Directionally Challenged

Original Air Date: November 6, 2023

Kayla is joined by fellow actor and mom, Tiffani Thiessen, to chat about parenting qualms such as when 

to give your child a cell phone or how to prepare for the teenage years. After reflecting on her own upbringing, Tiffani was inspired to create her cookbook “Here We Go Again” which teaches us how to make the most of leftovers whether to help the planet or even for purely cost saving reasons. Or both! 

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Original Airdate: December 17th, 2018

We all have our ups and downs in life and it may be hard to find people that have your back no matter what. Boss ladies Aisha Tyler (actress, comedian, director, host) and Carina MacKenzie (Showrunner of “Roswell, New Mexico”) share how they became friends and maintain their friendship despite being constantly busy and why it’s important to dump people that don’t add value to your life.

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Original Air Date: November 30, 2020

We're joined by Paul Wesley! We're telling stories from “The Vampire Diaries,” talking about Brothers Bond Bourbon, and giving advice to our younger selves.

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Original Air Date: April 15, 2019

Powerhouse Creator, Showrunner, Executive Producer, Writer, and Director Julie Plec knew that she wanted to work in the entertainment industry but didn’t know in what capacity. After being blackballed she had a major epiphany which led her to discovering her gift.

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Original Air Date: February 18th, 2019

We’ve known fellow actor and friend Michael Trevino (The Vampire Diaries;Roswell, New Mexico) for ten years. We share our first impressions of each other, how we’ve grown over time, and what advice we’d give our future selves.

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Original Air Date: June 10, 2019

Actress and our co-star from, “The Vampire Diaries” Nina Dobrev shares her journey on how she went from modeling to actress, what it was like to turn 30, and what drives her adventurous side.

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Kayla is joined by Emmy Award-winning documentarian and founder of THE SKIN DEEP, Topaz Adizes, who through his filmmaking experience he has stumbled upon the life changing realization that asking the rightquestions can dissolve social barriers and make us feel more connected in profoundly intimate ways. So what are these questions exactly? Listen to this conversation and learn more about Topaz’s work to find out. 

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Kayla is joined by trial attorney Jefferson Fisher, who has gained millions of followers across social media by sharing his professional knowledge with the world on how to communicate better.It’s not just the words itself but the tone and even the silence we use or don’t use that impacts how others perceive us. Whether it be in professional or personal settings, we all could benefit from being more intentional with what we say and how we say it. Or what we choose not to say at all! 

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Kayla is finally joined by the founder and CEO of Parsley Health, Dr. Robin Berzin, to get real about the state of our healthy industry, refreshing ways in which we can track our health and figure out the source of our problems, and learning simple and even free ways to hit restart in our bodies. It can be as simple as going to bed earlier to get deeper sleep or as helpful in taking a proper genetic allergy test to take control of our health once more. 

Also! 

The team at Parsley has created special promo codes for Directionally Challenged listeners. One for folks paying through insurance and one for those using cash pay. They are:

- Insurance: DirectionallyChallengedIN - $50 visa gift card after completing your first visit

- DTC Code: DirectionallyChallenged175 - For cash pay members get $175 off Parsley Health

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Kayla is finally joined by family therapist and yes, her mother Susan Ewell for this touching conversation between not just mother and daughter but two mothers as well. We learn about Susan’s lore before even becoming a mother and the turning point in which she decided to prioritize her childrens’ early years over her career. She offers thoughtful, emphatic advice on parenthood and shares, in her professional opinion, what she feels are the different challenges with the new generation post-pandemic. Mistakes might happen but we’ll be OK. 

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Kayla is joined by author, speaker, and productivity coach Laura Mae Martin to discuss how her years at Google taught her the ways in which we can actually use our much needed downtime to optimize our work time flow. As the Executive Productivity Advisor at Google in the office of the CEO, Laura has helped everyone from high-level executives to her fellow parents at home on how to nail down when in the day they’re actually the most productive and create habits that allow us to make the most use of that precious time. Instead of burning the candle at both ends, what if we slowed down and actually savored the quiet when we’re able to get it? 

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Sharing another podcast we’re loving: Pop Culture Moms. Andie and Sabrina are toddler moms and best friends of 20 years. They’re taking their obsession with TV and movies to the next level by talking to celebrities, writers and fellow “scholars” of pop culture about what they can learn from the fictional moms they love most. In this episode, “Euphoria” actress Alanna Ubach talks about the pros and cons of being a “cool mom” like her character Suze Howard — a trope made famous by the original “Mean Girls” movie. You can listen to more Pop Culture Moms at link.chtbl.com/popculturemomss1/directionallychallenged

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Kayla is joined by Thais Gibson, who is a counselor and personal development leader that helps others recondition their attachment styles to better overall their close relationships. With a Ph.D and certification in over 13 modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Somatic Processing, Thais has founded her own theory through scientific research and personal experience that upholds the belief we can changeour attachment styles and that we are by no means stuck in our ways if we wish to commit to a change. 

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Kayla is joined by author, speaker, and executive coach, Stella Grizont, to help readjust our mindset when it comes to fulfillment in the workplace. Most - too many probably - would agree that they’re either just going through the motions in the office or find themselves disengaging during work because we no longer feel a strong sense of purpose or even enjoyment in these environments. And instead we may feel cornered in our careers just to get to the next day. Well, Stella works with her clients to figure out how to reconfigure and build a skillset dedicated to improve our happiness, satisfaction, and engagement. Listen to learn more about her approach. 

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Kayla is joined by celebrity dating coach and podcast host of Dates & Mates, Damona Hoffman, to break down the common myths people seem to hold as true surrounding modern dating and love. With a background in TV casting, Damona is able to read people and their behaviors with an acute awareness. And as an online dating success story herself, she can empathize with the struggles of putting yourself out there and testing the - at times murky - waters. 

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Kayla is joined by artist and author Abby Kamen, to talk about the story behind her memoir “Generation WE” that offers a compassionate view of trauma and how healing ourselves starts with looking back into the ones shared with others. And instead of these solidary journeys in mental health, she believes healing together manifests a brighter and more creative future for all. 

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Kayla is joined by licensed therapist and Hinge’s love and connection expert, Moe Ari, to discuss their intimate journey in realizing despite great accomplishment at a young age that they still felt like a piece of their true self was missing. Moe would soon realize and come out to their close friends and family that they are transgender. After receiving unconditional love from their parents, Moe’s mission is to help others, especially those in the queer community, to find their euphoria by being radically authentic to their true selves. 

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Content Warning: Suicide

Kayla is joined by author, public speaker, and mental health advocate Kevin Hines. In 2000, Kevin jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge but miraculously survived. Having battled with severe mental pain, which he is honest about continuing to battle with present-day, Kevin has focused on his purpose of helping others in healing and in suicide prevention. 

Please know so many people are more than happy to help if you ask for it. Even a sea lion. 

If you or someone you know are in need of help, know that it’s available and you’re not alone. For those in the US, you can call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline1-800-273-TALK(8255).

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Original Air Date: January 17th, 2022

Global thought leader, peace advocate, and CEO of The King Center, Dr. Bernice A. King joins us this week to discuss the importance of social justice, her hopes for this generation, handling grief, and how she's carrying on her parents' legacies. 

Ways to observe The King Holiday

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Kayla is joined by dear friend and actor,Danielle Campbell, to talk all (well, most) things about her engagement, her transformative time on Broadway during the pandemic, and how she’s still figuring out her philosophy on her own image on social media. Danielle brings with her all the wisdom and maturity she’s had to nurture for herself after working on projects since childhood which she shares all that and more in this episode. 

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Original Air Date: September 4, 2023

This week Kayla is joined by Recovery Coach, Troy Brown who shares how his life changed forever after he was hit by a drunk driver. Troy opens up about his long road to recovery, how his family and friends impacted his mental health, and his fears about eventually explaining the accident to his newborn daughter. He also expresses why helping others is beneficial to helping yourself.

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Original Air Date: July 10th, 2023

Kayla is joined by her dear friend, actor, and former co-star of “The Vampire Diaries”, Claire Holt, to discuss the challenging yet wonderful worlds of parenthood, voice acting, and failure before success. She may deny it but we think she really has got a lot, if not all, figured out. 

