Hotter Than Ever

“ Body image is an individual sport and it's healed in connection.”

If you’re a woman, chances are you’ve had a moment (or many) of negative self-talk about your body. We’ve all been there. But what if the issue wasn’t actually our bodies at all? What if it’s a deeper emotional or psychological distress showing up in how we think and talk about ourselves? Enter Deb Schachter, a therapist, author and body image expert who’s helped countless women untangle the hidden layers of their body image struggles—and she’s here to help us do the same.

In this episode, Deb joins Erin for a fascinating deep dive into the complex world of body image. From the stories we tell ourselves to the societal and familial messages we’ve absorbed, they explore how we can begin to rewrite the narrative and build a healthier, more compassionate relationship with our bodies. Tune in as we discuss:

Have you ever felt the urge to hit pause on your career without walking away entirely? Or maybe you’re ready to quit but wondering how to plan a break that works financially while setting yourself up for what’s next? This week’s guest, Laura Nguyen, knows exactly how to navigate these crossroads. After stepping back from her role as a marketing executive to take a career break, Laura founded Solle Solutions, her own marketing consultancy. Now a passionate advocate for career breaks, she’s on a mission to help people—especially women—redefine their relationship with work and reclaim their time.

Join us for an insightful discussion as Erin and Laura as we delve into the nuances of career breaks, combating burnout, and giving yourself the green light to prioritize your own needs. We cover:

• Unpacking different types of career breaks: employer-sponsored sabbaticals, medical or voluntary leaves of absence, or resigning to explore new paths.
• Unlearning the culture of overwork and self-sacrifice to foster a healthier, more balanced relationship with your career.
• The why and how of syncing professional choices with your personal priorities.
• Practical steps to collaborate with your employer for a break or prepare financially for an independent hiatus.
• What millennials and Gen Z can teach us about speaking up for mental health, fair treatment, and work-life balance.
• Understanding the different types of burnout, their impact on life, and how to manage it, especially for those carrying the weight of domestic and emotional labor.
• Strategies to return after a break with joy, reflection, and a clear plan for your next chapter.

OUR GUEST: LAURA NGUYEN is an experienced marketing executive and entrepreneur with an extensive background in data-driven marketing, digital marketing and communications for Fortune 500 companies. She is the founder of Solle Solutions, a marketing consultancy. Laura is also a certified executive coach, helping mid-career, high-achieving leaders go from burned out to balanced through her coaching program and online community. Laura received her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science at Truman State University, and her Master in Business Administration from Rochester Institute of Technology. She lives in Des Moines, Iowa, with her family.

“Release yourself from the idea that your relationship needs to fit into anybody's box.”

Have you ever wondered if you and your partner are truly compatible? Or struggled to express your needs, feeling lost in a sea of unmet expectations? Whether you’re exploring non-monogamy, redefining relationship norms, or simply seeking deeper connections, this episode is for you. Our guest, Dr. Joli Hamilton, is a relationship coach, sex educator, and co-host of the “Playing with Fire” podcast.  She’s on a mission to help people design non-monogamous partnerships that align with their authentic selves—no more shrinking, pretending, or hiding.

Join Erin and Dr. Joli as they delve into what it means to truly know and communicate your needs within a relationship, whatever form it takes. This episode is a bold invitation to reimagine relationships and a reminder that it’s never too late to build the life you truly want. Together, we navigate through:

• Why many people default to monogamy without questioning if it’s truly right for them.
• The role of the Internet in normalizing conversations about non-monogamy.
• The power of intentionality in defining your relationship goals, whether monogamous, non-monogamous, or something uniquely yours.
• Unpacking ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, monogamish, and creative monogamy—and the need for accessible language around non-traditional relationships.
• Why regularly reassessing your relationships is essential to meet the evolving needs of both partners.
• The value of knowing your “relationship bottom lines” and non-negotiables.
• Individuation: breaking free from societal norms to uncover your true self and find fulfillment outside the status quo.
• Why honesty and willingness to do the deep work are essential for any relationship to thrive—monogamous or otherwise.

