The Luminous Life Podcast

What if therapy wasn’t just talk...but a full integration of mind, body, spirit…and maybe even psychedelics? In this bold and refreshing conversation, Erika and Marcella sit down with their own therapist, Lara Maurino Donahue, to explore how women can move from surviving to thriving. With more than two decades of experience, Lara blends traditional therapy with somatic practices, spiritual wisdom,...

This week on The Luminous Life Podcast, Erika and Marcella are in full summer recap mode, sharing stories about beach walks gone wrong, flip-flop injuries (yes, peroneal tendonitis is real!), and the surprising products that actually help. But it’s not all laughs: Erika opens up about the deep lessons she’s learning while caring for her mom, and how surrender, gentleness, and active rest are resha...

You think you know who you are… until a DNA test throws you a curveball. In this laugh-out-loud, heart-squeezing episode of The Luminous Life, we sit down with Dina Santarelli, commercial real estate powerhouse, self-proclaimed foodie, and one of Erika’s OG lash clients to talk about: 🍕 The best pizza in Bergen County (and why she’s mildly obsessed) 🇮🇹 The identity crisis that came from learning...

What if stepping away from your career wasn’t the end of your story but the beginning of your impact? In this episode of The Luminous Life, we’re joined by Alina Albano, former NYC attorney, mother of five, and now a board member at Family Promise, a nonprofit helping families facing homelessness in Bergen County, NJ. Alina’s story is equal parts bold, hilarious, and deeply affirming ... a reminde...

In this raw and radiant episode, Erika and Marcella sit down with luxury travel queen, small business champion, and certified good-time-girlie, Julie Shotmeyer. From building Jet Set Getaways after her first divorce to navigating another one at 49, Julie shares what it means to rebuild, reinvest in yourself, and boldly declare: I have no more f**ks to give. This episode is a masterclass in communi...

Marcella’s back from Greece and glowing with stories from Santorini, wisdom from white wine-fueled beach reflections, and a new appreciation for nude beaches and lip gloss confidence. Erika’s sharing her own local third-place revelation: a perfect backyard party and a once-in-a-decade reunion with a soul friend. Together, they explore how we reset, reconnect, and reflect when life gives us the rar...

This week, Erika and Marcella react to the internet’s hottest takes on perimenopause, skincare routines, and DIY lash extensions. From Bethenny Frankel’s SPF steps to @JustBeingMelani’s viral “We Don’t Care” club, we’re laughing, learning, and (gently) judging. We’re talking: ✨ Why SPF always goes on last ✨ What to use instead of Vitamin C if you're sensitive ✨ Lash extensions vs. DIY clusters...

We’re going there: chalazion cysts, cluster lash horror stories, medical anxiety, beauty boundaries, and the etiquette of tipping your lash artist. In this unfiltered, wildly honest episode, Erika and Marcella sit down with lash artist and Luminous OG Kristen Oakley to unpack the painful lash cyst that left her seeing the beauty world in a whole new way. From her pregnancy journey to lash regrets,...

In this episode of The Luminous Life Podcast, Erika and Marcella take on modern-day propaganda—from $300 concert tickets and crumble cookies to wellness fads and beauty myths. Are we still doing tape-in extensions? Is beef tallow really skincare? And what happens when your favorite Lil Wayne lyrics don’t feel right in your 40s? It’s all fair game. This is your official permission slip to fall for...

Welcome back to The Luminous Life Podcast... the show where beauty meets truth. In this hilarious and heartwarming episode, Erika and Marcella get real about the emotions behind goodbyes, beauty industry blunders, and the wisdom of a 21-year-old who calls BS on faking it. You’ll hear: A tearful goodbye to a beloved intern (and why it hit us so hard) Why "snatched" doesn't mean what you think it me...

We built a space so beautiful, our bodies gave out before it did. In this episode, Erika and Marcella take you inside the wild, messy, magical process of creating the new Luminous and why it’s more than a beauty boutique. From forgotten mirrors (oops) to construction-induced trauma (real), we reflect on beauty, boldness, and being grown and sexy. Also: dads, voice notes, and why the club still can...

What happens when your car dies after a parking lot board meeting in the sun, and AAA sends a kid with no jumper cables? Oh, and you try to play matchmaker while you wait? Just another day in the life of Erika and Marcella. In this laugh out loud episode, we share: The car chaos that left us stranded (twice) A spontaneous matchmaking attempt that might just work What "down bad" really means accord...

