Have you ever wondered what it takes to break free from the grip of sex addiction or love addiction? Can true healing come from facing your deepest vulnerabilities? 

In this powerful episode of The Conversation, host Amanda de Cadenet sits down with Elizabeth Gilbert, author of All the Way to the River, to explore her raw and inspiring journey through recovery. From confronting the chaos of addiction to embracing self-love and surrendering to a higher power, Gilbert shares how she found freedom through a 12-step program and transformed her life by prioritizing her own well-being. Gilbert’s story offers hope and practical insights for anyone seeking to break free from destructive patterns and cultivate self-love.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (02:00) Elizabeth identifies sex and love addiction with lifelong relational issues
• (04:37) Surrendering to a 12-step program, a higher power, treating love addiction like substance abuse 
• (10:33) Defining top-line behaviors and bottom-line behaviors in recovery
• (12:46) Elizabeth discusses the destruction of lives around her
• (19:00) Self-love over outsourcing validation and reframing intense attraction as a warning 
• (25:01) Role-playing with your teenage self
• (30:59) Gaining support in a 12-step program for true surrender
• (32:56) Discussion of a practice called Two-Way Prayer
• (35:42) Elizabeth admits why she has gone public with her addiction
• (37:04) Discussion of Raya, Elizabeth's best friend
• (43:52) Navigating rage-filled grief and spiritual bankruptcy after loss
• (47:10) Switching from rage to self-accountability
• (51:42) Elizabeth made decisions on not hurting people in the telling of her book, while recovering in public
• (56:24) What is the definition of sobriety

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Surrendering to a higher power through a 12-step program is crucial for overcoming sex addiction and love addiction, fostering lasting recovery.
• Cultivating self-love and self-accountability by adopting top-line behaviors helps break destructive cycles and achieve emotional sobriety.
• Facing grief and withdrawal from love addiction requires honest introspection to heal and build trust in oneself.

RESOURCES:

The New Yorker Re: All the Way to the River- LinkedIn

Elizabeth Gilbert - Website

ALL THE WAY TO THE RIVER - Instagram  

BOOKS REFERENCED: 

• All the Way to the River: Love, Loss, and Liberation: Gilbert, Elizabeth: 9780593540985: Amazon.com: Books

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet is a groundbreaking series of weekly interviews featuring candid conversations with impactful thought leaders. Host Amanda de Cadenet provides a platform for raw and honest discussions on a wide variety of topics, from porn to politics. Visit amandadecadenet.com to learn more and sign up for her newsletter. Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandadecadenet.

ABOUT ELIZABETH:

Elizabeth Gilbert is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the novels City of Girls, The Signature of All Things, and Stern Men; the story collection Pilgrims; and the nonfiction books Big Magic, Eat Pray Love, Committed, and The Last American Man. A finalist for the National Book Award, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and the PEN/Hemingway Award, Gilbert began her career as a journalist.

Archival episode with Whitney Cummings from the very first podcast series of The Conversation. She performs for huge crowds, yet one-on-one interviews make her nervous. Comedian Whitney Cummings chats about creating and starring in her own sitcom, and explains why fear can move you faster than roller skates.

Keywords: Amanda de Cadenet, The Conversation podcast, Celebrity interviews, Women's empowerment, Feminism, Interviews with inspiring women, Mental health discussions, Self-growth podcast, Authentic conversations, Empowered women conversations

Archival episode with Issa Rae from the very first podcast series of The Conversation. Issa Rae reveals a provocative way to use a chair, but not before she chats about writing and producing her popular web series, "Awkward Black Girl," and her less-than-favorable encounters with TV network executives.

Keywords: Amanda de Cadenet, The Conversation podcast, Celebrity interviews, Women's empowerment, Feminism, Interviews with inspiring women, Mental health discussions, Self-growth podcast, Authentic conversations, Empowered women conversations

Archival episode with Milla Jovovich from the very first podcast series of The Conversation. Her mother was a Russian movie star and also scrubbed toilets for the rich and famous. Discover things you never knew about Milla Jovovich in this candid conversation with the singer/model/action star.

