The Naked Truth with Lauren

Lauren sits down with Mia, also known as phoodietings, for a candid conversation about queer identity, people-pleasing, and the mental load of hiding who you are. Mia shares how growing up Filipino and Catholic shaped her early experiences, how she came to understand her sexuality later in life, and how creating content helped her build confidence and community. They also get practical, discussing...

Lauren speaks with Raisa Martinez, the Regional Director of the David Lynch Foundation in DC and a certified Transcendental Meditation (TM) teacher. They unpack what chronic stress does to the nervous system, how masking and imposter syndrome show up in work and life, and how meditation, gratitude, and basic routines can help people recover from fight-or-flight. In this episode, we discuss: How DC...

Lauren explores the realities of navigating your 20s, focusing on social media comparison, mental health, and embracing authenticity. She shares personal stories about comparison, practical tips to protect your peace, and mindset shifts to help listeners feel less alone and more empowered. Keywords: 20s, social media, comparison, mental health, authenticity, self-worth, mindset, personal growth Ke...

Shabnam Khan shares her journey from a high-stress nursing career to founding Khansciously Healing + Wellness Services. She discusses overcoming workplace anxiety, the power of sound therapy and breath work, and practical tools for self-alignment and resilience. Keywords: workplace anxiety, breath work, sound therapy, self-awareness, mental health, career pivot, healing, nervous system, self-care,...

Today, we’re diving into the trenches of dating with Dr. Laura Finkelstein, a licensed psychologist who also serves as the Director of George Washington University (GW) Counseling and Psychological Services. We explore imposter syndrome in love, navigating the DC dating scene, relationships and breakups, and managing social media's impact on our self-esteem. Dr. Laura offers practical tools fo...

Lauren shares her personal journey through burnout in January 2026, the importance of listening to your body, and practical strategies for managing stress and workload as a working professional. She also shares a quick AI tip to simplify your workload at the end. She leaves us with 1 small practical action for the week to set a boundary. Keywords: burnout, self-care, entrepreneurship, productivity...

Katie Thompson shares her journey from a government consultant facing burnout to a full-time creative entrepreneur. She discusses the signs that prompted her to leave her 9-to-5, the logistics of making the leap, and how she aligns her work with her core values of authenticity and community. She also leaves great advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Keywords: career transition, entrepreneurship, bur...

In this episode, Michelle Nosrati, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in trauma and EMDR therapy, shares insights on trauma, healing, and how subconscious patterns influence our adult relationships and self-perception. Discover practical tools and deep understanding to support your healing journey. Keywords: trauma, EMDR, self-healing, relationships, mental health, therapy, emotional w...

In this episode, Lauren explores how to stop overthinking and start living intentionally by applying the 'no regrets' rule. She shares personal stories about making bold decisions, creating actionable vision boards, and embracing discomfort as a path to growth. She leaves us with 1 small practical action for the week to cut through overthinking. Keywords: overthinking, no regrets rule, vision boar...

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the topic of dating with a college friend, Caroline. Caroline is back for season 2, and this time she shares her journey from dating burnout and toxic relationships to finding a healthy, fulfilling partnership. She discusses her non-negotiables, lessons learned, and practical advice for navigating the messy world of dating in your 20s and beyond.  Keywords:...

In this episode, Elena Agaragimova, People & Operations leader at Horizon Industries and co-founder of Shiftwell.ai, shares her journey through talent development, entrepreneurship, and wellness. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, mindfulness, and the mind-body connection in achieving the personal and professional growth you crave. Discover practical strategies for managing change, s...

In this episode, Lauren shares her personal journey navigating the challenges of her 20s, including career doubts, challenges while traveling, and the importance of vulnerability and mindfulness in growth. She discusses the illusion of social media and shares real struggles and lessons learned from a trip to Guatemala last year. She leaves us with 1 small practical action for the week: the regret...

