Not Alone

In this week’s episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with model, entrepreneur, and content creator Emily DiDonato to explore the joy of trying new things, no matter how imperfectly. Emily shares the story of being discovered at a mall as a teenager, stepping into a whirlwind modeling career, and eventually finding her creative spark in content creation.

We dive into how Emily channels any flickers of comparison into motivation, why she’s never been competitive or jealous, and how motherhood has redefined her version of “balance” (hint: there isn’t any!). Emily opens up about the weekly “admin meetings” she and her husband use to keep their busy lives in sync, and why she believes there’s magic in being a beginner. From career pivots to personal growth, Emily’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: it’s fun to try, it’s fun to fail, and the learning process is where the real reward lies. This episode will leave you feeling braver about starting, more forgiving of the messy middle, and reminded that the courage to try, again and again, is what truly shapes a fulfilled life.

Follow Emily on Social Media

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

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

Shop Emily's Skincare Brand Covey: https://coveyskin.com/?srsltid=AfmBOore9LtSOvC5ftxSnkNL8m2rn6SoZV3Zx8KYIdYPSM9sjbQuZN2U

Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2062111

https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2071219

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

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

👉Related Links:

NYFW 2019 vlog: https://youtu.be/eVLdfF_4n8k

Drunk GRWM: https://youtu.be/vtEL61OUvHg

Emily Collab: https://youtu.be/NoobVS82bj8

What we talked about: 

0:50 - Valeria’s recent trip to New York

1:30 - Creator Method Summit

3:46 - Introducing Emily DiDonato

6:06 - Start of interview

6:14 -  Valeria and Emily’s friendship history

8:59 - Emily’s start in modeling

12:23 - Emily’s evolution to content creation

18:02 - “That creative outlet lit a flame for me”

18:51 - Starting on instagram and moving to YouTube

19:54 - Using comparison to push herself

21:11 - Being overwhelmed and needing help

24:45 - Spiritual challenges

26:16 - “There is no balance as a mom” 

29:01 - Emily and her husband’s weekly admin meeting

31:21 - Emily on trying anything and everything

33:28 - “It’s fun to suck”

35:17 - On being vulnerable online

36:53 - Navigating negativity online

38:48 - Audience Q&A

39:29 - Who are the people behind you who help you get it all done?

41:08 - What days are you slumming it and what days are you in full glam?

42:43 - Advice to the younger generation on body image and confidence

44:28 - Things she would do differently when starting a business

46:38 - Knowing which hobbies and interests are worth pursuing

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This episode is brought to you by Eight Sleep, the leader in sleep fit technology. Their award-winning Pod 5 sleep system helps you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling more refreshed by automatically adjusting to your ideal temperature, elevation, and sound throughout the night. Upgrade your rest and your recovery: use code VALERIA for $350 off at http://eightsleep.com/valeria 

In this insightful and inspiring episode, Valeria sits down with Alex Zatarain, co-founder of Eight Sleep, to discuss how she’s transforming the way we think about rest, recovery, and performance. Alex shares the story of building one of the most innovative sleep technology companies in the world, from identifying the gap in the market to creating the Pod - a smart mattress designed to personalize and optimize your sleep. Together, they explore the science behind quality rest, the connection between sleep and mental health, and how technology can help us live longer, healthier lives. Alex also opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, balancing ambition with self-care, and the habits that keep her grounded. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, a tech enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to sleep better, this episode offers actionable takeaways and a behind-the-scenes look at a brand changing the future of sleep.

Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/2101362?tab=collections

📱Follow Alex & Eight Sleep 

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

Eight Sleep: https://www.instagram.com/eightsleep/?hl=en 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrazatarain/?locale=en_US

X / Twitter: https://x.com/a_zatarain

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

What we talked about: 

0:35 - Valeria Recap Toronto Team Retreat 

2:54 - Introducing Alexandra Zatarain

5:43 - Start of Interview

6:35 - Growing up in Mexico

7:18 - Learning what opportunity really means

12:22 - The college assignment that changed the game

14:04 - Meeting her husband and future co-founder

15:37 - Opening her world to tech in the “Silicon Alley”

