

Only One In The Room
Laura Cathcart Robbins
Hosted by Laura Cathcart Robbins, a writer and a recovery thriver and survivor, Laura found herself in an all too familiar position. In September 2018, she was the only black woman in the room at Brave Magic, a famed writer’s retreat. After it was over, she wrote about her “only one” experience in The Huffington Post and comments started flooding into her DM. These comments were from people from all races, ethnicities, creeds, and nationalities who had felt “othered”. Laura beautifully interviews a person about their Only One story each episode and addresses as many of those DM’s as possible in the process. In this podcast, you’ll hear raw, vulnerable accounts from people who are, like most of us, just eager to connect. Our hope is that The Only One In The Room will inspire a change of perspective in how we all see and hear each other’s stories. We want you to think twice before judging the person standing next to you at a party, in the pick-up line at school, or in a crowded subway car. This is a podcast for anyone who has ever felt alone in a room full of people – which is to say, that this podcast is for everyone.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 21, 2025 • 1h 7min
Meghan Riordan Jarvis - The Only Grief Therapist Who Checked Herself Into Treatment
In this episode of 'The Only One in the Room,' Laura Cathcart Robbins and Scott Slaughter are joined by Meghan Riordan Jarvis, a specialized trauma therapist, author, and podcast host. Meghan reveals the profound impact of personal grief on her life, sharing intimate moments from her childhood trauma of losing Chris, a pivotal spiritual experience during a facility tour, and the profound emotional toll following the deaths of both parents. Meghan discusses reaching out to colleagues for help during a time when she was unable to function, culminating in her checking into a treatment facility. Her honesty highlights the human side of a professional deeply versed in grief, making powerful connections with Laura's life and grief experiences. The discussion underscores the importance of community and honest conversations in navigating grief and loss. And thanks for supporting today’s show sponsor:Mercedes Cusick Trauma Specialist, Course Website: https://recoverhealbloom.com/ - Use promo code ONLYONE to receive 10% off Meghan Riordan JarvisEmail _meghanjarvis@gmail.comWebsite _https://meghanriordanjarvis.com/Podcast _https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-is-my-side hustle/id1568936089IG _https://www.instagram.com/meghan.riordan.jarvis/p/DDo3H6wJCxO/FB _https://www.facebook.com/griefismysidehustle/photos/?_rdrLinkedIn_https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-riordan-jarvis-ma-licsw-071051142/YouTube_ https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-riordan-jarvis-ma-licsw-071051142/Book_Grief Is My Side Hustle https://meghanriordanjarvis.com/books Only One In The Room:Email: cathcartrobbins@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.theonlyonepod.com/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2P3sYOA iTunes: https://apple.co/2UUZ04Y YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnlyOneintheRoomPodcast Instagram: instagram.com/theonlyoneintheroom X: https://x.com/TheOnlyOnePodc1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOnlyOneInTheRoomPodcast/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@theonlyoneintheroomPatreon: patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Recover Heal Bloom:Mercedes Cusick, LMFT, is an EMDR Certified and Advanced Trained Trauma Specialist and the creator of Trauma Unlocked: Understanding Your Childhood Trauma and Healing Your Nervous System to Restore Balance. She specializes in helping people recover from trauma, including childhood trauma, addiction, sexual trauma, narcissistic abuse and more.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoverhealbloom/reel/C_0myBWPdlB/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoverhealbloomTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverhealbloomFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoverhealbloomLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/recoverhealbloomCourse Website https://recoverhealbloom.com/ Use promo code ONLYONE to receive 10% offTherapy Website www.mercedescusick.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 16, 2025 • 25min
Scott And Laura Talk About The LA Fires 2025
