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What makes a luxury hotel unforgettable?
It isn't just five-star amenities or beautiful design—it's the feeling you leave with.
This week on What She's Having, Jennifer Cataldo and Britney Semler sit down with Azadeh Hawkins, the Global Creative Director behind Montage, Pendry & Viceroy Hotels, to uncover the hidden psychology of luxury hospitality and why the world's best brands obsess over the smallest details.
Az shares her remarkable journey from immigrating to the United States from Iran to becoming one of the hospitality industry's most respected creative leaders. She reveals how storytelling, design, service, and thoughtful experiences shape some of the world's most iconic hotel brands—and why true luxury is about creating memories, not just beautiful spaces.
From choosing the perfect pillow to designing an unforgettable guest experience, this conversation will forever change the way you think about travel, branding, and what it really means to make people feel seen.
Whether you love luxury travel, beautiful design, entrepreneurship, or simply appreciate thoughtful experiences, this episode is filled with inspiration and practical takeaways.
00:00 Introduction to Azadeh Hawkins
01:00 Growing up after immigrating from Iran
03:35 Discovering a passion for branding and design
05:25 Building the Viceroy Hotel brand from the ground up
10:05 What a Global Creative Director actually does
13:20 Favorite Montage & Pendry destinations
16:00 The biggest misconception about luxury
20:15 The details guests don't realize create unforgettable experiences
24:50 Hotel secrets: bedding, pillows and sleep
28:45 Why every great brand begins with a story
35:30 Navigating leadership as a woman in hospitality
39:30 Balancing career, motherhood and family
43:00 The most unforgettable guest requests
48:30 The most luxurious travel experiences
51:45 Rapid-fire favorites: cities, luxury items and dream destinations
54:35 Az's dream of opening a luxury hotel in Iran
Follow Azadeh's work through the incredible hotel brands she helps bring to life:
Montage Hotels & Resorts
https://www.montage.com
Pendry Hotels & Resorts
https://www.pendry.com
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If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate and review What She's Having on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue bringing you inspiring conversations with the women, experts and innovators redefining what it means to thrive in life's second act.
Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @officialwhatsheshaving
Award-winning chef, cookbook author and television personality Katie Chin joins us for a heartfelt conversation about food, family, resilience and second acts.
Katie shares how cooking alongside her mother helped heal generations of trauma and transformed their relationship into a deep friendship. She opens up about growing up in a Chinese-American household, leaving a successful Hollywood executive career to follow her passion, surviving an emotionally abusive marriage, and why telling the truth about our stories can set us free.
We also discuss parenting, forgiveness, cultural identity, grief, and the powerful connection between food and love.
Plus, Katie brings homemade dumplings to the studio and shares simple cooking tips anyone can use.
Why food was her mother's love language
Growing up in a Chinese-American family
Leaving Hollywood to become a chef
Healing family trauma through cooking
Her mother's remarkable journey from seamstress to restaurateur
Breaking generational patterns with her own children
Her one-woman show, Holy Shiitake! A Wok Star Is Born
Why sharing our stories removes shame
The healing power of traditions and recipes
Katie's favorite pantry staples and easy cooking tips
Homemade dumplings and the stories they tell
00:00 Introducing Katie Chin
1:20 Food as her family's love language
4:40 Leaving Hollywood and rediscovering cooking
6:20 How cooking brought Katie and her mother together
9:50 Her mother's incredible rise from seamstress to restaurant mogul
12:10 Why it's never too late to reinvent yourself
12:37 Creating her one-woman show, Holy Shiitake! A Wok Star Is Born
14:30 Growing up Asian in Minnesota and experiencing racism
15:20 Family tragedy and losing her sister to suicide
16:10 Divorce, grief and generational differences
17:30 Forgiveness and breaking family cycles
19:00 Parenting differently than she was raised
20:25 Becoming her mother on stage
23:40 Turning her story into a television series
25:20 Why vulnerability removes shame
27:50 How openness has helped others heal
29:15 Writing cookbooks and finding inspiration
30:10 Simple Chinese cooking tips
32:25 Traditional Chinese foods as medicine
34:10 Feeling connected to ancestors through cooking
35:00 Pantry essentials every home cook should have
36:15 Quick meals for busy nights
37:00 Katie's easy homemade dumpling recipe
40:45 Why dumplings make people happy
42:20 Favorite sauces and female-founded brands
44:20 Dumpling tasting in the studio
45:45 Honoring family through food
Contact Info Katie Chin:
Instagram: @chefkatiechin
Website: www.chefkatiechin.com
Wok Star Catering: www.wokstarcatering.com
One Woman Show:
Holy Shiitake! A Wok Star Is Born
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Hosted by Jennifer Cataldo and Britney Semler, What She's Having explores reinvention, wellness, relationships and the stories that shape us in the second half of life.
New episodes every Wednesday.
Hair thinning. Hormones. GLP-1s. Stress. Perimenopause. Why does it seem like every woman over 40 is suddenly dealing with hair loss?
This week, we're joined by Nina Kairouz, entrepreneur, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Najeau, to talk about the surprising connection between scalp health, aging, hormones and healthy hair.
From postpartum hair loss to COVID shedding, menopause, GLP-1 medications and even why your scalp ages six times faster than your face, Nina shares the science and traditions behind her "Keep It Juicy" philosophy—and why healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp.
Plus, she opens up about building a business from her kitchen, embracing her Lebanese heritage, and the lessons passed down from generations of women before her.
Instagram: @ninakairouz
Instagram: @mynajeau
Website: www.mynajeau.com
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🎙 New episodes every Wednesday.
A Mother-Daughter Conversation Years in the Making
In this deeply personal episode, Jennifer sits down with her mom, Judy Grossman, for an honest conversation about family, forgiveness, resilience, and the stories that shape us. Together they reflect on childhood, generational trauma, mental health, motherhood, creativity, and the power of choosing joy—even in life's darkest moments.
Judy shares what it was like growing up as the daughter of Holocaust survivors, receiving an ADHD diagnosis later in life, navigating depression, and recently battling stage III colon cancer. She also opens up about her near-death experience at age ten, the lessons she's learned through suffering, and why she believes the best chapters of life can still be ahead.
Along the way, mother and daughter laugh, cry, revisit old wounds, and celebrate the bond they've built through honesty, compassion, and unconditional love.
In this episode, we discuss:
Timestamps00:00 – Introducing Judy Grossman: mother, grandmother, cancer warrior, and daughter of Holocaust survivors
02:28 – Growing up without choices and deciding to parent differently
04:28 – Raising three daughters by paying attention to who they naturally were
06:40 – Mental health struggles and looking back with compassion
09:04 – Receiving an ADHD diagnosis later in life
11:40 – Working at TV Guide and buying her first car at nineteen
13:23 – Judy reflects on Jennifer's childhood and fearless personality
16:48 – Why Jennifer never developed a limiting mindset
19:49 – Therapy at age ten and learning to let children be themselves
22:01 – Early signs of Jennifer's love for beauty, fashion, and entertaining
24:21 – Emotional reflections on their evolving relationship
25:22 – Judy's stage III colon cancer diagnosis and recovery journey
29:15 – "Today is just ten minutes out of a whole day"
31:11 – The unique roles each daughter played during treatment
34:14 – Finding gratitude even in the emergency room
35:15 – Why sisters become lifelong best friends
38:21 – Judy's near-death experience at age ten
41:32 – Returning with a sense of purpose
42:14 – How her book nearly went unpublished
45:05 – Dating again after divorce and the inspiration behind her book
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Credits: Hosts: Jennifer Cataldo & Britney Semler New episodes weekly of What She’s Having 🎙️
🎙️ New episode drops Wednesday.
This week, Britney sits down with the woman who shaped her life—her mom, Maryann.In one of the most personal episodes of What She's Having, they discuss growing up in a close-knit Italian family, navigating divorce, raising children as a single mother, blending families, forgiveness, and what it truly means to create a home filled with love.Maryann shares how she raised two children on her own after Britney's father left, the sacrifices she made to keep her family together, and why kindness, resilience, and family have always been her guiding principles.Together, they reflect on childhood memories, teenage rebellion, motherhood, grandparenthood, and the lessons that continue to shape generations.This conversation is a love letter to mothers everywhere—and a reminder that some of life's greatest gifts are the people who show up for us every single day.In This Episode:• Growing up in a large Italian family rooted in tradition• The lessons learned from an Air Force childhood• Becoming a single mom and starting over after divorce• Why family dinners mattered so much• Raising children with kindness, respect, and strong values• Blending two families into one loving household• Forgiveness, co-parenting, and finding peace after heartbreak• Britney's teenage years and family growing pains• Becoming a grandmother and watching the next generation grow• The most important lesson every parent should teach their childrenTimestamps00:00 Introduction to Britney's mom, Maryann01:04 A tribute to the woman who shaped Britney's life06:14 Growing up in an Air Force family09:14 Italian family traditions and Sunday dinners11:10 Why food became her love language13:12 The importance of family meals17:03 Starting a catering truck before food trucks were trendy18:31 Meeting Britney's father and building a family20:22 Divorce, heartbreak, and becoming a single mom22:28 Losing the house and starting over23:50 Finding a village to help raise children24:52 Refusing to become a victim28:35 Why she never spoke badly about Britney's father30:10 Advice for anyone navigating divorce33:25 Forgiveness and finding peace before death37:23 Britney's teenage years and family struggles43:20 Parenting teenagers and setting boundaries47:29 How Britney was as a teenager50:54 Waiting for grandchildren54:40 The story behind Maverick, Hero and Bullet's names58:07 Watching Britney become a mother01:01:26 Advice for mothers today01:03:11 Why kindness matters most01:05:29 Lessons on forgiveness and family01:06:14 Final reflections and gratitudeInstagram CaptionThis one is for the moms. ❤️Britney sits down with the woman who taught her everything about resilience, kindness, family, and unconditional love.From raising two kids alone after divorce to building a home where everyone felt safe, loved, and supported, Maryann shares the lessons that shaped generations.It's funny. It's emotional. And it might just make you call your mom.Sponsor Codes:✨ Leaf & FlowerUse code WHATSHES15 for 15% off✨ BodyBioUse code WHATSHESHAVING for 20% off ✨ Firefly RecoveryUse code WhatShe'sHaving for15% OffHosts: Jennifer Cataldo & Britney Semler New episodes weekly of What She’s Having 🎙️🎙️ New episode drops Wednesday.
This week on What She’s Having, Jennifer and Britney sit down with celebrity hairstylist, educator, entrepreneur, and viral content creator Alfredo Lewis for one of the most inspiring conversations yet.
With millions of followers across TikTok and Instagram, Alfredo has become one of the most recognizable voices in hair and beauty — but his biggest success came after 40. From losing everything and going to rehab to rebuilding his career from the ground up, Alfredo shares the raw truth behind reinvention, resilience, and second chances.
The trio dives into Beverly Hills salon culture, the early days of Brazilian Blowout, social media fame, internet backlash, viral “Extreme Hair Rescue” transformations, and Alfredo’s newest venture: Qoat — a revolutionary professional hair color top coat designed to preserve shine and extend color longevity.
This episode is funny, emotional, inspiring, and proof that your biggest chapter can still be ahead of you.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Meet Alfredo Lewis & his incredible comeback story
01:30 – Early success in Beverly Hills salon culture
02:00 – Addiction, partying & losing everything
04:45 – Rehab, sobriety & rebuilding life after 40
07:00 – Britney gives Alfredo a second chance at Argyle Salon
10:45 – Why losing everything changed his drive forever
12:30 – Building Brazilian Blowout’s influencer program before influencers existed
16:00 – Growing to millions of followers on TikTok & Instagram
19:45 – Why storytelling changed Alfredo’s social media career
21:45 – The viral hair rescue that broke the internet
27:00 – Internet fame, backlash & surviving social media drama
33:00 – Trolling, cancel culture & protecting your mental health online
35:00 – Women in the beauty industry & supporting female leadership
42:00 – Working at L'Oréal & behind-the-scenes innovation
43:30 – Alfredo’s QVC experience with K18
47:30 – Launching Qoat: the first professional hair color top coat
55:00 – Why Alfredo made his artists shareholders in the company
57:00 – Manifestation, resilience & creating your dream life
Alfredo Lewis Contact Info:Instagram: @alfredo_lewis
TikTok: @alfredo_lewis
YouTube: Alfredo Lewis
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Credits:
Hosts: Jennifer Cataldo & Britney Semler New episodes weekly of What She’s Having 🎙️
What happens when the husbands finally join the pod? Chaos, comedy, deep relationship wisdom… and a shocking grave-digging confession.
In this special couples episode of What She’s Having, Jennifer and Britney bring on their husbands, John Cataldo and Devin Semler, for an unfiltered conversation about marriage, friendship, success, discipline, parenting, attraction, and the realities of building a beautiful life together.
From bromance moments and relationship advice to fashion obsessions, voiceover confessions, and hilarious stories from the past, this episode is equal parts heartfelt and wildly entertaining.
The guys open up about what they truly admire about their wives, how they keep their marriages strong, why self-discipline matters more than motivation, and the mindset shifts that helped shape the lives they live today.
Plus: Joanna makes an appearance… and Remy from Ratatouille nearly steals the show.
Why Jennifer & Britney’s friendship inspires their husbands
The “opposites attract” dynamic between John & Devin
Fashion, luxury travel, and who really dresses best
Marriage advice from couples who genuinely enjoy each other
How discipline creates freedom, success, and confidence
The importance of self-worth and positive affirmations
Parenting, partnership, and maintaining intimacy through different seasons of life
Devin’s emotional tribute to Britney as a mother and wife
John’s shocking former job as a grave digger
Jennifer’s hilarious secret past doing “sexy” voiceovers
Why travel and shared experiences keep relationships alive
How to silence the inner voice telling you you’re not worthy
The unexpected wisdom behind “do what you say and say what you do”
Remy the Ratatouille puppet closes out the episode in iconic fashion
This is one of the funniest — and most unexpectedly emotional — episodes yet.
Follow the chaos, glamour, and behind-the-scenes moments at @officialwhatsheshaving
In this special Mother’s Day episode, Jennifer and Britney sit down for one of their most personal conversations yet — reflecting on motherhood, identity, marriage, growing older, and the emotional reality of raising children through every stage of life.From sleepless newborn nights and twin chaos to teenage transitions, empty nesting, and caring for aging parents, the girls share the raw, funny, beautiful moments that shaped them as mothers and women.They talk about the pressure moms put on themselves, learning to stay present in a phone-obsessed world, why family dinners matter more than ever, and how motherhood changes your confidence, relationships, and sense of self.Jennifer opens up about navigating life with younger children while Britney shares the emotional transition of raising boys into adulthood — and the heartbreak and beauty that comes with letting go.The episode also touches on the importance of maintaining your identity outside of motherhood, building core memories through travel, leaning on your village, and the healing power of mothers supporting daughters.Plus, Britney shares an emotional update on her mom’s cancer journey and the resilience, positivity, and gratitude that continue to inspire her family every day.This one is honest, emotional, hilarious, and deeply relatable for moms in every stage of life.Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms, stepmoms, grandmothers, dog moms, and women holding families together every day. 💕Advertiser Codes & Sponsors:Leaf & FlowerPlant-based hair wellness products designed to support thinning, shedding, and scalp health.Code: WHATSHES15Offer: 15% offBodyBioScience-backed supplements focused on cellular health, energy, and brain support.Code: WHATSHESHAVINGOffer: 20% offJessica Styles LACelebrity stylist and closet editor helping women feel confident, elevated, and refreshed through personal styling and wardrobe organization.Offer: First hour FREE when you mention What She’s HavingFirefly RecoveryRecovery tools designed to help improve circulation, reduce soreness, and support recovery while traveling, working, or training.Code: WHATSHES15Offer: 15% off
What if your child’s cavities, bad sleep, snoring, grinding, or behavior struggles weren’t random—but clues?
