When Ana Calderone was diagnosed with breast cancer, specifically stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma, she was determined that her diagnosis wouldn’t define her or slow her down. Now that she’s cancer-free, she’s on a mission to spread awareness around breast health for millennial women and provide support for anyone who is facing a similar situation. 

In our conversation, Ana takes us back to the day she felt a lump on her breast and found out she had cancer. She walks us through how she worked with her doctors to come up with the right treatment plan for her and breaks down the vocabulary associated with breast cancer. She also highlights some of the side-effects of the different treatments and talks about her personal experience with hair loss, fatigue, and nausea. 

Ana ultimately chose to do chemotherapy, get a double mastectomy, and then do proton radiation therapy. She describes what that process was like for her and talks about how her mindset changed throughout the healing process. Ana also explains what she’s doing differently now that she’s cancer-free, including dabbling with sobriety and living a more active, holistic lifestyle. 

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• How Ana detected there was something wrong with her breast 
• What went into Ana’s decision to get a double mastectomy
• Techniques to reduce hair loss due to chemotherapy, including cold capping 
• Why having a supportive community is so important for the healing process 
• How Ana empowered herself and cultivated a positive mindset throughout her cancer journey 

Resources mentioned 

• Southern Charm 
• Ina Garten's coconut cake recipe  

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CBD has been one of the biggest wellness trends over the past couple of years, but what does it actually do? I wanted to learn more about CBD from a scientific point of view, so I invited neuroscientist Dr. Dilara Bahceci on the show to break down the fundamentals of CBD and educate us on how to be better consumers. Dr. Bahceci specializes in sharing correct information on medical cannabis, CBD, mental health, and psychedelics. On today’s episode, she explains what goes on in the mind and body when we ingest or apply CBD products, and debunks some common myths about cannabis. 

Cannabis is known for its mind-altering effects, but it's actually made up of over 400 chemicals, and THC is the only chemical that is responsible for that effect. CBD doesn’t get you high, but instead helps boost your body's natural regulating system. Many people are finding it aids with anxiety, stress, and sleep management, as well as improves their general wellbeing. Scientists are also exploring the benefits of CBD for chronic pain and conditions like childhood epilepsy. 

With so many different brands, products, and price points, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what to invest in. Dr. Bahceci shares her suggestions for how to navigate the market and discover brands that you trust. She also explains the best methods for consuming CBD and why some modalities are gimmicky. Listen in to learn more about the benefits and science behind CBD. 

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• Addressing common misconceptions about cannabis products 
• How CBD impacts your brain 
• What the endocannabinoid system is
• Ways to determine the quality of ingredients 
• Adverse effects that suggest you’re overdoing it with CBD
• Why it’s so important to check with your doctor before adding CBD products into your wellness routine 

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There’s been a lot on my mind this past month as I approach my 30th birthday, especially about what I’m looking forward to in this new decade and what I'm ready to leave behind in my 20s. The past ten years have felt like a whirlwind of graduating college, building my career, getting married, moving to New York City, and so much more. I want to shift my focus on being more present and practicing gratitude for where I’m at right now in my life. I’m working on adapting when things don’t go to plan, creating space for people and experiences that really light me up, and learning how to trust and surrender. Join me in this solo episode as I ring in this new chapter in my life.  

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Everybody poops but so many of us suffer in silence when it comes to our digestive issues. I’ve been vocal about my GI journey and my crappy (literally and figuratively) start to the year, with the saga still continuing. On today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Supriya Rao, a board-certified physician in gastroenterology, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine. She’s dedicated to reducing the shame and stigma around what happens in the bathroom and empowering people to be proactive about their gut health. 

We discuss everything from bowel movements, bloating, hemorrhoids, and chronic illness. Dr. Supriya notes that she’s seen a trend in younger adults seeking treatment for GI issues, and a lot of that comes down to stress management and our dairy-rich diets. One of the most common conditions that Dr. Supriya treats are hemorrhoids, and she shares her top tips for prevention and management, including one of my favorite household must-haves, the Squatty Potty.  

When I was first experiencing my digestive issues, I was overwhelmed with the amount of information and supplements out there. Dr. Supriya gives her take on what to keep in mind when buying products and highlights the importance of checking in with your primary care physician before self-diagnosing and adding or eliminating anything from your diet. If you're someone that has suffered with digestion issues, is curious about it, or you’re somewhere in the middle, tune in to learn more about how to take care of your gut health. 

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• What the Bristol Stool Chart is and what’s considered normal for bowel movements 
• Why constipation and diarrhea happens 
• When to reach out to a doctor and talk about changes in your GI health 
• The connection between meditation, mindfulness, and gut health 
• How overindulging in dairy can affect your digestive tract 
• Simple ways to get started with taking care of your gut health 

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I’m chatting with Ashlyn Greer, founder of personal styling company Fashivly today because as much as I love to dress up, I hate shopping. Do you ever have that moment where your closet is packed to the max, but you still feel like you have nothing to wear? I want to really declutter my wardrobe, hone in on my personal style, and become a smarter shopper. There are so many voices in the styling space, but I wanted to speak with someone that understood ‘real girl’ style, like dressing for work or a dinner date. As much as I love Euphoria and Gen Z trends, I don’t think those outfits work for my everyday life, so I wanted to get a professional opinion about how to stay on trend while still being appropriate. 

Ashlyn and I discuss what a staple piece is and how to build a capsule wardrobe that actually has clothes that you’re excited about. We get into where to splurge vs. save, why you should invest in jackets over tops, and how to become a more sustainable shopper. Plus, we touch on how to feel more confident in your clothes by dressing proportionally for your body instead of following rigid and outdated fashion rules. 

Ashlyn explains her process for selling and donating clothes, and breaks down the two criteria that she judges a piece on to decide if she’s going to keep or get rid of it. We also do a rapid fire round of questions about common fashion misconceptions, summer trends, her favorite jeans, go-to brands for sustainable clothing, shopping tips, and closet must-haves.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• Redefining what a staple piece is 
• Having an open mind about trying new styles 
• Simple and affordable ways to refresh your wardrobe
• Updating the language around shopping for your ‘body type’ 
• Tips for cleaning out your closet 

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I’ve been open about my struggles with my gut health, acne, and stress management, and one recommendation that I consistently get is to try Traditional Chinese Medicine, specifically acupuncture. I wanted to educate myself on what it actually is and how it works, so I invited board-certified Doctor of Chinese Medicine and a licensed acupuncturist Dr. Debbie Kung on the show to see if I should book an appointment. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on the principle that all parts equal the whole一there’s no way to treat one problem without addressing the entire being. Acupuncture works to unblock the Chi, or energy life force, so that it becomes more free flowing and results in feeling balanced and grounded. And for all my needle-phobic listeners out there, Dr. Kung addresses my fears and questions about the technique and assures me that it isn't too painful. 

We also discuss practices like tongue reading and face mapping, and Dr. Kung shares her tips for how to get started with holistic medicine. Though the healing process can take longer than some Western methods, Eastern medicine is all about empowerment, prevention, and true self care. Join us as we talk about how to bring yourself back into your body and heal from the inside out. 

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• The foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine 
• Examples of what an acupuncture session might look like 
• Acupuncture and fertility 
• Science-backed evidence about the effects of acupuncture 
• Addressing misinformation about Eastern medicine 

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What would you do if a TikTok about your friends going out of their way to exclude you went viral? Marissa Meizz was faced with that dilemma a year ago, and decided that instead of brushing it off, she was going to create No More Lonely Friends, a community that makes it easy to build new friendships. Since then, she’s been on a mission to help people foster genuine connections and has hosted meet-up events in 30 cities and three different countries. 

As I approach this next decade of my life, it’s made me reflect on the people who I surround myself with and realize that friendships are all about quality, not quantity. Life is too short to feel insecure and unsupported by the people in your life.  Marissa and I discuss what defines a good friend, the number one red flag in friendships, and why it’s so hard to let go of bonds that we’ve made in the past, even when they no longer serve us. 

It can feel daunting to make friends as an adult, but Marissa is hoping to change that with No More Lonely Friends. We talk about how to deepen your connection with new people and get beyond small talk. Marissa shares her tips for how to create an environment where people can open up and feel comfortable, and explains why it’s so important to be vulnerable with people outside of your romantic partner and family. 

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• How to be a better friend 
• Normalizing friendship breakups 
• Learning the difference between sharing and trauma dumping 
• Marissa’s favorite ice breaker 
• Breaking through surface level friendships 
• Marissa’s vision and plans for No More Lonely Friends 

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• Marissa's Instagram 

Recommended game

• We’re Not Really Strangers card game

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Sleep affects every single cell in our bodies, and after a bad night of sleep, I’m sure you’ve felt like every fiber of your being was moving in slow motion. Between aging and the major lifestyle changes that have come about due to the pandemic, it’s possible that your sleep rhythm has been totally out of whack. 

On today’s episode, I’m talking about all things sleep hygiene with Dr. Sarah Silverman, a Stanford-trained sleep psychologist, holistic sleep wellness consultant, and insomnia expert with over a decade of experience. We discuss why our sleep cycle changes, how to tackle anxious and restless sleep, and why sleep impacts so much of your life. She shares her top science-backed tips for how to sleep better and her take on supplements like melatonin and cannabis products. 

Because we often don’t give ourselves enough time during the day to process what’s going on and our feelings around it, it can be challenging to shut down the racing thoughts that come up once we get into bed. Dr. Sarah walks through a couple of journaling techniques to help work through the stressors that come up during the day so that it doesn’t hit you right when you’re trying to relax. She also dishes out her best advice for getting a better night’s sleep and what to do if you’re experiencing chronic or acute insomnia. 

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• What the circadian rhythm sleep cycle is 
• How sleep affects your metabolism, digestion, food choices, and hunger cues 
• A constructive worry exercise to help you sleep at night 
• Why you shouldn’t journal and make to-do lists in bed right before you go to sleep 
• The difference between chronic and acute insomnia 
• Supplements that Dr. Sarah recommends to help manage stress and anxiety 
• How a 20-minute power nap can help boost your day 
• The importance of setting an alarm everyday and getting your dose of morning light 

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In this solo episode, I deep dive into a recent newsletter I sent where I shared my thoughts around body image and society’s obsession with weight loss. I recently saw this post from Camilla Cabello where she opened up about struggling with her body image and the constant commentary about her weight. When I read it, I felt like she was speaking directly to me. For the past decade, I feel like I’ve been in this vicious dieting cycle, and it wasn’t until I was faced with digestive health issues earlier this year that I’ve had to really confront my relationship with food and my body. I subscribed to the idea that once I reached my goal weight, everything would fall into place and I would finally be happy. 

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Hetal Vasavada is a baker and cookbook author behind @milkandcardamom. I’ve been following her drool-worthy account forever and she was such an inspiration to me when I got into baking over the pandemic. So, when I was thinking about who I could reach out to to answer my questions about how to become a better home baker, Hetal was the first person who came to mind. 

Hetal’s book Milk & Cardamom was named one of the top cookbooks of 2019 by The Washington Post and San Francisco Chronicle. Her recipes have also been featured in major food publications like The New York Times, Food and Wine, and Bon Appetit. Despite seeing major commercial success as a pastry chef, she keeps home bakers at the forefront of her recipes and product recommendations. We chat about measuring techniques, her kitchen must-haves, and tips for vegan baking. 

Hetal touches on common mistakes that she sees home bakers making and offers up simple solutions for taking your baking to the next level (hint: parchment paper and aluminum foil aren’t interchangeable). We also discuss how she’s carving her own path as a content creator and traditional pastry chef, and all the projects that she’s currently working on. 

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• Baking as a practice in staying focused and present 
• Why you need to buy a kitchen scale ASAP 
• What we like to bake vs. buy 
• Using aquafaba in eggless desserts 
• Hetal’s favorite semi-homemade dessert 
• How Hetal balances social media, recipe writing, and her bakery 

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• Milk & Cardamom: Spectacular Cakes, Custards and More, Inspired by the Flavors of India 

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