

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

Jul 18, 2023 • 53min
Eric Zimmer Is The Only One Intentionally Feeding The Good Wolf Episode 176
Imagine being homeless and addicted to heroin, getting sober, drinking again, getting sober a second time and staying sober this time, for over fifteen years.Behavior coach, certified interfaith spiritual director, podcast host and writer, Eric Zimmer, starts off every podcast by telling the parable about the two wolves at battle within us. The bad wolf that represents greed, hatred and fear, and the good wolf that represents kindness, bravery and love.So what would you do if you understood that this meant you had a choice? That you could feed the bad wolf and be miserable, or you could feed the good one and build a life worth living?More From Eric Zimmer:Visit: www.oneyoufeed.netListen: The One You FeedFinding Eric Zimmer:Facebook: The One You FeedTwitter: @oneyoufeedInstagram: @one_you_feedLinkedIn: Eric ZimmerWatch Laura's new TEDx Talk: Confessions From The Only One In The Room Special thanks to our sponsors:Voyage et Cie:Voyage et Cie's curator Melanie Apple has cultivated a passion for notable moments using the sense of smell. Voyage et Cie is the ultimate luxury blend of travel, fragrance, and design. Each original fragrance is created by Melanie, 100% organic and natural which will transport you on a journey. Visit https://www.voyageetcie.com/ and enter the code: HON to get your 10% off your purchase!PATREON SHOUT OUTS:Thanks to Kathleen HahnCute Booty Lounge is made right here in the USA, by women and for women. The company is incredible, female, and minority-owned and all of their leggings make makes your booty look amazing. Go to https://cutebooty.com/ today! Embrace your body, love your booty!Join our Patreon:Become an Only One In The Room patron by joining us on Patreon! Starting at only $5.00 per month, you’ll get bonus content, access to outtakes that the general public will NEVER see, extremely cool merch, and depending on what tier you get, monthly hang time with Scott and Laura. Join our Patreon today at https://www.patreon.com/theonlyonepodcastBe sure not to miss Scott Talks on Wednesdays, our Sunday release called Sunday Edition & our brand new series On My Nightstand releasing on Fridays by subscribing to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Join our Only One In The Room Facebook Group if you'd like to ask a question of any of our upcoming guests for this series. Also visit the website www.theonlyonepod.com for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins like featured articles and more.We love hearing from you in the comments on iTunes and while you're there don't forget to rate us, subscribe and share the show!All of us at The Only One In The Room wish you safety and wellness during this challenging time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 12, 2023 • 17min
Scott Talks To Lana Manikowski
Scott Slaughter co-host and producer of The Only One In The Room has a short and casual, yet deep conversation with our guest Lana Manikowski right after the show.Watch Laura's new TEDx Talk: Confessions From The Only One In The Room Special thanks to our sponsors:Voyage et Cie:Voyage et Cie's curator Melanie Apple has cultivated a passion for notable moments using the sense of smell. Voyage et Cie is the ultimate luxury blend of travel, fragrance, and design. Each original fragrance is created by Melanie, 100% organic and natural which will transport you on a journey. Visit https://www.voyageetcie.com/ and enter the code: HON to get your 10% off your purchase!PATREON SHOUT OUTS:Thanks to Kathleen HahnCute Booty Lounge is made right here in the USA, by women and for women. The company is incredible, female, and minority-owned and all of their leggings make makes your booty look amazing. Go to https://cutebooty.com/ today! Embrace your body, love your booty!Join our Patreon:Become an Only One In The Room patron by joining us on Patreon! Starting at only $5.00 per month, you’ll get bonus content, access to outtakes that the general public will NEVER see, extremely cool merch, and depending on what tier you get, monthly hang time with Scott and Laura. Join our Patreon today at https://www.patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Don't miss our new Friday series On My Nightstand.Be sure to join our Facebook Group for the most up-to-date info on guests, episodes and more.You can also DM us on Instagram @theonlyoneintheroom or email us via the website at www.theonlyonepod.comAlso visit the website for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins like live events, appearances, featured articles and more.We love hearing from you in the comments on iTunes and while you're there don't forget to rate us, subscribe and share the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 11, 2023 • 53min
Lana Manikowski Is The Only One Who Always Thought She’d Be A Mom Episode 175
