Hey Heal Squad, today we come to you from Macy's Herald Square in NYC, where I sit with a longtime friend and source of inspiration as well as a beauty and fashion Today Show icon. She is the one and only Bobbie Thomas. Bobbie, a young widow, discusses grief, resilience, a career journey born out of an abusive college relationship, being a professional girlfriend to, and touring experiences with N Sync, the power of lipstick, IBF weight gain, being a widow, helping others through grief and the power behind leading with love. Whether you're experiencing loss or seeking a career or life purpose, this episode covers it all.

• Building resilience: with traumas, you don't have a choice but to move through it and carry pieces that are left, salvaging what you can. 
• The term 'Professional Girlfriend': dating JC from N Sync, Rolling Stone labeling her a Professional GF and the ironic inspiration she drew from the term. 
• Taking Professional GF to the next level: supporting fellow women (through fashion) like men support fellow men. 
• Growing up in a broken home and moving often: struggling to make girl friends, always seeking approval, being inspired by Madonna and unhealthy romances as a result.  
• Toxic college BF:
• Gives up a full scholarship to be with him.
• Falls victim to abuse.
• Finds a group of women on a farm to inspire her as a teacher pushes her into psychology classes.
• The power of lipstick: giving new clothes and makeup to needy women who don't think they are worthy of it. 
• Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas: friendship with Fergie and being too busy to be courted by David Schwimmer. 
• Being on the N Sync Tour Bus: Bobbie talks with boys, learns what they want in girls (confidence), and writes articles that launch her career.
• Bobbie's formula: share personal stories and information and share them authentically (pre-social media). Hoda and Kathie Lee take notice. 
• IVF weight gain: IVF affects her emotionally.
• Husband's passing: feeling guilt over all the love received from everyone. 
• When nervous or uncomfortable in any situation: admit it. People usually receive that and want to support. 
• To others experiencing loss:
• Keep going.
• Be open to community.
• Know it's not one day at a time, it's one hour at a time.
• Stay present. 
•  To those experiencing anxiety: ground and reset yourself by using your senses through touching physical objects or just smelling something.
•  Bobbie's dating diary: the struggles of dating now. 

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ABOUT MARIA MENOUNOS:

Emmy Award-winning journalist, TV personality, actress, 2x NYT best-selling author, former pro-wrestler and brain tumor survivor, Maria Menounos’ passion is to see others heal and to get better in all areas of life.

ABOUT HEAL SQUAD x MARIA MENOUNOS:

A daily digital talk-show that brings you the world's leading healers, experts, and celebrities to share groundbreaking secrets and tips to getting better in all areas of life.

DISCLAIMER:

Any information or opinions provided by guest experts or hosts featured within website or on Company’s Podcast are their own; not those of Maria Menounos or the Company. Accordingly, Maria Menounos and the Company cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment.