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Navigating the world of skincare can feel overwhelming with endless products, treatments, and conflicting advice. What actually works? What's worth your money? And how do you address specific concerns like aging, acne, or hyperpigmentation?

In this revealing conversation with licensed aesthetician Lesley Dressel, we debunk skincare myths and uncover evidence-based practices that can truly transform your skin. Lesley shares her journey from medical sales to becoming a skincare expert, bringing both professional knowledge and personal experience to the table. You'll be shocked to learn that acne takes a full 90 days to form (not overnight!) and why those makeup removing wipes need to be tossed immediately.

We explore the three non-negotiable elements of any effective skincare routine: proper sunscreen (not just what's in your foundation), hydration strategies, and growth factors to stimulate collagen production. Lesley rates popular treatments from hydrafacials (a perfect 10/10) to eye creams (a modest 5/10) and explains why dermaplaning won't make your facial hair grow back darker. For the tech-savvy skincare enthusiasts, we discuss advanced options like microneedling, BBL, and laser treatments, including realistic expectations for results and recovery.

Whether you're dealing with adult acne, concerned about aging, or simply want to establish healthy skin habits, this episode offers practical advice for every age and skin type. Even if you've never had a facial or used anything beyond basic drugstore products, you'll walk away with clear, actionable steps to achieve your best skin ever. Subscribe now and join us on this journey to understanding and caring for your skin with confidence!

Please be sure to checkout our website for previous episodes, our psych-approved resource page, and connect with us on social media! All this and more at www.thelylaspodcast.com

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Have you ever felt that uncomfortable itch that what once fit your life perfectly now feels like a stranger's coat? That career you chose decades ago, the one that defined your identity for so long—what happens when it no longer aligns with who you've become?

This raw, honest conversation dives into the reality of midlife transitions and career pivots. Beginning with a hilariously mortifying story about a lice infestation during a professional training (yes, really!), we quickly move into deeper waters, exploring how our professional identities can simultaneously define us and trap us. We unpack that moment of recognition when you realize the person who chose your career path is essentially a stranger to who you are today—and why that realization isn't a failure but an opportunity for growth.

The fear of change keeps many of us locked in roles that no longer serve us. We discuss the physiological truth that fear and excitement create identical responses in our bodies—it's only our interpretation that differs. By reframing the uncertainty of transition as exhilarating rather than terrifying, we can move through career shifts with more courage and less anxiety. For women especially, timing these transitions strategically matters, as ageism presents real challenges for those making later-life career changes.

Whether you're contemplating a dramatic career change or simply seeking to revitalize your current path, this episode offers permission to honor your evolution. Small shifts can be just as meaningful as complete transformations. The key is recognizing when you've shifted into autopilot and taking intentional steps to realign your work with who you've become.

Ready to make a change but feeling stuck? Connect with us through our website or social media—we'd love to be your cheerleaders as you take that leap into the unknown. Because what waits on the other side of discomfort? Something far more exciting than you can imagine.

Please be sure to checkout our website for previous episodes, our psych-approved resource page, and connect with us on social media! All this and more at www.thelylaspodcast.com

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The moment arrives for every parent – watching your child transform from dependent teenager to independent adult. In this heartfelt conversation, we're joined by a special guest who offers a unique perspective on this pivotal transition from the young adult side of the equation.

Cameron, a college student preparing for graduation and engaged to be married, shares candid insights about what truly helped him navigate the journey to independence. Rather than focusing on the moment of separation, he emphasizes how his successful transition resulted from years of gradual preparation – parents who allowed increasing autonomy while maintaining a reliable safety net of support.

The conversation explores that delicate balance every parent struggles to find: providing enough freedom for growth while ensuring your child knows you're available when truly needed. As Cameron explains, knowing he was unconditionally supported gave him confidence to solve problems independently, navigate uncomfortable situations, and discover his authentic self away from home.

For parents approaching this milestone, our discussion offers practical guidance on preparing teenagers for independence long before move-in day. We address the importance of transferring responsibility for everyday tasks, communicating expectations clearly, and acknowledging the emotional challenges parents face when their caretaking role fundamentally changes.

Perhaps most reassuringly, we discuss how the parent-child relationship doesn't end but evolves into something potentially more rewarding – an adult friendship built on mutual respect. As one parent reflects, "To have an adult relationship with your kid is probably the greatest thing I didn't expect to happen."

Whether you're years away from this transition or facing it imminently, this episode provides valuable perspective for nurturing independence while maintaining meaningful connection. Join us to discover how letting go might just be your greatest parenting achievement.

Please be sure to checkout our website for previous episodes, our psych-approved resource page, and connect with us on social media! All this and more at www.thelylaspodcast.com

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"I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen" author, influencer (@Naptime Kitchen), and homemaker, Kate Strickler brings her refreshing honesty and practical wisdom to this week's conversation by sharing her reflective list of "other lies I think will make me happy" paired with creative approaches to pivoting our mindset. 

What distinguishes Kate's approach is her exceptional self-awareness combined with a problem-solver's mindset. Rather than offering platitudes about accepting ourselves, she delivers tangible strategies for shifting both perspective and daily habits. The concept of creating "a life you love" through what Kate calls the "inner scorecard versus outer scorecard" approach. By focusing on what genuinely matters to you—not what society dictates—she argues we can find contentment amidst constant pressure to want more.

Kate's discussion of family rhythms provides a masterclass in balanced parenting—establishing consistent routines while allowing flexibility. From technology boundaries to managing evolving schedules as children grow, she demonstrates how thoughtful structure creates freedom rather than restriction. Her candid admission that she'll occasionally break her own rules when everyone needs it showcases her refreshingly realistic approach to family life.

Pre-order Kate's book, releasing August 26th to discover all ten "I wish" statements and their transformative solutions. You'll likely find yourself nodding in recognition that someone has finally articulated the thoughts you've been having all along—and better yet, provided a path forward.

Please be sure to checkout our website for previous episodes, our psych-approved resource page, and connect with us on social media! All this and more at www.thelylaspodcast.com

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What would you tell your younger self? That question sparked a fascinating exploration of life lessons, hard-won wisdom, and the unexpected gifts that come with age and experience.

The magical thing about turning 40 isn't just the physical changes – it's the powerful ability to look back across two decades of adulthood and recognize how much knowledge you've gained. Like having coffee with your 20-year-old self, this reflective vantage point reveals truths that could have changed everything.

Financial literacy tops the list of crucial knowledge many wish they'd gained earlier. Understanding how to make your money work for you, managing student debt, and avoiding the trap of spending every dollar you earn creates freedom that compounds over time. Equally important is developing a value-driven plan for life – not just career goals, but clarity about what truly matters to you. When your choices align with your core values, fulfillment follows naturally.

Perhaps the most liberating realization? Nobody is paying as much attention to your choices as you think they are. The freedom to fail, change direction, and reimagine your path without fear of judgment opens worlds of possibility. Your education and experience equip you with transferable skills that can flourish in countless contexts – you're not locked into any single trajectory.

Creating boundaries, developing a meditation practice, freeing yourself from body image obsessions, and simply taking the trip when your gut tells you to – these lessons emerge repeatedly as game-changers. The most painful regrets center not on what we did, but what we didn't do when we felt that internal pull.

Whether you're approaching 40, looking back from beyond it, or still navigating your 20s, this conversation offers perspective that might just change how you view the journey ahead. What would you tell your younger self over coffee? And perhaps more importantly – what might your future self wish you understood right now?

Please be sure to checkout our website for previous episodes, our psych-approved resource page, and connect with us on social media! All this and more at www.thelylaspodcast.com

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"Mom Rage." That sensation of heat rising through your body—the infamous mom rage—happens to even the most mindful among us, regardless of how many meditation apps we use or self-care practices we maintain.

This raw conversation dives into why midlife women experience intense emotional responses despite having tools to manage them. We explore the hormone fluctuations that influence our reactions, the frustration of having our feelings dismissed as "just hormonal," and the particular triggers that set us off—like having to ask three times for someone to pick up their water bottle before they finally do it.

We examine the challenges of modern parenting approaches, questioning whether extremely gentle parenting might actually leave children unprepared for adult realities. There's a crucial difference between sheltering children from all discomfort and teaching them resilience through witnessing how we handle our own struggles. When children see us navigate difficult emotions—even rage—they learn valuable lessons about emotional regulation that textbooks can't teach.

