Alex is a growing influencer that shares a love for fashion, photography, dance, and art. He expresses himself through these creative outlets and shares them with the world. In this intimate interview, we dive into his coming out story, what it was like growing up in a white Christian community as a gay black kid, and his experiences at Pride. As you listen, you get a glimpse into the behind the scenes humanness of the influencer life. Alex makes you feel supported, accepted for who you are, and less alone in this life. Hear what he has to say and leave a rating and review!!

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Connect with Alex:

• Instagram: @alexgowon
• Youtube: Alex Gowon
• Alex's Presets
• Alex's Merch

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Song: Here Comes The Change by Kesha

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Follow along with the rest of my journey.

• Instagram: @whytli
• Website: whytli.com
• Contact me here.

Support the show

*Disclaimer* 

Whytli here. I would like to make an update edit stating that, in the time since this episode was posted, I have discovered that many of my personal values may not align well with those of the episode's guest(s). This is based on stances they have taken and/or shared on social media, etc. Although I may not 100% agree anymore with everything that was said, I don't feel the need to take down this episode because it may still have valuable content or messages that some may need to hear. If you are listening to this older episode, you may keep that in mind.

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In this week's episode, I interview an old friend, Annie Romano, as she tells her experiences battling obsessive compulsive disorder and social anxiety. She has graduated with her bachelor's of science in psychology so that she can turn around her struggle to help others. She shared her #NoFilter story about mental illness through my foundation, End The Stigma, so be sure to check it out. Annie is lovable, genuine, and intelligent. Listen in for her thoughts on mental health stigmas, her experiences both good and bad in therapy, and how reaching out for connection has helped heal her. 

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Resources:

• Annie's #NoFilter Video

Websites:

• Nami.org
• Nimh.gov
• MentalHealthAmerica.net
• PsychologyToday.com {Find a Therapist}
• EndTheStigma.org

Books:

• OCD Workbook

Instagram:

• @endthestigmaorg

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Song: Ooh Child by MILCK

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Follow along with the rest of my journey.

• Website: whytli.com
• Instagram: @whytli.com
• Contact me here. 

Support the show

*Disclaimer* 

Whytli here. I would like to make an update edit stating that, in the time since this episode was posted, I have discovered that many of my personal values may not align well with those of the episode's guest(s). This is based on stances they have taken and/or shared on social media, etc. Although I may not 100% agree anymore with everything that was said, I don't feel the need to take down this episode because it may still have valuable content or messages that some may need to hear. If you are listening to this older episode, you may keep that in mind.

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After M shared her #NoFilter story about an eating disorder, I knew I had to have her on the podcast to allow her a space to talk further about her experience and things she's learned.

Last week, M and I discussed eating disorders, diet culture, and intuitive eating. In this second interview, we speak more to body image, beauty, and learning to love yourself. If you haven't already, listen to last week's episode and watch M's #NoFilter story. 

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Resources:

• M's #NoFilter Video

Websites:

• IntuitiveEating.org
• EndTheStigma.org
• TiffanyRoe.com
• BeautyRedefined.org

Books:

• Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole & Elyse Resch
• Intuitive Eating Workbook by Evelyn Tribole & Elyse Resch
• Don't Be Pretty article by Glennon Doyle Melton

Instagram:

• @endthestigmaorg
• @heytiffanyroe
• @glennondoyle
• @jameelajamilofficial
• @i_weigh
• @beauty_redefined

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Song: Hold On by Wilson Phillips

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Follow along with the rest of my journey.

• Website: whytli.com
• Instagram: @whytli
• Contact me here.

Support the show

*Disclaimer* 

Whytli here. I would like to make an update edit stating that, in the time since this episode was posted, I have discovered that many of my personal values may not align well with those of the episode's guest(s). This is based on stances they have taken and/or shared on social media, etc. Although I may not 100% agree anymore with everything that was said, I don't feel the need to take down this episode because it may still have valuable content or messages that some may need to hear. If you are listening to this older episode, you may keep that in mind.

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After M shared her #NoFilter story about an eating disorder, I knew I had to have her on the podcast to allow her a space to talk further about her experience and things she's learned. 

In this intimate interview, M and I delve deeper into what her eating disorder looked like, the difference between disordered eating and eating disorders, what diet culture is and its harmful effects, and the wonders of intuitive eating. This episode covers everything under the sun but it is full of vulnerable and heartfelt content. 

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Resources: 

• M's #NoFilter Video

Websites:

• IntuitiveEating.org
• EndTheStigma.org
• TiffanyRoe.com

Books:

• Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole & Elyse Resch
• Intuitive Eating Workbook by Evelyn Tribole & Elyse Resch

Instagram:

• @endthestigmaorg
• @heytiffanyroe

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Song: Fight On, Fighter by for King & Country

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Follow along with the rest of my journey.

• Website: whytli.com
• Instagram: @whytli
• Contact me here.

Support the show

There's a false sense of security in planning out your future detail by detail, years in advance. The thing is, we don't plan for the bumps in the road, the trials, the obstacles, and the plot twists. When your life changes in the blink of an eye, your sense of security in planning out your life is wiped out from under you. That's why I live by the statement: 'Next right thing, one thing at a time.' 

In this episode, I talk about surrendering my control and letting go of my white knuckled grip on life which in return brings me more peace and trust. Through all of the insecurity of life's events, I talk about how I have learned resilience and a security in self when everything and everyone else is unreliable and not certain. I can always rely on myself in hardships knowing that I am strong and I am capable of doing hard things. 

Before I dive in, I speak about my experiences this past weekend speaking at an event with my foundation, End The Stigma.