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Kayla is joined by actor, writer, and director Nadine Crocker to talk about her transformative step into film directing, the hardships of production, and trusting that our journeys take us exactly where we need to go.  

If you are in need of help, know that it’s available and you’re not alone. For those in the US, you can call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline1-800-273-TALK(8255).

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Kayla is joined by her husband and Canadian-born actor and model, Tanner Novlan, who currently stars in the soap BOLD & BEAUTIFUL as Dr. John “Finn” Finnegan. You may also recognize him as “Struggling Actor” from the Liberty Mutual commercials. Well, speaking of struggle - Kayla and Tanner get real about their personal holidays as a family. Of course, they absolutely love the holidays and the special traditions they’ve created as a family but it can certainly come with its own stresses as anything worth having can. They also dish on BOLD & BEAUTIFUL, their first five dates, and how to date with the intention of finding “the one”. 

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Kayla is joined by author and founder of ROAR AFRICA, Deborah Calmeyer, to discuss her deep passion for wildlife conservation and education. Having grown up in Zimbabwe, Deborah has always had an intimate relationship with nature and the magical peace it can bring oneself by simply standing in awe of it. Her team of guides and specialists have a mission to welcome people from all over the world to their immersive safari experiences that are respectful to the animals and life within the land. Although she now splits her time between New York City and Cape Town, Deborah is always being called back to stand still in nature. Maybe you can join some time. 

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Kayla is joined by designer and entrepreneur Jesa Joy to discuss their exciting (and SO comfy) merch collaboration. Jesa not only is a talented designer but she also comes in with some thoughtful wisdom regarding body neutrality and inclusivity, especially within fandoms. So let’s continue to choose joy and celebrate this community together. Make sure to check the bio on the Directionally Challenged Instagram to find the link to their amazing collab. 

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Kayla is joined by Hannah Brown, former Bachelorette and now happily engaged author, to talk about her inspiring journey of questioning her options in life, processing her trauma and stress, and how her real romance inspired her debut novel MISTAKES WE NEVER MADE. From winning pageants to dating on television for the whole world to see, Hannah is ready to show her true authentic self in not just this conversation but in her work. 

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Kayla is joined by author and workplace culture & inequality expert, Dr. Michelle P. King, to discuss the value of self-awareness in the modern workplace. In becoming more self-aware of our impact on others, we can have a better understanding of what our co-workers (especially our bosses) want from us and gain the ability to build up our informal networks in order to get ahead in a meaningful way. Rather than squirming at the idea of schmoozing in office politics, Dr. Michelle P. King hopes to empower everyone in making genuine connections with genuine intentions. 

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Kayla is joined by fellow actor and mom, Tiffani Thiessen, to chat about parenting qualms such as when 

to give your child a cell phone or how to prepare for the teenage years. After reflecting on her own upbringing, Tiffani was inspired to create her cookbook “Here We Go Again” which teaches us how to make the most of leftovers whether to help the planet or even for purely cost saving reasons. Or both! 

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Kayla is joined by theater director and podcast producer Jenna Burnett to discuss their shared love of true crime stories. But how do we approach telling these stories involving very real people ethically and as honest to their own truths as possible? These are the waters Jenna has navigated producing her show “Under Cover of Night '' which uncovers the real mystery surrounding the death of a British expat woman living in Athens, Texas during the 80s and 90s.

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Kayla is joined by journalist, finance expert, and author Carmen Rita Wong to talk about her extremely personal memoir in which she unpacks the complicated relationship with her parents and own identity. It wasn’t until after her mother’s death that Carmen learned the truth of her biological father and to the extent in which her parents went to feed the lie. She reflects on how her mother’s mistakes impact her own intentional parenting and how to understand parents as the individual humans they are without forcing forgiveness.  

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Kayla is joined by chef and restaurateur Jeremy Fall, who found incredible success in the food industry at an impressively young age. Although many have assumed he came from means to achieve so much so early on, Jeremy had humble beginnings being born and raised by Skid Row in Los Angeles. He shares his personal journey in the business - the ups and downs (and when things were down, they were really down) - and how finally addressing his anxiety with therapy and medication helped him find himself once more. 

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Kayla is joined by Dr. Lyndsey Harper, a professor and board certified Ob/Gyn, to discuss the lackof conversation surrounding women’s sexual health. All too often research and studies overlook women’s sexuality if it is not tied to reproduction or potential risks such as cancer. Dr. Lyndsey Harper hopes to encourage everyone to be more transparent and honest with their concerns regarding sensuality, libido, and desire. So much so that she created the app ROSY as a sexual wellness resource withoutthe shame or intimidation many may feel when discussing such intimate details. 

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Kayla is joined by Alicia Roth Weigel, an author and activist.. As an intersex person herself, Alicia hopes to dispel myths and normalize conversations about what it means to identify as such. She also shares her own healing journey after having surgery forced upon her without consent as an infant due to ill-informed ideas regarding intersex bodies. Their community hopes that rather than problematic and invasive surgeries, the rest of the world can simply embrace their existence as they do. 

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Kayla is joined by writer, director, and actress Michelle C. Bonilla to explain in depth the reasons why SAG-AFTRA actors are striking, the conditions that led to this, and the brighter future these creatives are hoping to build with their demands. She has been tirelessly present on the picket line as a strike captain to advocate for not just herself but her fellow actors. After months of no work, the resolve of the actors along with their WGA counterparts remains strong but can always use all the support they can get. Listen to their conversation to learn more and ways to stay informed for the long but much needed journey ahead. 

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Kayla is joined by talented writers and dear friends, Danny Tolli and Melisa D. Monts, to explain the why and how of the WGA (Writers Guild of America) strike.Who are the writers striking against exactly? What has it been like firsthand on the picket lines? Is AI taking over and what are the implications for the future of Hollywood? They go on to discuss how this strike has impacted not just their financial well-being but their emotional and mental health also. The very creatives behind your favorite shows and films are having their livelihoods threatened by greed and are looking for your support. 

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Kayla is joined by business owner and advocate, Taylor Davis, about what finally made her decide to pivot careers from entertainment to candle making. As many can relate, Taylor found herself at a loss during the pandemic and she often sought refuge in self-care such as burning her favorite scents. It was at this point a mentor at her favorite candle store pushed her to start her own venture. In just three years, her candle brand CLR can now be found in select Nordstroms across the country. Listen to hear her journey and mindset that made her company such a success in such a short time. 

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This week Kayla is joined by Recovery Coach, Troy Brown who shares how his life changed forever after he was hit by a drunk driver. Troy opens up about his long road to recovery, how his family and friends impacted his mental health, and his fears about eventually explaining the accident to his newborn daughter. He also expresses why helping others is beneficial to helping yourself.

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Kayla is joined by author and reporter, Susan Burton, to discuss her latest podcast “The Retrievals” from Serial Productions and the New York Times. As an alumna of Yale University, this story hit close to home for Susan as she uncovered the disturbing accounts of hundreds of women going to infertility treatment at the university’s fertility clinic. So how did exactly one nurse with an addiction problem get away with swapping out these womens’ fentanyl with saline? And what were the consequences of not just her actions but the medical staff surrounding her? You’ll have to listen to find out. 

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Kayla is joined by psychic medium and astrologer, Steffi Hill a.k.a the Spirit Sis, to receive a psychic reading. Not only do they chat about how Steffi came into her abilities but she breaks down how the terms and tools surrounding her work.Things then get personal as they dive into Kayla’s astrocartography map  trip to Thailand, anyone?) and her own core intuition.

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Kayla is joined by her dear friend Jenna Ushkowitz, to swap stories on their pregnancies, how life is different with a baby on the way, and validating both the joys and hurdles of pregnancy. 

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Original Airdate: January 16, 2023

Kayla is joined by inspirational community leader, Anthony ‘Cool Ant’ Williams, who founded the non-profit Neighborhood Hero. Neighborhood Hero’s mission is to make neglected areas healthier spaces for its inhabitants. They discuss how his group of runners came about and the inspirational people around him growing up helped mold the hero he is now today. 

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Original Airdate: March 6th 2023

Kayla is joined by author Ruby Warrington to discuss the complex decision to notbe a mother and explore the social circumstances that pressure female bodies to procreate. She also covers the long history of misogyny that bestows cruel judgment on women who cannot bear children simply due to biology or financial circumstances. A topic close to her heart, she encourages mothers and non-mothers alike to be involved in the conversation. 

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Original Air Date: 4/25/2022

Kayla is joined by iconic actor, father, and now author, Josh Peck to talk about his new book “Happy People are Annoying” where he shares his journey with sobriety, weight-loss, and taking life advice from the ever-so wise Sir Ben Kingsley. 

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Kayla is joined by dear friend and author, Lauren McKinley, who bares her truth regarding the affair that broke up her marriage. Left with a one year-old daughter and so many broken vows, Lauren shares how she navigated not just the logistical but also emotional work to come out the other side stronger. 

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Kayla is joined by her dear friend, actor, and former co-star of “The Vampire Diaries”, Claire Holt, to discuss the challenging yet wonderful worlds of parenthood, voice acting, and failure before success. She may deny it but we think she really has got a lot, if not all, figured out. 

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Claire Holt will be back next week! So we're revisiting our amazing episode with her!

Original Air Date: May 6, 2019

Recorded three days before giving birth, actress Claire Holt shares how she discovered she was pregnant, when she told her family, and the different experiences she’s had as her body has changed. Kayla also share her own pregnancy journey!

Reference:

https://www.manrepeller.com/2016/12/pregnancy-loss.html

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Kayla is joined by serial entrepreneur and senior lecturer at Harvard University, Christina Wallace, to discuss the real life practices that successful entrepreneurs and creatives use in order to live the free and fulfilling life they truly want. 

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Kayla is joined by filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg to discuss his documentary GRATITUDE REVEALED and what it means to appreciate both the small and big joys of life. He shares how his own upbringing impacted his perspective and how gratitude is the gateway to helping heal our planet. 

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Kayla is joined by psychotherapist, writer, and founding director ofnonprofit Big Feels Lab, Chelsea Harvey Garner, to discuss her personal experience with grief and the ways in which support is needed for therapists so that the world isn’t relying on them to be miracle workers.

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Kayla is joined by filmmakers and founders of Honeypot Productions, Rae Ceretto and Kelly Scott, to discuss their groundbreaking documentary “Seeking Asylum'' which follows Kensy’s journey as a mother traveling to and eventually through the Mexico-US border. But not without hurdles along the way and even more so after she touches ground in Los Angeles. 

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Kayla is joined by writer, author, and professional advice giver, Meredith Goldstein to talk about love, success, and family. They discuss Meredith's advice column and podcast, "Love Letters," how her Meredith's mother influenced how she gives advice, and what's it like being the internet's BFF.

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Kayla is joined by sex activist, columnist, and author Zachary Zane to discuss his personal journey in healing from sexual shame and living with OCD as a bisexual man. If you’re ready to get out of your comfort zone and also have some laughs along the way, listen in to expand not just your mind but vocabulary to unpack social stigmas surrounding sexual desire. 

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In this episode, Kayla shares her personal story of delivering her second child prematurely two months early. She is then joined by pediatrician, author, and fellow mother Dr. Kelly Fradin to discuss how families, especially parents, can best handle the trauma of a sick child along with building a new normal during such times of high stress. 

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Kayla is joined by writer Laura Cathcart Robbins to discuss how she survived her addiction, writing her book “STASH”, and honesty being the number one policy to live by in recovery. 

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Kayla is joined by functional medicine practitioner Dr. Will Cole who encourages everyone to literally trust their gut and reflect more about what they’re putting into their body because there’s always an outward result. 

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Kayla is joined by research psychiatrist, Dr. Robert Waldinger, who some might know from his viral Ted Talk, “What makes a good life?” His studies have continued since that famous lecture culminating into his book “The Good Life”. They also discuss how his research now involves the effects of social media on our happiness and wellbeing. 

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This episode is presented by KFC and Acast Creative

Kayla is joined by dialect coach and author Samara Bay to discuss how in so many ways we lose our voice and how to find it again along with a better sense of confidence. This is a movement to stop hating your voice but more importantly, be and feel heard. 

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Kayla is joined by Lebanese-Canadian writer and activist Najwa Zebian to discuss how journaling as a teen helped her process the trauma and sense of isolation she felt after being forced to stay in North America while her homeland was at war. Najwa’s teachings inspire others to stop minimizing their pain and proceed in healing. 

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Kayla is joined by climber and physician, Favia Dubyk, to learn about how she coped with her cancer diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing recovery 10 years strong. They discuss rock climbing becoming Favia’s saving grace which inspired her to create an entire climbing experience for others to join in. 

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Candice stops by to give us an update.

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Kayla is joined by co-hosts of the podcast “The Mash-Up Americans”, Rebecca Lehrer and Amy S. Choi, to discuss grief and how it’s time to accept it as a part ofliving. Grief comes in all shapes and forms - not just in death - but they cover different ways in which communities deal, how they discuss it within their families, and studies that show how trauma literally changes our DNA.

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Kayla is joined by dear friend and actor, Nichelle Hines, who shares her fateful journey into acting, getting out of it, and being called straight back in after a nine-year hiatus. From getting a drama degree as a hobby to starring alongside the likes of Florence Pugh and Morgan Freeman, Nichelle’s fate really is in the stars after all. 

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Kayla is joined by certified financial planner and expert, Shannah Game, to discuss the taboo around discussingmoney and how to overcome financial trauma to achieve our larger goals. 

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Kayla is joined by author Ruby Warrington to discuss the complex decision to notbe a mother and explore the social circumstances that pressure female bodies to procreate. She also covers the long history of misogyny that bestows cruel judgment on women who cannot bear children simply due to biology or financial circumstances. A topic close to her heart, she encourages mothers and non-mothers alike to be involved in the conversation. 

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We’re back with part two of Kayla’s catch up with former co-star of The Vampires Diaries, artist, and dear friend, Sara Canning. They talk about making friends in your 30s, finding apartments in Atlanta, and the short film Sara’s been really wanting to make next. 

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Kayla is joined by former co-star of The Vampires Diaries, artist, and dear friend, Sara Canning, to catch up on where she draws her incredible life perspective from in the world. She also tells how a serendipitous meet at a film festival led to her most favorite role yet. The conversation gets so good that it gets two parts, so catch the second half in the next episode! 

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Kayla is joined by dating expert and associate director of global communications at OKCupid, Michael Kaye, to discuss the data behind dating apps and some strategies to bettering one’s results on these apps. 

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Kayla is joined by medical doctor and nutrition expert, Amy Shah, to talk about how fixing our circadian rhythms can have a significant impact on our lifestyle and overall health. She explains the science and reasoning behind her 5-step program for battling excessive hunger pains. 

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Kayla is joined by veterinary epidemiologist Stephanie Venn-Watson, and her husband, Eric Venn-Watson, who is a physician and US Navy veteran, to discuss how helping dolphins led to an incredible discovery. Together, they launched the first new vitamin found in 90 years: Fatty15. Listen to learn more about all the possible health benefits it may bring! 

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Kayla is joined by computer science professor and artist, Dr. Gloria Mark, to discuss the myths surrounding attention spans and the very necessary breaks needed for our mental health. They explore the real science and data that showcases how reliant we’ve become on tech and screens in this digital age. 

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Kayla is joined by inspirational community leader, Anthony ‘Cool Ant’ Williams, who founded the non-profit Neighborhood Hero. Neighborhood Hero’s mission is to make neglected areas healthier spaces for its inhabitants. They discuss how his group of runners came about and the inspirational people around him growing up helped mold the hero he is now today. 

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Kayla is joined by close friend, entrepreneur, and actor Helena Mattson (American Horror Story, 666 Park Avenue) to discover how exactly Helena made her way from Stockholm all the way to Hollywood. They discuss the issues mothers face in the industry, starting a business, and how they approach their art as performers. 

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Original Air Date: December 31, 2018

Bri Emery, founder of designlovefest, is one of the busiest people we know. She’s a graphic designer and art director with a travel collection in Target, and has created numerous campaigns for various brands. Though she is highly productive, she lives with anxiety. We explore our own definitions of anxiety and how we find inspiration to be creative.

Follow Bri: @designlovefest

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Original Air Date: December 2, 2019

First, the lovely Merritt Patterson joins us to talk all things holidays and her Hallmark Christmas movie, “Picture a Perfect Christmas.” Later we’re joined by Hannah Skvarla and she helps us with gift-giving during the holidays and introducing us to her fair trade store, The Little Market.