Here’s a quick tutorial on how to create a digital vision board that reflects your goals using Pinterest and Canva! I discuss my process of designing a vision board, tips on journaling and manifestation, and the significance of visualizing your future. I also share the book that started it all, “Manifest: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life” by Roxie Nafousi. Takeaways: Vision boarding is a powerful...

In this episode, Lauren shares her unfiltered journey of transitioning from a corporate job to building her own six-figure business. She discusses the emotional ups and downs of entrepreneurship, the financial challenges she faces, and the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. Lauren emphasizes the significance of pursuing your passion and purpose while navigating the uncertainties of bei...

In this episode, Lauren sits down with Ronika, a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and founder of Montreal Financial, who teaches her clients how to confidently manage their finances. They explore the importance of financial education, how to invest to grow your wealth, and the journey of entrepreneurship. Ronika shares her insights on overcoming limiting money beliefs, the significance of b...

Sam Vander Wielen walked away from a legal career that drained her to build a 7-figure business selling legal templates online. Her secret? Radical authenticity, even in the face of huge personal challenges. In this powerful episode, Lauren sits down with Sam, a former attorney turned successful entrepreneur, to dive deep into her journey of authenticity, vulnerability, and resilience. They discus...

In this episode, Grace Varca, host of DC’s first girly-pop podcast, “Kind of a Lot,” and founder of The Night Run Club, shares openly about navigating the challenges that come with job loss after experiencing a layoff earlier this year. Grace and I explore the emotional impact of layoffs, the journey of redefining identity, and the importance of community and creative outlets in navigating life&#3...

In this episode, Amanda Bourbonais, founder of Health First Freelancer, shares her journey of building a successful six-figure freelance copywriting business while managing chronic Lyme disease and ulcerative colitis. She discusses the importance of prioritizing your health, the role of functional medicine, and her experience with EMDR therapy. Amanda also talks about her community, Health First F...

In this episode, I introduce my super cool girlfriend and co-host of the “Water Girls” podcast, Marieka, who shares her journey through the ups and downs of dating, overcoming heartbreak, and finding her way to a place of strength and happiness. We discuss the importance of compatibility in relationships, the significance of mental health and therapy, the role of manifestation in achieving persona...

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Angeleaza to discuss the complex journey of navigating grief and loss. Angeleaza shares her personal story of losing her dad 11 years ago, exploring the unexpected nature of his passing and the profound impact it had on her life. The conversation dives into the different types of grief, the challenges of coping with PTSD, and the importance of acceptance...

Get ready to unlock a whole new level of confidence, clarity, and calm in your workday! In this episode, I’m chatting with corporate meditation leader and keynote speaker Nadene Cherry, who I was first introduced to when I took one of her meditation classes at Deloitte (which was awesome!). Nadene helps professionals unleash their best work by finding inner peace through the power of meditation an...

In this episode, I’m chatting with a previous coworker and fellow UMD alum, Lauren Der, about her experience with a serious spinal injury, the connection between mind and body, therapy, her advice for those going through a serious health event, and more. She also shares her story behind creating Opsy, a health-tracking app that supports people tracking pain levels and mood to get a better handle o...

In this episode, I’m chatting with my high school friend Gabrielle, who you probably know as Zingara, the popular EDM DJ. We’re diving into how she’s used manifestation to build her dream life and career, going from DJing small local shows to playing huge festivals like Electric Forest and Red Rocks. She shares how mindfulness and grief have shaped her journey, and how she creates not just music,...

Trigger Warning: This episode contains a brief mention of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a loved one, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or text ⁠TALK to 741-741⁠ to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7. You are not alone. <3 I’m speaking with self-sabotage expert Dr. Phil Agrios about how to spot and s...

This episode is all about reinvention, bravery, and living life on your own terms. I’m speaking with transformational success coach, author, and public speaker Heather Vickery. Heather’s work is rooted in helping people break through fear, set powerful boundaries, and intentionally design lives they’re proud of. After coming out of the closet, ending a decade-long marriage, and rebuilding her life...