XO Conversations

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Sunita Sah — physician and organizational psychologist — to unpack something most of us were never taught: how to speak up when it matters. Together, we explore: • Why we struggle to say no (even when we know we should) • How people-pleasing gets reinforced from childhood • The hidden cost of staying silent • The psychology of defiance — and why it isn’t what you...

Have you ever noticed how quickly comparison can take over? One minute you’re feeling grounded… The next, you see someone else’s post, promotion, relationship, or life update — and suddenly you’re wondering if you’re behind, off track, or not doing enough. In this episode, we’re talking about the comparison spiral — why it happens, why it feels so personal, and what’s actually going on beneath the...

When was the last time you truly rested? What happens when you literally can’t do it all anymore? For Jess, it took a broken foot, six weeks off her feet, and a complete pause in her routines to realize how deeply she’d tied her worth to her productivity. In this episode, we explore the emotional reality of “rest guilt” — the belief that you’re only valuable when you’re doing, helping, performing,...

Have you ever done all the right things — gone to bed early, canceled plans, rested, even slept well — and still woken up feeling exhausted? This episode is for the kind of tired that sleep doesn’t fix. We’re talking about emotional exhaustion — how it’s different from physical fatigue, why it’s so common right now, and why so many of us keep trying to solve emotional depletion with physical solut...

When life gives you lemons, what do you do? In this episode of XO Conversations , Dr. Rishma Walji sits down with Rachel Kelly , founder of Make Lemonade , to talk about how she rebuilt her life — and her identity — after closing her dream business during the pandemic. From launching a women’s coworking space to discovering her passion for floristry, Rachel’s journey is a masterclass in creative r...

You don’t have to be fearless to be brave. In this episode of XO Conversations , Dr. Rishma Walji sits down with Michelle “Mace” Curran , former U.S. Air Force Thunderbird fighter pilot and author of The Flip Side , to explore how courage really works — in the air and in life. From blacking out mid-flight at nine times the force of gravity to performing in front of millions as one of the few women...

We spend years chasing success — the titles, the numbers, the validation — only to realize that achievement isn’t the same as fulfillment. In this episode of XO Conversations , Dr. Rishma Walji sits down with Meghan Telpner , bestselling author, entrepreneur, and founder of the Academy of Culinary Nutrition , to talk about what happens when you outgrow the version of success you once worked so har...

So many of us grow up hearing: “Save every penny,” or “Don’t waste money.” But what happens when those kinds of money stories start holding us back? In this heartfelt episode of XO Conversations, Dr. Rishma Walji sits down with Cammie Doder and Sandi Bragar, co-hosts of the Money Tales Podcast , to explore the emotional and practical sides of money.  ✨ How childhood money stories shape adult deci...

Somewhere between deadlines, caregiving, and doing all the things… fun got lost.  Not just the big, event-style fun — but the kind that makes you forget what time it is, that makes you laugh or relax without needing a reason, that reminds you who you are under all the responsibility. In this episode, I explore the real reasons fun feels so out of reach for so many women — and why adding more of it...

If you’ve hit your 40s or 50s and noticed that the workouts you used to do aren’t working anymore, you’re not imagining it. In this episode, I’m joined by triple-board certified nutrition expert, fitness hall of famer, author of 4 New York Times bestselling books, JJ Virgin.  We’re talking about what really happens to your body in your 40s and beyond—especially when it comes to exercise, hormones,...

You’re dependable. Capable. Always there for others. But under the surface — are you running on empty? In this episode of XO Conversations, Dr. Rishma Walji explores what it really costs to be “the strong one.” You’ll hear about the quiet emotional toll of carrying too much, how overfunctioning leads to cognitive overload, and why selflessness can slowly turn into invisibility. We’ll talk about:...

In this episode, I’m sharing stories that challenge everything we’ve been told about aging. My mom is more vibrant than ever after making a big life change. A woman I admire took up boxing at 50 and shuffle dancing at 58—proving that movement, growth, and reinvention don’t have an age limit. And I’m opening up about my own journey with aging, including what finally shifted my perspective from drea...

