Not Alone

This episode is brought to you by Floatley - A bra brand offering feel-good basics that combine cloud-like comfort with reliable support. Try our bestselling Cozy Adjustable Bra at https://www.floatley.com/products/cozy-adjustable and get 20% off your order with code VALERIA20, plus free shipping on US orders over $50.

In this revealing episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with an OG digital creator, entrepreneur and mom Brittany Xavier, for an honest conversation about faith, motherhood, and staying grounded in a rapidly changing online world. Brittany opens up about her early start on social media, the business behind her brand, and the journey from being a young single mother to one of the most recognizable figures in the influencer space. She shares how trusting in God’s plan guided her through life’s biggest turning points, from choosing to keep her baby and balancing school, work, and motherhood, to navigating a difficult custody battle and ultimately finding her voice through content creation.

Together, Valeria and Brittany explore what it means to live authentically online, the lessons she’s passed down to her daughter about social media and technology, and how her family’s move from California to Tennessee brought both public scrutiny and peace. It’s a conversation about growth, resilience, and choosing faith and family over everything, and a reminder that the most powerful influence comes from being true to who you are.

📱Follow Brittany:

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/brittanyxavier

Website: https://brittanyxavier.com/

Brittany’s Book Recommendations:

The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus:

https://amzn.to/4o4sZ4B

I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist: https://amzn.to/4ob6B9S

Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2702040

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

What we talked about: 

0:29 - Valeria’s upcoming trip to Peru

0:47 - Introducing Brittany Xavier

2:12 - Start of interview

2:45 - Brittany’s start on social media

4:39 - The business behind the posts

6:33 - Brittany’s early motherhood days

7:30 - The decision to keep her baby

13:02 - Being a young mother

15:06 - Floatley Ad

16:15 - Balancing school, work and motherhood

18:42 - The decision not to pursue law school

20:42 - Trusting her faith in God and his plan for her

22:25 - Her custody battle

23:14 - Signs from God

24:33 - Her community

25:26 - Her daughter and social media

27:25 - Children and technology

28:22 - Teaching her daughter the business side of TikTok

29:31 - Brittany’s shift in content 

32:16 - The shifting of priorities

33:52 - The decision to leave California

36:26 - Backlash on their move to Tennessee

39:49 - Dealing with the online hate

43:36 - Being her most authentic self online

48:13 - Bringing faith to the forefront 

49:50 - Brittany’s book recommendations

52:22 - Her biggest regret

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This episode is brought to you by Natural Cycles: The company changing the contraception game with the world’s first FDA-cleared birth control app. Whether you're looking to prevent pregnancy or plan for it, the Natural Cycles app offers a non-hormonal, non-invasive alternative to traditional birth control. Right now, you can get 15% off an annual subscription plus a freeBluetooth thermometer when you visit https://www.naturalcycles.com and use promo code VALERIA at checkout. Natural Cycles is for 18+ and does not protect against STIs. Always read and follow the instructions for use.

In this episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with Dr. Elina Berglund Scherwitzl, a former particle physicist turned femtech innovator, and the co-founder of Natural Cycles, the first FDA-cleared birth control app. Together, they dive into how Dr. Elina’s background in physics led her to develop a groundbreaking algorithm that helps women better understand their bodies, and offers a hormone-free alternative to traditional birth control.

The conversation explores everything from the skepticism she faced in disrupting a multi-billion-dollar industry, to how data and wearable technology are transforming women’s health. Valeria and Dr. Elina discuss the phases of the female cycle, the negative effects of hormonal birth control, and the importance of empowering women with better education and tools for their reproductive health. They also touch on the future of personalized medicine, male contraception, and the potential of syncing our lives more intentionally with our bodies.

📱Follow Dr. Elina:

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

About Natural Cycles:

Website: https://www.naturalcycles.com/

Dr. Elina’s Book Recommendation: This Is Your Brain on Birth Control

Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2638644

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

What we talked about: 

0:19 - Halloween at the Lipovetsky’s house

1:20 - Introducing Dr. Elina Berglund Scherwitzle

2:42 - Start of interview

4:00 - Dr. Elina’s background as a physicist 

5:13 - Starting Natural Cycles

7:00 - Creating an algorithm as a birth control method

9:00 - Skepticism about disrupting the birth control industry 

12:50 - Explaining how Natural Cycles work

13:35 - How the algorithm works

14:39 - Effectiveness is the same as hormonal birth control

17:17 - Negative effects of hormonal birth control

19:00 - Perimenopause 

21:00 - Changing sex ed

22:22 - Thoughts on male contraception

24:20 - Breaking down the phases of female cycles

26:15 - Monthly fertile window

27:40 - Women with Irregular cycles using Natural Cycles

29:00 - Getting Natural Cycles data to doctors

30:15 - Wearable technology

31:20 - Working with her husband

32:55 - The future of women’s health

36:53 - Can women sync their cycles?

37:20 - Users questions and comments

40:13 - Dr. Elina’s Book Recommendation

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Vuori: Versatile athletic and performance clothing. Head to https://vuori.com/notalone for 20% off your first purchase, plus free shipping on US orders over $75.

This episode is brought to you by Floatley - A bra brand offering feel-good basics that combine cloud-like comfort with reliable support. Try our bestselling Cozy Adjustable Bra at https://www.floatley.com/products/cozy-adjustable and get 20% off your order with code VALERIA20, plus free shipping on US orders over $50.

In this heartfelt episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with her husband Gary for an intimate and honest conversation about family life, parenting, and the values that shape their home. Together, they open up about raising their three boys and reflect on how their approach to parenting has evolved over the years. From Gary’s “clairvoyant” instincts about their kids’ genders to navigating the early days of parenthood and finding patience along the way, the couple shares stories that are both funny and deeply touching. They discuss teaching their sons critical thinking in the digital age, the importance of leading by example, and how they stay intentional about what they allow into their home. With moments of laughter, reflection, and even tears, Valeria and Gary discuss what kind of parents they want to be for their boys, and why, in the Lipovetsky household, accountability, integrity, and love are always at the core.

Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2558840

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

Books I Mentioned:

The Sovereign Child - https://www.amazon.com/Sovereign-Child-Forgotten-Philosophy-Liberate/dp/1544547978

What we talked about: 

0:20 - Valeria sets up episode with Gary on raising boys

2:48 - Gary and Valeria start chatting

3:04 - Gary noticing their kids seem smarter

3:58 - Max’s magical birth 

4:55 - Finding out the gender of their babies

5:07 - Gary’s clairvoyancy with Jake

6:33 - Max’s gender reveal story

8:46 - Valeria’s mother wanting a girl  

9:43 - Experiencing no gender disappointment

10:16 - Honeymoon stage with the boys now

11:52 - Valeria thinking Gary’s takes the lead on parenting

13:08 - Vuori Ad

14:05 - Floatley Ad

17:09 - Finding your parenting style

17:27 - Gary’s motivation when it comes to the kids

20:52 - Not limiting access to the internet, teaching critical thinking

23:46 - “The Sovereign Child” Book

24:45 - Regretting lack of patience with the first child

27:12 - The different relationships with each child

28:25 - Valeria wanting to see more role model dads

30:14 - Lipovetsky core family values 

31:16 - Most repeated phrase in the household - “that’s not fair”

35:37 - External validation is very short-lived & won’t make you happy

37:29 - What the boys will say about their dad in 20 years

39:54 - Open House night at the kids’ school

40:48 - Non-negotiables in the household

42:11 - Gary’s favorite “Just the two of us” lyrics

44:27 - Gary preparing kids for the day he won’t be around

47:00 - Crying on the podcast

48:08 - Talking about the business in front of the kids

49:40 - Evolving as parents

50:20 - Gary’s focus on leading by example

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This episode is brought to you by Furtuna Skin: Italian, olive oil–based skincare that’s pure, potent, and transformative. Try their eye revitalizing cream and more at https://www.furtunaskin.com, and get 20% off your first purchase with code VALERIA20.

In this solo episode of Not Alone, Valeria opens up about the emotional work she’s doing behind the scenes as she enters her next stage of growth. From revisiting therapy and learning how to embrace joy after being raised in a “survival household,” to reflecting on vulnerability, creativity, and her openness to new things living in Miami. Valeria shares an honest glimpse into the challenges and breakthroughs shaping her right now. She questions how to be both an emotional and high-functioning person and wonders if it’s possible. She answers listener questions with her signature candor, talks about the pressure of always being “on” online, and even revisits stories from her past, including her “trophy wife” days and a behind-the-scenes Victoria’s Secret moment that made her step away from modeling. It’s a thoughtful, intimate conversation on emotional growth, choosing joy and stepping into a new chapter with more presence and purpose.

Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/2501087?tab=collections

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

Books I Mentioned:

The Many Lives of Mama Love - https://www.amazon.com/Many-Lives-Mama-Love-Stealing/dp/1982197668

God Wears Lipstick - https://www.amazon.com/God-Wears-Lipstick-Kabbalah-Women/dp/1571895817

The Art of Thinking Clearly - https://www.amazon.com/Art-Thinking-Clearly-Rolf-Dobelli/dp/0062219693

What we talked about: 

0:24 - Start

1:10 - Working overtime on my emotional state

3:00 - Needing help for the next evolution of Valeria

4:05 - Revisiting therapy 

6:35 - “I cried of course”

7:30 - Being at the right place at the right time

8:36 - Needing more joy in life 

11:14 - Furtuna Skin Ad

12;33 - “I don't trust emotions”

14:49 - Being raised in a survival household

16:00 - “I’m ready to embrace joy”

17:15 - Answering listener questions

17:19 - Being vulnerable online

19:20 - Wanting to work on being less cautious online

20:31 - What I’m enjoying most about Miami

23:03 - Men being attracted to caretaker types

24:15 - Reminiscing on trophy wife days

25:48 - Pressure to always be “on” creatively 

27:39 - Have any past failures kept you from trying something new?

28:48 - Victoria’s Secret story

31:30 - Ben’s camp calling Gary first

33:31 - Valeria’s Book Recs

33:42 - The Many Lives of Mama Love

35:47 - God Wears Lipstick

36:18 - The Art of Thinking Clearly

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In this episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with Amanda Hirsch, the voice behind the hit podcast and Instagram account Not Skinny But Not Fat. Known for her witty, unfiltered takes on pop culture and reality TV, Amanda opens up about her journey from acting and odd jobs in Israel to becoming one of the internet’s go-to voices on celebrity culture.

They dive into everything from boy-mom life and her unapologetic obsession with pop culture (yes, the Britney and Justin breakup was a turning point) to the behind-the-scenes of launching Not Skinny But Not Fat. Amanda shares how she went from a meme page to interviewing A-listers, how becoming a mom didn’t change things, and how she balances sharing opinions while navigating the sensitive side of gossip.

From her first big celebrity interview to the moments that made her spiral, her reality TV recs, and what it’s really like meeting your icons, Amanda proves that loving the “silly stuff” can build a serious career. It’s a funny, honest, and refreshing conversation about building something on your own terms, and how you can feel truly content when you embrace what you love.

Follow Amanda on Social Media

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notskinnybutnotfat

Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@notskinnybutnotfat 

Get Tickets to Amanda’s Live Show: https://www.livenation.com/event/k7vGFbiQbfwrP/one-night-only-with-amanda-hirsch

Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2478422

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

What we talked about: 

0:26 - Episode Intro

0:30 - Valeria on work trips and being away from home

1:24 - Intro to Amanda Hirsch

2:58 - Start of Interview

3:01 - Being a boy mom

5:02 - Amanda’s current show obsession

7:40 - The start of the pop culture obsession 

8:02 - The Britney and Justin breakup

9:52 - Media-trained celeb culture

11:06 - Loving ‘Love Thy Nader’

12:06 - Amanda Hirsch’s acting career

15:10 - Working odd jobs in Israel

17:41 - Being content with life

20:15 - The hard move back to New York 

22:32 - Starting ‘Not Skinny but Not Fat’

23:26 - Interacting with the OG Meme Accounts

24:20 - Bringing Amanda and her opinion to the account

26:51 - Knowing something would come of it all

27:45 - Not being aesthetic, being approachable

30:02 - Kids don’t stop your career

31:07 - Loving the same dumb things after kids

32:35 - Getting nitty gritty DMs & not posting

33:45 - Connecting on pop culture for water cooler talk

35:35 - Knowing all the pop culture gossip in Israel

36:50 - Sensitivity with sharing information

40:50 - Interview moments that made her spiral after

42:59 - Watching cringey celebrity interviews

44:13 - Amanda’s first big celebrity interview with Erin Foster

46:30 - Still excited to do her job

48:27 - Getting cancelled on 3 times by her idol

50:00 - Meeting her pop culture heroes 

51:05 - Meghan Markle

51:51 - Amanda’s first live show

54:35 - Wanting to quit ‘Love Island’ 

55:50 - Amanda’s reality TV recommendations

56:54 - Valeria’s pop culture obsession

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In this week’s episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with lifestyle photographer, cookbook author, and content creator Chloé Crane-Leroux for an inspiring conversation about art, food, and finding balance in a world that never stops moving.