This week on What She’s Having, Jennifer and Britney sit down with Dr. Nora Ghodousi-Zaghi, a functional pediatric dentist specializing in tongue ties, airway health, sleep, and whole-body wellness.
Dr. Nora explains why modern dentistry often treats symptoms instead of root causes—and how your child’s mouth may reveal bigger issues involving breathing, sleep quality, posture, allergies, behavior, and long-term health.
From pacifiers and palate development to TMJ, mouth breathing, oral microbiome health, and “low-tox” dentistry, this episode is packed with insights every parent (and adult) should hear.
What We Cover
Timestamps
00:00 Intro + medical disclaimer
00:12 Meet Dr. Nora
00:50 Functional dentistry vs traditional dentistry
01:34 Saliva testing + what it reveals
02:29 What facial structure can tell you
05:19 Britney learns she’s tongue tied
06:02 Myofunctional therapy explained
08:38 Tongue ties, fascia & whole body tension
10:49 Why pulled teeth can create smaller jaws
12:28 Adenoids, snoring & sleep apnea in kids
14:36 Do tonsils and adenoids always need removal?
18:30 Mouth guards, snoring & dry mouth
20:05 Can tongue exercises help?
21:12 Adult palate expansion explained
24:17 ADHD symptoms vs poor sleep in kids
32:08 What parents should watch for at home
34:26 Pacifiers: helpful tool or hidden problem?
38:05 Tonsil stones + bad breath
39:54 Mouth health & gut health connection
40:56 Best quick fixes for bad breath
42:18 Toothpaste, floss & low-tox oral care
45:29 Fillings, sealants & BPA concerns
48:28 Wisdom teeth controversy
51:10 Root canals + biological dentistry
55:57 Dr. Nora’s personal wellness routine
57:53 What every parent should know before the first dental visit
58:58 Where to find Dr. Nora
Connect with Dr. Nora
📍 Breathe Kids Dental – Westwood, Los Angeles
🌐 BreatheKidsDental.com
📸 Instagram: @drnorazaghi
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Need a closet reset or help elevating your wardrobe? Celebrity stylist Jessica Cortez is offering listeners $100 off the first hour of styling services.
📸 Instagram: @jess_cortez_style
Follow the show: @whatsheshaving
Rate & review on Apple Podcasts + Spotify
Share this episode with a parent who needs to hear it 💫
What if the secret to feeling better wasn’t therapy… but getting dressed?
This week, Jennifer and Britney sit down with LA stylist Jessica Cortez, a fashion insider with 18 years of experience helping women elevate their wardrobes, pack like pros, and finally feel confident in what they wear.
Jessica shares why most closets are full of noise, how to stop buying the wrong pieces, and the wardrobe staples worth investing in. From travel packing hacks to styling petite bodies, denim trends, confidence dressing, and the psychology of a closet purge — this episode is packed with practical advice every woman can use.
Whether you’re stuck in leggings, overwhelmed by your closet, or craving a fresh look, Jessica proves style isn’t about trends — it’s about amplifying who you already are.
In This Episode:
Connect with Jessica Cortez
Instagram: @jess_cortez_style
DM her for styling inquiries (listeners get a special offer below 👇)
Thanks to Jessica Cortez for treating our listeners to something special.
Jessica is offering the first hour FREE for any listener who books styling services and mentions What She’s Having.
📩 DM her on Instagram: @jess_cortez_style
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Support healthier, fuller-looking hair with Leaf & Flower — designed to nourish the scalp, reduce shedding, and help your hair thrive through every phase.👉 Use code WHATSHES15 for 15% off your order.If this episode resonated with you, send it to a friend 🤍And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review — it helps us more than you know. We’re just getting started this season… and there’s so much more to come.Follow @OfficialWhatShesHaving on Instagram and TikTok.
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