Laura Cathcart Robbins and Scott Slaughter share their distressing experience of surviving the 2025 Los Angeles fires in this special episode for 'Scott Talks'.They discuss the impact of the prolonged drought, theSanta Ana winds, and the rapid spread of the fires that affected various communities includingPacific Palisades and Altadena. The episode goes into detail about their emergency preparations, emotional struggles, and the profound sense of community and gratitude they felt during the crisis. They reflect on the importance of focusing on humanity and coming together in times of disaster.Laura Cathcart Robbins Website www.theonlyonepod.com https://lauracathcartrobbins.com/Email_cathcartrobbins@gmail.comWebsite_ https://theonlyonepod.com/IG https://www.instagram.com/lauracathcartrobbins/?hl=enFB _https://www.facebook.com/lcrobbins1Book Order https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Stash/Laura-Cathcart-Robbins/9781668005330 Scott Slaughter Website www.theonlyonepod.comEmail dscott633@gmail.com, r63podmedia@gmail.comInstagram www.instagram.com/dscottie633/FB https://www.facebook.com/scott.slaughter Only One In The Room:Email: cathcartrobbins@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.theonlyonepod.com/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2P3sYOA iTunes: https://apple.co/2UUZ04Y YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnlyOneintheRoomPodcast Instagram: instagram.com/theonlyoneintheroom X: https://x.com/TheOnlyOnePodc1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOnlyOneInTheRoomPodcast/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@theonlyoneintheroomPatreon: patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 14, 2025 • 59min
Susan Lieu - The Only One Who Tracked Down the Surgeon Who Killed My Mother
In this gripping episode of 'The Only One in the Room,' host Laura Cathcart Robbins speaks with Vietnamese American author, performer, and playwright Susan Lieu. Susan shares her poignant quest to avenge her mother's death caused by a negligent plastic surgeon, leading her to create a one-woman show and memoir. The episode delves into Susan's experiences growing up in a traditional Vietnamese family, her emotional struggles, and her relentless pursuit of justice and understanding. The conversation also touches on intergenerational healing, cultural practices, and the impact of her compelling work on her family's dynamics.Susan LieuEmail_ lieu.susan@gmail.comWebsite_ https://www.susanlieu.me/Linkedin_ https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanlieu/Instagram_https://www.instagram.com/susanlieu/FB_https://www.facebook.com/susanlieuofficial/Book_https://www.amazon.com/Manicurists-Daughter-Memoir-Susan-Lieu/dp/1250835046Only One In The Room:Email: cathcartrobbins@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.theonlyonepod.com/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2P3sYOA iTunes: https://apple.co/2UUZ04Y YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnlyOneintheRoomPodcast Instagram: instagram.com/theonlyoneintheroom X: https://x.com/TheOnlyOnePodc1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOnlyOneInTheRoomPodcast/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@theonlyoneintheroomPatreon: patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 9, 2025 • 17min
Scott Talks to Andrea Owen
In this episode of 'Only One in the Room,' Andrea Owen, an author and life coach, joins Laura and Scott to discuss her experiences with divorce, personal growth, and recovery. Andrea shares openly about the challenges and nuances of navigating her second divorce, the impact of trauma from her previous marriage, and how she's integrating new methods like ketamine therapy into her recovery. The conversation also covers her newly updated book, changes in societal perceptions about marriage and relationships, and maintaining self-empowerment through life's transitions. Andrea Owen Email_andreamarieowen@gmail.comWebsite_ https://andreaowen.com/Podcast_ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-some-noise-with-andrea-owen/id642215846IG_ https://www.instagram.com/heyandreaowen/FB_ https://www.facebook.com/heyandreaowen/LinkedIn _https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyandreaowen/Pintrest_ https://www.pinterest.com/yourkickasslife/YouTube_ https://www.youtube.com/user/YourKickAssLifeBooks_ https://andreaowen.com/books/ Only One In The Room:Email: cathcartrobbins@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.theonlyonepod.com/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2P3sYOA iTunes: https://apple.co/2UUZ04Y YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnlyOneintheRoomPodcast Instagram: instagram.com/theonlyoneintheroom X: https://x.com/TheOnlyOnePodc1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOnlyOneInTheRoomPodcast/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@theonlyoneintheroomPatreon: patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 7, 2025 • 54min
Andrea Owen - The Only One Who's Been Divorced One and a Half Times
In this episode of 'Only One in the Room,' Andrea Owen, an author and life coach, joins Laura and Scott to discuss her experiences with divorce, personal growth, and recovery. Andrea shares openly about the challenges and nuances of navigating her second divorce, the impact of trauma from her previous marriage, and how she's integrating new methods like ketamine therapy into her recovery. The conversation also covers her newly updated book, changes in societal perceptions about marriage and relationships, and maintaining self-empowerment through life's transitions.Andrea Owen Email_andreamarieowen@gmail.comWebsite_ https://andreaowen.com/Podcast_ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-some-noise-with-andrea-owen/id642215846IG_ https://www.instagram.com/heyandreaowen/FB_ https://www.facebook.com/heyandreaowen/LinkedIn _https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyandreaowen/Pintrest_ https://www.pinterest.com/yourkickasslife/YouTube_ https://www.youtube.com/user/YourKickAssLifeBooks_ https://andreaowen.com/books/Only One In The Room:Email: cathcartrobbins@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.theonlyonepod.com/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2P3sYOA iTunes: https://apple.co/2UUZ04Y YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnlyOneintheRoomPodcast Instagram: instagram.com/theonlyoneintheroom X: https://x.com/TheOnlyOnePodc1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOnlyOneInTheRoomPodcast/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@theonlyoneintheroomPatreon: patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 2, 2025 • 17min
Never Miss A Monday Preview
Join me, Stacey Garcia, Mom, Personal Trainer, Reiki Master Practitioner, Integrative Health Coach, Cancer Survivor/Thriver, and your host of Never Miss A Monday—a podcast where we discuss and dissect the intersection of mind, body, and spirit. I have always believed Mondays are magic… they set the tone for the week ahead of you. I’ve always lived a healthy life, so when I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, it was explained to me that my lifestyle choices gave me a strong chance to live with this diagnosis. I was to continue my non-negotiables: plant-based eating, exercising, meditating, reading, connecting with loved ones, and making time for self-care—especially on Monday. This season, you will hear uplifting and transformative stories from incredible individuals who will share valuable insights and practical tips on not just making it through tough times but are truly flourishing in the face of adversity. Are you ready to transform and thrive through exploring alternative healing methods? If so, this podcast is for you. Whether you are currently grappling with a health issue, seeking effective strategies to enhance your overall well-being, or a seasoned wellness enthusiast looking to deepen your knowledge, join us as we explore the journey of resilience and empowerment together. Stacey Garcia Email_ selfcarewithstacey@gmail.comLinkedin_ Linkedin_Stacey Garcia FB_ https://www.facebook.com/stacey.nevens.garciaInstagram_ https://www.instagram.com/self_care_with_stacey/Facebook_https://www.facebook.com/stacey.nevens.garciWebsite_www.selfcarewithstacey.com coming soon Podcast_ Never Miss A MondayOnly One In The Room:Email: cathcartrobbins@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.theonlyonepod.com/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2P3sYOA iTunes: https://apple.co/2UUZ04Y YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnlyOneintheRoomPodcast Instagram: instagram.com/theonlyoneintheroom X: https://x.com/TheOnlyOnePodc1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOnlyOneInTheRoomPodcast/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@theonlyoneintheroomPatreon: patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 31, 2024 • 53min
Navigating Trauma and Isolation: A Live Interview with True Crime Podcaster Josh Hallmark
In this episode, Laura Cathcart Robbins and Scott Slaughter, hosts of the podcast 'The Only One in the Room,' travel to North Adams, Massachusetts, to attend the Berkshire Podcast Festival. They interview true crime podcaster Josh Hallmark about his personal and professional journey. Josh shares intimate details about his troubled upbringing, including his relationship with his abusive mother and the traumas he experienced, such as molestation and a family murder. The discussion delves into the impact of these experiences on his life and work, highlighting themes of isolation, community, and resilience. The podcast concludes with reflections on the power of storytelling and the importance of creating a compassionate community through shared experiences.Josh HallmarkEmail josh@bothand.fyi Linkedien https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshhallmarkFB_ https://www.facebook.com/josh.hallmark.5/IG https://www.instagram.com/ouramericana/ https://www.instagram.com/joshhallmark/ Podcast_ Our AmericanaBerkshire Podcast Festival www.berkshirepodcastfestival.comOnly One In The Room:Email: cathcartrobbins@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.theonlyonepod.com/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2P3sYOA iTunes: https://apple.co/2UUZ04Y YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnlyOneintheRoomPodcast Instagram: instagram.com/theonlyoneintheroom X: https://x.com/TheOnlyOnePodc1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOnlyOneInTheRoomPodcast/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@theonlyoneintheroomPatreon: patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 27, 2024 • 30min
Feed Drop: Recovery Rocks - Ep 249: Navigating Social Media Boundaries: Detox Tips and Mindful Consumption
Hosts Tawny and Lisa discuss their new non-alcoholic beverage brand, Parentheses, and their recently published sobriety deck. They delve into the importance of setting boundaries with social media, detailing their personal experiences of 'quiet quitting' platforms like Instagram and Twitter. The conversation highlights the dangers of algorithm-driven content and its impact on mental health. It suggests practices for more mindful tech use, such as focusing on offline activities like listening to vinyl records and reading printed materials. They emphasize being intentional about online engagement and urge listeners to reflect on their social media habits. The episode concludes with insights into how music and analog hobbies can help create a more balanced and fulfilling life.Tawny LaraEmail: tawny.lara@gmail.com Website: www.tawnylara.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/tawnymlaraLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tawny-laraBook_ Dry Humping_ https://a.co/d/iHJ6OkL IG_instagram.com/tawnymlara/FB_.facebook.com/tawnymlara/Podcast_ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/recovery-rocks/id1437414525Only One In The Room:Email: cathcartrobbins@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.theonlyonepod.com/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2P3sYOA iTunes: https://apple.co/2UUZ04Y YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnlyOneintheRoomPodcast Instagram: instagram.com/theonlyoneintheroom X: https://x.com/TheOnlyOnePodc1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOnlyOneInTheRoomPodcast/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@theonlyoneintheroomPatreon: patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 24, 2024 • 30min
Feed Drop – Sober Powered E255: 6 Strategies For Staying Sober Through the Holidays
In this episode Gill discusses how the holiday season, with its numerous social events and parties, leads many to increase their alcohol consumption. Gill shares strategies that help them stay sober during the holiday season without alcohol. The episode also includes interesting statistics on holiday drinking habits in America. It -emphasizes making drinking a non-negotiable, -having an exit plan and reward, -knowing how to refuse drinks, -bringing supplies,- choosing not to attend events, and -remembering that all feelings pass.Additionally, it conveys the importance of support systems and redefining holiday traditions to support sobriety.Community & Meetings: Living a Sober Powered Life https://www.soberpowered.com/membershipWeekly emails on Fridays: https://www.soberpowered.com/emailAnger Management Coaching https://www.soberpowered.com/angerSober coaching https://www.soberpowered.com/sober-coachingThank you for supporting this show by supporting my sponsors. Learn more:https://www.soberpowered.com/sponsorsDisclaimer: all of the information described in this podcast is my interpretation of the research combined with my opinion. This is not medical advice.Only One In The Room:Email: cathcartrobbins@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.theonlyonepod.com/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2P3sYOA iTunes: https://apple.co/2UUZ04Y YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnlyOneintheRoomPodcast Instagram: instagram.com/theonlyoneintheroom X: https://x.com/TheOnlyOnePodc1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOnlyOneInTheRoomPodcast/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@theonlyoneintheroomPatreon: patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 19, 2024 • 40min
Feed Drop: Under The Influence - The Cost of Scrolling
A former editor and columnist with Yahoo, Current TV and the New York Daily News, her work has also appeared in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, New York magazine, Glamour, Elle, Time, Marie Claire, the Daily Beast, and Slate. She holds an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s in journalism from Columbia University, and a master’s in religious studies from New York University. TIn This Episode There's a fine line between marketing and creating false desires, and influencers stomp all over it. Influencers often convince women they have problems that can only be solved by buying. But this holiday season, we don’t have to give in. Today, we’re talking about the historical context of marketing and its impact on consumer behavior, emphasizing the emotional triggers behind impulse purchases. We have insights from Jen Smith, host of the Frugal Friends podcast and author of Buy What You Love Without Growing Broke, on navigating social media's and marketing's overwhelming influence during the holidays and practical tips for making more intentional financial decisions. Email_ jo.piazza@gmail.comWebsite_ https://www.jopiazza.com/ Linkedin_https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-piazza-86223519FB_ : https://www.facebook.com/johanna.piazza/Instagram_https://www.instagram.com/jopiazzaauthor/X: https://x.com/jopiazzaPodcast_Under the Influence with Jo Piazza PodcastBook_ The Sicilian Inheritance: A NovelOnly One In The Room:Email: cathcartrobbins@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.theonlyonepod.com/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2P3sYOA iTunes: https://apple.co/2UUZ04Y YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnlyOneintheRoomPodcast Instagram: instagram.com/theonlyoneintheroom X: https://x.com/TheOnlyOnePodc1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOnlyOneInTheRoomPodcast/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@theonlyoneintheroomPatreon: patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices