Not Alone

This episode is brought to you by Little Saints, a zero-sugar, non-alcoholic cocktail and spirits brand created for people who love the ritual of drinking but not the aftermath. Use code VALERIA for 15% off at https://littlesaints.com

In this episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with Megan Klein, founder of Little Saints, a non-alcoholic cocktails and spirits brand, for a candid conversation about sober curiosity, reinvention, and building a business that challenges the way we socialize. Megan shares her unconventional career path and what she discovered after testing nearly every non-alcoholic drink on the market. They dive into betting on yourself, her Shark Tank experience (and why she walked away from the offers), and her complicated relationship with the word “sober.” The conversation goes deeper into the physical and emotional effects of alcohol, why so many of us drink to numb, and what dating without alcohol can look like. Megan also opens up about how her personal experiences, including extensive work with ayahuasca, shaped her outlook on wellness, presence, and connection. It’s a thoughtful, honest episode about choosing clarity, building something meaningful, and redefining what it means to feel good.

Follow Little Saints on Social Media

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Megan’s Book Recs:

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron - https://amzn.to/498dvYq 

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas - https://amzn.to/44QVHys 

Shop my looks from this episode: 

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What we talked about: 

0:20 - Dry January & Sober Curiosity 

2:35 - Introducing Megan Klein

4:19 - Start of interview

6:55 - Her common thread through careers

9:55 - Pivot from farming to a food brand

12:04 - Birth of Little Saints during Covid

13:18 - Testing all the non-alcoholic drinks

15:03 - Explaining Little Saints

16:50 - Decision to invest her own money

17:28 - Selling Little Saints out of a trailer

19:18 - Megan’s Shark Tank experience

21:57 - Why she didn't take the deal

22:40 - After the tank

23:40 - Why she dislikes the word ‘sober’

27:30 - The side effects of drinking alcohol 

31:30 - Drinking to numb ourselves

33:00 - Personal benefits from not drinking

35:54 - Doing Ayahuasca 60 times 

38:16 - Lessons learned from Ayahuasca

39:42 - Data about the impact of alcohol 

41:14 - Dating without alcohol 

43:50 - What’s next for Little Saints

48:10 - Megan’s book recommendations

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This week, we’re rolling out some of Gary’s most iconic moments on Not Alone with a compilation of his most memorable conversations. We’re starting with the story of how Gary and Valeria’s age gap shaped their relationship from day one, how their mothers reacted, the moment Gary asked for Valeria’s hand in marriage. Then, we shift into a raw and revealing conversation about infidelity, why men cheat, the role of emotional maturity, the importance of communication, and why working on yourself is essential to building a lasting relationship. Finally, we dive into marriage and money: power dynamics, childhood beliefs around wealth, business wins and losses, spending freedoms in marriage, and the decisions that shaped their future together. This is the ultimate “Gary Edition,” full of vulnerability, humor, and the kind of perspective you can only get from Mr. Lipovetsky.

Listen to the full episodes here:

Bridging the Gap: Age Differences and Marital Challenges with Gary Lipovetsky:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hCykGJXAgE&t=1153s

Why Do Men Cheat? Understanding Infidelity in Relationships & Marriage:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0FlLiQmsxI

Money and Marriage: An Honest Conversation About Our Finances with Gary Lipovetsky:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOzQ6arTX44

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https://shopmy.us/collections/1442019

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Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ 

https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky

Follow Not Alone: https://www.instagram.com/notalonepod/?hl=en

https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod

What we talked about: 

0:28 - Setting up Gary’s compilation episode

2:52 - What their moms thought of their age gap

7:10 - Asking Valeria’s mom for her hand in marriage

8:02 - Gary’s relationship with Valeria’s mom

10:13 - Advice for couples with an age gap 

12:36 - The mentality difference when it comes to age

15:34 - Gary uplifting Valeria’s career

16:37 - Meeting Kris Jenner

19:00 - Gary’s proudest moments

20:35 - Theories on why men cheat

27:13 - Why men in their 20s cheat

30:19 - Gary was a ghoster

35:00 - The golden cage

35:50 - Communication is key

36:24 - Being satisfied with your marriage

38:10 - Importance of working on yourself in marriage

39:35 - Valeria never feeling poor as a child

41:43 - Gary’s deal that didn’t go through

45:20 - Wives needing permission to spend money

49:44 - Best money Gary has ever spent

50:50 - Valeria’s nutrition diploma

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In Part 2 of Valeria’s conversation with Dr. Mindy Pelz, the focus shifts from understanding menopause to actively working with it to improve your life. Dr. Mindy introduces the concept of “microdosing menopause,” breaking down simple, daily habits women can use to support their changing brains and bodies, from metabolic markers like hemoglobin A1C to lifestyle shifts that ease anxiety and improve energy. They dive into why menopause often acts as a mirror, revealing what’s no longer working in your life, while reframing this phase as a powerful leadership chapter rooted in the “grandmother hypothesis.” The episode also covers how to communicate changes with partners, which hormones to check at different ages, how to build a true alliance with your doctor, and a clear-eyed discussion of peptides and hormone replacement therapy. Ultimately, Dr. Mindy reframes menopause not as something to “get through,” but as a strategic, self-aware upgrade, one that gives women the tools, clarity and confidence to step into the most grounded and powerful phase of their lives.