Imagine desperately trying to become a mom, and spending one hundred and fifty thousand dollars on fertility treatments.Life coach and podcast host, Lana Manikowski, always thought she’d be a mom, and was willing to do whatever it took to make her dream a reality.So what would you do if you were finally diagnosed with “unexplained infertility?” Would you resign yourself to a life of loneliness, self-judgment and confusion? Or would you ask yourself, “So now what?” And rediscover life after failed IVF?More From Lana Manikowski:Visit: lanamanikowski.comListen: The So Now What? PodcastFinding Lana Manikowski:Instagram: @lana.manikowskiWatch Laura's new TEDx Talk: Confessions From The Only One In The Room Special thanks to our sponsors:Voyage et Cie:Voyage et Cie's curator Melanie Apple has cultivated a passion for notable moments using the sense of smell. Voyage et Cie is the ultimate luxury blend of travel, fragrance, and design. Each original fragrance is created by Melanie, 100% organic and natural which will transport you on a journey. Visit https://www.voyageetcie.com/ and enter the code: HON to get your 10% off your purchase!PATREON SHOUT OUTS:Thanks to Kathleen HahnCute Booty Lounge is made right here in the USA, by women and for women. The company is incredible, female, and minority-owned and all of their leggings make makes your booty look amazing. Go to https://cutebooty.com/ today! Embrace your body, love your booty!Join our Patreon:Become an Only One In The Room patron by joining us on Patreon! Starting at only $5.00 per month, you’ll get bonus content, access to outtakes that the general public will NEVER see, extremely cool merch, and depending on what tier you get, monthly hang time with Scott and Laura. Join our Patreon today at https://www.patreon.com/theonlyonepodcastBe sure not to miss Scott Talks on Wednesdays, our Sunday release called Sunday Edition & our brand new series On My Nightstand releasing on Fridays by subscribing to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Join our Only One In The Room Facebook Group if you'd like to ask a question of any of our upcoming guests for this series. Also visit the website www.theonlyonepod.com for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins like featured articles and more.We love hearing from you in the comments on iTunes and while you're there don't forget to rate us, subscribe and share the show!All of us at The Only One In The Room wish you safety and wellness during this challenging time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 5, 2023 • 12min
Scott Talks to Sonia Kahlon
Scott Slaughter co-host and producer of The Only One In The Room has a short and casual, yet deep conversation with our guest Sonia Kahlon right after the show.Watch Laura's new TEDx Talk: Confessions From The Only One In The Room Special thanks to our sponsors:Voyage et Cie:Voyage et Cie's curator Melanie Apple has cultivated a passion for notable moments using the sense of smell. Voyage et Cie is the ultimate luxury blend of travel, fragrance, and design. Each original fragrance is created by Melanie, 100% organic and natural which will transport you on a journey. Visit https://www.voyageetcie.com/ and enter the code: HON to get your 10% off your purchase!PATREON SHOUT OUTS:Thanks to Kathleen HahnCute Booty Lounge is made right here in the USA, by women and for women. The company is incredible, female, and minority-owned and all of their leggings make makes your booty look amazing. Go to https://cutebooty.com/ today! Embrace your body, love your booty!Join our Patreon:Become an Only One In The Room patron by joining us on Patreon! Starting at only $5.00 per month, you’ll get bonus content, access to outtakes that the general public will NEVER see, extremely cool merch, and depending on what tier you get, monthly hang time with Scott and Laura. Join our Patreon today at https://www.patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Don't miss our new Friday series On My Nightstand.Be sure to join our Facebook Group for the most up-to-date info on guests, episodes and more.You can also DM us on Instagram @theonlyoneintheroom or email us via the website at www.theonlyonepod.comAlso visit the website for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins like live events, appearances, featured articles and more.We love hearing from you in the comments on iTunes and while you're there don't forget to rate us, subscribe and share the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 4, 2023 • 46min
Sonia Kahlon Is The Only One Who Created What She Needed Episode 174
Imagine being five years sober when your eighteen-year relationship ends without warning.After being blindsided by her break-up, Sonia Kahlon, founder of EverBlume, was afraid that she wouldn’t be able to maintain her sobriety.So what would you do if you wanted to stay sober, but all of the recovery meetings you went to weren’t giving you what you craved? Would you keep going anyway, hoping to find your people? Or would you set out to create the community you needed?More From Sonia Kahlon:Visit: www.joineverblume.comFinding Sonia Kahlon:TikTok, Facebook, & Twitter: @EverBlumeInstagram: @joineverblumeLinkedIn: Sonia KahlonWatch Laura's new TEDx Talk: Confessions From The Only One In The Room Special thanks to our sponsors:Voyage et Cie:Voyage et Cie's curator Melanie Apple has cultivated a passion for notable moments using the sense of smell. Voyage et Cie is the ultimate luxury blend of travel, fragrance, and design. Each original fragrance is created by Melanie, 100% organic and natural which will transport you on a journey. Visit https://www.voyageetcie.com/ and enter the code: HON to get your 10% off your purchase!PATREON SHOUT OUTS:Thanks to Kathleen HahnCute Booty Lounge is made right here in the USA, by women and for women. The company is incredible, female, and minority-owned and all of their leggings make makes your booty look amazing. Go to https://cutebooty.com/ today! Embrace your body, love your booty!Join our Patreon:Become an Only One In The Room patron by joining us on Patreon! Starting at only $5.00 per month, you’ll get bonus content, access to outtakes that the general public will NEVER see, extremely cool merch, and depending on what tier you get, monthly hang time with Scott and Laura. Join our Patreon today at https://www.patreon.com/theonlyonepodcastBe sure not to miss Scott Talks on Wednesdays, our Sunday release called Sunday Edition & our brand new series On My Nightstand releasing on Fridays by subscribing to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Join our Only One In The Room Facebook Group if you'd like to ask a question of any of our upcoming guests for this series. Also visit the website www.theonlyonepod.com for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins like featured articles and more.We love hearing from you in the comments on iTunes and while you're there don't forget to rate us, subscribe and share the show!All of us at The Only One In The Room wish you safety and wellness during this challenging time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 28, 2023 • 15min
Scott Talks to Tia Levings
Scott Slaughter co-host and producer of The Only One In The Room has a short and casual, yet deep conversation with our guest Tia Levings right after the show.Watch Laura's new TEDx Talk: Confessions From The Only One In The Room Special thanks to our sponsors:Voyage et Cie:Voyage et Cie's curator Melanie Apple has cultivated a passion for notable moments using the sense of smell. Voyage et Cie is the ultimate luxury blend of travel, fragrance, and design. Each original fragrance is created by Melanie, 100% organic and natural which will transport you on a journey. Visit https://www.voyageetcie.com/ and enter the code: HON to get your 10% off your purchase!PATREON SHOUT OUTS:Thanks to Kathleen HahnCute Booty Lounge is made right here in the USA, by women and for women. The company is incredible, female, and minority-owned and all of their leggings make makes your booty look amazing. Go to https://cutebooty.com/ today! Embrace your body, love your booty!Join our Patreon:Become an Only One In The Room patron by joining us on Patreon! Starting at only $5.00 per month, you’ll get bonus content, access to outtakes that the general public will NEVER see, extremely cool merch, and depending on what tier you get, monthly hang time with Scott and Laura. Join our Patreon today at https://www.patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Don't miss our new Friday series On My Nightstand.Be sure to join our Facebook Group for the most up-to-date info on guests, episodes and more.You can also DM us on Instagram @theonlyoneintheroom or email us via the website at www.theonlyonepod.comAlso visit the website for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins like live events, appearances, featured articles and more.We love hearing from you in the comments on iTunes and while you're there don't forget to rate us, subscribe and share the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 27, 2023 • 48min
Tia Levings Is The Only One Who Chose Her Identity Over Her Marriage Episode 173
What if you grew up in Christian Fundamentalism and were taught that a women’s role was to serve as a model of duty and purity?Author and activist, Tia Levings took her four children and fled her marriage in the middle of the night, leaving everything she had ever known behind.But what if after you remarried, your husband asked you to choose between him and writing. Would you revert back to being a well-trained wife and agree to give up the career that you loved? Or would you step into the unknown again and claim your identity for all the world to see?More From Tia Levings:Visit: tialevings.comWatch: Shiny Happy PeopleListen: The Working Writer PodcastFinding Tia Levings:Twitter: @TiaLevingsTikTok, Instagram & Facebook: @tialevingswriterWatch Laura's new TEDx Talk: Confessions From The Only One In The Room Special thanks to our sponsors:Voyage et Cie:Voyage et Cie's curator Melanie Apple has cultivated a passion