The Naked Truth with Lauren

Becky Mollenkamp joins Lauren for a conversation about why boundary setting can feel so threatening, especially for high-achieving women and people pleasers. Becky, author of Liberate Your Business and founder of the Feminist Podcasters Collective, breaks down how fear, conditioning, and culture shape the way we work, relate, and say no. They also get practical, with scripts and mindset checks for handling work messages after hours, declining expensive invitations, and responding when people guilt-trip or push back.

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Lauren shares her personal journey of navigating her 20s, the challenges of balancing career ambitions with mental health, and the importance of setting boundaries to maintain self-identity. She shares her experience navigating a high-pressure consulting job and the personal development lessons she learned throughout her career. If you’re looking for some relatable self-help content, you’ve come to the right place.

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Lauren sits down with Mia, also known as phoodietings, for a candid conversation about queer identity, people-pleasing, and the mental load of hiding who you are. Mia shares how growing up Filipino and Catholic shaped her early experiences, how she came to understand her sexuality later in life, and how creating content helped her build confidence and community. They also get practical, discussing ADHD diagnosis, setting boundaries without guilt, and why authenticity matters in both relationships and content creation.

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Lauren speaks with Raisa Martinez, the Regional Director of the David Lynch Foundation in DC and a certified Transcendental Meditation (TM) teacher. They unpack what chronic stress does to the nervous system, how masking and imposter syndrome show up in work and life, and how meditation, gratitude, and basic routines can help people recover from fight-or-flight.

In this episode, we discuss:

Lauren explores the realities of navigating your 20s, focusing on social media comparison, mental health, and embracing authenticity. She shares personal stories about comparison, practical tips to protect your peace, and mindset shifts to help listeners feel less alone and more empowered.

Keywords: 20s, social media, comparison, mental health, authenticity, self-worth, mindset, personal growth

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Shabnam Khan shares her journey from a high-stress nursing career to founding Khansciously Healing + Wellness Services. She discusses overcoming workplace anxiety, the power of sound therapy and breath work, and practical tools for self-alignment and resilience.

Keywords: workplace anxiety, breath work, sound therapy, self-awareness, mental health, career pivot, healing, nervous system, self-care, wellness

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Today, we’re diving into the trenches of dating with Dr. Laura Finkelstein, a licensed psychologist who also serves as the Director of George Washington University (GW) Counseling and Psychological Services. We explore imposter syndrome in love, navigating the DC dating scene, relationships and breakups, and managing social media's impact on our self-esteem. Dr. Laura offers practical tools for healthier dating and relationship self-awareness.

Keywords: imposter syndrome, dating, breakup, social media, self-esteem, mental health, relationships, therapy, self-care

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Lauren shares her personal journey through burnout in January 2026, the importance of listening to your body, and practical strategies for managing stress and workload as a working professional. She also shares a quick AI tip to simplify your workload at the end. She leaves us with 1 small practical action for the week to set a boundary.

Keywords: burnout, self-care, entrepreneurship, productivity, mental health, delegation, AI tools, work-life balance

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Katie Thompson shares her journey from a government consultant facing burnout to a full-time creative entrepreneur. She discusses the signs that prompted her to leave her 9-to-5, the logistics of making the leap, and how she aligns her work with her core values of authenticity and community. She also leaves great advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Keywords: career transition, entrepreneurship, burnout, financial planning, authenticity, community, side hustle, creative career, mental health, work-life balance

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In this episode, Michelle Nosrati, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in trauma and EMDR therapy, shares insights on trauma, healing, and how subconscious patterns influence our adult relationships and self-perception. Discover practical tools and deep understanding to support your healing journey.

Keywords: trauma, EMDR, self-healing, relationships, mental health, therapy, emotional wounds, trauma-informed care

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In this episode, Lauren explores how to stop overthinking and start living intentionally by applying the 'no regrets' rule. She shares personal stories about making bold decisions, creating actionable vision boards, and embracing discomfort as a path to growth. She leaves us with 1 small practical action for the week to cut through overthinking.

Keywords: overthinking, no regrets rule, vision board, personal growth, decision making, digital nomad, self-improvement, goal setting, resilience, life regrets

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In this episode, we’re diving deep into the topic of dating with a college friend, Caroline. Caroline is back for season 2, and this time she shares her journey from dating burnout and toxic relationships to finding a healthy, fulfilling partnership. She discusses her non-negotiables, lessons learned, and practical advice for navigating the messy world of dating in your 20s and beyond. 

Keywords: dating, relationships, self-growth, mental health, non-negotiables, healthy relationships, dating burnout, manifestation, self-awareness, personal development

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In this episode, Elena Agaragimova, People & Operations leader at Horizon Industries and co-founder of Shiftwell.ai, shares her journey through talent development, entrepreneurship, and wellness. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, mindfulness, and the mind-body connection in achieving the personal and professional growth you crave. Discover practical strategies for managing change, stress, and self-doubt, and learn about her innovative workplace well-being startup, Shiftwell.ai.

Keywords: resilience, mindfulness, career change, workplace well-being, gut health, stress management, entrepreneurship, talent development, Shiftwell.ai

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In this episode, Lauren shares her personal journey navigating the challenges of her 20s, including career doubts, challenges while traveling, and the importance of vulnerability and mindfulness in growth. She discusses the illusion of social media and shares real struggles and lessons learned from a trip to Guatemala last year. She leaves us with 1 small practical action for the week: the regret check.

Keywords: Career growth, vulnerability, mindfulness, travel lessons, self-improvement, overcoming fear, personal development, life lessons, mental health, resilience

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Here’s a quick tutorial on how to create a digital vision board that reflects your goals using Pinterest and Canva! I discuss my process of designing a vision board, tips on journaling and manifestation, and the significance of visualizing your future. I also share the book that started it all, “Manifest: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life” by Roxie Nafousi.

Takeaways:

In this episode, Lauren shares her unfiltered journey of transitioning from a corporate job to building her own six-figure business. She discusses the emotional ups and downs of entrepreneurship, the financial challenges she faces, and the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. Lauren emphasizes the significance of pursuing your passion and purpose while navigating the uncertainties of being a solopreneur. She also reflects on the pros and cons of entrepreneurship and encourages listeners to take small steps towards their own goals.

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In this episode, Lauren sits down with Ronika, a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and founder of Montreal Financial, who teaches her clients how to confidently manage their finances. They explore the importance of financial education, how to invest to grow your wealth, and the journey of entrepreneurship. Ronika shares her insights on overcoming limiting money beliefs, the significance of building a solid financial foundation, and the power of compounding savings. The discussion also touches on the importance of mindset shifts, the value of side hustles, and practical money habits. If you’re looking to build financial confidence, this episode is...

Sam Vander Wielen walked away from a legal career that drained her to build a 7-figure business selling legal templates online. Her secret? Radical authenticity, even in the face of huge personal challenges.

In this powerful episode, Lauren sits down with Sam, a former attorney turned successful entrepreneur, to dive deep into her journey of authenticity, vulnerability, and resilience. They discuss the importance of separating self-worth from professional output, the role of social media in business, Sam’s struggles with grief and mental health, and the significance of sharing personal stories. Sam also shares he...

In this episode, Grace Varca, host of DC’s first girly-pop podcast, “Kind of a Lot,” and founder of The Night Run Club, shares openly about navigating the challenges that come with job loss after experiencing a layoff earlier this year. Grace and I explore the emotional impact of layoffs, the journey of redefining identity, and the importance of community and creative outlets in navigating life's transitions. Grace shares her experiences with mindfulness, therapy, and the job search process, emphasizing the significance of self-investment and resilience. Our conversation highlights the power of taking ownership of your career and building suppor...

In this episode, Amanda Bourbonais, founder of Health First Freelancer, shares her journey of building a successful six-figure freelance copywriting business while managing chronic Lyme disease and ulcerative colitis. She discusses the importance of prioritizing your health, the role of functional medicine, and her experience with EMDR therapy. Amanda also talks about her community, Health First Freelancer, which supports individuals with chronic illness in creating businesses that prioritize health.

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In this episode, I introduce my super cool girlfriend and co-host of the “Water Girls” podcast, Marieka, who shares her journey through the ups and downs of dating, overcoming heartbreak, and finding her way to a place of strength and happiness. We discuss the importance of compatibility in relationships, the significance of mental health and therapy, the role of manifestation in achieving personal goals, and the story of how we met. Marieka shares the lessons she’s learned over time and advice for anyone currently going through heartbreak. Our conversation emphasizes the value of vulnerability and support systems. ♡

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In this episode, I sit down with my friend Angeleaza to discuss the complex journey of navigating grief and loss. Angeleaza shares her personal story of losing her dad 11 years ago, exploring the unexpected nature of his passing and the profound impact it had on her life. The conversation dives into the different types of grief, the challenges of coping with PTSD, and the importance of acceptance and finding new normals after loss. Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions about death and grief. Please take care of yourself while listening and consider if this content is appropriate for you...

Get ready to unlock a whole new level of confidence, clarity, and calm in your workday! In this episode, I’m chatting with corporate meditation leader and keynote speaker Nadene Cherry, who I was first introduced to when I took one of her meditation classes at Deloitte (which was awesome!). Nadene helps professionals unleash their best work by finding inner peace through the power of meditation and mindfulness. After a successful 18-year career in enterprise technology sales, Nadene discovered the transformative power of a personal mindful meditation routine, which not only brought her inner peace but also helped her be...

In this episode, I’m chatting with a previous coworker and fellow UMD alum, Lauren Der, about her experience with a serious spinal injury, the connection between mind and body, therapy, her advice for those going through a serious health event, and more. She also shares her story behind creating Opsy, a health-tracking app that supports people tracking pain levels and mood to get a better handle on their physical and mental health. Whether you are living with a chronic health condition, going through long-term recovery from surgery, interested in trying therapy, or just curious to learn more about ho...