Follow Dr. Mindy on Social Media

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mindypelz/?hl=en

TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@drmindypelz

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/drmindypelz

Shop her new book, AGE LIKE A GIRL, and others: https://www.drmindypelz.com/books

Listen to her podcast: https://www.drmindypelz.com/resetter-podcast

Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/3269976?tab=collections

Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ 

What we talked about: 

0:24 - End of Hanukkah 

0:42 - Setting up Part 2 with Dr. Mindy

1:35 - ‘Microdosing Menopause’ concept

3:15 - Start of conversation

4:02 - Make sure hemoglobin A1C is close to 5

4:45 - Daily habits you can do to support the changes

6:15 - Communicating changes with partners

10:50 - What’s causing anxiety

13:28 - Menopause is a mirror of what is & isn’t working 

16:10 - The grandmother hypothesis

19:16 - The leadership phase

26:00 - What hormones women should check at certain ages

30:15 - Form an alliance with your doctor

32:45 - What we need to know about peptides

34:22 - Pros and Cons of Hormone Replacement Therapy

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In part one of this powerful and insightful two-part conversation of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with Dr. Mindy Pelz to unpack the real reason she wrote Age Like a Girl, and why menopause is far more than a hormonal ending, but a profound rewiring of a woman’s brain and identity. Dr. Mindy opens up about her own breaking point, the need to pull away and admit “I’m not okay,” and what actually happens to women emotionally, neurologically, and metabolically as estrogen fades. Together, they explore the loss of key neurochemicals, the shift away from people-pleasing, and why menopause may be preparing women to become better, more intentional leaders. This episode also offers practical insight for women in their 30s and 40s on lifestyle changes, micro-habits, and ways to support dopamine, serotonin, and metabolic health, setting the foundation for the next chapter of power rather than decline.

Follow Dr. Mindy on Social Media

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mindypelz/?hl=en

TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@drmindypelz

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/drmindypelz

Shop her books: https://www.drmindypelz.com/books

Listen to her podcast: https://www.drmindypelz.com/resetter-podcast

Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/3269976?tab=collections

Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ 

What we talked about: 

0:35 - Celebrating the holidays with family

2:05 - Introducing Dr. Mindy Pelz

4:16 - Start of the interview

5:12 - Why she wrote “Age Like a Girl”

8:42 - Dr. Mindy’s personal journey with menopause

11:00 - The breaking point 

11:52 - Pulling away & needing isolation

14:07 - Admitting to people “I’m not okay”

17:43 - What happens to women after menopause

18:45 - Losing the neurons that make women people-pleasers

20:56 - Learning to ask yourself “What do I want?”

23:36 - The three phases of rewiring in women’s brains

26:01 - Menopause rewires women to be better leaders

29:20 - Losing over 12 different neurochemicals 

30:51 - What 30 & 40-year-olds need to know now

31:08 - Lifestyle & neurochemical shifts

32:10 - Getting metabolic system in order

34:26 - Making time for yourself

35:24 - Ways to help dopamine & serotonin 

39:04 - Shifting out of your old habits

40:36 - Becoming more sensitive to your environment

42:36 - Microdosing habits

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In this special “Miami Besties” episode of Not Alone, Valeria brings together the most memorable, honest, and vulnerable moments from her conversations with the women closest to her. The episode begins with friend Vita Sidorkina, whose conversation dives into raising resilient kids, the value of honesty with children, and the Russian cultural principles she still carries. Plus, an open conversation about how “daddy issues” can shape who we choose to marry and life with a husband who is 20 years older. Next, Isabela Grutman reflects on what marrying young taught her, navigating the early modeling world, and the reality of “high-value” men. We also get into long-term partnerships, and what it means to renegotiate your marriage as you evolve. Then, Martha Graeff opens up about her first marriage, the courage it took to prioritize her mental health, and the financial realities of leaving, including why she believes prenups are empowering, not limiting. Finally, Camila Coelho shares her deeply personal experience growing up with epilepsy, from getting diagnosed as a child to managing her condition as an adult, and the stigma that still surrounds it. 