for notable moments using the sense of smell. Voyage et Cie is the ultimate luxury blend of travel, fragrance, and design. Each original fragrance is created by Melanie, 100% organic and natural which will transport you on a journey. Visit https://www.voyageetcie.com/ and enter the code: HON to get your 10% off your purchase!PATREON SHOUT OUTS:Thanks to Kathleen HahnCute Booty Lounge is made right here in the USA, by women and for women. The company is incredible, female, and minority-owned and all of their leggings make makes your booty look amazing. Go to https://cutebooty.com/ today! Embrace your body, love your booty!Join our Patreon:Become an Only One In The Room patron by joining us on Patreon! Starting at only $5.00 per month, you’ll get bonus content, access to outtakes that the general public will NEVER see, extremely cool merch, and depending on what tier you get, monthly hang time with Scott and Laura. Join our Patreon today at https://www.patreon.com/theonlyonepodcastBe sure not to miss Scott Talks on Wednesdays, our Sunday release called Sunday Edition & our brand new series On My Nightstand releasing on Fridays by subscribing to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Join our Only One In The Room Facebook Group if you'd like to ask a question of any of our upcoming guests for this series. Also visit the website www.theonlyonepod.com for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins like featured articles and more.We love hearing from you in the comments on iTunes and while you're there don't forget to rate us, subscribe and share the show!All of us at The Only One In The Room wish you safety and wellness during this challenging time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 22, 2023 • 49min
PRESENTING: What Was That Like
Scott and Laura are avid listeners of the What Was That Like podcast. And every once in a while, they are so compelled by an episode that they just have to share with you. Please enjoy this special presentation of the What Was That Like podcast.Probably the most difficult thing for a parent to experience is losing a child.It’s often been said that the English language fails us in this area. A woman who loses her spouse is called a widow. If a man is the one who survives his spouse, he’s a widower. A child who has lost their parents is called an orphan.But why isn’t there a word for a parent whose child has died? Well, it turns out there actually is a word for that.“Vilomah” is a Sanskrit word that’s been used in Hindu philosophy for centuries. It’s a compound word made up of two words – “vi” which means “against”, and “loma” which means “hair”. The word “vilomah” is often translated as “against the hair” or “against the grain” or “against the natural order of things”.In recent years, the word “vilomah” has gained popularity outside of Hindu philosophy, and it’s now used to describe a parent who has lost a child. The term “vilomah parent” refers to a parent who has experienced the loss of a child, which is considered to be a violation of the natural order of things.Ashley lives in Florida, and she knows about that experience. And she’s using her story to help other people avoid what she’s been through.More From What Was That Like:Visit: whatwasthatlike.comListen: What Was That LikeFinding What Was That Like:Facebook: @What Was That Like podcastInstagram: @wwtl_podcastTikTok: @whatwasthatlikeWatch Laura's new TEDx Talk: Confessions From The Only One In The Room Special thanks to our sponsors:Voyage et Cie:Voyage et Cie's curator Melanie Apple has cultivated a passion for notable moments using the sense of smell. Voyage et Cie is the ultimate luxury blend of travel, fragrance, and design. Each original fragrance is created by Melanie, 100% organic and natural which will transport you on a journey. Visit https://www.voyageetcie.com/ and enter the code: HON to get your 10% off your purchase!PATREON SHOUT OUTS:Thanks to Kathleen HahnCute Booty Lounge is made right here in the USA, by women and for women. The company is incredible, female, and minority-owned and all of their leggings make makes your booty look amazing. Go to https://cutebooty.com/ today! Embrace your body, love your booty!Join our Patreon:Become an Only One In The Room patron by joining us on Patreon! Starting at only $5.00 per month, you’ll get bonus content, access to outtakes that the general public will NEVER see, extremely cool merch, and depending on what tier you get, monthly hang time with Scott and Laura. Join our Patreon today at https://www.patreon.com/theonlyonepodcastBe sure not to miss Scott Talks on Wednesdays, our Sunday release called Sunday Edition & our brand new series On My Nightstand releasing on Fridays by subscribing to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Join our Only One In The Room Facebook Group if you'd like to ask a question of any of our upcoming guests for this series. Also visit the website www.theonlyonepod.com for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins like featured articles and more.We love hearing from you in the comments on iTunes and while you're there don't forget to rate us, subscribe and share the show!All of us at The Only One In The Room wish you safety and wellness during this challenging time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 21, 2023 • 13min
