Archival episode with Sophia Bush from the very first podcast series of The Conversation.  Amanda and Sophia delve into the impact of attending an all-girls school, how to navigate a new era where straight white men *feel* marginalized, how trauma can actually inform powerful personal growth, and Sophia’s path to advocacy.

Welcome to The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet. Today, we're honored to have Marisa Lee, the insightful author of Grief is Love, joining us. As a Black woman and author who has personally navigated the complexities of loss, Marisa brings a unique and powerful perspective to the grieving process. In this episode, she'll share four essential strategies to support those who are grieving and offer three actionable tips for friends looking to help someone through the pain of losing a loved one. Whether you're currently experiencing loss or supporting someone who is, share this episode, which is packed with invaluable insights. 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [8:01] Discussion of the loss of Amanda’s father, the book Grief is Love, written by Marissa, and how she classifies herself as a writer
• [15:32] Marisa discusses how people don’t deal with death realistically but choose to give it a moment and discussion regarding identifying with an object that makes you feel the presence of your loved one 
• [26:20] Marisa shares four key things people need to know about grief and her compassion for those who financially don’t have the time to grieve 
• [34:12] Marisa gives death statistics in the black community 
• [43:36] Marisa shares three ways to show up for someone who is grieving
• [47:07] How do you deal with people who don’t show up for you when they are needed, Marisa shares her next book project

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• You must permit yourself time and space to grieve when you lose a loved one.
• The stages of grief developed by Elizabeth Kubler Ross were designed for the person who is terminally ill, not their loved ones. 
• The death of a loved one is a tremendous loss. The loss of friends who don’t show up for you during that time compounds the loss in a way you don’t forget.

RESOURCES:

Grief Is Love Order on Amazon

Marisa Lee - Instagram

Marisa Renee Lee Website

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. Follow Amanda on Substack at amandadecadenet.substack.com

BIOGRAPHY:  

Marisa Renee Lee is a called-upon advocate, writer, and speaker on coping with grief. In 2008, she lost her mother to breast cancer, in 2019 Marisa and her husband lost a much-wanted pregnancy, and most recently, she lost a young cousin to the COVID-19 pandemic. These losses transformed her life and led her to question what grief really is and what healing truly requires.

As a leading grief advocate, Marisa offers incisive and compassionate advice on managing life after loss with unique insights for women and African American communities. She recently partnered with Ritual's well-being app as a writer and narrator alongside other leaders in science, faith, and culture. Her first book, Grief Is Love: Living with Loss, was published in April 2022 under Hachette’s new imprint, Legacy Lit, and is already a national bestseller. 

As a former appointee in the Obama White House, Marisa previously served as the Deputy Director of Private Sector Engagement, a Senior Advisor on the Domestic Policy Council, and as the Managing Director of the MBK Alliance, the nonprofit born out of President Obama's call to action to address the barriers to success that boys and young men of color disproportionately face in their lives. She is a rabble-rouser of social healing and currently serves as CEO of the social impact consulting firm Beacon Advisors, co-founder of the digital platform Supportal, and founder of The Pink Agenda, a national organization dedicated to raising money for breast cancer care, research, and awareness.

Lee is a public speaker and regular contributor to Glamour, Vogue, MSNBC, and The Atlantic. She is a graduate of Harvard College and lives in the DC area with her husband Matt, son Bennett, and dog Sadie.

Archival episode with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand from the very first podcast series of The Conversation. Amanda de Cadenet speaks with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, aka “Tina” to her friends from back in the day. In the midst of her presidential run, Senator Gillibrand chats with Amanda about why she’s branded her campaign as feminist, embracing ambition, and how she manages to be both a present mom and a powerhouse politician.

For the first time, we are making the Conversation original TV series interviews available on the pod. In this special episode, we feature Hillary Clinton.

Hillary Clinton shares personal aspects of her upbringing and the challenges of balancing motherhood with a career. We discuss marriage and gender stereotypes, and she offers insights into the unique experience of being a female candidate in the U.S. Presidential race. Hillary reflects on her thoughts regarding women's issues, child abuse, fear, and the importance of supporting other women.

IN THIS EPISODE:

●     [00:32] Hillary admits that she has a squad of women that she can share anything with, some going back to grade school, and discusses her mother’s background and what a great support she was

●     [04:48] What prompted Hillary to be an advocate for women

●     [08:19] Hillary shares the story of her parent's marriage and how it informed her marriage, and she opens up about what she and her husband talk about, how they spend their time together and the joys of being a grandmother

●     [12:41] Hillary discusses the stereotypes between men and women and what it’s like as a woman running for President of the United States

●     [16:52] Hillary answers Amanda’s rapid-fire questions

●     [18:22] Three of Amanda’s friends join in the conversation, and Hillary addresses Maya’s question regarding shame and fear

●     [22:07] Hillary addresses the question of working and being a mom. She is also passionate about supporting single moms

●     [28:23] Hillary shares how going into the Senate created fear, but also how she confronts it, and somehow hot peppers work their way into the conversation

●     [30:40] Hillary explains what a woman brings to the White House and talks about protecting children

●     [33:55] What is a girls-night-out for Hillary

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

●     We are the only advanced society in the world without paid family leave.

●     Don’t let others tell you you should have a career or give up that career for a family. Do what is right for you.

●     A person needs to move from fear to resolve and resilience, and it is easier said than done, but people can be helped on that journey by friends and others who will support them.

RESOURCES:

Amanda de Cadenet - Website

Amanda de Cadenet - Instagram

Hillary Clinton - 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.

In this episode of The Conversation, Amanda sits down with comedian Alyssa Limperis to delve into the complex emotions surrounding loss and grief. Both Amanda and Alyssa share the common experience of losing their fathers to cancer, and they explore how they have coped with this unimaginable loss and the impact it had on their lives. Alyssa discusses her comedy show, “No Bad Days” where she bravely incorporates humor into her reflections on losing her father. They explore the role of comedy in processing grief and the balance between laughter and sorrow. Amanda shares insights into her upcoming project centered around death and dying, exploring different perspectives and approaches to navigating these complex topics. Their candid reflections and shared experiences offer hope and understanding to those grappling with loss.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [1:00] Amanda and Alyssa discuss their shared grief of losing their dads
• [2:30] Alyssa shares how her special, “No Bad Days,” was conceived and how she navigated her father’s death and illness
• [7:35] Alyssa’s show was born from watching her dad die with strength and a discussion on how the subject of death is taboo
• [8:05] Hospice was there for both Amanda and Alyssa, and discussion of a death doula
• [16:34] Alyssa admitted she couldn’t stop herself from talking about her dad and how she brought the conversation into her comedy shows
• [23:22] Amanda discusses a project she is working on about death and dying, and Alyssa talks about the stories she is compelled to tell
• [25:20] “No Bad Days” is streaming on Peacock 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• There aren’t words to describe what it is like when you lose your father in death. It doesn’t matter if it’s unexpected or an illness. You can’t put your emotions into words.
• Humans do a disservice to themselves and their families when they don’t talk about death and take the steps to prepare for death. Everyone will die; we need to talk about it.
• Hospice is a wonderful organization that can help you navigate the death of a family member.

RESOURCES:

Alyssa Limperis - Website

Alyssa Limperis - Instagram

“No Bad Days” - Streaming on Peacock

BIOGRAPHY: 

Alyssa is an actress and comedian based in LA. Limperis starred as Sydney in the Showtime hit show FLATBUSH MISDEMEANORS. Her one-hour comedy special about losing her dad, No Bad Days, can be found on Peacock. She starred in the independent horror/comedy feature film TOO LATE opposite Fred Armisen. Her other recent credits include the short film THE LAUNCH by KK Apple, which just played at SIFF and Palm Springs Short Film Fest. The short she produced and starred in called OUTSIDE was featured on Short of The Week. She has also starred in CLOSING TIME by Russell Goldman, BRANDI FINDS GOD by Gonzalo Cordova, HOW TO AVOID A SAPPY GOODBYE by Doug Rogers, and she is in the feature film THE LIST, co-starring Halston Sage.

Additionally, she stars as ‘Mary Peck’ in the scripted podcast Edith that, was nominated for best fiction podcast by iHeartRadio, 'Denise' on HBO MAX's THE HAMLET FACTORY and voices multiple characters on both the Spotify podcast THE LAST DEGREE OF KEVIN BACON and Cartoon Network's WE BABY BEARS. She has also been featured on CONAN, LAST WEEK TONIGHT, A LITTLE LATE WITH LILLY SINGH and AUNTY DONNA’S HOUSE (Netflix).

She has starred in countless national commercials alongside Brie Larson, Megan Thee Stallion, Milana Vayntrub and, to the delight of her Massachusetts family, Tom Brady. She has been trained comedically at the UCB and theatrically at Stella Adler.

The viral success of her comedic “Mom” videos led to recognition from Today.com, Vulture, Decider, Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe and other top-tier media outlets.

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. Follow Amanda on Substack at amandadecadenet.substack.com

Welcome to The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet. Today, Amanda is joined by Soraya Chemaly, the insightful author of Rage Becomes Her. They delve into the disparity between men and women when expressing rage and anger. Soraya explains how women are often labeled as hostile when they show anger, a stereotype she addresses in her book to help girls and women understand the cultural roots of this phenomenon. The discussion also covers the Me Too movement, highlighting the disappointment in men who knew better but didn't speak up and the controversy over some women using the movement for personal gain. This fast-moving conversation touches on many other pressing issues today, offering valuable insights into gender dynamics and social justice. Don’t miss Soraya’s latest book, The Resilience Myth, out now.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [1:04] Discussion of what changes for women in the last five years
• [4:59] Soraya points out that some white women protected men during the ME TOO movement, and men should not have been silent
• [13:19] Men need to be involved in the changes because they hold the power and discussion of Gen X men
• [19:16] Who are the role models for young men
• [24:28] Fighting for women’s freedom of expression
• [31:48] How can a woman express her rage and the difference between how men can express their rage
• [38:03] Discussion of a global Gallup study showing ten years where women’s anger escalated
• [43:54] Soraya has a new book, The Resilience Myth, about resilience and how we need to accept help

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Women are the most marginalized during epidemics because they don’t have access to resources like health care and other necessities.
• Men should have spoken up for women during the ME TOO movement. They knew the problem but hid in the boardroom and were silent.
• If a girl is assertive, she risks being regarded as rude. If you are socialized to understand that you will be punished for expressing your thoughts, then you soften the blow by signaling femininity.

RESOURCES:

Book: The Resilience Myth 

Book: Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women's Anger

Soraya Chemaly - 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. Follow Amanda on Substack at amandadecadenet.substack.com.

BIOGRAPHY:  

Soraya Chemaly is an award-winning author, journalist, and activist who writes and speaks frequently about gender, inclusivity, and free speech. Her work has appeared in various media, including The Atlantic, Rolling Stone, TIME, and The Washington Post. Soraya is also the Director and co-founder of the Women's Media Center Speech Project and former Executive Director of The Representation Project. Her best-selling 2018 book Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women's Anger, translated into more than a dozen languages, was named a Best Book of the Year by Fast Company, Psychology Today, Autostraddle, and The Washington Post. 

In this podcast episode, Maggie discusses her personal journey and insights with Amanda. They converse about the challenges and growth she has experienced, particularly focusing on self-trust, emotional growth, and overcoming her divorce. Maggie shares her thoughts on being less judgmental, finding joy in everyday moments, and the importance of self-compassion. They also touch on the significance of treating others kindly and the impact of her work on readers. The conversation concludes with mutual appreciation and creative inspiration, highlighting Maggie's book, "You Could Make This Place Beautiful."

Timestamps: 

• [03:25] Maggie discusses how she has learned to trust herself more over the years.
• [05:12] Maggie about wanting to be less judgmental and embrace the ambiguity of life.
• [06:58] Maggie discusses how she dealt with the emotional pain of her divorce.
• [12:37] Discussion of how past fears don't define present bravery, despite being labeled as a scaredy cat.
• [27:39] Exploring the idea that creating something from a place of pain can be beneficial and supportive for others, giving purpose to the pain.

Key Takeaways

• Trust oneself and listen to your inner voice.
• Grow emotionally and strive to be less judgmental
• Embrace uncertainty about the next story to tell.
• Practice self-compassion and be kinder to yourself.
• Find joy in everyday moments.
• Reflect on what you would tell your eight-year-old self.
• Create something meaningful from painful experiences and share it with others.

Resources: 

Maggie Smith - Website

Maggie Smith Facebook

Maggie Smith X

Maggie Smith 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. Follow Amanda on Substack at amandadecadenet.substack.com

Biography:

Born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1977, Maggie Smith is the New York Times bestselling author of You Could Make This Place Beautiful; the national bestsellers Goldenrod and Keep Moving: Notes on Loss, Creativity, and Change; as well as Good Bones, named one of the Best Five Poetry Books of 2017 by the Washington Post and winner of the 2018 Independent Publisher Book Awards Gold Medal in Poetry; The Well Speaks of Its Own Poison, winner of the 2012 Dorset Prize and the 2016 Independent Publisher Book Awards Gold Medal in Poetry; and Lamp of the Body, winner of the 2003 Benjamin Saltman Award. 

Maggie Smith's latest book, My Thoughts Have Wings, a picture book illustrated by SCBWI Portfolio grand prize winner Leanne Hatch, is now available from Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins.  

Smith holds a BA from Ohio Wesleyan University and an MFA from The Ohio State University. She has taught creative writing at Gettysburg College, Ohio Wesleyan University, in the MFA and undergraduate programs at Ohio State University, and for the Antioch University Los Angeles Low-Residency MFA. After working for several years in trade book and educational publishing, she now works as a freelance writer and editor, and as MFA faculty for the Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Writing.

In this podcast episode, Maggie discusses her personal journey and insights with Amanda. They converse about the challenges and growth she has experienced, particularly focusing on self-trust, emotional growth, and overcoming her divorce. Maggie shares her thoughts on being less judgmental, finding joy in everyday moments, and the importance of self-compassion. They also touch on the significance of treating others kindly and the impact of her work on readers. The conversation concludes with mutual appreciation and creative inspiration, highlighting Maggie's book, "You Could Make This Place Beautiful."

Timestamps: 

• [03:25] Maggie discusses how she has learned to trust herself more over the years.
• [05:12] Maggie about wanting to be less judgmental and embrace the ambiguity of life.
• [06:58] Maggie discusses how she dealt with the emotional pain of her divorce.
• [12:37] Discussion of how past fears don't define present bravery, despite being labeled as a scaredy cat.
• [27:39] Exploring the idea that creating something from a place of pain can be beneficial and supportive for others, giving purpose to the pain.

Key Takeaways

• Trust oneself and listen to your inner voice.
• Grow emotionally and strive to be less judgmental
• Embrace uncertainty about the next story to tell.
• Practice self-compassion and be kinder to yourself.
• Find joy in everyday moments.
• Reflect on what you would tell your eight-year-old self.
• Create something meaningful from painful experiences and share it with others.

Resources: 

Maggie Smith - Website

Maggie Smith Facebook

Maggie Smith X

Maggie Smith 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. Follow Amanda on Substack at amandadecadenet.substack.com

Biography:

Born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1977, Maggie Smith is the New York Times bestselling author of You Could Make This Place Beautiful; the national bestsellers Goldenrod and Keep Moving: Notes on Loss, Creativity, and Change; as well as Good Bones, named one of the Best Five Poetry Books of 2017 by the Washington Post and winner of the 2018 Independent Publisher Book Awards Gold Medal in Poetry; The Well Speaks of Its Own Poison, winner of the 2012 Dorset Prize and the 2016 Independent Publisher Book Awards Gold Medal in Poetry; and Lamp of the Body, winner of the 2003 Benjamin Saltman Award. 

Maggie Smith's latest book, My Thoughts Have Wings, a picture book illustrated by SCBWI Portfolio grand prize winner Leanne Hatch, is now available from Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins.  

Smith holds a BA from Ohio Wesleyan University and an MFA from The Ohio State University. She has taught creative writing at Gettysburg College, Ohio Wesleyan University, in the MFA and undergraduate programs at Ohio State University, and for the Antioch University Los Angeles Low-Residency MFA. After working for several years in trade book and educational publishing, she now works as a freelance writer and editor, and as MFA faculty for the Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Writing.

In this podcast episode, Amanda de Cadenet and Dr. Nicole LePera, the Holistic Psychologist, discuss Dr. LePera's new book "How to Be the Love You Seek." They explore themes of personal growth, relationships, and therapy. Dr. LePera shares her journey of questioning traditional therapy methods and embracing holistic approaches, including somatic tools and nervous system regulation. The conversation highlights the importance of authenticity in therapy, the impact of childhood experiences on self-worth, and the challenges of maintaining personal growth. They also discuss the role of technology in wellness and the backlash Dr. LePera faced for her unconventional views.

Timestamps: 

Key Takeaways 

Resources: 

Instagram - @the.holistic.psychologist

LinkedIn - Dr. Nicole LePera  

Book - How To Be The Love You Seek

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. Follow Amanda on Substack at amandadecadenet.substack.com

Biography:

Dr. Nicole LePera was trained in clinical psychology at Cornell University and The New School for Social Research and also studied at the Philadelphia School of Psychoanalysis. She is the New York Times bestselling author of How to Do the Work and is the creator of the #SelfHealers movement, an international community of people joining together to take healing into their own hands.

In today’s episode I speak with pioneering neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Mosconi. We discuss Dr. Mosconi's groundbreaking new research that sheds light on the intricate relationship between estrogen and the brain. Her work highlights the impact of estrogen on cognitive function and neurological health and opens new avenues for understanding how hormonal changes affect our minds as we age. Don’t miss Dr. Mosconi’s expertise on perimenopause, menopause, Alzheimer's, dementia, and the research and clinical trials she supervises. Join us as we explore her new study and discuss its implications for brain health, particularly for women. Dr Lisa Mosconi is Associate Professor of Neuroscience in Neurology and Radiology and the director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Program at Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM)/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. 

Visit seed.com/amandac to apply the code 25AMANDAC for 25% off Seed’s VS-01™ and/or DS-01®. 

In This Episode:

[0:34] Dr. Lisa Mosconi announces a new study that, for the first time, we can measure estrogen activity in the brain

[3:28] Discussion of why perimenopause and menopause are not topics of conversation  

[7:18] The upside of menopause and the definition that makes women feel they need to be fixed, the physiological reasons for menopause, and how the brain works

[14:50] Discussion of Alzheimer’s disease and the Alzheimer’s prevention program at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York/Presbyterian and taking the integrated medicine approach

[15:56] Discussion of why women seek Dr. Lisa’s advice to understand the chemical changes they are experiencing and the relief they find after FDA testing

[27:22] The misinformation around HRT and the various definitions of estrogen and who should and should not have hormone therapy

[42:07] Discussion of the next generation of hormones, women who choose not to do hormone therapy, hot flashes and ADHD

[45:01] Starting the ritual of the menopause party and the importance of having a brain baseline and how to contact Dr. Lisa if you are interested in a clinical trial

Resources:

Dr. Lisa Mosconi - Book

Website www.lisamosconi.com

Dr. Lisa Mosconi’s Instagram

Dr. Lisa Mosconi’s Twitter/X

The Menopause Brain: New Science Empowers Women to Navigate the Pivotal Transition with Knowledge and Confidence

Wise Power: Discover the Liberating Power of Menopause to Awaken Authority, Purpose and Belonging

Discount on your Seed purchase: Click this link seed.com/amandac to apply the code 25AMANDAC for 25% off Seed’s VS-01™ and/or DS-01®.

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: Dr. Lisa Mosconi, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience in Neurology and Radiology and director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Program at Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM)/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Mosconi holds a PhD in Neuroscience and Nuclear Medicine from the University of Florence, Italy. A world-renowned neuroscientist, she ranks in the top 1% of scientists of the past 20 years by official metrics. She is the author of the New York Times, USA Today, Canada’s #1 Health & Fitness, and The Sunday Times bestselling THE MENOPAUSE BRAIN (2024); of the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Der Spiegel bestselling THE XX BRAIN (2020); and of the Amazon bestselling BRAIN FOOD (2018), which have been translated into more than 15 languages each. Dr. Mosconi’s popular TED talk “How menopause affects the brain” has been viewed over 4 million times since its release.