Ever set a goal, feel super motivated at first, and then… life happens? You get busy, you get tired, and before you know it, you’re right back where you started. If you’ve ever wondered why change is so hard —or felt frustrated with yourself for falling into the same patterns—this episode is for you. Here’s the thing: willpower isn’t the secret to lasting change. It’s exposure. The more your brain...

You’ve heard it before: “Get out of your comfort zone!” But what if that advice isn’t always right? What if sometimes, staying where you are is exactly what you need? The truth is, your comfort zone isn’t your enemy—it’s a tool. Sometimes, it provides healing, security, and clarity. Other times, it traps you in fear and avoidance. The key is knowing when to step out—and when to lean in. In this ep...

Ever find yourself staring at the ceiling at 3 AM, brain racing, knowing you should be sleeping but somehow can’t? Same. Sleep struggles hit differently when hormones, stress, and life’s mental to-do list start getting in the way. I’ve done all the things—dark room, no screens, evening wind-down routines—but sometimes, it’s not enough. In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s actually helped me s...

All I had to do was sign. That’s it. A few seconds, and it would have been done. But I waited— for months. Why? Because procrastination isn’t about being lazy or bad at time management. It’s about emotion. Fear. Anxiety. Overwhelm. If you’ve ever put off something important—whether it’s booking a doctor’s appointment, finishing a project, or having a tough conversation—this episode is for you. We’...

In this special episode of XO Conversations , I’m sharing an interview I did on the Talk to Danielle podcast. We explored: The science behind savoring and its role in strengthening relationships How journaling can help you connect with your kids, partner, or even yourself Practical tips for shifting from stress to gratitude and appreciation Why the small, intentional moments matter most Whether yo...

Ever sat down to “define your values” and felt completely lost? You’re not alone. Most people look at a list of 50+ values and try to pick their top three, but it's so hard—when everything sounds good, how do you actually know what’s most important? Understanding your values is really about understanding what truly drives you, shapes your decisions, and makes you feel aligned in your life. In this...

In this episode of XO Conversations , I sit down with Hanifa, a retired naturopathic doctor and grief recovery guide, to unpack the complexities of grief and loss. Together, we redefine grief beyond its traditional understanding—it's not just about losing someone but also encompasses life transitions, conflicting emotions, and unacknowledged experiences. Hanifa shares her unique approach to grief...

Life doesn’t always follow the plan. Especially in parenting. In this raw and heartfelt conversation, Diana shares her journey of raising children after receiving a medical diagnosis. From the emotional highs and lows to practical strategies for balance, this episode is full of lessons on emotional regulation, empathy, and building resilience for yourself and your kids. Whether you’re a parent, a...

Have you ever felt misunderstood by your doctors? Are you tired of accepting discomfort and hormonal imbalance as your normal? Are you looking to age gracefully, well and healthy? Dr. Brighten, a leading expert in hormonal health, brings clarity to the confusion surrounding women's health, offering insights that challenge the status quo and help you to understand your body.  From debunking widespr...

Ever feel like you’re living a version of success that no longer applies? That who you are has somehow taken a backseat to what you do ?  Meet Judy—a high-achieving professional who checked off all the right boxes but now feels like she’s lost touch with her true self. In this episode of XO Conversations , I sit down with Judy after she's made big changes in her life and in her career. Judy’s jour...

Ever wonder why you’re so exhausted after a full night’s sleep? Or why “just take a deep breath” sometimes doesn’t cut it? Here’s the kicker: we’ve been breathing our whole lives, but most of us are still doing it wrong. In today’s episode, we’re taking a closer look at the one thing we’re doing all day, every day, without thinking—our breath. Inspired by James Nestor’s book Breath , someone's sho...

Can you just do something for the pure joy of it? Or does your brain automatically turn every hobby into a set of goals? In this episode,  we dives into the pressures we feel to turn our hobbies into something productive, the constant push for 'bigger and better,' and how we can learn to enjoy hobbies for what they are. We explore why many of us struggle to simply enjoy our free time activities wi...

When was the last time you did something just for you? No obligations, no guilt, just pure, unfiltered joy. If you’re struggling to even remember, you’re not alone. Between the chaos of family, work, and everything else, it’s easy to lose track of what lights you up. In this episode, we’re diving into the topic of hobbies, why they seem so hard to start (or keep), and how you can reconnect with wh...