Follow Merritt:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/merritt_pattrsn

Twitter: https://twitter.com/merrittpattrsn

“Picture a Perfect Christmas:” https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/picture-a-perfect-christmas

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The Little Market: https://www.thelittlemarket.com/

Thanks to our great sponsors: EverSmile, Stitch Fix, Happy Cards, and bareMinerals.

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Kayla is joined by our producer Melisa D. Monts to discuss holiday traditions, thoughts on Christmas music, what qualifies as a Christmas movie, giving and receiving gifts, swap recipes, talk New Year's Resolutions, and play some Holiday Trivia.

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Kayla is joined by licensed psychotherapist, Terri Cole, who helps define our own boundaries and keep to them without compromise. Sometimes whether it’s the workplace or with family, we feel pressured to sacrifice our own sense of comfort for others’. But Terri explains why we shouldn’t. 

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Kayla is joined by former talent agent and recovering addict, Dr. Elisa Hallerman, who helps us spot the signs and navigate the best approach to addiction, especially in assisting someone that may be suffering from it. 

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Kayla is joined by writer and yoga teacher, Jessamyn Stanley, who has created her own space and community for all those who are seeking inner peace with their bodies. As a queer, Black woman who doesn’t meet the racist and fatphobic standards of the mainstream health industry, Jessamyn is bringing us back to moving not for the sake of social pressures but to feelgood.

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Kayla is joined by former school teacher and now teacher career coach, Daphne Gomez, who helps us not feel so alone or guilty about pivoting careers. They discuss the realistic ups and downs in moving on from teaching, ways to be productive in your job search, and the community she has fostered through her new line of work. 

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Kayla is joined by feminist, mother, and healer, Omisade Burney-Scott, who has a mission to make the topic of aging and menopause more commonplace and accessible. All bodies, all ages, and all identities are welcome to this important conversation. 

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Omisade’s Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/blackgirlsguidetomenopause

Check out the Black Girls Guide to Surviving Menopause Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-girls-guide-to-surviving-menopause/id1462589097

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Twitter: www.twitter.com/CandiceKayla 

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Kayla is joined by Emmy award winning writer, Abi Morgan, to discuss her incredible real story of when her partner suddenly collapsed on a hot summer day, ending up in a medically induced coma, and then the aftermath of when he woke up with no recollection of her. 

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We’re sharing a special episode from another podcast, A Slight Change of Plans, from Pushkin

Industries. In this preview, bestselling author Daniel Pink talks about using a typically negative

emotion – regret – as a force for good in our lives. Hear the full episode, and more from A Slight

Change of Plans, at https://podcasts.pushkin.fm/scp5?sid=challenged.

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Kayla is joined by relationship therapists and real-life couple, John Kim (LMFT), and Vanessa Bennett (LMFT), to discuss their book, “It's Not Me, It's You,” where they analyze their own relationship as a way to offer advice and guidance to others’ relationships. And yes, fighting is normal! 

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Kayla is joined by relationship coach, Jillian Turecki, to share how her own heartbreak led her to a career path in helping others reconcile issues within themselves and their partners. She then answers some listener submitted relationship-related questions many of us have likely been pondering ourselves!

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Kayla is back from maternity leave and joined by host of “How to Do the Pot” and cannabis advocate, Ellen Scanlon. They discuss the different benefits of cannabis use, answer questions newbies to cannabis might be too scared to ask elsewhere, and explain the racist history behind US laws and propaganda that have wrongfully villainized minority communities involved in cannabis. 

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Aird Date: August 24, 2022

This week President of Emerge, A’shanti Gholar, joins us to explain the importance of voting and why it’s crucial for women to run for public office.

Find A’shanti:

Emerge: https://emergeamerica.org/

Emerge’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergeamerica/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashantigholar/

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Original Air Date: September 9, 2010

Alie Ward, host of podcast “Ologies,” shares why it’s important for adults to continue to learn about science and we learn how one tweet can make huge impact.

References:

https://www.alieward.com/

https://www.alieward.com/ologies

Follow Alie

https://www.instagram.com/alieward/

https://twitter.com/alieward

Check out our merch!

http://podswag.com/challenged 

Thanks to our great sponsors: Brave Not Perfect, Weeknight Kitchen, bareMinerals, and The Real Real

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Original Air Date: June 28, 2021

This week we’re joined by the lovely Morgan Harper Nichols to talk all about her art and poetry, her creative process, her experience being diagnosed with autism, and how she views hitting rock bottom.

Find Morgan:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganharpernichols/

Website: https://morganharpernichols.com/

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Original Air Date: November 8, 2022

Comedian, co-creator of "The Daily Show," and abortion activist Lizz Winstead joins us this week to discuss abortion rights.

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https://www.instagram.com/lizzwinstead/

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https://www.aafront.org/

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We’re sharing a special preview of a new podcast, The Loudest Girl in the

World. For years, journalist and podcast host Lauren Ober wasn’t all that jazzed about herself.

She was always getting in trouble, she had a lot of sensory issues and her anxiety felt off the

charts. And then, she found out why — she was autistic. The Loudest Girl in the World tells the

story of Lauren’s journey to understand what it means to be on the autism spectrum and how to

live life as a newly diagnosed autistic person. You can hear the full episode, and more from The

Loudest Girl in the World, at https://podcasts.pushkin.fm/loudest?sid=challenged.

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Original Air Date: February 3, 2020

Trigger Warning: Suicide, Gun Violence

The powerful Shannon Watts is on this week to talk about gun control laws, safety, and how she founded the movement, “Moms Demand Action.”

Find Shannon:

“Fight Like A Mother” https://www.amazon.com/Fight-like-Mother-Grassroots-Movement/dp/0062892568

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonrwatts/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shannonrwatts

Join the Movement:

Moms Demand Action: https://momsdemandaction.org/

Everytown: https://everytown.org

Moms Demand Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MomsDemand/?hl=en

Text STUDENTS to 64433 to get involved in Students Demand Action

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Original Air Date: April 15, 2019

Powerhouse Creator, Showrunner, Executive Producer, Writer, and Director Julie Plec knew that she wanted to work in the entertainment industry but didn’t know in what capacity. After being blackballed she had a major epiphany which led her to discovering her gift.

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Original Air Date: November 30, 2020

We're joined by Paul Wesley! We're telling stories from “The Vampire Diaries,” talking about Brothers Bond Bourbon, and giving advice to our younger selves.

Find Paul:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulwesley/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulwesley

Brothers Bond Bourbon: https://brothersbondbourbon.com/

Brothers Bond Bourbon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brothersbondbourbon/

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Website: www.candicekayla.com

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Original Air Date: March 23, 2020

Jamie-Lynn Sigler joins us to talk about parenting, multiple sclerosis, and her podcasts, “Mama Said” and “Pajama Pants.”

Find Jamie-Lynn:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamielynnsigler

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamielsigler

Podcasts:

“Mama Said” https://podcastone.com/mama-said-with-jamie-lynn-sigler-and-jenna-parris

“Pajama Pants” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pajama-pants/id1479743140

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Original Air Date: September 21, 2020

The wonderful Nora McInerny joins us this week to talk about her podcast “Terrible, Thanks for Asking,” grief, and the feelings we’re all feeling this year.

Find Nora:

Website: http://www.noraborealis.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noraborealis/

Search “Terrible, Thanks for Asking” anywhere you find podcasts!

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttfapodcast/

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Original Air Date: July 12, 2021

The lovely Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke are joining us this week to talk about the parallels between The O.C. and The Vampire Diaries, our experiences filming hit shows, and their podcast, “Welcome to The OC, Bitches,” which can be found anywhere you listen to podcasts!

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https://www.instagram.com/rachelbilson/

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https://www.instagram.com/themelindaclarke/

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Original Air Date April 27, 2021

This week we’re joined by the wonderful Cree Summer to talk about all things acting, how she’s learning new things in her 50’s, and how cartoons could change the world.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcreesummer/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IAmCreeSummer

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Candice is joined by best friends and co-founders of DayLuna, Dana Stiles and Shayna Cornelius. They introduce the teachings of Human Design, which is a way of understanding how energy operates within our bodies and in the world around us. Their mission as Human Design specialists is to empower people towards self-love, personal freedom, and authenticity.

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