Ladies Who Lunch

Our friend Chris Klemens joins us this week to talk about rejection. Being involuntary forced to leave a job or professional relationship can swirl you into a downpour of emotion: embarrassment, depression, worthlessness, self-pity and shame. As someone who recently got fired, Chris gives us insight into how that feeling of failure affected his self-worth. Cat unexpectedly reached the end of a professional relationship, and her confidence took a massive hit. Your identity is deeply embedded with what you do, so how does being rejected affect your relationship to vulnerability in your life?

We're both on what some people would consider an "unusual" career path. We're so grateful for the opportunity we have to share our passions with the world, but we still have those "I wish I knew this before I started" times of reflection. In these moments, it's important to revisit our true intentions onto this less traditional career path. Ingrid shares a story about the worst feedback she's ever gotten and how she came up with a solution that allowed her to move forward. Cat tells us that she recently faced backlash from something she said on her YouTube channel and shares how the experience made her more mindful for the next time around. When you mess up, how do you own your piece in the puzzle and not place blame on other people? How do we navigate times of uncertainty in a world that demands self-confidence?

Happy New Year! Reflecting on the past year is something that we all tend to do around New Year's Eve. Looking back on the year is not about beating yourself up and seeing what you need to do better, it's about reflection and gratitude. Even if you have plenty to be thankful for, it can be tough to know where to start, and it's easy to dwell on disappointments. We talk about how we've both been feeling stuck and uninspired this year. What can we do to look inward, move forward and focus on what we're passionate about? Ingrid shares her feelings about an unexpected loss of a family member and how it has changed the way she's looking at other relationships in her life. Cat has admittedly had the hardest year ever, and while she knows she'll probably deal with anxiety and depression for a long time, she explains how she's going to channel a feeling of change into a fresh start for 2018. Breaking down the highs and low of the past year can make you feel more capable and prepared to take on anything that come your

This week, we’re talking about the thing a lot of people try not to talk about...money. Dating and navigating a relationship can be tough as is, but add in that tricky conversation about money, and things can get uncomfortable. Does income equality contribute to the way we choose our partners? How does money affect the dynamic between you and a partner? Is it something that can make or break a relationship? Too often, disagreements about money have little to do with money itself and more to do with issues of control, security, self esteem and love.

The holidays offer many reasons to be anxious and stressed. There are office parties, last-minute gifts, crowded malls and social pressures. But for a lot of us, the biggest source of holiday stress is family -- the dinner, the obligations, the conversations. As the holidays approach, some of us may be preparing ourselves for potentially uncomfortable, awkward or even unsafe situations that may happen when you get together with family. What do you do when you can't be yourself around the people you're supposed to love the most? What if the one person you relied on most for your comfort and tradition is no longer with you? With holiday family reunions right around the corner, what are some ways that you can prepare yourself to cope and really enjoy the spirit of the season?

Sexual harassment and assault claims have been all over the news recently as more and more people are accused of it. In this episode, we're sharing a few of our recent experiences with harassment and speak to an entertainment lawyer about the legal process when dealing with these allegations. With so many people being accused of sexual misconduct, it can be tough to make peace with accusations against your favorite comedian, actor, public figure, or even someone you know in real life. Sexual harassment and assault isn't exclusive to Hollywood...so why do we think Hollywood is changing the conversation? Why is NOW the moment for the #MeToo movement?

Politics can be overwhelming, especially right now. We both make it a point to stay informed on what's going on, but we do it in different ways. We're sharing our favorite ways to get our news and our tips on how to choose what's right for you. It can be hard to navigate through feelings of guilt and anxiety when deciding what to focus your energy on. There are so many things that deserve our time and work -- but just because you're not personally invested in something, doesn't mean it isn't important. Rather than getting into fights and initiating never-ending debates, how can you activate yourself and your friends to make real change?

We're back! We're filling you guys in on what we've been up to and why we've been gone for so long. We're in brand new places with both the podcast and in our own lives! Cat shares what it's been like for her to go back to school in her late 20s. Why did she decide to go back and what's different this time around? We're also discussing our experiences when we moved away from home and what it was like to start again.

As Pride Month comes to an end, we chat with our friend Melantha Hodge about working in the music industry as a gay woman of color. How has it affected the way she's been treated by men in the business? Why do certain cultures react differently to members of the gay community? We also debate whether or not the LGBTQ flag should also represent race, and help a listener who doesn't feel the need to come out about her sexuality. Society's constant need for labels can pressure you to publicize parts of yourself, even if that's out of your comfort zone. Whether you announce this personal information, or keep it private, how will you ultimately stick to your own decisions? P.S. Thank you Vanity Planet! Go to vanityplanet.com/ladieswholunchvibe and get 50% off your first order with the code LWLvibe

We continue Pride Month with special guest Connor Manning, who shares the experience of identifying as gender fluid. What is gender fluidity? How do you know if you're non-binary? We also ask Connor about which pronouns are preferred, how to deal with frustration when you're misunderstood, and how to identify as a male even if you don't relate to society's idea of masculinity. It could take a while for others to fully accept your gender fluidity, but all that matters is that you accept yourself. You're free to become whoever you want to be - so take charge and start leading the life you deserve. P.S. We love RXBAR! Get 25% off your first order at RXBAR.com/LWL and use promo code LWL P.P.S. Thanks to Sunbasket! Go to Sunbasket.com/LWL and get your first three meals FREE

This week, our friend Alayna Fender shares her personal story of being bisexual. What are the ways we define bisexuality? Why does the LGBTQ community scrutinize people who are bisexual? We also explore the negative stereotypes surrounding this identity, and help a listener who fears that she'll be deemed "not queer enough" for having a boyfriend. Although it's common to feel these insecurities, just know that you are always worthy of your sexual identity. How will you own up to it and celebrate who you truly are? P.S. Thanks to Jet for supporting Ladies Who Lunch! Get 20% off your first 2 orders over $35 at Jet.com by using the promo code LWL at check out. P.P.S. Thanks to LOLA for supporting this podcast! To get 60% of your first order, visit mylola.com and enter LWL when you subscribe.

We start our LGBTQ+ month with special guests Cammie Scott and Alexis G. Zall to talk about all things lesbian. Is there more pressure to look or behave a certain way after coming out? How can you deal with people who don't believe that you're gay? We also debate our feelings on the term "lesbian," investigate the stereotype that gay women hate men, and help a listener who is struggling with internal homophobia and compulsory heterosexuality. We all tend to label ourselves and consequently stress about people's opinions on our sexual identities. But how will you dump that mentality, embrace your sexual fluidity, and explore your true self? P.S. Thank you Pet Parcel for supporting our podcast! Go to petparcel.net and get 10% off your first order with the code LWL10. P.P.S. Thanks to Wag! Check out the Wag app and you’ll get your first walk FREE https://app.adjust.com/5udc4q

As May comes to an end, we review our conversations focused on mental health. What were the biggest surprises we learned? Did we change our opinions about "13 Reasons Why"? We also share a listener's new journey with antidepressants after moving to a foreign country, and read a letter about dealing with a bipolar relative whose behavior has taken a complete 180 for the worse. Mental illness doesn't discriminate, and it affects more people than you might think. The pain and shame is often swept under the rug - but just by starting a dialogue around it, we can support those in need of healing. P.S. Thanks to Audible! Listen to Audible’s new original series Where Should We Begin? Details at audible.com/esther. Audible and Amazon Prime members listen free. P.P.S. Thank you ShopSpring! Get 20% off your first purchase with code LWL at checkout.

This week, we share our "13 Reasons Why" debate from Playlist Live with special guests Kati Morton and Lisa Filipelli. Where did the show succeed, but also fail? Was the graphic visual of Hannah Baker's suicide just a ploy to get attention? We also explain why we're frustrated with the depiction of mental health treatment and school counselors, why this show panders to vulnerable teens, and where to get help if you're struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. There are resources and people that will help you, so stay strong and know that there is hope. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem - but much better solutions are out there too. P.S. Thanks to Audible for supporting our podcast! Listen to Audible’s new original series: Where Should We Begin? Details at audible.com/esther. Audible and Amazon Prime members listen free. P.P.S. Thank you Pet Parcel! Go to petparcel.net and get 10% off your first order with the code LWL10.