OUR GUEST: Dr. Joli Hamilton is the relationship coach for couples who color outside the lines & founder of The Year of Opening. She is a research psychologist, TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and AASECT (pronounced ay-sect) certified sex educator. Joli also co-hosts the Playing with Fire podcast with her anchor partner, Ken. Joli’s been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, Cosmo, and NPR. 

“Don't let fear put you out of reach of your dreams.”

As the Thanksgiving and holiday season unfolds, it’s natural to focus on gratitude for the good things in life. But what happens when life’s transitions leave you feeling lost, isolated, or stuck in a downward slump? This week’s guest, Madeleine Smithberg, knows all about navigating those emotional valleys. As the co-creator of “The Daily Show”, an Emmy and Peabody award-winning producer, and the talent behind “Mad in the Kitchen” (among many many other shows), Madeleine has experienced the dizzying highs of professional success. Yet, she’s also faced deeply personal struggles, including challenges in her personal life and a grueling battle with cancer. Through it all, Madeleine’s unwavering creativity, sense of humor and resilience have guided her to new purpose and opportunities at every stage of life.

In this rich conversation, Erin and Madeleine explore the realities of navigating life’s highs and lows, from professional reinvention to personal resilience, and acting on inspiration to create new opportunities. Together, we dive into:

• Pivoting, adapting to change, and exploring new passions—whether in career, family, or personal life—especially later in life.
• The power of saying no and stepping back, even in the face of big opportunities, to prioritize personal goals and well-being.
• Breaking barriers in male-dominated industries and the impact of women stepping into leadership roles.
• Creating The Daily Show and the serendipitous blend of timing, talent, and collaboration that made it a success.
• Why “having it all” is still bullsh*t and the toll it takes on women striving to do it all at the same time.
• How focusing on the present moment can ground us in gratitude and possibility, even amid chaos and uncertainty.
• Acting on moments of inspiration and fearlessly pursuing your dreams.
• Getting out of your own way, taking risks, and embracing the unexpected opportunities that follow.

OUR GUEST: Madeleine Smithberg is an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer, best known for co-creating The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. She also worked on The Jon Stewart Show, Steve Harvey’s Big Time, and Late Night with David Letterman. Through her production company, Mad Cow Productions, she has developed comedy projects for networks like HISTORY, TBS, FOX, and Showtime, and created the news franchise INFOmania for Current TV. She earned an NAACP Image Award nomination for Don’t Sleep! on BET. In 2018, Madeleine shifted careers to become a Teaching Chef at Blue Ribbon Cooking and launched her YouTube channel Mad in the Kitchen. She’s currently working on her memoir “Almost Funny” and a new show for women over 50, “Lady Girls”.

“A period of stuckness always precedes a period of serious growth.”

So many of us find ourselves grappling with the overwhelming feeling of being stuck, especially as we navigate midlife. Weighed down by societal expectations and self-imposed narratives, we can struggle to align our lives with what we truly value and desire. Enter Deanna deBara, writer and host of the “Season of Stuck” podcast, where she shares her journey of overcoming "stuckness" and offers practical tools to help others do the same.

In this episode, Erin and Deanna explore how to shift from a place of stagnation to a state of thriving, and the transformative power of giving oneself permission to change and grow. We cover:

• Why feeling stuck, though isolating, is a universal experience—and how it can become a catalyst for transformation in midlife
• How the stories we tell ourselves shape our reality, either keeping us stuck or opening the door to change
• The role of self-compassion and authenticity in fostering growth and change
• Techniques for shaking off feelings of being stuck, including movement, cold plunging,  and micro ‘yeses’
• Strategies for rewriting internal limiting narratives about ourselves and cultivating a compassionate, supportive inner dialogue
• Practical advice on navigating midlife transitions, challenging societal expectations, and redefining personal success

OUR GUEST: Deanna deBara is a freelance writer living in Portland, OR. When she's not busy building her business or typing away at her keyboard, she enjoys spending time hiking in the Pacific Northwest, traveling with her soon-to-be husband, or doting on her dog, Bennett.