Keywords: Amanda de Cadenet, The Conversation podcast, Celebrity interviews, Women's empowerment, Feminism, Interviews with inspiring women, Mental health discussions, Self-growth podcast, Authentic conversations, Empowered women conversations

Archival episode with Chelsea Handler from the very first podcast series of The Conversation. Her comedy career started with a DUI when she was 21. Yet Chelsea Handler has no regrets. Join Amanda de Cadenet for a candid and personal conversation with her friend, the lone lady of late-night, Chelsea Handler.

Keywords: Amanda de Cadenet, The Conversation podcast, Celebrity interviews, Women's empowerment, Feminism, Interviews with inspiring women, Mental health discussions, Self-growth podcast, Authentic conversations, Empowered women conversations

For the first time, we are making the Conversation original TV series interviews available on the pod. This is part of a miniseries featuring the first guests to appear on the show. In this mini-episode, we feature Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley grew up on a farm and began modeling at age 16. She discusses her modeling career as a path to establish herself, see the world, and provide security for herself in the future - and that the journey was not always easy. In this intimate conversation Rosie also shares what it’s like to protect your true self, determine what you want, and find your voice. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:34) Rosie says that being raised as a country farm girl, her family never emphasized her looks

(01:44) Rosie sees modeling as a platform to provide security later in life

(03:56) Rosie comments on how other people perceive her

(05:29) Rosie states she started modeling earlier in life than she should have

(07:09) Her career with Victoria’s Secret starts                                            

(07:43) Rosie discusses her mom’s influence on her life

(09:32) Amanda asks Rosie rapid-fire questions

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The best relationships are ones where there is no judgment.
• The modeling industry can be ruthless, especially for a teenager.
• You can never overestimate the advice and support of a strong mother.

RESOURCES:

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley - Instagram

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet is a groundbreaking series of weekly interviews featuring candid conversations with impactful thought leaders. Host Amanda de Cadenet provides a platform for raw and honest discussions on a wide variety of topics, from porn to politics. Visit amandadecadenet.com to learn more and sign up for her newsletter. Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandadecadenet.

Keywords: Amanda de Cadenet, The Conversation podcast, Celebrity interviews, Women's empowerment, Feminism, Interviews with inspiring women, Mental health discussions, Self-growth podcast, Authentic conversations, Empowered women conversations

In this thought-provoking episode of The Conversation, host Amanda de Cadenet sits down with Heidi Smith, author of The Uncommon Book of Prayer, for an inspiring and introspective discussion on the transformative power of prayer. Together, they explore how prayer can be a profoundly personal and evolving practice, serving as a sacred connection between oneself and the divine. Heidi redefines traditional notions of prayer, incorporating elements of mindfulness, meditation, affirmation, and grounding presence to foster healing and self-reflection. They delve into the benefits of prayer for nervous system regulation, emotional well-being, and trauma recovery while also addressing how prayer can support faith, co-regulation, and connection. Whether you're seeking guidance on how to begin praying or looking to deepen your spiritual practice, this episode offers insights into the profound role prayer can play in personal growth and healing.  

IN THIS EPISODE: 

(1:09) Heidi shares why she wrote The Uncommon Book of Prayer

(3:59) Discussion on defining prayer, focusing (a psychosomatic integration tool), mindfulness, meditation affirmation and power

(10:04) Discussion of benefits of prayer, healing, self-reflection, validation, co-regulation, grounding presence, and the nervous system 

(16:29) Discussion of trauma survivors, dissociation, faith and how to pray

(22:55) The reaction of men to the book and Heidi describes her work and just being

(32:49) How to begin to pray

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Prayer is redefined as a profoundly personal, sacred agreement between oneself and the divine. It emphasizes that it doesn’t have to follow a specific structure or tradition. It can evolve, adapting to one's changing beliefs and circumstances.
• Prayer and mindfulness practices can support nervous system regulation, fostering emotional self-soothing and reducing reliance on external coping mechanisms like substances or validation. They also promote improved mood, energy levels, and even healthy aging.
• Developing presence is fundamental in healing and spiritual growth. Whether through prayer, grounding practices, or co-regulation with people, animals, or nature, cultivating a sense of safety and connection is key to emotional and physical well-being.