In this episode, I’m chatting with my high school friend Gabrielle, who you probably know as Zingara, the popular EDM DJ. We’re diving into how she’s used manifestation to build her dream life and career, going from DJing small local shows to playing huge festivals like Electric Forest and Red Rocks. She shares how mindfulness and grief have shaped her journey, and how she creates not just music, but an experience that connects with people on a spiritual level. We talk about her behind-the-scenes rituals, what manifestation actually looks like in her day-to-day life, and how she st...

Trigger Warning: This episode contains a brief mention of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a loved one, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or text ⁠TALK to 741-741⁠ to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7. You are not alone.

This episode is all about reinvention, bravery, and living life on your own terms. I’m speaking with transformational success coach, author, and public speaker Heather Vickery. Heather’s work is rooted in helping people break through fear, set powerful boundaries, and intentionally design lives they’re proud of. After coming out of the closet, ending a decade-long marriage, and rebuilding her life as a single mother of 4, Heather turned her own transformation into a mission: to empower others to live boldly and authentically. She’s the founder of Vickery & Co., where she works with individuals and organizations using a unique...

This is an episode you want to watch 👀

I had the opportunity to record at Kit Studios in Boise, Idaho, and it was so cool! This is a mixed bag solo episode answering questions you all submitted, including how to improve self talk when trying new things and habits supporting me as an early-stage entrepreneur. I also talk about my emotions leading up to the Craft + Commerce conference.

Get your ticket to our July virtual vision board workshop here

Website: https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/ 

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This episode is all about life transitions, identity, mental health, and holistic healing. I’m speaking with a former design coworker turned transformation and life coach, Misha Energí. Misha’s work is rooted in helping people navigate major life transitions with purpose, resilience, and authenticity. They are the founder and programming director of The Queens Well, a yoga and holistic wellness studio in Queens, New York, where they design and lead learning experiences focused on personal growth, collective healing, and spiritual transformation. Their approach weaves together coaching, somatics, design thinking, and spirituality, offering a holistic path for those seeking healing...

Trigger Warning: We dive into some tough topics including alcohol and drug addiction, escorting, abuse, trauma, suicide, and self-harm. These discussions can be intense, so please take care while listening and make sure you’re in the right headspace. Resources are linked below if you or someone you know needs support. You are not alone.

What does it really take to build a career—and a life—across borders? In this episode, I sit down with fellow University of Maryland alumna Analía Gomez Vidal for a powerful conversation on navigating international moves, the emotional toll of uprooting your life, and how to pivot your career with purpose. Analía shares her journey from Argentina to the US, how she transitioned from academia to entrepreneurship, and the challenges she’s faced while building a business as a visa holder. We also dive into the mental health impacts of constant change, pressures young professionals face, and what...

Trigger Warning: This episode contains a brief mention of suicide ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a loved one, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or text ⁠TALK to 741-741⁠ to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7. You are not alone.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains a brief discussion about suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a loved one, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or text ⁠TALK to 741-741⁠ to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7. You are not alone.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains some discussion about suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a loved one, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or text ⁠TALK to 741-741⁠ to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7. You are not alone.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains some discussion about suicide ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a loved one, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or text ⁠TALK to 741-741⁠ to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7. You are not alone.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains some discussion about suicide ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a loved one, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or text ⁠TALK to 741-741⁠ to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7. You are not alone.

In this episode, I talk to someone I honestly never thought I’d get on my podcast. They (don't wanna reveal their identity before you watch/listen) have redefined what it means to manifest your wildest dreams. When you hear this person’s story, you’ll understand why they are one of the most talked-about figures of our time.

Their influence spans multiple industries - from tech to wellness to entertainment - and their work has been featured in magazines like The New York Times and Sports Illustrated. They claim to have hacked the human...

In this solo episode, I talk about quitting my job and the emotions I’ve felt over the past 5 weeks. Enjoy!

If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or family member. If you know someone who’s thinking about quitting their job / going full-time entrepreneur and wants to hear what it’s like on the other side, send it their way. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can also help me by leaving a review. Thank youuuu (:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod/ 

In this episode, I talk to Resilience Coach, Author, TED Speaker, and Founder of Trifecta Mental Health LLC, Michelle Dickinson. We discuss her mental health journey, what resilience coaching looks like, common challenges she sees among young professionals, preventing and recovering from burnout, mindfulness techniques, and more. Enjoy!

You can find Michelle on LinkedIn here or her website, https://resilienceasalifestyle.com/. You can try the 3-min YouTube meditation Michelle mentioned here.

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend or family member. As always, I...

In this episode, I talk to former Managing Director at Deloitte and now artist, PJ, about how she manifests, taking a gap year to figure out what’s fulfilling to her, attending live Tony Robbins events, realizing and rewriting limiting beliefs, yoga practices, viewing rejection as redirection, the importance of play, and more. Skip the first 11 mins if you want to get right into manifestation. Enjoy!

You can find PJ’s art at https://www.pjdavisart.com/ or on Instagram @pjdavis_art.

As always, let me know what you thin...