Chloé opens up about her early years growing up in Montreal, always driven by a “five-year plan,” and a desire to create beauty. She shares her journey from the highs and challenges of the fashion industry to discovering a more soulful creative outlet in food photography and storytelling. Together, she and Valeria dive into burnout, creative ruts, and the pressures of the internet, while also exploring the rituals and meditations, like cooking, that ground her in joy.

Chloé reflects on the vulnerability of sharing her life online, the profound loss that shifted her perspective, and why she no longer clings to rigid plans for the future. At its heart, this episode is a reminder that your life is your art and your canvas, and that creativity thrives not just in output, but in presence, connection, and growth.

Follow Chloe on Social Media

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

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

Website: https://www.chloecraneleroux.com/

Get Chloe’s Recipes: https://www.chloecraneleroux.com/recipes

Shop Chloe’s Essentials: https://www.chloecraneleroux.com/chloes-essentials

Chloe’s Book Recommendation: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2357926

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

What we talked about: 

0:34 - Valeria sets up episode

1:03 - Introducing Chloe Crane-Leroux

2:19 - Start of interview

5:27 - Growing up in Montreal surrounded by art

7:35 - “I’ve had a 5-year-plan since I was 5-years-old”

8:01 - Wanting to create beauty and share it

9:10 - The toxicity of the fashion industry

11:29 - Switching to food photography

13:03 - Going in front of the camera

15:10 - Creating cookbooks with her mom

16:20 - Teaching herself to cook

20:06 - Reaching burnout

22:39 - Creative Ruts

23:18 - Getting caught up in the likes and followers

24:41 - AI making Valeria optimistic 

26:24 - Creativity being down right now

29:29 - Rituals that help her slow down

31:00 - Her love of Pinterest

32:50 - “For me, cooking is meditation”

35:13 - Touching different aspects of her job, and growing within that

37:40 - The balance of being vulnerable online

39:08 - Her year of loss and how it changed her

41:20 - Thoughts on the “30 under 30” Forbes List

44:33 - Not having a 5-year-plan anymore

46:52 - “Your life is your art” / “Your life is your canvas”

47:39 - Rapid Fire Round

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This episode is brought to you by CLEARSTEM: My favorite skincare brand that fights acne and aging at the same time, with zero pore-clogging ingredients, ever. Get 15% off at https://clearstem.com/Valeria with code VALERIA.

In this special solo episode of Not Alone, Valeria reflects on turning 35 and what this milestone means to her. She opens up about the lessons she’s carrying forward, the habits and pressures she’s choosing to leave behind, and the aspirations guiding her next chapter. From learning to be more present and putting herself first, to accepting that not everyone will like you, Valeria shares the mindset shifts that have shaped her growth. She talks about aging in a culture obsessed with youth, embracing contradictions as part of evolution, and the importance of pausing before reacting. With honesty and vulnerability, she explores her own “hero’s journey,” reflects on her children and mother getting older, and why success is about feeling, not chasing. It’s an intimate, thoughtful conversation on awareness, boundaries, and stepping into your mid-thirties with clarity and confidence.  

Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/2367051

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

Books I Mentioned:

The Art of Thinking Clearly: https://amzn.to/3Iiy9ds

The Power Pause: https://amzn.to/4mYaM88

The Hero's Journey: https://amzn.to/3JYXBoY

What we talked about: 

0:24 - Start of the conversation 

0:30 - Turning 35

2:40 - Sharing the things Valeria knows now

2:46 - Life is all about evolution and contradicting yourself

4:25 - Learning how to be more present

7:15 - The importance of putting yourself first

8:50 - Pausing

10:55 - Most things don’t need a reaction

11:50 - Being “okay” with not being liked by everyone

13:40 - Choosing your own lens on life

15:11 - Clearstem Ad

16:25 - “The Hero’s Journey” Breakdown

20:26 - Things she may never figure out

20:39 - The idea of time

22:14 - Feeling success instead of chasing the next goal

23:15 - How to age in a world obsessed with youth

26:33 - Being kind vs. being nice

29:30 - Taking more time to process emotions

30:49 - Leaving behind having answers for everything

31:54 - Overexplaining my boundaries to get approval

33:04 - Moving away from sharing too much, too fast online

36:02 - Sharing things that took a long time to process

37:10 - Admiring Pamela Anderson

38:00 - Igniting Awareness

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This episode is brought to you by Furtuna Skin: Italian, olive oil–based skincare that’s pure, potent, and transformative. Try their Olive Lip Butter Balm and more at https://www.furtunaskin.com, and get 20% off your first purchase with code VALERIA20.

This episode is also brought to you by Floatley - A bra brand offering feel-good basics that combine cloud-like comfort with reliable support. Try our bestselling Cozy Adjustable Bra at https://www.floatley.com/products/cozy-adjustable and get 20% off your order with code VALERIA20, plus free shipping on US orders over $50.

In this week’s episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with astrologer, author and speaker Mia Pineda (aka Mia Astral) for an intimate conversation about identity, intuition, and the paths that guide us. Born to a mother who was only 14 and raised by her grandparents in Venezuela, Mia often felt like an outsider, questioning her place in the world. Astrology became the way she found her footing, transforming uncertainty into purpose. Mia shares the wisdom she learned from her grandmother, talks about leaving Venezuela to move to Miami, and the surprising path from criminology and forensic law to becoming a leading voice in Kabbalistic Astrology. Together, they explore how to tell the difference between fear and intuition, the evolution of astrology in our modern world (yes, even Taylor Swift comes up), and how to lean into discomfort as a catalyst for growth. It’s a thoughtful, soulful episode about reframing your mindset, resilience, and finding your own purpose through the stars. 

Follow Mia on Social Media

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

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

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

Website: https://miastral.com/

Become a Member on Mia’s Website: https://miastral.com/my-account/

Shop her Books: https://miastral.com/shop/

Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2146915

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

What we talked about: 

0:28 - Valeria on turning 35 and her birthday traditions

2:39 - Valeria on the end of summer for her family

4:40 - Introducing Mia Pineda

6:24 - Start of interview

6:37 - Mia’s unusual upbringing in Venezuela

9:19 - Being raised by her grandmother

11:59 - Figuring out her place in the world

12:50 - Grandmother’s mentality of abundance 

13:47 - Getting a bad reading from a popular astrologer

15:05 - Fortuna Skin Ad

16:14 - Floatley Ad

19:29 - Understanding the mathematics of astrology

22:18 - Studying criminology and forensic law

23:31 - Discovering Kabbalah 

23:51 - Leaving Venezuela and moving Miami

27:11 - Working on her mindset

29:07 - Kabbalistic Astrology

34:01 - Differentiating between intuition and fear

36:43 - The evolution of astrology

37:40 - “I’m pretty sure Taylor Swift uses an astrologer”

38:32 - Explaining eclipse seasons

45:40 - “How can you get into uncomfortable but manageable situations?”

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by CLEARSTEM - my favorite skincare brand that fights acne and aging at the same time, with zero pore-clogging ingredients, ever. Get 15% off at https://clearstem.com/valeria with code VALERIA.

This episode is also brought to you by Vuori: Versatile athletic and performance clothing. Head to https://vuori.com/notalone for 20% off your first purchase, plus free shipping on US orders over $75.

In this week’s episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with clinical psychologist and friendship expert Christie Ferrari to unpack the complicated world of adult friendships. They explore why friends can feel so different after childhood, and why we sometimes fight to keep certain people in our lives while letting go of others. Christie introduces the concept of growth flags vs. red flags and helps us identify what healthy, evolving friendships look like versus the ones that may be holding us back.

Together, Valeria and Christie dive into questions we all face: What kind of friend am I? Am I a fringe friend? How do I deal with “mean girls” even as an adult? From cultural differences in how friendships form, to tips for approaching conflict, to understanding when it’s time to quietly distance yourself, this conversation offers both validation and practical tools for navigating relationships. If you’ve ever questioned your place in a friend group or wondered how to deepen your connections, this episode is a must-listen.

