Solace and the City

This week I had the great pleasure of sitting down and catching up with my friend Ramsey from high school!  We first talked about the ways in which going to a boarding school impacted our teen years and gave some funny anecdotes from our individual experiences in high school.  Ramsey then opened up about her year at a treatment center in Colorado and the lessons she took away from this mentally and physically-challenging experience.  We then moved into talking about the ways social media and fake Instagram account specifically can be used as modes to express one's struggles and help others who may relate to the content that is posted.  Finally, Ramsey explains what the hell TikTok is and her journey to gaining over 40,000 followers!  I truly loved catching up with Ramsey and am so grateful for the love and support she has given me in the past.  This is one of many reasons I am excited (and a bit nervous) to share our conversation with you all.

You can follow Ramsey on Instagram @gardeingirl or TikTok @lexaprolesbian

CW:  Mid-way through the episode we talk about some disordered eating behaviors that may be triggering to those who are suffering.  If you or someone you love is suffering, I encourage you to call 1-800-931-2237 or visit www.https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

This week I had the privilege of talking to the co-founder of Evryman, Dan Doty!  We discussed the unique life events that led Dan to starting a men's emotional leadership group, including being a wilderness guide and a teacher in the Bronx.  From North Dakota to New York, from Colorado to California, Dan had the opportunity to speak with hundreds of men and boys.  He made sure to emphasize that one can be emotional while still being masculine.  I feel beyond lucky to have spoken with such a kind human being and am honored to share our conversation with you all!

New episode out now!  I sat down with an incredible artist, comedian, and friend Gregory Uzelac to talk about his exhibit "Alone 2gether" and so much more!  First we discuss his experience growing up as the son of immigrants in New York City and navigating the cutthroat academic and social scene.  We then delve into his journey to becoming an artist and the themes that he consistently incorporates into his work, including meme culture, DIY pornography, dating apps and the online intersection of sex, love, and commerce that has caused the tangible world to deteriorate under the perpetually unsatisfied desire for agency and community.  Finally, we touch on the lasting effect of terrible NYC roommate situations and the paradox of loneliness in a city of 8.6 million people.  This interview will truly open your eyes to so many different perspectives and thoughts, I truly think everyone will find something to take away from my conversation with Gregory.  

P.S. Stay tuned for a BONUS segment at the end where we talk about the similarities between Love Island and Birthright, and Gregory explains to me what a "VSCO girl" is!

On this very special holiday episode, I sit down with my incredible Grandma and talk about her experience dealing with loss and loneliness.  She shares her life experiences and love story with my late Grandpa as well as the crazy adventures they shared.  We also discuss the stigma that surrounded therapy while she was a young adult and how people her age still find it difficult to open up about their struggles.  I am so happy to have had the chance to speak with my Grandma about a topic that I am so passionate about and share her kindness with everyone.  P.S. Listen to the full episode to hear my crazy Grandma talk about her penis gourds!

This week I sat down with dancer (and long-time friend) Haley Grove to discuss her experience performing and teaching ballet, modern, jazz, and hip hop in New York City.  We talk about the high expectations that are set for dancers and the mental health consequences of being a part of such a cut throat industry.  Haley is truly beautiful both inside and out, and her kindness and authenticity can be easily discerned through our conversation!  A quick fun fact and spoiler alert is that you can see Haley in the new Little Women movie premiering Christmas Day!

This week I sat down with athlete and mental health activist Enna Selmanovic!  We talked about her life as a collegiate swimmer and how a severe injury changed the trajectory of her life forever.  After feeling like her identity was lost, Enna struggled with her mental health for some time but then came to realize that she was not alone in her battle.  She went on to co-found the Powerful Minds Initiative, represent the NCAA for two years as a student-athlete, and push through legislation requiring mental health resources to be offered to athletes in all Division 1 schools!  Enna is one of the kindest souls I have ever had the pleasure of speaking with, and I truly think her words will resonate with everyone!

This week I spoke with my favorite Y7 Yoga instructor Jo Murdock!  We talked about her time as a dancer, which was one of many experiences that led her to become a certified yoga teacher.  In addition to sharing her opinions on the difficulties of telling New Yorkers to relax and stand still, Jo shares some advice on how to take your practice outside of the classroom.  If you've had a stressful week or need tips on how to unwind after Thanksgiving craziness, this is the perfect episode to listen to!

In this week’s episode, I sat down with Matt Chavez aka the Subway Therapist to discuss his immersive and interactive project that truly embodies the spirit of giving back to New York City. His project @subwaytherapy asks people to anonymously share how they feel in an effort to help them all to smile, laugh, and feel less stressed. For some it’s an opportunity to connect and have a conversation, and for others it’s a way to listen and emphasize. Subway Therapy is a true expression of how New Yorkers can connect with one another despite our differences. I promise you will take something special from this episode that will bring you solace during this holiday season.

This week I had the honor and pleasure of sitting down with the founder of the JSwipe dating app, David Yarus! We discuss how he was able to build a community through his Jewish faith and then segway into the ways that dating apps have disrupted the ways in which we connect. Keep your ears open at the 20-minute mark for the perfect text to send someone after a bad date to avoid being a ghoster!

On this surprise BONUS episode, I sit down with comedian and podcaster Remy Kassimir. We talk about her experience being a woman in comedy, why Love Island is so addicting, and her journey to find the female orgasm! You can catch Remy on the Netflix show “Explained” and by listening to her own podcast “How Cum.”