Life Talks with Lauren

Hi! This week on the pod I'm sharing some unfiltered thoughts I've had about my body lately. Is there a way I can practice body acceptance and still participate in beauty culture? Honestly, that's the only way I've been able to keep up my body acceptance practice. I've learned it's not about perfection. And I'll never feel good about my body 100% of the time. But I can at least work on showing up...

The truth is...everyone experiences postpartum differently. No two experiences are the exact same. And really, there's no point in comparing. But for me, it was helpful to hear stories of different people's experiences. So today I'm telling you about mine. The most challenging part, the best part, and how I prepared myself for life with a newborn. Tune in and let's chat!  Find me on IG @laurenmkep...

Hey friends! I'm back from my long hiatus (I always come back hehe). And I can officially say I'm a mommy! Our baby Zayoma arrived March 30th and it's been a whirlwind since. But a good whirlwind. Hit play so we can chat and you can get all the updates. Talk soon! If you aren't already, come connect with me on IG @laurenmkepler Love youuuu

Hello my love,  How are you? I hope the start of your year has been at least decent, and maybe even wonderful! With all that's going on in the world, sometimes things feel dark and daunting. If all we have are the glimmers to keep us going, I say we hang onto them. Anyway, in this episode I'm sharing my thoughts on New Year's resolutions, what my vision is for 2026, but mostly I'm talking about di...

In today’s episode, I’m opening up about my experience with body image during pregnancy — and it’s not just about what I see in the mirror. I’m sharing the mindset, tools, and habits that have shaped the way I’m caring for my body in this season of life, and why I think doing the inner work beforehand has made all the difference. We talk about: How pregnancy has affected my body image and why this...

In this episode of Life Talks with Lauren, I open up about the complicated, beautiful, and sometimes lonely reality of friendship during pregnancy. I share my perspective from both sides — first as someone who was childfree and never fully understood what my pregnant or new-mom friends were going through, and now as the one experiencing pregnancy myself. I talk about the unexpected loneliness that...

In today’s episode of Life Talks with Lauren, I’m sharing something deeply personal and incredibly unexpected: a few months ago, I found out I was pregnant—after years of believing that having biological children just wasn’t in the cards for me. This episode walks you through the moment everything changed, what it felt like to receive news I had quietly given up on, and how Z and I navigated shari...

In this episode, I'm catching you up on the latest: A big mistake I made in last week's episode that actually blew my mind What I've been doing lately to keep my mind centered on what's good  A bittersweet goodbye (it's not what you think) This is a long one, but you'll understand why once you listen.  So tune in, share it with a friend, and let's chat about it! Can't wait to hear what you think. 

In this solo episode, I’m answering a mix of random and meaningful questions—from life lessons and body image advice to fun favorites and personal reflections. I wanted to switch things up and share a bit more of myself with you, like we’re catching up over coffee. Whether you’re here for encouragement, a few laughs, or just want to get to know me better, I hope this feels like a cozy, honest chat...

This episode started with just a single phrase. No script, no outline, and no plan. I hit record and let the words flow (and sometimes not). What followed was a deeply honest reflection on strength, leadership, vulnerability, and what it really means to show up with intention and heart. Together, we’ll explore how quiet qualities like empathy, emotional intelligence, and calm confidence can be pow...

Can you love your body and still want to lose weight? Can you accept where you are in life and still strive for something more? These are the questions we’re unpacking in this week’s episode of Life Talks with Lauren. For years, I believed that being hard on myself was the only way to grow. I thought acceptance meant giving up. But what I’ve learned is that kindness and consistency go hand in hand...

In today’s episode, we’re keeping it light, fun, and just a little reflective as I go through a round of “This or That” questions — but with a twist. From pancakes vs. waffles to questions about growth, love, and legacy, I’m sharing my honest picks, stories behind them, and maybe a few unexpected hot takes. If you’re in the mood to get to know me better in a laid-back way (or just want to play alo...

In this week's episode, I’m opening up about my personal journey of regaining confidence in myself and my body. I share how I’ve come to realize—deep in my soul—that my appearance and body size do not determine my worth, my ability to be loved, or the quality of friendships I deserve. This episode is part of a larger shift I’m on—a confidence journey that’s not only transforming the way I move thr...

In this episode of Life Talks with Lauren, we’re talking about everything from flaming bananas to personal breakthroughs. Yes, you read that right—my boyfriend lit a banana on fire, set off the fire alarm, and the fire department actually showed up. It’s funny now... but it definitely wasn’t at the time. I’m also opening up about my mental health journey lately—how things have been improving, what...

Episode Description: In this deeply personal episode of Life Talks with Lauren, I open up about the mental health challenges I’ve been navigating over the past month. From feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained to moments where it felt hard to show up at all—I share what it’s been like behind the scenes, in hopes that someone out there feels a little less alone. This isn’t a polished, picture...

As the weather warms up, so does the pressure to achieve the so-called “summer body.” Social media is once again flooded with weight loss tips, body “fixes,” and the outdated idea that only certain body types are worthy of showing up in the sun. In today’s episode, we’re cutting through the noise and talking about body acceptance and neutrality—practices that can help you show up confidently and c...

What if discipline wasn’t about punishment, but about self-respect? In this episode of Life Talks with Lauren, we’re rethinking the way we approach discipline—shifting from shame to self-love. Inspired by a quote from @bluewmist, I’m sharing how this mindset shift changed my life and how it can transform yours, too. In This Episode, We Cover: Why discipline rooted in shame leads to guilt, burnout,...

Turning 35 brings up a lot of emotions—gratitude, reflection, and sometimes, self-doubt. In this episode of Life Talks with Lauren, I’m opening up about the expectations I had for my life by this age versus the reality of where I am. We’ll talk about societal pressures, personal growth, and learning to embrace the journey, even when it looks different than expected. If you’ve ever felt like you’re...

Turning 40 can feel daunting for many women, but what if this milestone is actually a gateway to greater confidence, freedom, and self-acceptance? In this episode of Life Talks with Lauren, I’m joined by Sami from SHE Unbound to explore how women can embrace aging with empowerment rather than fear. We dive into the myths surrounding aging, the newfound confidence that comes with life experience, a...

Ever have those days—or even weeks—when motivation is nowhere to be found? You’re not alone. In this episode of Life Talks with Lauren, I dive into practical ways to stay consistent with your goals and habits when you’re feeling low on energy or motivation. I’ll share personal stories, simple strategies for maintaining progress, and tips on when it’s best to push forward versus when to rest. Wheth...

It was a typical Wednesday evening roller derby practice. We had split into groups where half the skaters were doing laps while the other half stayed in the middle to do push-ups, squats, arm circles, etc. while waiting their turn. I was with the group in the center, and we were doing our usual chatting between sets. We started talking about comparison and how it affects us on the track - both dur...

On November 12, 2024, I journaled about my confidence wavering. I wrote that I felt neutral about my body and not-so-confident in my social abilities. BUT that I felt good about that day’s work out, because it left me feeling strong and capable. At one point, I wrote: “I feel most beautiful when I feel most connected to myself.” Then, I elaborated:   When I’m taking care of myself (i.e. walking, w...

What does it even mean to be a “girl’s girl?” Does it mean we only respect women, and we hate on men? Do we have to unfailingly support each other, even when we’re in the wrong? And also - what can we do to celebrate and show up for the women in our lives? Those are questions I had, so I did some research. Listen to the episode now to find out what I discovered, or if you prefer you can read the b...

On January 6, 2025, I sent a 15-minute voice message to my good friend, Sami. She and I have gotten in the habit of sending weekly voice messages back and forth as a way to check in, motivate each other, and share what’s going on in our lives and minds. In my message to her on the 6th, I reflected on my thoughts about the upcoming year, and how it relates to my feelings about seasons. It inspired...

You know how some things in life can bring up insecurities you thought you'd overcome? Like getting back into the dating world for the first time in a while. Or trying a new hobby. Or job hunting after being out of work for a while (or just getting your first job). That's been me lately. I've started looking for work as I make my way through a divorce, and let me tell ya--it's not for the faint of...