Scott talks to Patricia Grayhall
Scott Slaughter co-host and producer of The Only One In The Room has a short and casual, yet deep conversation with our guest Patricia Grayhall right after the show.Watch Laura's new TEDx Talk: Confessions From The Only One In The Room Special thanks to our sponsors:Voyage et Cie:Voyage et Cie's curator Melanie Apple has cultivated a passion for notable moments using the sense of smell. Voyage et Cie is the ultimate luxury blend of travel, fragrance, and design. Each original fragrance is created by Melanie, 100% organic and natural which will transport you on a journey. Visit https://www.voyageetcie.com/ and enter the code: HON to get your 10% off your purchase!PATREON SHOUT OUTS:Thanks to Kathleen HahnCute Booty Lounge is made right here in the USA, by women and for women. The company is incredible, female, and minority-owned and all of their leggings make makes your booty look amazing. Go to https://cutebooty.com/ today! Embrace your body, love your booty!Join our Patreon:Become an Only One In The Room patron by joining us on Patreon! Starting at only $5.00 per month, you’ll get bonus content, access to outtakes that the general public will NEVER see, extremely cool merch, and depending on what tier you get, monthly hang time with Scott and Laura. Join our Patreon today at https://www.patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Don't miss our new Friday series On My Nightstand.Be sure to join our Facebook Group for the most up-to-date info on guests, episodes and more.You can also DM us on Instagram @theonlyoneintheroom or email us via the website at www.theonlyonepod.comAlso visit the website for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins like live events, appearances, featured articles and more.We love hearing from you in the comments on iTunes and while you're there don't forget to rate us, subscribe and share the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 20, 2023 • 50min
Patricia Grayhall Is The Only Lesbian in Arizona Episode 172
Imagine discovering that you were a lesbian at a time in history when being gay was considered to be a mental illness. Medical doctor and author, Patricia Grayhall was just a kid when she was tackled by another girl in the schoolyard – and a thrill ran through her.So what would you do if you discovered that there were others like you, but no one ever, ever talked about it? Would you decide to ignore the feelings you had for those of the female persuasion? Or would you go on a quest to San Francisco and visit the Daughters of Bilitis?More From Patricia Grayhall:Visit: www.patriciagrayhall.comRead: Making the Rounds: Defying Norms in Love and MedicineFinding Patricia Grayhall:Facebook: Patricia Grayhall AuthorTikTok & Instagram: @patricia_grayhall_authorWatch Laura's new TEDx Talk: Confessions From The Only One In The Room Special thanks to our sponsors:Voyage et Cie:Voyage et Cie's curator Melanie Apple has cultivated a passion for notable moments using the sense of smell. Voyage et Cie is the ultimate luxury blend of travel, fragrance, and design. Each original fragrance is created by Melanie, 100% organic and natural which will transport you on a journey. Visit https://www.voyageetcie.com/ and enter the code: HON to get your 10% off your purchase!PATREON SHOUT OUTS:Thanks to Kathleen HahnCute Booty Lounge is made right here in the USA, by women and for women. The company is incredible, female, and minority-owned and all of their leggings make makes your booty look amazing. Go to https://cutebooty.com/ today! Embrace your body, love your booty!Join our Patreon:Become an Only One In The Room patron by joining us on Patreon! Starting at only $5.00 per month, you’ll get bonus content, access to outtakes that the general public will NEVER see, extremely cool merch, and depending on what tier you get, monthly hang time with Scott and Laura. Join our Patreon today at https://www.patreon.com/theonlyonepodcastBe sure not to miss Scott Talks on Wednesdays, our Sunday release called Sunday Edition & our brand new series On My Nightstand releasing on Fridays by subscribing to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Join our Only One In The Room Facebook Group if you'd like to ask a question of any of our upcoming guests for this series. Also visit the website www.theonlyonepod.com for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins like featured articles and more.We love hearing from you in the comments on iTunes and while you're there don't forget to rate us, subscribe and share the show!All of us at The Only One In The Room wish you safety and wellness during this challenging time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices