lens, a New Orleans–based company creating luxury real estate and business video content. Gibran shares his path from music to film, including touring with Awolnation and Imagine Dragons, the philosophy behind his work, and what it takes to build a creative brand with intention. Gibran is also the creator of Keyed Up and founder of EnableClaryn, an AI tool focused on helping businesses gain clarity.

    Special thanks to Gibran for editing this episode.

    Follow Gibran

    @gibrannassif

    @itshouseoflens

    30 min

About In My Shell

From the publisher's feed

In My Shell is about growth — the quiet kind that happens when we start asking honest questions. Host Ludovica Ballou talks with creators, dreamers, and community voices about creativity, change, and the courage it takes to be seen.