Tune in and let me know what you think through a rating or review!

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Resources:

• Episode 5: Navigating Control
• Born To Shine by Ashley LeMieux
• End The Stigma
• Stephanie Dawn Elizabeth

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Song: Free Life by Dan Wilson

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Follow along with the rest of my journey.

• Instagram: @whytli
• Website: whytli.com
• Contact me here. 

Support the show

In this week's episode, I talk about the different experiences I had going to the same Lights Festival two years in a row. Through my collection of stories, I learned an assortment of life lessons. The feeling and experience of 5,000 lights being released into the dark sky is indescribable but I do my best to sum it up in a poetic and metaphorical way. I speak to the burdens that were lifted, the love and connection that flourished, and the light that ignited within all of us in that moment. I also talk about the importance of slowing down and embracing the NOW, what it's like to be an empath, and feeling both positive and negative feelings all at once.

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Experience a Lights Festival here!
My first experience: video, pictures, and Instagram captions
My second experience: video, pictures, and Instagram captions

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I forgot to shout out the song that wrapped up the episode but here's the song I was thinking of. Give it a listen and listen to the lyrics!
Song: Shine by LOLO

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Follow along with the rest of my journey.

• Instagram: @whytli
• Website: whytli.com
• Contact me here.

Support the show

In this interview with Spencer Rogers, scientist, silversmith, and artist, we talk passionately about what toxic masculinity looks like, how it affects the men and boys in society, and dismantling those beliefs or characteristics. Spencer speaks from his own experience of not fitting the status quo of manliness and how that has affected his self esteem and identity. He also suffers with mental health challenges and discusses the stigmas and shame around men having feelings. He answers questions regarding raising boys, starting conversations about this topic, and holding compassion for others unlearning the toxic form of masculinity.
Listen in to this vulnerable, powerful conversation I had with Spencer and share it with your friends!!

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Resources

• Song: Grow As We Go by Ben Platt
• Book: The Heart of a Boy: Celebrating Strength and Spirit of Boyhood by Kate T. Parker
• Video: Boys Will Be...

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Contact Spencer

• Instagram: @artbyspence
• Website: artbyspence.com

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Follow along with the rest of my journey.

• Instagram: @whytli
• Website: whytli.com
• Contact me here.

Support the show

Through the many hardships, labels, trials, and stereotypes we face in life that make us feel lonely, you'll find that you aren't actually alone when you surround yourself with a group of people that are going through the same things. I explain the refreshing and validating experience of sharing the burdens with a support system that feels your same pain. Through vulnerability, you can begin to seek and attract your tribe, your people, your circle of strength. This will make a world of a difference in your healing journey and becoming the best version of yourself. Listen in for a dose of hope in your loneliness! 

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Resources mentioned:

• What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagan
• End the Stigma - teen mental health foundation
• My story of mental illness
• My story of sexual & mental abuse

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Song: Broken by LovelyTheBand

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Follow along with the rest of my journey:

• Instagram: @whytli
• Website: whytli.com
• Contact me here.

Support the show

In this BONUS episode, I provide a guided meditation complete with a body scan and personal pep talk. To preface this episode, listen to my prior episode that dives into what meditation looks like. Take 12 minutes out of your day to put some calm in your every day chaos of life by tuning in to this guided meditation.

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Guided Meditation Apps:

Calm - My personal favorite app full of specific meditation series - special breathing methods, meditation for kids, and sleep meditation series.

Stop, Breathe, & Think - This app does a personal check-in where you document the well-being of your physical state, mental state, emotions you're feeling, and then it gives you recommended meditation series according to your results.

Sanity & Self - This app is more specifically for women and girls with series on relationships, self love, beauty, etc.

Anxiety Release - This app is based off of EMDR therapy to help retrain your anxious brain.

Think Up - This app isn't so much meditation but more affirmations. You can record you saying a personalized affirmation and play it on repeat.

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Follow along with the rest of my journey.
Instagram: @whytli
Website: whytli.com
Contact me here. 

Support the show

If you brave this episode, you'll start to find out that meditation actually isn't all that scary. Life is so fast-paced, everything is instant at our fingertips, and we rush so quickly from to-do list to to-do list that we almost forget to breathe. Meditating - even for just 5 minutes a day - can re-center your inner peace and help carry you through this ever spinning world with grace and a calm nature. The thing is, there is no right or wrong way to meditate, so really, everyone has the capability to meditate.

I go through my personal predetermined beliefs or myths about meditation along with my experience meditating. I especially emphasize the myth that meditation is having zero thoughts. I then walk through the varieties of meditation and creating a meditation practice specific to your needs and likes. I talk a lot about your breath and breathing patterns that allow you to slow down and refocus your mind.

Following this episode, I have a BONUS episode - a guided meditation!! Keep listening for a 12 minute guided meditation that will put the calm in your chaos.

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Guided Meditation Apps:

Calm - My personal favorite app full of specific meditation series - special breathing methods, meditation for kids, and sleep meditation series.

Stop, Breathe, & Think - This app does a personal check-in where you document the well-being of your physical state, mental state, emotions you're feeling, and then it gives you recommended meditation series according to your results.

Sanity & Self - This app is more specifically for women and girls with series on relationships, self love, beauty, etc.

Anxiety Release - This app is based off of EMDR therapy to help retrain your anxious brain.

Think Up - This app isn't so much meditation but more affirmations. You can record you saying a personalized affirmation and play it on repeat.

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Follow along with the rest of my journey.
Instagram: @whytli
Website: whytli.com
Contact me here.

Support the show