RESOURCES:

The Uncommon Book of Prayer - Book

Heidi Smith - Instagram

Heidi Smith Website

BIOGRAPHY: 

I'm a psychosomatic therapist, herbalist, and flower essence practitioner in the New York City area.

In 2007, I began to question the beliefs I held around myself, healing, and reality. Seeking answers beyond the mainstream I found my spiritual teacher and mentor, Jane Bell. Through our work studying Focusing and Egyptian Mysticism, my commitment to healing and transformation bloomed, leading me to leave my previous career and New York City, retreating into three years of academic and personal study. After completing my master's in mental health counseling I returned to the city, began an apprenticeship with Claudia Keel, an herbalist, nutritionist, and flower essence practitioner, and enrolled in the three-year clinical herbal medicine program at Arbor Vitae. With the aid of my teachers, guides, community, and the plant kingdom, Moon & Bloom Integrative and Flower Essence Therapy was born on the New Moon in July 2014.

I am the author of The Bloom Book: A Flower Essence Guide to Cosmic Balance and The Uncommon Book of Prayer: A Guide to Co-Creating with the Universe. I enjoy teaching and collaborating with other healing artists and practitioners. I am always learning, evolving, and remain committed to offering the highest degree of service to my clients and community.

About This Podcast:

The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet is a groundbreaking series of weekly interviews featuring candid conversations with impactful thought leaders. Host Amanda de Cadenet provides a platform for raw and honest discussions on a wide variety of topics, from porn to politics. Visit amandadecadenet.com to learn more and sign up for her newsletter. Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandadecadenet.

Keywords: Amanda de Cadenet, The Conversation podcast, Celebrity interviews, Women's empowerment, Feminism, Interviews with inspiring women, Mental health discussions, Self-growth podcast, Authentic conversations, Empowered women conversations

For the first time, we are making the Conversation original TV series interviews available on the pod. This is part of a miniseries featuring the first guests to appear on the show. In this mini-episode, we feature Caitlin Moran.

Caitlin Moran has an interesting perspective on the historical controversy about a woman's role and why women are pigeonholed into certain stereotypes.

Caitlin, a prominent feminist and author, and I discuss marriage, household chores, children, and spouses, and her perspectives on these topics and more.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:32) Caitlin talks about the misconceptions about women

(01:49) Caitlin discusses feminism and talks about hard-core feminists

(03:14) Caitlin shares her home life with her husband, and she talks about her 20-year marriage

(04:23) Caitlin discusses sex in marriage and what young girls must be thinking about it based on culture

(06:52) Caitlin reveals her feelings about feminism and raising her girls

(08:30) Caitlin answers Amanda’s rapid fire questions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Who takes care of the children is not a problem for feminists; it is a problem for humanity.
• To think that everything should be blamed on a feminist agenda or that a feminist agenda can fix everything is ridiculous.
• What works in a home between a husband and wife is no one else’s business. 

RESOURCES:

Amanda de Cadenet - Website

Amanda de Cadenet - Instagram

Caitlin Moran - Instagram

 ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet is a groundbreaking series of weekly interviews featuring candid conversations with impactful thought leaders. Host Amanda de Cadenet provides a platform for raw and honest discussions on a wide variety of topics, from porn to politics. Visit amandadecadenet.com to learn more and sign up for her newsletter. Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandadecadenet.

Keywords: Amanda de Cadenet, The Conversation podcast, Celebrity interviews, Women's empowerment, Feminism, Interviews with inspiring women, Mental health discussions, Self-growth podcast, Authentic conversations, Empowered women conversations

In this thought-provoking episode of The Conversation, host Amanda de Cadenet sits down with Jillian Turecki, author of It Begins With You, to explore the transformative journey of self-love, building self-esteem, and creating healthy relationships. Jillian shares personal stories, including her divorce and the pivotal role the message of Tony Robbins played in her healing, as well as insights into dating dynamics, mentorship, and the lessons she hopes readers take from her book. This candid discussion looks into embracing imperfection, fostering meaningful connections, and facing life’s challenges with resilience and purpose. Welcome to the Conversation.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

(0:00) Introduction

(2:52) How did Jillian begin to experience self-love

(7:33) Raising your self-esteem

(12:01] Jillian describes a healthy relationship and talks about her dating

(22:36) Are you dating a nice guy or a doormat? What about gender roles

(30:20) Jillian’s divorce and the self-help she received from Tony Robbins

(32:30) The importance of mentorship. Why are people drawn to Jullian

(36:22) What Jillian hopes people learn from her book, It Begins With You

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Self-love is genuine self-acceptance—embracing your imperfections and holding yourself in high regard despite your flaws. With age and wisdom, it becomes clearer that doubting your worth is a waste of time.
• Building self-esteem requires doing hard things that challenge and empower you, giving back and fostering community. Achievements and meaningful connections strengthen yourself and create a deeper purpose and fulfillment.
• A healthy relationship is built on trust, respect, and emotional safety, forming a foundation for teamwork and collaboration. When challenges arise, healthy couples face them together, prioritizing open communication and problem-solving rather than withdrawing or blaming each other.

RESOURCES:

Jullian Turecki - LinkedIn

It Begins With You - Book

About This Podcast:

The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet is a groundbreaking series of weekly interviews featuring candid conversations with impactful thought leaders. Host Amanda de Cadenet provides a platform for raw and honest discussions on a wide variety of topics, from porn to politics. Visit amandadecadenet.com to learn more and sign up for her newsletter. Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandadecadenet.

BIOGRAPHY: 

Jillian Turecki is a relationship coach, teacher, podcaster, writer, and speaker who has devoted her life to helping people revolutionize their relationships with themselves. For over 20 years, Jillian has maintained a deep commitment to authenticity, compassion, and inner transformation as she follows her insatiable curiosity about what makes relationships thrive.

Keywords: Amanda de Cadenet, The Conversation podcast, Celebrity interviews, Women's empowerment, Feminism, Interviews with inspiring women, Mental health discussions, Self-growth podcast, Authentic conversations, Empowered women conversations

For the first time, we are making the Conversation original TV series interviews available on the pod. This is part of a miniseries featuring the first guests to appear on the show. In this mini-episode, we feature Rita Ora. 

Rita Ora and I connect on what it was like to grow up feeling unsettled, moving frequently, and having financial and health difficulties. Rita shares her love for parents, and how her mother is her superhero and what drives her dreams and success. Rita recognizes what she’s grateful for, and how she’s focused on herself, self esteem, success, and an equitable romantic relationship.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:32) Rita Ora shares her childhood story and discusses her mom’s illness

(03:11) Rita’s mom's breast cancer comes back, and Rita has regrets about her behavior

(05:03) Rita does what she does for her mom and dad and says she admits none of what she does is for herself

(06:17) Rita discusses how her life changed over two years

(07:38) Rita was misled by a man and how money can be threatening to men

(11:18) Rita gives Amanda some surprising answers to her rapid-fire questions

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• When a woman makes a lot of money, it can be intimidating to a man
• When you don’t have a Plan B, you strive harder for Plan A.
• Putting your family in high esteem and doing things for them is admirable, but you can’t forget to take care of yourself.

RESOURCES:

Amanda de Cadenet - Website

Amanda de Cadenet - Instagram

Rita Ora - Instagram

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet is a groundbreaking series of weekly interviews featuring candid conversations with impactful thought leaders. Host Amanda de Cadenet provides a platform for raw and honest discussions on various topics, from porn to politics. Visit amandadecadenet.com to learn more and sign up for her newsletter. Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandadecadenet.

Keywords: Amanda de Cadenet, The Conversation podcast, Celebrity interviews, Women's empowerment, Feminism, Interviews with inspiring women, Mental health discussions, Self-growth podcast, Authentic conversations, Empowered women conversations