18:32 - Working with her husband

21:08 - Trying to building something in 3D printing

22:15 - Coming up with the idea of Eight Sleep 

25:30 - Leaving her job and forming the company

27:00 - How the technology works

30:55 - Temperature is crucial for good sleep

32:06 - Changing the conversation on sleep

34:09 - Sleep Fitness

38:20 - Mitigating women’s sleep issues

41:37 - Keeping it simple with sleep products

43:10 - Being a female Latina founder

46:51 - Building a company with her husband

49:58 - Valeria triggering people with Gary work dynamic

51:41 - “The team you build is the company you build”

52:32 - Balance and keeping herself in check

58:20 - Alexandra’s book recommendation

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In this week’s episode, Valeria sits down with Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman, best friends and co-founders of Monday Swimwear, for an honest and energizing conversation about building a business, growing through friendship, and redefining leadership. Natasha and Devin open up about the rare bond that has held them together for over a decade, one built on unwavering trust, shared values, and deep emotional loyalty. They reveal how they’ve come to trust each other even more than their romantic partners, and why that unshakable connection is the foundation for everything they’ve built. The trio also explores how they launched a globally recognized brand without formal fashion training, what it means to lead as women, manage teams with heart, and stay grounded while scaling a company. From navigating dating in your 30s and freezing eggs to staying obsessed with work and each other, this episode is a love letter to ambition, authenticity, and choosing the people who lift you higher.

Follow Tash: https://www.instagram.com/tashoakley/ 

Follow Devin: https://www.instagram.com/devinbrugman/ 

Follow Monday Swimwear: https://www.instagram.com/mondayswimwear/  

Shop Monday Swimwear: https://mondayswimwear.com/ 

Book Recommendations: 

Excessively Obsessed by Tash Oakley https://a.co/d/aski91P 

The Power of Now by Ekchart Tolle https://a.co/d/8DeuoAV 

Sex at Dawn by Christopher Ryan https://a.co/d/2ZiptCN 

Good Morning, Monster by Catherine Gildiner https://a.co/d/3ud8vUW 

Attached by  Amir Levine and Rachel Heller https://a.co/d/ivLtVkS 

Only Love Is Real: A Story of Soulmates Reunited by Dr. Brian Weiss https://a.co/d/4nVFYrT

The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan https://a.co/d/4LEoWHX

The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett https://a.co/d/iS1jwER

Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1898265 

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

What we talked about: 

01:00: Swim Week in Miami04:00: How Tash and Devin first met

07:00: Building a business on friendship and trust

12:00: The secret to their communication style

14:00: Managing team dynamics with empathy

20:00: The Bikini A Day origin story

24:00: Designing swimwear that actually fits

31:00: Choosing partners

34:00: How Monday Swimwear became the standard

38:00: Dating in your 30s with clarity

41:00: Freezing eggs and taking the pressure off

47:00: Opening a store and staying playful

51:30: Wellness habits that keep them grounded

54:00: Advice for aspiring influencers

56:00: Running a brand that lasts

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This episode is brought to you by CLEARSTEM! If you’re looking for skincare that’s both anti-acne and anti-aging, CLEARSTEM has you covered. Their science-backed formulas help you achieve clear, glowing skin without pore-clogging ingredients. And we have a special deal for you get 15% off your order when you visit https://www.clearstem.com/valeria and use the code VALERIA at checkout!

In this week’s episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with entrepreneur, investor, and best-selling author Kim Perell to talk about the failures, risks, and mindset shifts that helped her build a multimillion-dollar business empire. Kim opens up about losing everything in her 20s and the lessons that came from hitting rock bottom. They go deep on the pressures to prove yourself, how to tune out the noise, trust your gut, and why your biggest mistakes might be your greatest assets. If you’ve ever questioned your path, feared failure, or felt alone in the hustle - this episode will remind you that success often starts where the plan falls apart. 

Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1952399 

https://shopmy.us/collections/1983683 

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

📘 Kim's New Book Pre-Order

👉 KimPerell.com/mistakes

Her new book Mistakes That Made Me a Millionaire is available now for pre-order — and comes with $300 in free bonuses, including her Fast Action Millionaire Playbook to go alongside the book!

🎟 Upcoming Event: Meet Kim in Vegas at Entrepreneur's Level Up Event! Attendees will have the opportunity to pitch their business live to investors and industry leaders.