Summer isn’t a season, it’s a mindset. And on this episode of The Luminous Life, we’re officially clocking in for summer 2025. Erika’s prepping her deck for sunset hangs, while Marcella is jetting off to Greece with linen dresses and Hugo spritzes in tow. It’s a summer of self-care, SPF, and soaking it all in... with lashes that stay on point through it all. We talk: Why summer starts emotionally...

In this juicy, unfiltered episode of The Luminous Life Podcast, Erika and Marcella unpack everything from men talking at us (not to us) to the small sacred rules that make Luminous a sanctuary for women. What starts as a rant about renovation site mansplaining turns into a loving manifesto about being a girl's girl... complete with our unofficial Girl’s Girl Guide. We talk about the importance of:...

Poop Panic, Spicy Books & Skincare Myths Debunked You’ve never heard a beauty podcast episode start like this. This week, Erika shares one of the most hilariously mortifying moments of her professional life- let’s just say it involves a store tour, a very thorough painter, and... an unflushed surprise 💩. (Yes, really.) From there, we pivot (gratefully) into: Erika’s night out at a book event at D...

Erika & Marcella sit down with legendary MakeUp Artist, Monica Boyd Lester, the woman who makes people feel beautiful before ever touching their faces. In this heartfelt, hilarious, and raw episode, we talk about menopause, makeup, motherhood, and the real secret to glowing skin (spoiler: it’s not your foundation). ✨ Highlights from this episode: The beauty counter stories that shaped Luminous Ho...

Marcella chopped her hair (kind of), and we’re talking all things foundational beauty—from lived-in lashes to low-maintenance brows. We share the real truth about lash care, allergic reactions, brow serums, and why a great lash artist can change everything. ✨ Plus: Lash lift corrections (and how to avoid disasters) The benefits of rotating lash artists—and loving the imperfections What we really...

From tomboy to Trish McEvoy, national champ to skincare queen, Karin Stephan shares her journey into beauty, balance, and becoming a Luminous legend. We talk sports, sarcasm, skincare holy grails, and how a glam girl can still love a leather flyswatter. This one's got heart, humor, and the glow-up we all need. ✨ Karin’s Glow Guide: Make your everyday surroundings beautiful. It’s a game-changer. F...

Welcome back to The Luminous Life Podcast, the beauty podcast that’s all about real talk, no filters, no fluff. In this week's episode, Erika and Marcella are serving up their signature blend of humor, honesty, and insight as they dive deep into their love-hate relationship with social media. Spoiler: it involves pasta-printed tees, beauty blush mishaps, and the unexpected comfort of TikTok sports...

This week on The Luminous Life Podcast, we’re pulling back the curtain on a question from our community: “Why are we doing the renovation now?” The answer? It’s layered, and more personal than you'd think. Erika opens up about her experience starting a GLP-1 medication (often known by brand names like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound) and the life-changing impact it’s had, not just on her body, but on he...

Building, Brows & Baby No. 2 with Kristen Oakley The girls are back (construction dust on their pants and all) and today, they're bringing on one of Luminous’ brightest lights: lash & brow artist, bridal makeup queen, and hilarious storyteller, Kristen Oakley. From navigating construction chaos in stilettos to discovering skincare trends at the IBS show (and clarifying what IBS really means), Erik...

This week on The Luminous Life, we’re hitting record in the middle of our renovation dust—literally—and sharing a raw, real conversation about something that goes beyond skin-deep: intergenerational friendships. It’s just Erika and Marcella today, back to our roots, reflecting on how our nearly 20-year age difference shaped our friendship—from boss/employee vibes to chosen family. We’re getting ho...

Join hosts Erika & Marcella as they chat about imposter syndrome, balancing work & fun, and the truth about lash extensions. Special guest Glory B shares her journey to Luminous, how confidence transformed her beauty, and expert lash care tips. Plus, we debunk lash myths and share simple ways to enhance your natural beauty! Highlights: Conquering imposter syndrome & finding balance Lash extensions...

The Luminous Life Podcast Episode 3 Pushing Past Imposter Syndrome & The Luminous Renovation Reveal 📍 Live from Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ – Your Go-To Boutique for Luxe Beauty ✨ What’s Inside This Episode? This week, Erika and Marcella open up about imposter syndrome, stress, and how it all shows up on our skin (hello, breakouts!). Plus, we’re pulling back the curtain on the Luminous renovation—yes, it’s ha...

In this episode of The Luminous Life, Erika and Marcella dive into the recent decline in beauty industry sales and what it reveals about consumer fatigue. Is the beauty client finally over the endless marketing hype? They break down what’s happening behind the scenes, the shift toward mindful purchasing, and why luxury beauty clients are choosing quality over quantity. Plus, we’re bringing on a sp...