This week, I’m sitting down with Maya McHenry — a model, publicist, philanthropist, and board member of the Endometriosis Foundation of America — for a conversation I’ve been wanting to have on this show for a long time.

Maya’s been deep in this advocacy work for years, and it’s clear why—in today’s interview, she shares just how much trauma and hardship she’s been through. In our conversation, Maya walks me through the first time she ever experienced an “endo episode,” when the pain was so severe she passed out. She shares how she spent years being dismissed by doctors, misdiagnosed, and told that her symptoms were “just anxiety.” Hearing how long she suffered before finally getting a diagnosis was heartbreaking, especially knowing that her story isn’t unusual. Many women wait 7–10 years for answers, and Maya brings so much honesty, clarity, and compassion to this topic.

We also talk about how chronic illness impacts mental health, how trauma can intensify physical symptoms, and the tools she’s learned to use when her flares hit without warning. Maya’s vulnerability in sharing what this disease has taken from her and how she’s learned to advocate for herself is incredibly powerful.

At the end of the conversation, I asked her about her sister, Lyric McHenry (my former coworker and friend from Refinery29 who tragically passed), and what Maya shared with me was so emotional and so profound that I realized it deserved its own full episode.

So today’s episode is only Part 1, focusing on Maya’s endometriosis journey.

Next week, you’ll hear Part 2, where Maya opens up about grief, healing, and the beautiful ways she continues to honor Lyric’s legacy.

This is one of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had on The Real Stuff. I hope it brings comfort, insight, and validation to anyone who has ever felt overlooked or unheard in the medical system.

The Endometriosis Foundation of America: https://www.endofound.org

Follow Maya: https://www.instagram.com/mayamchenry/

Sponsor:

CLEARSTEM: How to claim your free Hydration Heroes Mini Kit: Go to CLEARSTEM.com, add the Hydration Heroes Mini Kit plus $75 of other CLEARSTEM products to your cart, and enter code REALSTUFFHH at checkout — the kit is yours for free! Offer ends December 2nd.

Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX 

To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. 

I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. 

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod 

Find Lucie here: 

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink

Website: https://luciefink.com/ 

Subscribe to my newsletter "The Lucie List" here: https://thelucielist.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Executive Producer: Cloud10

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tori Dunlap is back on The Real Stuff! 💸

I asked my audience on Instagram to answer some of the most taboo money questions, like whether it’s rude to ask what someone’s house costs, if couples should split expenses 50/50, and how people really feel about money in relationships. If you haven’t listened to my first episode with Tori yet, go check it out at the link below! This time, we’re taking the conversation even deeper. 

In this conversation, Tori and I go through your replies one by one, breaking down the psychology behind money, greed, success, and why women in particular are taught to feel guilt or shame around wanting wealth. We also talk about financial privilege, debt, and what an equitable partnership looks like when incomes don’t match.

Money isn’t moral or immoral — it’s a tool. And as Tori says, money means options. Listen now for a financial expert’s take on the most taboo money-related questions.

Watch our previous episode with Tori here: https://youtu.be/1zqDOt0sKPY?si=ZwAEe3CrzNe47KHZ

Follow Tori on Instagram: @herfirst100k

Sponsors:

Magnetic Me: If you haven’t ordered Magnetic Me yet, now is the time! Check out their Black Friday sale starting November 21st for 25% off select styles, no code needed.

Rhoback: Use the code “REALSTUFF” on Rhoback.com for a generous 20% off your first order through the end of this week.

CLEARSTEM: Go to CLEARSTEM.com/REALSTUFF and use code REALSTUFF at checkout for 15% off your first order.

How to claim your free Hydration Heroes Mini Kit: Go to CLEARSTEM.com, add the Hydration Heroes Mini Kit plus $75 of other CLEARSTEM products to your cart, and enter code REALSTUFFHH at checkout — the kit is yours for free! Offer ends December 2nd.

Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX 

To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. 

I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. 

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod 

Find Lucie here: 

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink

Website: https://luciefink.com/ 

Subscribe to my newsletter: https://thelucielist.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Executive Producer: Cloud10

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Emily picked up the phone at work one random afternoon, she had no idea the woman on the other end would change her life forever.

At 37, Emily was married with twins, living in her dream house and running her own audiology practice. But then, one chance encounter set off a chain of events that made her finally face the truth: she was gay.

In this epic audience caller episode, Emily opens up about what it’s really like to come out later in life, while married, with kids, and everything to lose. From her husband’s shocking response and her father-in-law’s unethical diagnosis, to the first time she fell in love with a woman — this is one of the most gripping, emotional, and unexpectedly funny conversations we’ve ever had on The Real Stuff.

If you’ve ever wondered what it means to start over and live authentically no matter the cost, this episode will stay with you long after it ends.

You can reach out to Emily at [email protected].

Sponsor:

CLEARSTEM: Go to CLEARSTEM.com/REALSTUFF and use code REALSTUFF at checkout for 15% off your first order.

Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX 

To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. 

I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. 

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod 

Find Lucie here: 

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink

Website: https://luciefink.com/ 

Executive Producer: Cloud10

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, I talk to “Josie,” an anonymous audience caller who shares one of the most difficult and thought-provoking stories we’ve ever had on The Real Stuff. Three years ago, Josie’s dad chose to end his life through MAID — Medical Assistance in Dying. It’s a legal medical procedure in Canada that allows people facing unbearable suffering to choose when and how they die.

But Josie’s story isn’t just about death, it’s about the messiness of love, family, and grief. Her relationship with her dad was complicated, filled with both disappointment and affection. When he decided to pursue MAID, Josie found herself navigating conflicting emotions: heartbreak, relief, guilt, and understanding.

We talk about what it’s like to know the exact day someone you love will die, the ethics and humanity of MAID, and how Josie is learning to carry compassion and peace for a parent who was never perfect, but was deeply human.

If you’ve ever experienced complicated grief or wondered how far autonomy should go at the end of life, this is a conversation you won’t forget.

Sponsors:

Magnetic Me: If you’re a parent, or shopping for one, go now to MagneticMe.com and new customers will get 15% off!

Rhoback: Use the code “REALSTUFF” on Rhoback.com for a generous 20% off your first order through the end of this week.

Timeline: My friends at Timeline are offering 20% off, just for my listeners! Head to timeline.com/realstuff to get started.

Happy Mammoth:Try Prebiotic Collagen Protein risk-free AND get 15% off your entire first order with code REALSTUFF at checkout.

Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX 

To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. 

I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. 

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod 

Find Lucie here: 

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink

Website: https://luciefink.com/ 

Executive Producer: Cloud10

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of our sub-series “Don’t Hang Up,” I called my talent manager, Sam, for a raw and unfiltered conversation about what it’s really like to work together.

Sam and I have been working side by side for years, and on this call, we talk openly about everything from how the creator–manager relationship actually works to the differences between an agent and a manager, how to find good representation, and what makes a partnership successful.

I even ask her the questions I’ve never asked before — like how many other clients she manages, how she pitches me to brands, and what she really thinks it takes to build a sustainable creative career.

This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the business side of content creation and the friendships that keep it all running.

Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX 

To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. 

I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. 

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod 

Find Lucie here: 

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink

Website: https://luciefink.com/ 

Executive Producer: Cloud10

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When today’s audience caller, Lindsey, was seven months pregnant, her husband walked out — leaving her to face the end of her marriage and the start of motherhood alone. In this raw, emotional episode of The Real Stuff, I sat down with Lindsay to unpack the unbelievable story of love, betrayal, and resilience.

We talk about the moment everything changed, how she found the strength to rebuild her life, and what it really feels like to be abandoned in the middle of pregnancy. This honest conversation explores marriage, divorce, motherhood, and healing after heartbreak — with the empathy and depth that defines this podcast.

Listen if you’ve ever experienced heartbreak, felt blindsided by someone you trusted, or needed a reminder that you can start over, even in your darkest moment.

Sponsors:

Rhoback: Use the code “REALSTUFF” on Rhoback.com for a generous 20% off your first order through the end of this week.

Magnetic Me: If you haven’t ordered Magnetic Me yet, now is the time! I know you’ll love these, too. If you’re a parent, or shopping for one, go now to MagneticMe.com and new customers will get 15% off!

Happy Mammoth: Right now, you can try Prebiotic Collagen Protein risk-free AND get 15% off your entire first order with code REALSTUFF at checkout.

Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX 

To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. 

I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. 

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod 

Find Lucie here: 

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink

Website: https://luciefink.com/ 

Executive Producer: Cloud10

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Try Mimi’s amazing platform, Activations, with an exclusive 14-day free trial + a major discount for our listeners at activations.com/realstuff ✨

What if you could literally rewire your brain and re-route your life?

This week on The Real Stuff, I sit down with Mimi Bouchard, founder of the viral app Activations, who went from having just $8 in her bank account to building an 8-figure empire by her late twenties. Yes, a DECAMILLIONAIRE! We talk about what it really takes to change your life from the inside out: how to break free from the money mindset you grew up with, how to take full responsibility for your future, and the science behind rewiring your subconscious mind for success.

Mimi opens up about her childhood, the early days of struggle, and the exact steps that helped her build wealth, confidence, and purpose. We also unpack how her app Activations uses visualization, cinematic audio, and neuroscience to transform everyday moments into powerful mindset shifts. If you’ve ever felt stuck or destined for “more” but didn’t know how to get there, this episode is your sign.

Sponsors:

Magnetic Me: If you haven’t ordered Magnetic Me yet, now is the time! I know you’ll love these, too. If you’re a parent, or shopping for one, go now to MagneticMe.com and new customers will get 15% off!

Laundry Sauce: Make laundry day the best day of the week! Get 20% off your entre order @ LaundrySauce with code REALSTUFF at https://laundrysauce.com/REALSTUFF #laundrysaucepod #ad

Rhoback: Use code REALSTUFF at Rhoback.com for 20% off your first order through the end of this week.

Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX 

To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. 

I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. 

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod 

Find Lucie here: 

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink

Website: https://luciefink.com/ 

Executive Producer: Cloud10

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this Don’t Hang Up episode, I call my dad, Jimmy Fink, to talk about the family business that shaped generations of our family — The Fink Baking Company. Before he was a radio guy, my dad was a bread guy. My childhood was filled with the smell of freshly baked loaves, “bring your daughter to work” days at the bread factory, and animal-shaped loaves for show-and-tell.

But like most family businesses, things weren’t always simple. My dad opens up about the history of the bakery and walks me through how it started in the 1880s, grew into a massive operation supplying bread to Yankee Stadium and New York City schools, and eventually came to an end. We talk about what it was like to work alongside family, the tensions that came with it, and the bittersweet reality of closing a 100-year-old company.

Sponsors:

Happy Mammoth: Try Happy Mammoth's Prebiotic Collagen Protein risk-free and get 15% off your entire first order with code REALSTUFF at checkout.

Timeline: Get 20% off Mitopure Gummies at timeline.com/REALSTUFF

Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX 

To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. 

I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. 

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod 

Find Lucie here: 

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink

Website: https://luciefink.com/ 

Executive Producer: Cloud10

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When I received the submission from today’s audience caller, I’ll be honest…it stopped me in my tracks. Here was someone who shared so many core pieces of my identity: she’s married to her high school sweetheart, has two kids the same age as mine, has Celiac disease, and has followed my content since my Refinery29 days. And yet, she lives in a one-bedroom, 550-square-foot log cabin in rural Colorado, below the poverty line.

She reached out to tell me that sometimes, watching my life feels like looking in a mirror. Except that mirror reflects back a completely different world. I could have easily ignored her message because this conversation could have made me uncomfortable. But that’s exactly why I knew I needed to talk to her.

In this episode, we dive into the very real and sometimes awkward tension between financial privilege and emotional relatability. We talk about what it's like raising kids with almost identical timelines, but in completely different environments. We talk about money, motherhood, access, and the kind of abundance that has nothing to do with wealth.

This conversation reminded me that no two lives are the same, even when they look eerily similar from the outside. I’m so grateful Sydney trusted me with her perspective, and I think it’s one we all need to hear. Whether you see yourself in me, in Sydney, or somewhere in between, I think you’ll find something here that makes you pause, reflect, and feel just a little more understood.

Sponsors:

Magnetic Me: If you haven’t ordered Magnetic Me yet, now is the time! I know you’ll love these, too. If you’re a parent, or shopping for one, go now to MagneticMe.com and new customers will get 15% off!

Laundry Sauce: Make laundry day the best day of the week! Get 20% off your entre order @ LaundrySauce with code REALSTUFF at https://laundrysauce.com/REALSTUFF #laundrysaucepod #ad

Bau, Artist at War: Visit BAUmovie.com to watch the trailer and learn more or sign up your organization for a group screening.

Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX 

To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. 

I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. 

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod 

Find Lucie here: 

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink

Website: https://luciefink.com/ 

Executive Producer: Cloud10

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I opened up my Instagram “secrets box” and read your anonymous confessions out loud. From wild nights abroad to hidden crushes at work, to the unspoken struggles of parenting, relationships, fertility, and family dynamics…things get juicy! Along the way, I reflect on the psychology of secrets, the power dynamics they create, and why sharing them can feel so freeing. This episode is raw, funny, emotional, and deeply human — proof that we’re all carrying more than we let on.

Sponsors:

Vivrelle: Go to www.vivrelle.com and apply for a membership today using code REALSTUFF for 50% off 1 month of membership. The code will also allow you to skip the Vivrelle waitlist. 

Magnetic Me: If you haven’t ordered Magnetic Me yet, now is the time! I know you’ll love these, too. If you’re a parent, or shopping for one, go now to MagneticMe.com and new customers will get 15% off!

Bau, Artist at War: Visit BAUmovie.com to watch the trailer and learn more or sign up your organization for a group screening.

Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX 

To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. 

I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. 

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod 

Find Lucie here: 

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink

Website: https://luciefink.com/ 

Executive Producer: Cloud10

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.