To continue Mental Health Awareness Month, Kati Morton is back to help us address the biggest questions on eating disorders. What causes people to have anorexia, binge eating, or bulimia? How can you get treatment for your ED? How can you support someone who is in the recovery process? We also discuss the dangers of going into starvation mode, how we can use positive language about our bodies, how to tell your parents that you have an eating disorder, and how to fight through the anxiety of eating out. The ED voice can be loud, but change is possible if you take the steps to beat it. How will you start switching your inner dialogue about food and repair the relationship with your body? P.S. We love ShopSpring for supporting Ladies Who Lunch! Get 20% off your first purchase with code LWL at checkout. P.P.S. Also thanks to Wag! for supporting our podcast. Download Wag! on iTunes or Google Play and sign up to get your first walk FREE

This week, licensed therapist and professional mental health expert Kati Morton helps us answer your questions about obsessive compulsive disorder. What are the symptoms of OCD? How can you treat it? Is self-diagnosing reliable? We also dive into your letters about overcoming the stigma around mental health, differentiating intrusive thoughts vs. homosexual thoughts, and telling your therapist that their methods aren't working. Taking care of yourself is your number one priority, so get the help that fits you best. It's going to be a challenge to sit with the discomfort, but you can also sit with the comfort of knowing that it will get better. P.S. Thank you LeTote for supporting Ladies Who Lunch! Go to LeTote.com and use promo code LWL to get 50% off your first month.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we take an exploration through therapy. What should you expect from a therapist? Why do people go to therapy? Do you always have to talk about your deep emotional issues? We also compare different types of therapy, psychologists vs. psychiatrists, and the ways we interact with our own therapists. Meeting with a mental health professional can be like dating - it's a little awkward at first, and it might take a few tries before you discover a type who fits your needs. But once you find the right therapist, you'll soon learn that the search is totally worthwhile. P.S. Thanks to Jet for supporting Ladies Who Lunch! Get $10 off your first 3 orders over $35 at jet.com by using the promo code LWL at check out.

Our journey through reconciliation finishes up with the difficulties of forgiving our parents. How can you move past the inevitable pain that enters this relationship? If you forgive them, are you condoning their behavior? We also help a listener who resents her mother for creating an unstable childhood, and answer a letter about receiving an apology - but still feeling unheard. Parents aren't perfect, and they're going to affect us whether we like it or not. How will you leave the wounded child behind, make room for compassion, and take responsibility for your future with or without them? P.S. Thank you ShopSpring for supporting Ladies Who Lunch! Get 20% off your first purchase with code LWL at checkout.

Apologizing is an important step towards reconciliation, but sometimes we say "sorry" too much. Why do women typically apologize more than men? Can you still be a feminist and use these undermining words? How can you be more aware of them in your everyday speech? We also investigate the issues of assuming girls are "more difficult," the dilemma of policing how women speak, and a letter from a listener who wants to stop over-apologizing at work. Language is one of the essential ways we express ourselves, and ultimately your vocabulary is your choice. How will your use of words make you feel you proud and confident about who you are? P.S. Thank you LeTote for supporting Ladies Who Lunch! Go to LeTote.com and use promo code LWL to get 50% off your first month.

Our reconciliation theme continues with forgiveness towards ourselves and our past. How do you transition from bitterness towards compassion? Can you take too much responsibility for painful events in your life? As adults, how can we help younger generations recognize when they aren't accountable for difficult times? We also discuss a listener's guilt for unintentionally hurting her ex, another listener's choice to not reconcile with her absent father, and a letter from a victim who hates how her past self reacted to a traumatic event. Although you should allow yourself to feel anger and frustration for the dark memories, you can't let them haunt you for the rest of your life. How will you free yourself from this shadow and instead, start celebrating your successes? P.S. Thank you thredUP for supporting our podcast! Go to thredUP.com/LWL and enter promo code LWL to get an extra 40% off your first order.