Perhaps most importantly, we reframe emotions as "places we visit rather than places we live." This perspective allows us to experience the full range of human feelings without shame or fear of becoming permanently defined by our momentary reactions. By showing our children that emotions are normal, manageable aspects of being human, we give them permission to honor their own emotional experiences while developing healthy coping strategies.

Next time rage bubbles up, remember you're teaching your children something valuable about being human. The question isn't whether you'll experience difficult emotions—it's how you'll navigate them and what you'll learn along the way. What emotional visits have taught you the most about yourself?

Please be sure to checkout our website for previous episodes, our psych-approved resource page, and connect with us on social media! All this and more at www.thelylaspodcast.com

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Have you ever noticed how some friendships slip away without drama or fallout? That's exactly what we're diving into this week—those connections that gradually fade into oblivion without any clear ending.

As we mature, many of us become more selective about where we direct our relational energy, prioritizing reciprocal connections over obligatory ones. There's profound freedom in recognizing that some friendships serve important purposes for specific periods without lasting forever. "Peace to all those who have faded into oblivion" captures the healthy perspective many reach—appreciating what each relationship meant during its season without guilt about its natural evolution.

What friendships have faded in your life? Have you found yourself on both sides of the equation? Subscribe and share this episode with someone who might need permission to feel at peace with changing relationship dynamics.

Please be sure to checkout our website for previous episodes, our psych-approved resource page, and connect with us on social media! All this and more at www.thelylaspodcast.com

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Contemplating a vacation with friends and their kids? Before you pack those bags, let's talk about the delicate art of friend-family travel. In this candid conversation, we dive into what makes group vacations work - or spectacularly fail, lol!

From finding your "unicorn family" (those magical people where all husbands, wives, AND children somehow get along perfectly) to navigating the practical realities of different morning routines, budgets, and parenting styles, we break down the essential compatibility factors that many people overlook until they're sharing a beach house or a cabin.

You definitely want to check out our social media during the week of this episode's release, as Sarah will be doing live updates on how her first "Friend/Family Trip" is going!

Please be sure to checkout our website for previous episodes, our psych-approved resource page, and connect with us on social media! All this and more at www.thelylaspodcast.com

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Ever wondered how to motivate a seemingly unmotivated child? Dr. Susan Thomas, accomplished school psychologist and parent, tackles this universal parenting challenge with refreshing honesty and practical wisdom. Drawing from decades of professional experience and personal parenting trials, she reveals that motivation isn't about finding the perfect reward—it's about discovering what genuinely resonates with your unique child.
 
 The conversation takes a powerful turn as Dr. Thomas introduces her "AAA" method for handling peer mistreatment (gotta listen to hear it, hehe), and technology emerges as a central theme throughout the discussion, with Dr. Thomas identifying excessive screen time as one of the most significant challenges facing today's children. 

The episode concludes with perhaps the most valuable parenting strategy of all—establishing trusted adults outside the immediate family who share your values and can serve as safe resources for your children when they find themselves in challenging situations. Subscribe now for more parenting insights that blend professional expertise with real-world application! And be sure to check out our website for handouts on the “AAA” method!

Please be sure to checkout our website for previous episodes, our psych-approved resource page, and connect with us on social media! All this and more at www.thelylaspodcast.com

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Drawing from her extensive experience as a special education teacher, Dr. Thomas explains that effective behavior support isn't about punishment—it's about setting clear, understandable expectations that children can meet. “I’ve got to be able to see it and count it,” she emphasizes, pointing out that vague instructions like “be respectful” don't provide children with the specific guidance they need to succeed.

Instead, she offers practical tools like the SLANT method for active listening—Sit tall, Lean forward, Acknowledge the speaker, Nod, Track the speaker—to demonstrate how breaking behaviors into observable, measurable actions creates a strong foundation for lifelong success.

Want to transform how you support your child’s behavior at home and in school?
Tune in now for powerful insights that can shift your parenting approach and help your child build essential life skills. Don't forget to visit our website for valuable resources from Dr. Thomas—and be sure to catch Part Two next week!

Please be sure to checkout our website for previous episodes, our psych-approved resource page, and connect with us on social media! All this and more at www.thelylaspodcast.com