Follow Christie on Social Media

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

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

Website: https://www.christieferrari.com/

Subscribe to Assertive You: https://www.christieferrari.com/assertive-you

Book a session with Christie: https://www.christieferrari.com/services

Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2205029

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

What we talked about: 

0:38 - Valeria sets up the episode about friendships

3:52 - Start of the conversation

4:01 - Introducing Christie Ferrari

6:33 - Why adult friendships seem so different

8:28 - Why we work for friendships & why we let them go

9:48 - Growth flags vs red flags

12:38 - Understanding what kind of friend you are

15:12 - Clearstem Ad

16:35 - Vuori Ad

17:57 - Christie’s draw to studying friendships

18:49 - The importance of being assertive

20:28 - What is a fringe friend?

23:18 - Helping a fringe friend 

25:35 - Tips to find good friends

27:42 - Christie’s story on being a fringe friend

28:17 - Dealing with Mean Girls

29:29 - Why Mean Girls exist in adulthood

31:03 - Cultural friendship differences

32:05 - How Mean Girls lose power

34:10 - Approaching a friend with an issue

36:36 - When to let a friendship go

37:25 - Quiet distancing

40:14 - Mourning friendships

41:07 - Having more than one “best friend”

43:56 - Trying a friendship reset

44:48 - What healthy friendships look like

45:34 - Men’s reactions to female friendships

47:46 - Why friendships are easier in your 20s

48:35 - Underrated green flags

49:01 - Rapid Fire Questions

51:19 - Christie’s Reading Rec   

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Vuori: Versatile athletic and performance clothing. Head to https://vuori.com/notalone for 20% off your first purchase, plus free shipping on US orders over $75.

This episode is brought to you by CLEARSTEM — my favorite skincare brand that fights acne and aging at the same time, with zero pore-clogging ingredients, ever. Get 15% off at https://www.clearstem.com/valeria with code VALERIA. 

In this week’s episode of Not Alone, Valeria and her husband Gary open up about their journey with money, what it symbolized in their childhoods, how they laid everything on the table when they first got together, and the transparency they’ve had with money ever since. They revisit pivotal moments that tested and strengthened their bond—like the time Gary’s big business deal fell through before their wedding and he gave Valeria the chance to walk away. Her response, “never say that to me again,” became a defining moment in their partnership. They talk about how they approach finances in a traditional way—Gary managing everything day-to-day while Valeria leans in with curiosity and questions—and the ways they don’t always see eye to eye on how their values were worked out along the way. Together, they share lessons learned, laugh over the “ROI” of Valeria’s nutrition degree that unexpectedly sparked her career in content creation, and offer advice for couples who struggle to have honest conversations about money. This episode is both vulnerable and lighthearted, pulling back the curtain on the realities of love, trust, and building a life together.

Follow Gary on Social Media

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@garylipovetsky

Listen to Gary’s Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/@Gary.Lipovetsky

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rise-podcast/id1688773397

Apply for Creator Method: https://creatormethod.com/

Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2062213

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

What we talked about: 

0:29 - Setting up the conversation with Gary

3:07 - Start of the episode

4:30 - Gary’s childhood mindset on money

5:41 - The scarcity mindset

8:40 - Thinking of money in terms of necessity

10:06 - Valeria’s money mindset growing up

11:22 - Valeria’s mom crowdfunding with other single moms

12:24 - Vuori ad

14:42 - Financing basic needs

15:36 - The importance of financial literacy

16:32 - Valeria leaving home at 16 and making money

18:42 - People with fallback plans and people without

19:21 - Remembering their first conversation about money

20:33 - Valeria changing her approach to money

22:16 - Clearstem ad

24:30 - Gary’s big deal falling apart

26:24 - The outcome of losing out on big money

28:08 - Their traditional approach to finance

34:07 - The language difference around making money

35:30 - Agreeing on “what’s worth it” when spending

39:07 - Communication on money

39:33 - Disagreeing on how they work on or through things

42:21 - Best money they’ve ever spent

43:22 - The ROI on Valeria’s nutrition diploma

46:56 - Valeria being clueless on life and money

48:23 - What Gary wishes he knew earlier about money

52:02 - Tips for couples who struggle talking about money

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