Together, these conversations reveal the raw, real, and resilient sides of womanhood, friendship,and the stories that shape us.

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Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ 

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Follow Not Alone TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod

What we talked about: 

0:26 - Setting up the “Miami Besties” Episode

1:53 - Introducing friend Vita Sidorkina 

3:22 - Start of Vita 

3:26 - Bringing back honest communication with children

5:09 - People being too soft

7:28 - Russian values Vita holds on to

9:50 - Not growing up with childhood trauma

11:15 - Daddy issues & marital age-gaps

15:21 - Introducing friend Isabela Grutman

16:22 - Start of Isabela 

16:26 - Wasting people’s time

18:06 - Marrying young vs. later in life

21:47 - Modeling at a young age

22:57 - Women looking for high-value men

23:53 - Lessons from marriage

25:15 - Not taking everything personally

26:18 - Renegotiating the marriage terms

30:01 - Introducing friend Martha Graeff

31:07 - Start of Martha 

31:28 - Early days with her ex-husband

33:35 - Prioritizing mental health

35:16 - Financial aspect of leaving your marriage

36:09 - Importance of a prenup 

38:25 - Introducing friend Camila Coehlo

39:41 - Start of Camila 

40:19 - Getting diagnosed with epilepsy as a child

44:00 - Managing her type of epilepsy

45:55 - The stigma around epilepsy

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In this week’s episode of Not Alone, Valeria and Gary sit down to unpack the wild, hilarious, and surprising stories that caught their attention recently. What starts as a response to her last solo episode, quickly turns into a rapid-fire conversation about everything from “Scrotox” going mainstream to the debate around who really sets beauty standards. They dive into the rise of the “facekini,” why broke men date attractive women, and what healthy masculinity actually looks like today. Gary brings his own lineup of headlines too, including the unexpected link between Viagra and hearing loss prevention, a new app changing how people flirt, and why old-school tech is making a comeback. The two also break down the Chiara Ferragni scandal, challenge each other over an “offensive” post, and end with a debate on why women multitask better. It’s chaotic in the best way - smart, funny, and filled with the kind of honest back-and-forth only these two can deliver. 

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Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ 

What we talked about: 

0:19 - Responding to feedback about lip filler

2:32 - Setting up this episode with Gary

3:19 - Start with Gary

6:22 - “Scrotox” going mainstream

9:06 - Beauty standards

13:40 - The “Facekini” industry

16:13 - Broke guys dating attractive women

18:19 - Healthy masculinity

19:18 - Gary’s stories from the week

19:47 - Viagra could help hearing loss

22:41 - New app for sending someone a drink

25:00 - The evolution of technology

28:38 - Chiara Ferragni scandal

35:07 - Gary calls Valeria out for “offensive” post

36:59 - Why women are good at multitasking

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In this episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with content creator, entrepreneur, and Aureum co-founder Cass DiMicco for a deeply relatable conversation on ambition, creativity, and the evolving meaning of success. Cass opens up about the early signs that hinted at her creative future, her leap from fashion buyer to full-time influencer, and the vulnerability that came with putting herself online. She shares how Aureum was born from intuition, grit, and a little bit of impulsiveness, and opens up about what it took to run the business during its first year ‘til now, and how she stays connected to her “why” while navigating pressure, growth, and creativity - all while trying to start a family.

Cass and Valeria also dive into the truth behind the “Girl Boss” era, the myth that women need to choose between career and motherhood, and the importance of carving out solitude to stay grounded and creatively aligned. From delegation and leadership to letting go of control and imagining what’s next for Aureum, this episode is an honest look at womanhood, work, and the freedom that comes from paving your own path.

Follow Cass on Social Media

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassdimicco/?hl=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cassdimicco?lang=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CassDiMicco

Shop Aureum Collective: https://aureumcollective.com

Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/2984674?tab=collections

Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ 

What we talked about: 

0:28 - Debrief on Valeria’s Nashville Girls Trip

2:56 - Cass DiMicco intro

4:10 - Start of interview

4:23 - Their inspiring female entrepreneur event with Emma Grede

9:10 - Childhood signs that led to Cass’s creative future

12:02 - Early days as a buyer 

13:09 - Starting her blog

13:35 - Quitting her job, influencing full time

16:14 - The difficulty of putting herself out there

19:45 - The “no plan” plan

21:00 - Starting Aureum

25:07 - The need to delegate 

30:38 - Huge success the first year

32:32 - Pressure to scale the business

35:45 - “Connected to my why”

36:27 - Being ready for motherhood

37:48 - The “Girlboss” Era

39:10 - Career & Motherhood, no right answer

41:35 - Being creatively vulnerable

43:58 - The importance of being alone with your thoughts

45:00 - Using her environment to level herself up

48:04 - Ready to loosen the reigns 

49:16 - What’s next for Aureum

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In this solo catch-up episode, Valeria invites listeners into a candid life update that is messy, honest, and a little chaotic in the best way. She recaps her recent trip to Nashville and the inspiring female entrepreneur event she attended before diving into a wide-open Q&A. From beauty procedures and where she stands on lip filler to the latest on her nose job and why she doesn’t wear her engagement ring, nothing is off the table. Valeria also talks about reconnecting with her body, the importance of intentional time with girlfriends, and the perspective that keeps her from living with regrets. She shares a therapy update, her best advice for keeping a marriage thriving, and why she believes there's no single “right” way to live, especially in a place overflowing with possibility.

Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2924722

Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ 

What I talked about: 

0:06 - Why this episode might be a rough but fun one

0:26 - Debriefing her Nashville trip

2:55 - Female entrepreneur event with Emma Grede

8:00 - Start of Q&A portion

8:23 - Recent beauty procedures

15:29 - Update on her nose job

16:02 - Not wearing her engagement ring

17:18 - Tips for connecting to your own body

19:17 - Spending intentional time with girlfriends

21:09 - Why she wouldn't change any part of her past

24:27 - Therapy update

25:49 - Advice for keeping your marriage alive & well

29:35 - Never being set in a right or wrong way to do things

31:45 - The abundance of living in Miami / The U.S.

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In this week’s episode of Not Alone, Valeria is joined by Gary for a fun, unfiltered, not-so-deep chat about the latest pop culture headlines, and a few real-life reflections along the way. Fresh off Valeria’s dream trip to Peru, the two unpack everything from “Nobody Wants This” Season 2 and Kristen Bell’s Instagram backlash, to Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s surprising split. They debate modern marriage, from separate bedrooms to taking your spouse’s last name, and share their thoughts on chivalry, “the princess treatment,” and who should pick up the bill. Valeria challenges Gary on talking about pop culture (who proudly doesn’t keep up) and why sometimes, it’s okay to care about the “dumb stuff.” It’s a light, honest, and hilarious peek into how two very different minds see love, fame, and everyday life. 

Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/2843418?tab=collections

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What I talked about: 

0:18 - Start of the episode

0:25 - Follow @notalone.pod on TikTok

0:38 - Dream trip to Peru debrief

2:09 - Trying something new in today’s episode with Gary

4:05 - “Nobody Wants This” season 2

6:30 - Converting to Judaism

8:33 - People criticizing the show

10:58 - Fortuna Skin Ad

12:35 - Kristen Bell IG post backlash

16:20 - Married couples with separate bedrooms

20:11 - Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban ending 19-year marriage

21:30 - “Babygirl” Movie

24:30 - Defining a successful marriage

27:29 - Thoughts on Katy Perry & Justin Trudeau dating

29:44 - Husbands taking wives’ last name

31:15 - Gary’s vintage kick

32:38 - Confusion around Katy & Justin

34:59 - Is Chivalry dead?

36:39 - Splitting the bill

39:15 - Bringing back the “Princess Treatment”

41:29 - Landlines are back

43:08 - Dumb phones vs. smart phones for kids

45:15 - Not easy talking to Gary about pop culture

47:10 - Advice from Amanda Hirsch

47:33 - Caring about dumb stuff

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In this solo episode of Not Alone, Valeria takes listeners on a journey through her past and present, from celebrating her 35th birthday and Rosh Hashanah with family, to reflecting on the early days of her modeling career in Paris and Japan. She opens up about the lessons learned from those formative years, from living in cramped model apartments to finding her voice and standing up for herself in an often unforgiving industry. Valeria also shares how she’s been reconnecting with joy and confidence lately, discovering new passions like dance, heels classes, and even a few unexpected finds (like smut & Quinn). It’s a nostalgic, funny, and refreshingly honest episode about growth, self-expression, and feeling empowered at every stage of life.

Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2723615

Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ 

What I talked about: 

0:30 - Start of the episode

1:00 - The decision to throw a birthday party

3:20 - The family birthday dinner

4:00 - Rosh Hashanah & family traditions

5:50 - Early modeling days in Paris

8:13 - The hard lessons learned

11:25 - Living in a model apartment

13:15 - Standing up for herself and others

16:00 - Living in Japan & enjoying life

17:06 - Being part of the golden era of modeling

18:11 - Discovering smut & spreading the word

21:00 - Stumbling upon Quinn & loving it

22:20 - Taking a heels class

24:50 - Dancing in the Russian culture

25:59 - Feeling herself & learning new things

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