👉 https://entrepreneurlevelup.com/get-your-tickets 

🌐 Website: KimPerell.com

📱 Social Media

Instagram: @KimPerell

Facebook: facebook.com/KimPerell

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/KimPerell

TikTok: @KimPerell

X / Twitter: @KimPerell

What we talked about: 

0:35 - Valeria’s Story about her son, Benjamin

4:38 - Introducing Kim Perell

5:48 - Why failure is a necessary part of success

7:28 - Parents normalizing failure

9:35 - Getting laid off at 23 and hitting rock bottom

12:40 - Clearstem Ad

16:08 - Valeria on losing herself in ambition and external pressure17:01 - Building her business from the kitchen with no money

19:37 - “No one is successful alone”

20:54 - Why asking for help is necessary

22:52 - “Let’s have coffee”24:02 - Selling her first business

26:32 - You don’t know what’s possible unless you try

28:12 - The $235-million-dollar sale

30:11 - Nobody knows what they’re doing

33:15 - Lessons in leadership from building multiple companies37:49 - The power of being underestimated 

41:14 - Why you need to start small and start now

45:11 - Kim’s advice for entrepreneurs

48:08 - Going for the “no”

49:28 - Finding balance at home

53:35 - 100.co 

54:58 - Creators and founders using AI

57:26 - How to be an industry disruptor

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This episode is brought to you by CLEARSTEM! If you’re looking for skincare that’s both anti-acne and anti-aging, CLEARSTEM has you covered. Their science-backed formulas help you achieve clear, glowing skin without pore-clogging ingredients. And we have a special deal for you—get 15% off your order when you visit https://www.clearstem.com/valeria and use the code VALERIA at checkout!

In this week’s episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with wellness expert, author, and content creator Aggie Lal for a refreshingly honest conversation about the current state of modern health culture for women, and what it really means to feel well in today’s world.

Aggie shares her personal journey from rigid routines, veganism, and biohacking for good labs to finding balance by reconnecting with her intuition, hormones, and overall purpose. Together, she and Valeria dive deep into the pressure to be “healthy” at the expense of joy, the shame around beauty choices like Botox, and why women are often left out of mainstream health narratives. Plus, a powerful discussion on how to separate your roles from your identity - so you can thrive, not just survive. Whether you’re burnt out by wellness trends or looking to redefine your relationship with health and womanhood, this episode is a must-listen.

Follow Aggie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aggie

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

Shop my looks from this episode: intro/ads: https://shopmy.us/collections/1952399 

aggie: https://shopmy.us/collections/1983674 

What we talked about: 

0:55 - Valeria’s Family trip to Spain

3:29 - Introducing Aggie Lal

5:40 - Aggie’s First Impressions of Valeria

7:13 - The World of Biohacking

9:35 - Being Vegan

10:30 - Body Trends

11:59 - Clearstem Ad

13:50 - Pillars of Biohacking 

15:25 - What is Different for Females

18:00 - Aggie’s Favorite Health Rituals

19:08 - Hypnotheray 

23:45 - 4 Pillars of Health

24:10 - The Importance of Purpose

27:20 - Valeria’s POV on Motherhood

29:55 - The Role of Mothers

31:57 - Best Methods of Recovery

38:04 - Ways to Connect with your Partner

40:32 - Pushing the Definition of Wellness

42:33 - Health Habits that Don’t Work

45:52 - Aggie’s Pregnancy

49:15 - Everything Women Must Juggle

51:30 - The Importance of Rest

53:50 - The Beauty of Feeling Free

56:25 - What’s Next for Aggie

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In this week’s episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with journalist, content creator, and “queen of questions” Danielle Robay for a thought-provoking conversation about identity, ambition, and the pressure to have it all figured out. Together, they unpack what it means to chase your dreams, navigate career pivots, and show up authentically - both professionally & personally.

From quitting her “dream job” to manifesting a show at Hello Sunshine, Danielle opens up about what it took to get where she is today & her super power - asking good questions! She shares stories about her childhood dinner table, dating in the modern world, and freezing her eggs. Together, she and Valeria explore the fear of not living up to your potential, the vulnerability of putting yourself first, and the courage it takes to say ‘I don’t know.’ 

