The Nativist

Another hard-hitting and stellar conversation in my ongoing series on addiction. Today’s guest is Hallie Hanohano-Erickson, who shares her perspective of a loved one watching her brother and “brother-in-law” experience drug addiction. Hallie candidly speaks on her emotional evolution, and what she did to help her process and understand the experience. Hallie highlights signs to look for, and reali...

The series on addiction continues. In this episode, my long-time amiga Nicholia speaks on addiction in general and alcoholism in particular. Not only has Nicholia specifically taught on the subject to her high school students, but she also personally experienced it in her home growing up (and into adulthood). Nicholia shares her experience of having an alcoholic parent, and how that affected her o...

In the second installment of my addiction series, our guest shares his experience being addicted to porn. In the first installment, we heard the perspective of a spouse; this time, we hear directly from the addict. Eric Gallup explains what led him to pornography and his unhealthy relationship with it. He discusses what drove him to pornography, and whether or not it reflected his contentment with...

The first part of a series on the relevant topic of addiction.  In this episode, Reagan Garrett candidly shares her story of having a spouse addicted to porn. As a new mom and wife at the tender age of 17, Reagan tells us how she discovered the addiction, and what she did with that information. She speaks on her initial and subsequent reactions, her thoughts, her coping methods, her recommendation...

It’s true: we all have them. There’s nothing wrong with having them, but it does become problematic when you don’t recognize them for what they are: your opinion. In this brief solo episode that’s ever relevant in this increasingly polarized environment, I clarify what an opinion is and isn’t; I discuss what drives opinions and how to change them…and release the need to change them; I cover addres...

What. A. Story. From go go dancing to going the distance, Shauna Aranton’s life reads like a movie, full of dramatic moments and life lessons. In this episode, Shauna shares her journey of learning to stay and fight for what she wants rather than fleeing from what she doesn’t, whether it’s a relationship, a career, or anything else. She now has the career and marriage of her dreams, but they came...

If you’ve ever doubted the direction of your life, or pondered your spirituality, or questioned your faith - this is conversation is especially for you. But even if not, it’s a discussion relevant to any human navigating life and its twist and turns, its possible paths. Lou Bluth lets us in to her world, sharing her story of being raised Mormon and leaving the church (and the heavy blowback she re...

This is one of those conversations that could completely transform how you view and live life. How you show up in the world. How you FEEL. I’m not exaggerating. This is a deep, profound, and universally relevant topic that I’ve felt increasingly pulled to explore - both on here and in my own life. This matters. It affects our relationships, our body image, our self esteem, our interactions, our li...

This episode is for you if you’ve ever felt stuck/burned out/uninspired/aimless/ambivalent/disillusioned/stifled/checked out/craving meaning. And/or if you’re into having your mind blown, world expanded, thought provoked, and soul validated. In this episode, Rainier Wylde and I discuss…life. My default facial expression when reading/listening to Rainier’s words is jaw dropped, eyes widened (listen...

This episode is for ALL OF US, regardless of sex, gender, age, and class. Trauma does not discriminate. It affects far more than you might know, whether directly or indirectly, and often carries significant shame and stigma. We aim to help dissolve that. The brave and beautiful Elise Blaser shares her personal story experiencing and healing from sexual assault, and alchemizing it into empathy and...

My twin soul Rachel is back with her signature wisdom and fabulousness. We discuss how life mirrors nature and how lessons recycle. We talk on relationships and the ingredients for a successful one (and how people define successful differently). We chat about how energy affects all in life and love - as shown by science. We end by sharing our thoughts on leaving a successful, stable career to purs...

The man on the move, Charlie Roberts, has worked with some major names in music and media. He and I chat about being creatives with ADD, returning to small hometowns, and taking pride in your work, whether you're sweeping the floors or running the show. If you're looking for an easy yet motivating listen, this is it.   You can find Charlie on: Instagram @aycharlie Facebook @Charlie Roberts

Do you ever feel like you’re constantly in the self-love hole? No matter how much self care you do, or vacations you take, or mantras you recite, or exhalations you release, you still feel drained? Regularly filled with negativity/doubt/sadness/shame/anger/resentment? If so, this is for you. And actually, this is for EVERYONE, no matter your age, gender, class, etc. Self love applies to us ALL, no...

This listener-requested episode offers insight and guidance on how to show up for yourself: what that looks like, what that requires, how that changes, etc. I also share personally-tested and science-supported tips on how I motivate and show up for myself (these may surprise you).  

Educator and trauma survivor Stormy Heinz and I discuss trauma: how it affects everyone (directly/indirectly), how it manifests, and how it perpetuates. Stormy offers guidance and resources on addressing it within yourself/others. Just because you yourself have not experienced significant trauma, many, many others have, whether they’ve revealed (or even recognized!) this or not. Statistics clearly...

In honor of PTSD Awareness Day, this episode features my friend Omar Raudez discussing his work with the veterans element of the TRIO Programs. The TRIO Programs are federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generatio...

In this third installment of my series on discrimination, I sit down with one of my best amigas, Cheli Brubaker. I’ve always admired Cheli’s openness and acceptance of others. To know her is to adore her. Cheli is a first-generation American of West Indian descent, as her parents migrated here from the Caribbean. Cheli shares her experience living in predominantly white communities (particularly s...

In the second episode exploring discrimination, I talk with Akilah Lacey, a police officer who offers a unique and valuable perspective on his experiences and outlook on discrimination as a law enforcement officer and member of a biracial marriage in a predominantly white, conservative community. Akilah describes what it was like transitioning from Watts to Orange County to Pocatello, Idaho, and h...

Discrimination exists. We may disagree on how/where/when/why discrimination manifests, but people for the most part acknowledge it’s there (and they sure as hell should). Many are recently awakening to how deep and prevalent it is. It is not enough to be non-discriminatory. We must be anti-discriminatory. I for one know I could step it up. Yes, I’m acutely aware - and have been for essentially my...

This is another episode per request. Though it’s a topic that’s often discussed…it’s still just as relevant and necessary. And let’s be straight: Self love isn’t always about massages and candlelit baths. Sometimes it’s about tough love. Digging in and doing shadow work. Calling yourself on your bullshit. Identifying and eliminating your toxic habits. As with everything in life, balance is crucial...

Per request, this episode dives into politics.  I have a degree in political science and international relations, with a minor in psychology, so this is definitely an area of interest. I discuss the roles of politics and tribalism in our lives, how certain leaders can be so powerful, how to educate yourself on issues effectively and responsibly, why international relations affect our daily lives,...

My latest guest is one [mc]cool cat. Tyler and I talk about creating, living, loving, and evolving. I first met Tyler McCool a few years ago while shooting a wedding with my sister in gorgeous upstate New York: he a videographer, I a photographer. We’ve stayed connected through Instagram since then, and Tyler’s account is one of my faves. He’s a fellow creative who knows how to have a good time. H...

In this gorgeous episode, I talk to my stunning amiga Lacey Frost. Lacey sparkles from the inside out and is like pure sunshine for the soul. She reminds me of a Disney princess: show-stopping beauty with a heart of gold. Lacey bravely shares how she maintains an elevated perspective throughout her continuing fertility journey, and what life lessons she’s learned along the way. She also tells us h...

Who do you call when anxiety levels are rising and people are feeling more uneasy than ever? Even the Ghostbusters would tell you to call the Social Ninjas! Though my two guests, Kyle and Jeremy, typically focus on social anxiety, this episode applies to all types of anxiety, and let’s be real - life in general! If you’re seeking something to ground you and help you reframe your current situation…...

In this episode, I sit down with my Greek goddess friend, Christina Purcell. Christina is a fellow creative who does photography and raises two beautiful children - much of the time alone, while her husband is off playing professional football. We cover the bases with this conversation, talking about everything from motherhood to business to LIFE. Christina also shares her experience as an NFL wif...