Danielle is the host and co-executive producer (alongside Reese Witherspoon) of ‘Bookmarked’ from Hello Sunshine, the podcast ‘Question Everything,’ and E!’s ‘While You Were Streaming.’ 

Follow Danielle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellerobay/ 

Follow Danielle on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@daniellerobay 

Subscribe to Danielle’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/question-everything/id1550883345 

Shop the QUESTION EVERYTHING Card Game: https://questioneverythingshop.com/collections/shop

Shop my look from this episode:

https://shopmy.us/collections/1972268
https://shopmy.us/collections/1972338

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

What we talked about: 

0:40 Valeria’s Realization

2:35 Introducing Danielle Robay

5:43 Interview Begins

6:28 Why the Beginning of Podcasts are Awkward

7:00 Valeria’s Mom’s Resilience

8:01 How to Successfully Manifest

9:02 Danielle Manifesting a Job at E! & Hello Sunshine

11:30 How Valeria Manifested Her Career

17:45 Feeling Embarassed on the Internet

18:55 Living Up to Your Potential

22:56 Gary Predicting Their Career

25:07 The Power of Being Selfish 

26:50 The Big Piece of Chicken

29:49 Danielle’s Career & the Power of Questions

35:40 The Importance of Being in the Room

37:55 Not Asking for Advice & Not Going to Therapy 

40:00 Danielle’s Love Life & Going Deep

43:27 Courage is a Big Word

44:38 Danielle’s Egg Freezing Journey

47:55 Pros & Cons of Being a Young Mom 

50:33 The Part of Feminism We’re Still Figuring Out

51:19 Do Married Couples Still Have Sex?

55:30 Why Gary Triggers Women

57:49 The Message vs The Delivery

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In this week’s very special 100th episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down for a powerful and deeply honest conversation with writer and creator, Heidi Clements. Known for her unfiltered storytelling and viral presence online, Heidi opens up about aging, sobriety, 25 years without sex, surviving trauma, and what it means to live life on her own terms. The two explore the emotional realities behind choosing a nontraditional path, including living single, redefining intimacy, and navigating the invisibility many women feel after 50. They discuss how society conditions women to seek validation, how the male gaze has shaped generations, and why self-approval is the ultimate freedom. With humor, heart, and vulnerability, this episode is a candid look at healing, wholeness, and the courage to tell your story out loud.

Follow Heidi: https://www.instagram.com/welcometoheidi/ 

Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1909988 

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

What we talked about: 

00:00 Not Alone’s 100th Episode!

00:14 The Humbling Journey of Podcasting

01:38 Overcoming Perfectionism and COVID Challenges

02:28 The Birth of 'Not Alone'

02:58 Finding My Groove in Podcasting

04:07 Introducing Heidi Clements

06:12 Heidi's Journey to Internet Fame

07:43 Navigating Social Media and Personal Growth

13:11 The Impact of Sobriety and Personal Trauma

16:06 Empowering Women and Challenging the Patriarchy

20:07 Generational Shifts and Future Hopes

36:00 Gen X and Menopause: A New Conversation

37:02 Cultural Silence and Women's Health

38:52 Living Shamelessly and Embracing Authenticity

41:57 Intimacy and Sobriety: A Personal Journey

45:43 Redefining Intimacy and Relationships

52:47 The Evolution of Self-Love and Acceptance

01:01:47 Visibility and Aging: Embracing Change

01:05:07 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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I’m back for another solo episode! In this one, I’m catching you up on everything: life lately, parenting epiphanies, personal shifts, and a few hot takes I had to get off my chest. From summer travel plans and raising pre-teens to why I’m not falling for every wellness trend online, this one's a mix of honest reflections and playful rants (yes, we’re talking about fantasy books, healing culture, and capri pants). I also open up about feeling disconnected from social media, the emotional weight of parenting older kids, and the importance of building real community. If you’re navigating your own in-between season or need some camaraderie in the messy, beautiful chaos of life, this one's for you.

Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1825890 

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

What I talked about: 

00:26 Life Updates

01:32 Puppy Adventures and Parenting Reflections

03:08 Navigating Parenting Challenges

13:30 Father's Day Reflections

15:47 Summer Plans and Travel Excitement

19:40 Social Media Presence and Personal Growth

21:45 Rediscovering Myself

22:03 Current Projects and Redirections

23:07 Book Recommendations and Reading Journey

24:39 Motherhood and Community

25:18 Propaganda I’m NOT Falling For 

25:54 Supplements and Personalized Health

30:05 I read ACOTAR…

31:45 50/50 Relationships and Equity

32:55 Political Views and Social Media

34:20 Fashion and Overdressing

37:02 Healing and Self-Improvement

40:10 Contradictions and Personal Growth

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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 free Bluetooth 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, Valeria sits down with digital pioneer, designer, and mom of two Aimee Song for an intimate and honest conversation about identity, motherhood, and the evolution of personal ambition. Aimee opens up about building her career before the influencer industry even existed, the highs and hidden lows of success, and why her definition of fulfillment has completely shifted in recent years. They talk postpartum depression, therapy breakthroughs, creative burnout, and the magic of slowing down to reconnect with what really matters. Aimee also shares what inspired her return to interior design and the intention behind her new fashion brand, Amiya. It's a raw, funny, and deeply personal look at what happens when you let go of the hustle and finally come home to yourself.

Follow Aimee: https://www.instagram.com/aimeesong/ 

Shop Lulu + Georgia Collab: http://bit.ly/43PbQUQ 

Shop Amiya: http://bit.ly/3HOWRl8 

Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1811792 

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

What we talked about: 

00:55 Navigating Early Career Challenges

01:48 Reflecting on Industry Changes

05:52 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

08:12 Therapy and Self-Discovery

15:54 The Hoffman Process

24:18 Redefining Success and Happiness

35:26 Diving into New Ventures

35:46 Reflecting on Career Choices

37:05 The Importance of a Strong Foundation

38:32 Embracing Cringe Moments

39:06 Returning to Interior Design

40:31 Feng Shui and Home Harmony

47:04 Launching a New Brand: Amiya

56:19 Lessons from Motherhood

59:12 Embracing Aging and Redefining Milestones

01:04:28 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

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In this episode, Valeria sits down with Stefanie Broes, the co-founder of Moonbird, for a refreshing conversation about something we all need more of: calm. They explore how breathwork can help us manage stress, sleep better, and feel more grounded in our daily lives. Stefanie opens up about her own journey, from battling burnout during her PhD to discovering the power of the breath as a healing tool. They unpack the science in a super accessible way, talk through the differences between breathwork and meditation, and share simple ways to bring these practices into your routine. Plus, Stefanie gives us a look into Moonbird’s mission and why she believes teaching breathwork to kids and adults alike could change lives.

This episode is brought to you by moonbird: Tired of stress hijacking your day or struggling to fall asleep at night? Meet moonbird, your handheld breathing coach, designed to help you slow down and reconnect with your breath. Born from personal need and backed by science, moonbird merges biometric intelligence with guided breathwork to help you calm your mind, ease anxiety, and sleep better. It gently expands and contracts in your hand, guiding your breathing rhythm in real time — no screens, no noise, just you and your breath. Go to moonbird.life/VALERIA and use code VALERIA for $25 off.

Follow Stefanie: https://www.instagram.com/stefaniebroes/ 

Follow moonbird: https://www.instagram.com/moonbird.life/ 

Shop moonbird: https://www.moonbird.life/VALERIA 

Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1791757 

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

What we talked about: 

00:00 Intro

01:11 Discovering Breathwork: A Personal Journey

02:52 The Science Behind Breathwork and Meditation

04:41 Practical Applications and Benefits of Breathwork

10:09 The Nervous System and Stress Response

18:18 The Importance of Sleep and Personal Well-being

19:55 Heart Rate Variability and Breathwork

22:35 Guided Breathwork Exercise

25:49 Balancing Health and Wellness Practices

27:00 Exploring Women's Unique Health Challenges

29:02 Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

30:58 The Impact of Shallow Breathing and Modern Posture

31:26 Proper Breathing Techniques

36:10 Incorporating Breath Work into Daily Life

46:40 Breathwork and Digestion

50:05 A Personal Story and Final Thoughts

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